2026 Jeep® Grand Cherokee vs 2026 Toyota Highlander
If you’re shopping for a midsize SUV that can handle everything from the daily grind to dirt roads and mountain passes, the 2026 Jeep® Grand Cherokee deserves a spot at the top of your list. The 2026 Toyota Highlander is a familiar name in the segment, but how does it stack up against Jeep’s trail-proven flagship? Orange Coast Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM Fiat is covering what makes the Jeep Grand Cherokee the superior choice.
Performance
Both SUVs run turbocharged four-cylinder engines for 2026, but the Jeep Grand Cherokee packs a bigger punch. Its new 2.0-liter Hurricane™ 4 Turbo produces 324 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. The 2.4-liter turbo engine of the Toyota Highlander puts out 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. That 59-horsepower advantage gives the Jeep model noticeably more muscle whether you’re merging, passing, or powering up a steep grade.
Towing and Off-Road Capability
This is where the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee really separates itself. It can tow up to 6,200 lbs with the Hurricane engine, while the Toyota Highlander tops out at 5,000 lbs. If you’re pulling a boat to Newport Beach or hauling a camper up to Big Bear, that extra 1,200 pounds matters.
When the pavement ends, the Jeep Grand Cherokee keeps going. Jeep’s Selec-Terrain® Traction Management System offers a maximum of five 4×4 drive modes, including Rock, Mud/Sand, and Snow, plus best-in-class available ground clearance. The Multi-Terrain Select in the Toyota SUV, meanwhile, is limited to two modes on gas models.
Technology Features
Both of these new SUVs come with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, Bluetooth™ connectivity, and available premium audio systems. The 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee steps ahead with a standard 12.3-inch Uconnect® touchscreen and an available 10.25-inch front passenger display that lets your copilot send navigation updates to the driver’s screen. The Toyota Highlander offers a standard 8-inch touchscreen, with a 12.3-inch unit available on higher trims. The Jeep Grand Cherokee L also offers available Amazon Fire® TV Built-In for rear-seat passengers.
Make the 2026 Jeep® Grand Cherokee Yours in Costa Mesa, CA
Ready to drive a new midsize SUV built for more than smooth pavement? Check out current offers on the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee and talk to our Jeep finance team today. Then, visit our Jeep dealership in Costa Mesa, CA, for a test drive.