Autoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.Want a little off-road capability to go with your luxury SUV? Land Rover has a Defender to sell you. Mercedes has a G-Class to sell you, and Lexus has a GX to sell you. These three foreign brands have a few things in common, but none more than one: high pricing. All of them are expensive. If you want this blend of luxury and capability at a more palatable price, you'll have to turn to the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Fresh off an update a few years ago, the Grand Cherokee again gets some changes to bring together an SUV that combines luxury with off-road prowess in a way few can, even if there are a few hitches.What's The Deal For 2026?StellantisThe Cherokee gets a facelift for 2026, bringing a fresh new look to the nose and rear end. These changes largely center around the grille and lights up front, and the lower bumper and lights in the rear. Another big change is a new turbocharged four-cylinder engine option, a part of Stellantis's "Hurricane" family of engines. It makes an impressive 21 more horsepower than the standard V6 engine. Finally, a new 12.3-inch infotainment screen joins the ranks beside a new 10.3-inch passenger display. The latter is an optional extra and features an HDMI port in the center console so you can enjoy media from the passenger seat.How Much Is The 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee?StellantisThe Grand Cherokee's pricing is its biggest strong point. Starting at $40,915, the base Grand Cherokee feels like any other SUV. But start to climb up the trim levels, and the Grand Cherokee can get staggeringly luxurious for the money. I expected a $70,000 price tag on our test unit, and was greeted with a $66,585 sticker price for our loaded Summit model with hands-free driving assistance and a head-up display.AdvertisementAdvertisementReally, the trim level you want is the Limited Reserve. It nets you the more powerful four-cylinder engine, 20-inch wheels, a big sunroof, beautiful leather upholstery, and other luxury features not found lower down in the lineup. Option a Grand Cherokee right, and it'll feel like a budget Land Rover.Need New Tires? Save Up To 30% at Tire RackFind the perfect tires for your exact vehicle and driving style. Click here to shop all top-tier brands, including Michelin, Bridgestone, and more, directly at Tire Rack.Under The Hood Of The Grand CherokeeStellantisOn most of the Grand Cherokee's lineup, a V6 is the standard engine option. But, as mentioned above, 2026 sees the introduction of a new four-cylinder powertrain that's more powerful. The turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder comes paired to an 8-speed automatic and a four-wheel drive system, just like the V6. The difference comes in the 324 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque the turbo four makes over the V6's 293 hp and 260 lb-ft. Power is the only real advantage, as the V6's 22 mpg combined isn't much worse than the four-cylinder's 23 mpg.In driving, the turbo four isn't the problem. The Jeep's annoyingly laggy transmission is. The 8-speed is so clearly geared for efficiency that it's annoying, and the transmission detests being asked to downshift. Once you get one, it's a big ol' groaning affair until the transmission bucks up into the next gear. It's far from a smooth experience. The ride is a bit inconsistent as well, even in trims equipped with air suspension, which you'll be able to hear hissing at stop lights.Inside The Updated Grand CherokeeJeepThe big news inside the Cherokee this year is the second screen. It measures 10.3 inches and can be switched on and off at will by both driver and passenger via a button in the console. There's an HDMI port for playing media or gaming, and the screen also allows passengers to control functions like climate and navigation. It's a solid copiloting experience, and the screen features a special privacy glass to keep the driver from being distracted by what's being done on the screen.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe Grand Cherokee's biggest boon, however, is not tech. The model's upper trim levels offer serious luxuries, from Nappa leather seating with ventilation to beautiful open-pore wood trim. The shifter was a favorite. It feels staggeringly high quality, with its knurled metal finish and positive engagement.In the second and third rows, space abounds. The Grand Cherokee doesn't offer three rows (for that, you need the L model), but second row occupants will find plenty of room, and an equally luxurious experience. The trunk is similarly large, offering an impressive 38 cubic feet of space with the seats up.Conclusion: A Great SUV With A Few SnagsJeepThe Grand Cherokee impressed me. It (most of the time) rode well, it looked great, and it felt like a real bargain for a luxury off-road-ready SUV. The transmission's laggy programming is really the only huge snag with the SUV, and frankly, it's something that might only bother the kind of person who drives 30+ cars a year (me). Put this aside, and the Grand Cherokee is a solid alternative to much more expensive luxury off-roaders.This story was originally published by Autoblog on May 25, 2026, where it first appeared in the Reviews section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.