
vs.
Class
Engine Options
Maximum Cargo Space
Maximum Towing Capacity
Touchscreen Size
Two Jeep SUVs, two very different missions. The all-new 2026 Jeep Cherokee returns as an efficient hybrid built for daily driving, while the refreshed 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee brings more power, more space, and more towing. Both are on our lot in Ontario — here’s how they compare so you can pick the right one.
Both are two-row, five-passenger SUVs, but the Grand Cherokee is the larger vehicle. It offers 37.7 cubic feet of cargo behind the second row and 70.8 cubic feet with the seats folded — among the roomier setups in its class. The returning Cherokee is the smaller of the two yet surprisingly spacious for its size, with 33.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 68.3 cubic feet folded (about 30% more cargo than the previous Cherokee), plus a low, flat load floor and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat.
Both cabins run Jeep’s Uconnect 5 with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a digital driver display; a 12.3-inch touchscreen is standard on the Cherokee and available on the Grand Cherokee’s Laredo Altitude and higher trims. If you need three rows, note that only the larger Grand Cherokee L body style offers seating for up to seven; the two-row Grand Cherokee and the Cherokee both seat five.
| Specification | 2026 Grand Cherokee | 2026 Cherokee |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 | 5 |
| Cargo behind 2nd row | 37.7 cu ft | 33.6 cu ft |
| Max cargo (2nd row folded) | 70.8 cu ft | 68.3 cu ft |
| Max towing (properly equipped)* | 6,200 lbs | 3,500 lbs |
*Maximum towing and payload capacity figures are based on properly equipped vehicles and vary by configuration. Do not exceed any weight rating. See your owner’s manual and the vehicle’s door-jamb label for specific capacities.
The powertrains are where these two Jeeps diverge most. The Grand Cherokee starts with a 3.6L Pentastar V6 (293 hp) on the Laredo and Laredo X, and steps up to the new-for-2026 2.0L Hurricane 4 Turbo — making 324 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque through an 8-speed automatic — standard on Laredo Altitude and up, including the 85th Anniversary Edition. It tows up to a Jeep-rated best-in-class 6,200 pounds when properly equipped and returns an EPA-Estimated 21 city / 26 hwy / 23 combined MPG with the Hurricane engine.
The Cherokee takes the efficiency path with Jeep’s first standard hybrid: a 1.6L turbocharged four-cylinder paired with two electric motors, for a combined 210 horsepower and 230 lb-ft of torque through an eCVT. The payoff is an EPA-Estimated 37 mpg combined and more than 500 miles of range on a tank, with a 3,500-pound tow rating when equipped with the available Trailer Tow Group. In short: the Grand Cherokee is the power-and-towing pick; the Cherokee is the fuel-smart daily driver.
| Specification | 2026 Grand Cherokee (Hurricane) | 2026 Cherokee |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L Hurricane 4 Turbo | 1.6L Turbo I4 Hybrid |
| Horsepower | 324 hp | 210 hp (combined) |
| Torque | 332 lb-ft | 230 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | eCVT |
| Drivetrain | RWD standard; 4×4 available | Active Drive I 4×4 (standard) |
| EPA-Estimated Combined MPG | 23 | 37 |
EPA-estimated fuel economy figures are for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery age/condition, and other factors.
A quick clarification for Jeep shoppers: neither the 2026 Cherokee nor the 2026 Grand Cherokee wears the Trail Rated® badge this year. The Cherokee has no Trailhawk trim, and the Grand Cherokee’s Trailhawk is not part of the 2026 lineup — Jeep has confirmed it returns for the 2027 model year. That said, the two still differ meaningfully off the pavement.
The Grand Cherokee is the more capable of the pair. It offers two available 4×4 systems — Quadra-Trac I and the more advanced Quadra-Drive II with a rear electronic limited-slip differential — plus an available Quadra-Lift air suspension and a Selec-Terrain system with five drive modes (Auto, Sport, Rock, Snow, and Mud/Sand). The top Summit adds a two-speed transfer case with low-range gearing, and the available air suspension can raise ground clearance to 10.9 inches.
The Cherokee is built more as a capable all-weather crossover than a rock-crawler. Every trim comes standard with the Active Drive I 4×4 system and Selec-Terrain traction management, and it offers 8 inches of ground clearance — enough for snow, dirt roads, and light trails, though it uses open differentials and all-season tires rather than dedicated off-road hardware. For serious trail duty, the Grand Cherokee is the clear choice; for confident traction in everyday conditions, the Cherokee handles it.
