Autoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.Jeeps are legendary for their off-roading capabilities, but the modern lineup stretches far beyond trail-rated rock crawlers and includes family-friendly SUVs from compact to luxurious full-size models. Each has its own character and style, and picking the best of the bunch requires analyzing everything from performance to pricing, overall reliability, and safety.When taking all of this into account, the one that rises above the rest isn't the most capable off-road, the most luxurious, or even the most popular, but the Jeep Grand Cherokee is the one model in the range that has proven itself to be the ultimate all-rounder, while still standing out in a few crucial areas.AdvertisementAdvertisementHaving regularly been a top safety pick award recipient from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) as well as gaining a 5-star NHTSA rating, the Grand Cherokee also performs well against its rivals in group tests. We used data from trusted sources like Consumer Reports and Kelley Blue Book to assess its performance and overall capabilities.The 2026 Jeep Grand CherokeeJeepView the 3 images of this gallery on the original articleBase MSRP: $38,920Model Years: 2022-on (Fifth Generation)Jeep's Grand Cherokee has been a solid midsize SUV offering of the brand for decades, and the fifth-generation platform has now been thoroughly modernized inside and out to keep pace with its major rivals. It continues its reign as an immensely popular volume seller and arguably the most well-rounded vehicle in the Jeep range.AdvertisementAdvertisementHaving been around for four years now, there have been a few updates carried out to fend off newer opposition, and while the interior has come in for a major tech update, the engine lineup has also changed considerably. While the trusty old 293-hp 3.6-liter V6 remains as the entry level offering, both the powerful but thirsty 5.7-liter V8 and the thrifty but complex plug-in hybrid have been discontinued. In their place is a new 324-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which promises a better balance of power, efficiency and refinement.The latest updates bring a new front fascia, an updated grille, and newly designed LED headlamps. Inside, the cabin is dominated by a new 12.3-inch Uconnect 5 NAV touchscreen display, and now passengers can also make use onf an optional 10.3-inch digital display. Thanks to its generous proportions, cargo space is a strong suit, with 70.8 cubic feet of space behind the front seats in the 2-row version.The 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee in DetailJeepView the 3 images of this gallery on the original articleModel2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee (Base Laredo Trim)Base Price (MSRP)$38,920Engine3.6-liter Pentastar V6Power293 hp0-607.4 seconds estTransmission8-speed automaticDrivetrainRear-wheel drive (4x2 standard; 4x4 available)Hwy/City/Comb MPG26/19/22While the Grand Cherokee certainly offers a lot of car for the money, it does have one or two shortcomings. Firstly, the base V6 paired with the eight-speed automatic transmission is smooth and refined, but it lags behind in performance and fuel economy compared to some key rivals. It's fine for daily driving, but you may want to step up to the 324-hp turbocharged engine if you plan to do road trips loaded up with passengers and cargo.AdvertisementAdvertisementReliability has also been somewhat hit and miss with this generation, although earlier issues with build quality, transmission jerkiness and electronic glitches should have been resolved for newer models. There have also been a handful of recalls, but with the problematic 4xe plug-in hybrid models now no longer in production, the current range should prove to be far more durable.Where the Grand Cherokee really scores is in the generous standard specification levels and its great base pricing. However, you need to pay up an extra $2,000 for all-wheel-drive on lower trims, and if you want a third row of seats, that's another $2,000. A fully-specced Summit trim can easily top $65,000, which puts it up against some serious luxury SUV rivals.That's why the best Grand Cherokee is a mid-spec model, like the Laredo Altitude or Limited. Both start at $44,360, already come standard with the more powerful engine and have enough standard kit not to need anything more than an exterior color of your choice and all-wheel drive, because Jeep.The RivalsFordView the 3 images of this gallery on the original articleAdvertisementAdvertisementThe midsize SUV category is full of options from a brace of Toyotas in the form of the 4Runner, and Grand Highlander, to the Hyundai Palisade and Honda Pilot. The Grand Cherokee regularly tops the sales charts, but it certainly doesn't have it all its own way as many rivals offer more powerful base engines, and some have undergone complete redesigns as well. Below are the three of the Grand Cherokee's closest rivals:VehicleBase MSRPEngine Power (Base Trim)Notable FeaturesFord Explorer$38,330300 hpGreat standard spec and strong performance.Honda Pilot$42,195285 hpAvailable all-wheel-drive system, and in-car PA system.Toyota Grand Highlander$41,860265 hpDecent third row seating and great cargo space.The Ford Explorer offers a similarly enticing base price and a slightly more powerful engine, but its interior materials and cabin layout are not quite as plush and luxurious. The Honda Pilot is a rugged and reliable SUV, that uses a well-developed V6 engine and has an available AWD system that makes it quite competent off road. It costs more up front though.The Toyota Grand Highlander is spacious and promises years of reliable motoring, but the 2.4-liter turbocharged engine is gruff and the overall package doesn't have the luxury appeal of the Grand Cherokee.Jared Rosenholtz/AutoblogAgainst this backdrop, the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee stands out thanks to its handsome looks, upmarket interior, and very competitive pricing. You may have to pay extra for the all-wheel drive system and third row seating, but that is the case for several rivals, too.AdvertisementAdvertisementAnd being a Jeep, the Grand Cherokee is also capable of taking on far rougher terrain than most when properly equipped. With the Trailhawk trim being reintroduced for the 2027 MY, it likely to extend its sales lead over its rivals even further.Data Sources:All vehicle data, pricing figures, and technical specifications were sourced from the official manufacturer websites.Pricing figures represent the base manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) and exclude destination charges, and taxes.This story was originally published by Autoblog on Jun 10, 2026, where it first appeared in the Features section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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