Which Jeep Grand Cherokee Trim Level is Best?Michael Simari - Car and DriverA new turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces 324 horsepower, almost as much as the discontinued V-8.A 6200-pound tow rating puts the Grand Cherokee above most of its mid-size rivals, but below the Dodge Durango at 8700 lbs.The top Summit trim is one of the most luxurious SUVs in the segment, but it's pricey.See our comprehensive Jeep Grand Cherokee Make-Model PageJeep helped create the modern luxury SUV when the first Grand Cherokee came crashing through a glass wall at the Detroit Auto Show in 1992 in one of the most memorable automotive reveals of all time. More than 30 years later, the Grand Cherokee is in its fifth generation and has become Jeep's bestselling model. It combines the brand's rugged capability with everyday comfort. Jeep offers seven trim levels for the 2026 model year, ranging from just under $41,000 to over $62,000. We will help you make sense of them and decide which one to get.Which Grand Cherokee Trim Level Is Best?Our budget-conscious brains would typically advise buyers to at least look at the Laredo Altitude for $46,355 since it unlocks access to the new 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 324 horsepower. Lower trims get a 3.6-liter V-6 with 293 horsepower, with either rear-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive. In this case, we recommend spending a bit more money on the Limited Reserve, because the Grand Cherokee is best in its upper trims.JeepThe Limited Reserve is where the Grand Cherokee stops feeling like a mainstream SUV and starts to get legitimate luxury features. This trim adds nappa leather seats with heating and ventilation for the driver and passenger, a panoramic moonroof, a 360-degree camera system, a digital rearview mirror, a power-adjustable steering column with memory, and dark exterior accents, including 20-inch wheels. If you plan to take your Grand Cherokee off the pavement, the Limited Reserve also includes a terrain management system with all-wheel drive standard.What Options Should You Consider?The Limited Reserve is well-equipped from the start, but there are a few standalone options and packages available. We'd think hard about the Premium Pack for $2865, and the Trailer-Tow Package is a no-brainer for $995 if you plan to do any towing with your Grand Cherokee. The Finishing Package by Mopar isn't a bad value for just $525.AdvertisementAdvertisementPremium Pack ($2865): head-up display, night vision with animal detection, premium-wrapped instrument panel, windshield wiper de-icerTrailer Tow Package ($995): full-size tire, class IV receiver hitch, load-leveling rear suspension, trailer-hitch camera zoom, wiring harnessFinishing Package by Mopar ($525): paint protection film, splash guardsWhat Do You Miss On the Higher Trim?There is only one trim level positioned above the Limited Reserve for the 2026 model year: the Summit at $62,595. This model takes the Grand Cherokee far beyond most of its rivals with luxurious quilted Palermo seats that also feature a massage function. Both the first and second rows are heated and ventilated here. Summit drivers enjoy a 19-speaker McIntosh audio system instead of the nine-speaker Alpine system in lesser Grand Cherokee models. Other niceties include 21-inch wheels, a black roof, and a passenger screen with an HDMI input. Lastly, this trim includes air suspension, though we didn't find the ride to be all that smooth when we tested the Grand Cherokee Summit.The Summit is the only Grand Cherokee trim to offer hands-free driving on divided highways, but it requires a $2995 add-on plus a subscription. A fully loaded Grand Cherokee is more expensive than most of its competitors, but it delivers more luxury than you would expect from a mainstream SUV. All trims are also available as a three-row Grand Cherokee L version, which is reviewed separately.You Might Also LikeGift Guide: Best Ride-On Electric Cars for KidsFuture Cars Worth Waiting For: 2025–2029