The Cherokee is the value entry point:
| 2026 Cherokee Trim | Starting MSRP (includes destination charge)* |
|---|---|
| Base | $36,995* |
| Laredo | $39,995* |
| Limited | $41,995* |
| 85th Anniversary Edition | $40,905* |
| Overland | $44,995* |
*Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for new vehicles includes manufacturer and distributor options and delivery, process and handling fees, which may be subject to change at any time. MSRP excludes taxes, title, license and dealer installed options, accessories, fees and charges. MSRP is not the dealer advertised price. Dealer price will vary. The dealer sets the final price.
The Cherokee 85th Anniversary Edition is a heritage trim with unique styling and equipment, positioned near the Limited.
The Grand Cherokee offers a broader, more premium six-trim lineup:
| 2026 Grand Cherokee Trim | Starting MSRP (includes destination charge)* |
|---|---|
| Laredo | $39,990* |
| Laredo X | $42,485* |
| Laredo Altitude | $45,430* |
| Limited | $45,390* |
| Limited Reserve | $52,985* |
| Summit | $61,990* |
*Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for new vehicles includes manufacturer and distributor options and delivery, process and handling fees, which may be subject to change at any time. MSRP excludes taxes, title, license and dealer installed options, accessories, fees and charges. MSRP is not the dealer advertised price. Dealer price will vary. The dealer sets the final price.
The value story is largely about the engine: the 3.6L V6 comes on the Laredo and Laredo X, while the stronger 2.0L Hurricane 4 Turbo becomes standard from the Laredo Altitude up. The 85th Anniversary Edition is a special edition that slots in near the Limited. Because configurations and pricing vary by package, browse our new Grand Cherokee lineup for exact, up-to-date MSRPs on the trims we stock.
Both SUVs carry Jeep’s factory coverage — a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Hybrid and high-voltage components may carry separate coverage terms; see the vehicle’s Warranty Information Booklet or ask our team to confirm coverage by VIN.
This information is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Warranty coverage depends on the specific terms of your vehicle’s warranty agreement. Consult your owner’s manual or a qualified legal professional for guidance on your individual situation.
For Inland Empire commuters and smaller households focused on fuel economy, easy parking, and a lower entry price, the returning 2026 Cherokee is the smart, efficient choice — and its standard 4×4 handles Southern California weather and the occasional dirt road with ease. For families who want more power, more towing for a boat or a horse trailer out to Norco, more cargo room, and a more premium, off-road-ready platform, the 2026 Grand Cherokee is the stronger all-rounder. Both come well-equipped with driver-assist technology, so it really comes down to capability versus efficiency. Take a closer look at the 2026 Grand Cherokee overview or our new Cherokee lineup, then come drive both at our Ontario showroom.
Driver-assist and safety systems are supplemental aids and are not a substitute for safe, attentive driving. Their effectiveness depends on weather, road, and traffic conditions and other factors. Always obey traffic laws and stay attentive to the road. See your owner’s manual for system details and limitations.
For buyers who need genuine capability, yes. The Grand Cherokee offers up to 324 horsepower versus the Cherokee’s 210, nearly double the towing (6,200 lbs vs. 3,500 lbs), more cargo room (37.7 cu ft vs. 33.6 cu ft behind the second row), and available Quadra-Drive II 4×4 with air suspension.
The 2026 Cherokee, thanks to its standard hybrid powertrain — an EPA-Estimated 37 mpg combined with more than 500 miles of range on a tank. The Grand Cherokee, with its 2.0L Hurricane engine, delivers an EPA-Estimated 23 mpg combined.
Neither carries the Trail Rated® badge for 2026. The Cherokee offers standard Active Drive I 4×4 for all-weather traction, and the Grand Cherokee offers available Quadra-Trac and Quadra-Drive II 4×4 systems with a Selec-Terrain system. Jeep has confirmed the Grand Cherokee Trailhawk returns for the 2027 model year.
You can experience both at Jeep Chrysler Dodge RAM of Ontario, located at 1202 Auto Center Dr, Ontario, CA 91761. To schedule a visit, call our sales team at 909-757-0698.
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for new vehicles includes manufacturer and distributor options and delivery, process and handling fees, which may be subject to change at any time. MSRP excludes taxes, title, license and dealer installed options, accessories, fees and charges. MSRP is not the dealer advertised price. Dealer price will vary. The dealer sets the final price.
EPA-estimated fuel economy figures are for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery age/condition, and other factors.
Maximum towing and payload capacity figures are based on properly equipped vehicles and vary by configuration. Do not exceed any weight rating. See your owner’s manual and the vehicle’s door-jamb label for specific capacities.
Driver-assist and safety systems are supplemental aids and are not a substitute for safe, attentive driving. Their effectiveness depends on weather, road, and traffic conditions and other factors. Always obey traffic laws and stay attentive to the road. See your owner’s manual for system details and limitations.
This information is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Warranty coverage depends on the specific terms of your vehicle’s warranty agreement. Consult your owner’s manual or a qualified legal professional for guidance on your individual situation.
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