2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer vs 2026 Jeep Cherokee

The 2026 Jeep Cherokee presented a more traditional and less polarizing design compared to its predecessor, the KL model. Its boxy shape was reminiscent of the classic XJ Cherokee from the 1980s and 1990s, although it risked blending in with other rugged-looking crossovers. The seven-slot grille, a Jeep trademark, appeared somewhat generic, lacking the distinctiveness expected from the brand. The rear design was more successful, combining an XJ-like profile with aerodynamic elements and taillights featuring the distinctive “X” pattern. The Cherokee shared its Stellantis STLA Large platform with other models like the Dodge Charger and Jeep Wagoneer S, offering good proportions for a compact SUV.

The Cherokee's trim levels, including the base, Laredo, Limited, and Overland, shared a similar appearance, with the Overland standing out slightly due to its 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Cherokee offered a mix of cloth and leatherette upholstery, with Jeep emphasizing the use of recycled materials for environmental reasons. The interior featured mostly plastic trim, but Jeep's choice of muted finishes over glossy piano black was commendable. The concave dashboard and rotary shifter, reminiscent of the Grand Wagoneer, added a touch of style to the Cherokee's interior.

The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer underwent a refresh four years into its lifecycle, maintaining its upright stance, low beltline, and large windows. The new illuminated grille and welcome-lighting sequence, inspired by the all-electric Wagoneer S, gave it a fresh and modern feel. The Upland trim added front recovery hooks, enhancing utility without compromising elegance. Inside, the Grand Wagoneer boasted a modern design with clean lines and a 12-inch infotainment screen, complemented by redundant HVAC and audio controls. The seats, though plain in appearance, were comfortable and highly adjustable, making long drives enjoyable.

The Grand Wagoneer's interior featured premium materials, with solid metal gearshift dials and available Nappa and Palermo leather in upper trims. The overall fit and finish were impressive, with doors and armrests exuding quality. The Grand Wagoneer offered a luxurious experience, with features like a suede headliner and a range of seating options, including a third row that comfortably accommodated passengers. Despite its size, the Grand Wagoneer was surprisingly agile and easy to drive, with excellent visibility and a quiet cabin.

The 2026 Jeep Cherokee's powertrain was a departure from traditional Jeep offerings, featuring a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a two-motor hybrid system. This setup delivered 210 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque, positioning it between the Subaru Forester and Toyota RAV4 hybrids. The standard all-wheel-drive system used a clutch-based rear-axle disconnect, prioritizing fuel economy over off-road capability. Jeep's Selec-Terrain drive modes and best-in-class approach and departure angles added some off-road prowess, but the Cherokee's steering lacked precision, requiring adjustments through the touchscreen.

The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer came equipped with a 3.0-liter Hurricane twin-turbo inline six-cylinder engine, producing 420 horsepower and 468 pound-feet of torque. This engine delivered smooth and effortless power, surpassing the previous Hemi V8 in performance. The Grand Wagoneer also offered a range-extended electric powertrain with a 92-kilowatt-hour battery pack and a 3.6-liter V6 gasoline engine, providing an estimated 647 horsepower and 620 pound-feet of torque. Despite its size, the Grand Wagoneer was agile and absorbed road imperfections well, offering a quiet and comfortable ride.

The 2026 Jeep Cherokee provided ample headroom and legroom for front-seat passengers, comparable to competitors like the Subaru Forester and Kia Sportage hybrids. However, rear-seat legroom was slightly less than rivals such as the CR-V and Hyundai Tucson hybrids. Cargo space was limited, with 33.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 68.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Cherokee's towing capacity of 3,500 pounds was impressive, matching certain versions of the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. The dashboard featured a mix of analog controls and touch sensors, which could be challenging to use while driving.

The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer excelled as a people mover, offering three rows of seating with ample leg and hip room. The third row comfortably accommodated passengers, and the optional long-wheelbase version increased cargo capacity to 42.6 cubic feet. The Grand Wagoneer could tow up to 10,000 pounds when properly equipped. Features like three-zone automatic climate controls, heated-and-ventilated front seats, and Quadra-Lift air suspension added to its appeal, making it a versatile and well-equipped SUV.

The 2026 Jeep Cherokee featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen and a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, running the Uconnect 5 infotainment system. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with USB-C ports and wireless device charging on higher trims. While the system was stable and upgradable via OTA updates, the digital instrument cluster's graphics were plain, and the native navigation system was laggy compared to Android Auto.

The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer came equipped with a 12-inch touchscreen display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 10.25-inch digital cluster. Additional features included a wireless phone charger, hands-free power liftgate, and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. Higher trims offered a 23-speaker McIntosh premium sound system and a front passenger interactive display. While the tech worked well, the wireless phone charger had issues, and the 12-inch infotainment screen felt small for the vehicle's size.

The 2026 Jeep Cherokee offered standard driver-assistance features such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Active Driving Assist and traffic-sign recognition were standard on the Overland model, with a surround-view camera system available as an option. Crash test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of writing.

The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitors, and rear cross-traffic alert. Available features included automated parking assist, a head-up display, and a surround-view camera system. The Grand Wagoneer received fair ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, with a mix of Good and Marginal scores in crash tests.