2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Gets New Hurricane Turbo-Four Engine With 324 HP, But Don't Worry, The Pentastar V6 Lives On - Jalopnik

Jeep has unveiled the 2026 Grand Cherokee lineup with some notable updates, including a new turbocharged four-cylinder engine called the Hurricane Turbo-Four. This 2.0-liter inline-4 engine pumps out 324 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, making it the most powerful per liter among its competitors. It’s paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and offers both rear-wheel and four-wheel drive options. This new powerplant features the innovative Turbulent Jet Ignition technology, which ignites fuel in a pre-chamber to create a more efficient and cleaner combustion process. This results in better fuel economy without sacrificing performance. The Grand Cherokee's towing capacity remains impressive at 6,200 pounds, matching that of the existing Pentastar V6 engine. The familiar 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 sticks around as the base engine, delivering 293 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. Buyers also have the option of the plug-in hybrid 4xe powertrain, which pairs a different turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engine with an electric motor and a 17.3 kWh battery pack. The combined output is 375 hp and 470 lb-ft, maintaining the model's strong performance credentials. However, the hybrid variant is limited to two-row versions, as the longer three-row Grand Cherokee L isn’t offered with the plug-in hybrid. The PHEV can tow up to 6,000 pounds and has an EV-only range expected to be similar to the 2025 model’s 26 miles. Visually, the 2026 Grand Cherokee features subtle design tweaks. The grille and front bumper have been refreshed to align more closely with Jeep’s newer models like the Cherokee, while the headlights received slight updates. Jeep is moving away from chrome accents in favor of more sustainable finishings, and it introduces four new exterior colors: Copper Shino, Fathom Blue, and Steel Blue. Inside, the SUV gets a larger 12.3-inch central touchscreen running a redesigned infotainment system, alongside a revised dashboard that includes haptic climate controls, physical knobs for volume and tuning, and an octagonal engine start button. Optional upgrades include a 10.25-inch passenger display and a premium 19-speaker McIntosh sound system. The trim lineup has been simplified to just three main options: Laredo, Limited, and Summit. Sub-trims like Laredo Altitude and Limited Reserve offer different styling and feature packages. The top-tier Summit trim is loaded with luxury touches such as massaging seats, air suspension, and a suede headliner. Across all trims, buyers can opt for amenities like a panoramic sunroof, digital rear-view mirror, off-road cameras, heated steering wheel, and heated second-row seats. Standard safety has been boosted with features like traffic sign recognition and intersection collision assist, and the Grand Cherokee also offers Stellantis’ hands-free Level 2 Active Driving Assist system for semi-autonomous driving capability. Production for the 2026 Grand Cherokee will take place at Stellantis’ Jefferson and Mack plants in Detroit, beginning later this year. The Hurricane Turbo-Four engine represents a significant step for Stellantis as a new global engine that will likely appear in other models across their portfolio, though its availability in European markets remains uncertain. Overall, Jeep aims to refine the Grand Cherokee’s appeal by offering a blend of modern technology, improved efficiency, and a streamlined range of trims without alienating fans of its traditional V6 and hybrid powertrains.