It's funny how size plays out in the auto industry. It wasn't long ago that you could get the Jeep Grand Cherokee, then a much smaller version of the current one, with a big 5.7 liter HEMI V8 engine. Today, a much larger version of the Grand Cherokee comes with a tiny four-cylinder engine. And that engine, with the aid of a turbocharger, comes darn close to matching the power output of the larger V8. This week, Jeep has me in a stretched version of their Grand Cherokee, called the Grand Cherokee L, equipped with their latest powertrain.
The 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee L is a three-row midsize SUV. Accompanied in the Jeep lineup by the two-row Grand Cherokee, the L version's extra row of seats and additional bodywork add nearly 300 pounds to the curb weight and 5 inches to the wheelbase, according to Jeep. Like the standard Grand Cherokee, the L stands out among midsize SUVs with solid off-road capability thanks to an available low-range transfer case and an electronically controlled limited-slip differential and a height-adjustable air suspension.
The exterior design of the Grand Cherokee continues to make a bold impression. For 2026, Jeep refined the Grand Cherokee's front-end by blending its rugged silhouette with modern, athletic styling. The iconic seven-slot grille is updated with sleeker lines and thicker slats, while redesigned LED headlamps and a new lower fascia provide a commanding presence on the road. The updates give the Grand Cherokee a modern yet recognizable look.
Inside, Jeep continues to push the Grand Cherokee L more to the luxury side, especially in the Summit trim level, like the tester is. The Nappa leather seats prove impressive, with an available massage function in the front row and provide great comfort in the second and third rows. Uconnect 5, the latest infotainment system from Stellantis provides crips graphics and its navigation system offers clear, helpful turn-by-turn directions. It's all bundled in a 12.3-inch touchscreen display. A 10.3-inch touchscreen is available for the passenger.
The base engine for the Grand Cherokee L continues to be the tried-and-true Pentastar V6, making 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. It comes on the Laredo trim level. Optional on the Laredo and standard on the other two trim levels (the Limited and the Summit) is the new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder. Called the Hurricane (yes, the same name as the popular and powerful turbocharged inline-six cylinder), this new engine makes 324 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, easily topping out the V6 by significant margins.
So how does this mini-Hurricane do when it comes to powering not just a Grand Cherokee, but one that is stretched and heavier? The engine itself does remarkably well. There is plenty of authority when you step on the go-pedal - easily able to get out of its own way. I'm not sure how much boost the turbo is making, but it builds it quickly, and after 2,500 RPM, it launches the big Jeep forward. As revs build, the audio speakers begin to pump a rumbly V8-like noise into the cabin. Yeah, it's fake, but I'll take it. Tests show that the Grand Cherokee L can hit 60 mph in just 6.5 seconds - which is about a second quicker than the V6 equipped Grand Cherokee L. In case you're wondering, a V8 HEMI equipped Grand Cherokee takes about 6.2 seconds to hit 60 mph.
Also impressive is the fact the Grand Cherokee L with the turbo four is rated at 20 mpg city and 25 mpg highway (22 mpg combined) - which nearly matches the V6, which gets 19/26 - 22 combined. And the V8 HEMI? Not even close with city driving being 14 mpg and highway being 21 mpg.
As the Summit, the Grand Cherokee L comes equipped with Jeeps Quadra TracII four-wheel drive system which features a two-speed transfer case with a 4-LO setting and can automatically route up to 100% of available torque to the axle with the most traction. There is also the Quadra-Lift Air Suspension that replaces the traditional coils, providing an adjustable ride height for better highway aerodynamics and increased off-road ground clearance.
Even as my tester, which carries a price tag of $72,770, had all the four-wheel drive goodies, it has proven to be an impressive city-dweller. The interior, with all of its amenities, is very quiet and the suspension is set up nicely easily taking on pot holes and speed bumps.
Stepping back and looking at the Jeep Grand Cherokee L Summit, it's hard to find what is missing. Attractive and recognizable styling, luxurious interior accommodations, powerful and economical powertrain along with excellent off-road capabilities. It seems like as the Grand Cherokee gets bigger and the powertrain gets smaller, it just makes things better.