The Jeep Grand Cherokee is one of the most popular SUVs on the market. If you're comparing it to the Toyota Grand Highlander and need help deciding between them, here's what you should know about both vehicles.
Key Takeaways:
- The Grand Cherokee gets a minor refresh for 2026.
- The Toyota Grand Highlander has no new changes for this year.
- Jeep's Grand Cherokee has a 6,200-pound towing limit.
Pricing and Key Changes for the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Toyota Grand Highlander
The '26 Grand Cherokee receives only light updates this year. Jeep redesigned its front and rear exterior, introduced a turbocharged four-cylinder to the engine roster, and its interior technology has been upgraded.
There are eight different trim configurations, while Toyota provides four. Here's what the pricing looks like as of January 21, 2026:
- Laredo: $40,585
- Laredo X: $43,080
- Limited: $45,985
- Altitude: $46,025
- Laredo Altitude: $46,025
- Limited Reserve: $53,580
- Limited Altitude: $55,000 (est)
- Summit: $62,585
The Grand Highlander has no updates or modifications for this year. Toyota's trim offerings include:
- LE: $43,155
- XLE: $45,925
- Limited: $50,655
- Platinum: $56,340
Under the Hood of the 2026 Grand Cherokee vs. Toyota Grand Highlander
The Grand Cherokee's main engine is a 293-hp 3.6-liter V-6, though buyers can opt for a 324-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder. Both pair with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive comes as the base configuration, but Jeep offers three separate all-wheel-drive systems with different off-road performance levels. When equipped correctly, the Grand Cherokee can tow up to 6,200 pounds.
Toyota powers the Grand Highlander with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 265 horsepower and paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is optional on every trim, but the top-tier Platinum model where its standard. The Grand Highlander's max towing capability is 5,000 pounds.
Powertrains
| 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee |
2026 Toyota Grand Highlander |
| Standard 3.6-liter V-6, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder available |
Turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine |
| Eight-speed automatic transmission |
Eight-speed automatic transmission |
| Rear-wheel drive standard with three available all-wheel-drive systems |
Front-wheel drive standard with available all-wheel drive |
The Grand Cherokee's Laredo and Limited models include a six-speaker sound system, though buyers can upgrade to a nine-speaker Alpine system or opt for the top-tier 19-speaker McIntosh audio configuration.
Its main infotainment screen is a 12.3-inch display with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM as standard. Built-in navigation is available if you want live traffic and weather updates. Higher trims feature a digital instrument cluster, a 10.0-inch head-up display, and a separate 10.3-inch screen for the front passenger.
The Grand Highlander features a 12.3-inch touchscreen display on its non-hybrid trims. It runs Toyota's most recent software interface. Standard equipment includes a 7.0-inch screen integrated into the instrument cluster and a six-speaker audio system. Limited and Platinum trims upgrade to a full 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster along with an 11-speaker JBL premium sound system. Toyota includes a wireless smartphone charging pad on every trim level except the base LE model.
Which SUV Should You Consider?
The Grand Cherokee delivers! It can tow 6,200 pounds, while the Grand Highlander maxes out at 5,000 pounds. That, and its multiple all-wheel drive options make a real difference depending on how you're planning to use the SUV. Stop by our Coleman Motors showroom for a test drive!