The Grand Cherokee is one of the most essential models in the Jeep lineup. Aside from the Wrangler, it’s perhaps the most recognizable SUV we offer, and for the 2026 model year, it’s due to get some big updates.
We’ll still have to wait a while for all the exciting details to emerge, but for now, here’s everything we know about what’s changed in the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
What’s New in the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
The newest model year is getting a mid-cycle refresh, which means that it isn’t a full-on redesign for a new generation of Grand Cherokee, but it’s still set to receive some significant changes.
Jeep is still playing most of the details fairly close to the vest, but one thing that’s known is that the 2026 Grand Cherokee is getting a noticeable facelift to its exterior styling. The front end appears to receive a reworked grille and reshaped LED headlights, and the lower air intake is now split into two sections, which now dominate a larger portion of the fascia. It also has a slightly boxier, more aggressive appearance, which complements the Grand Cherokee’s rugged capabilities.
The company also teased a photo of the interior infotainment stack, which also looks to be getting some major updates. The center screen now features two large knobs and comfort feature controls going up either side, and the climate controls underneath have been simplified and angled upward to be more ergonomic and human-facing. Other features, like the available passenger touch screen, seem to have gotten some tweaks as well, and we look forward to learning more about the 2026 Grand Cherokee when it gets closer to arriving at our Jeep dealership in Kewanee.
What’s the Release Date of the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
Currently, no concrete release date has been revealed. In their latest official press release, they stated that we can expect it sometime later this year.
Will There Be a 2026 Grand Cherokee L?
The Grand Cherokee L first hit the streets for the 2021 model year, and since then, it’s been a hit with families thanks to its standard three rows of seating and increased storage capacity.
Luckily, Jeep has confirmed that the entire Grand Cherokee lineup will be returning for the 2026 model year, including the Grand Cherokee L and the plug-in hybrid 2026 Grand Cherokee 4xe.
Will the 2026 Grand Cherokee Get the Hurricane Engine?
For the 2023 model year, Jeep axed the HEMI® V8 engine from the Grand Cherokee lineup, leaving the 3.6-liter Pentastar® V6 as the only option for the non-hybrid version.
Recently, rumors have been circulating online that the 2026 Grand Cherokee might get the 3.0-liter Hurricane V6, which replaced the V8 in the Ram 1500 as its most powerful engine option. However, the automaker has yet to confirm these rumors, so it may just be a simple case of wishful thinking among the Jeep fandom.
Luckily, the Pentastar® V6 engine is almost certainly going to be returning for 2026, and it has plenty of grunt for all sorts of off-roading fun, with 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The 2025 Grand Cherokee is capable of towing a class-leading 6,200 pounds, and we expect the 2026 model to have the same top-tier performance specs.
Find the Jeep Grand Cherokee for Sale in Kewanee, IL
We may not have all the info yet, but if you want to stay in the loop about the 2026 Grand Cherokee, including pricing, release date, and more, contact our Jeep dealership in Kewanee and we’ll be happy to give you all the updates as they come along.
If you just can’t wait for next model year, we have an excellent selection of Grand Cherokee models to test drive right now, along with special offers that can save you a truckload of money. Call us today at 309-761-5113 to learn more.