2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Review: A Smaller Engine with Big Aspirations

The 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee L has undergone a significant change under the hood, replacing the available 5.7-liter V-8 engine with a new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. This smaller engine, dubbed the "mini-Hurricane," produces 324 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, which is a notable increase over the base 3.6-liter V-6 engine's 293 horsepower. But does this new engine have what it takes to propel the Grand Cherokee L, especially when it's loaded with passengers and cargo?
In our testing, we found that the mini-Hurricane engine is indeed potent enough to motivate the Grand Cherokee L with authority, even when merging onto the highway or passing on a two-lane road. However, the bigger issues with this new powertrain have to do with the transmission and its unrefined nature. The eight-speed automatic can be jerky at low speeds and doesn't downshift quickly enough, which can make the Grand Cherokee L feel flat-footed. Additionally, we noticed uncouth vibrations making their way into the cabin, and the engine sounds coarse and buzzy, which is out of sync with the rest of the Grand Cherokee L's luxurious vibe. Despite these issues, the smaller-displacement engine does benefit fuel economy, with EPA numbers increasing by 1 to 2 miles per gallon over the V-6 engine. Compared to the old V-8, the four-cylinder Grand Cherokee L is rated at 22-23 miles per gallon combined, while the Hemi could only muster 17 miles per gallon combined. These fuel economy numbers are especially impressive considering that the Grand Cherokee L offers more off-road capability than many of its rivals, with available extras such as a height-adjustable air suspension that you won't find in almost any other mainstream three-row SUV. The Grand Cherokee L finds itself in an interesting in-between space, with lower trims residing in the $40,000-$50,000 range alongside Hondas, Toyotas, and Chevrolets, and higher trims approaching BMW and Mercedes territory. We drove the top Summit trim level, which starts at just under $65,000, and numerous options, including a rear-seat entertainment system and a hands-free driver-assist system, drove our test car's sticker to $73,175. We've always liked the Grand Cherokee's American Range Rover looks, and the cabin is just as handsome as the exterior, with nice leather and tons of features justifying the sticker price. But this four-cylinder engine feels more Chevy Traverse than BMW X5, and it limits the Jeep's ability to trade in the luxury-SUV space it clearly aims for. In terms of specifications, the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee L is available in a range of trim levels, including the Laredo, Limited, and Summit. The base Laredo trim starts at $42,915 for the two-wheel-drive model and $44,915 for the four-wheel-drive model. The Limited trim starts at $48,315 for the two-wheel-drive model and $50,315 for the four-wheel-drive model. The top-of-the-line Summit trim starts at $64,595 for the four-wheel-drive model. The Grand Cherokee L is available with two engines: the 3.6-liter V-6 and the new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder. The eight-speed automatic transmission is standard on all models.

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Source: caranddriver.com