Jeep helped invent the vehicle type that became the modern SUV, and its best-selling model is the Grand Cherokee.
SUVs have dominated the American auto market for the past decade. They have accounted for 62.5% of all new car registrations so far in 2026, up 17 percentage points from 45.2% in 2017, according to market data compiled by Mobility Global/Catalyst for Insight and USA TODAY Co.'s LocaliQ Automotive
.So, with great interest, I drove the 2026 Grand Cherokee 4x4 Limited for three days to see whether it deserves its National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 5-Star Overall Safety Rating award.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee model I tested is the 4x4 Limited, which is the third-highest trim model of the popular SUV, which comes in two- and three-row
formats. The two-row 4x4 Limited starts at a little over $44,000. Entry-level trims of the Jeep Grand Cherokee start at a little over $39,000. I've recently tested other similarly sized SUV models, including Kia Telluride hybrid, Toyota Grand Highlander hybrid and the Mazda CX-50 hybrid.
Here's what I learned from multiple days of real-world testing behind the wheel of Jeep's popular two-row hybrid SUV.
What to know about the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Jeep Grand Cherokee stands out for its sleek exterior, luxurious interior features, and smooth handling on roads and highways. The vehicle is available in seven exterior colors, including the Diamond Black Crystal Pearl Coat that I tested.
During testing, the Jeep Grand Cherokee's interior and cargo area felt spacious for daily driving needs. I also enjoyed the Grand Cherokee's wireless Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth connectivity. Its 12.3-inch infotainment screen seemed perfect for a modern car.
I drove the Jeep Grand Cherokee more than 100 miles during testing. I put it through its paces on flat interstate highways, suburban streets, and roads with winding hills and tight corners. It handled each terrain with ease.
How does the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee drive?
The Jeep Grand Cherokee accelerated quickly, even on steep hills, and handled tight curves well on two-lane roads. It felt powerful when needed and nimble when agility was required.
The Grand Cherokee gets an U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-estimated 22 mpg of combined city and highway. The model I tested showed 421 miles of driving range on a full tank of gas.
The Grand Cherokee is powered by a 2-liter Hurricane 4 Turbo engine. Jeep said the model I tested produces 324 horsepower.
The mid-level trim Grand Cherokee model I tested came with 20‑inch wheels and black Capri leatherette seats that can be heated on both rows. It also had a premium McIntosh audio system with 10 speakers.
Will the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee fit your lifestyle?
The Jeep Grand Cherokee model I tested is more than 193 inches long, about 71 inches wide (excluding the mirrors), and over 70 inches tall.
It also came with built-in navigation and Wi-Fi, several Amazon Alexa services, and Uconnect, which is the native infotainment and connect vehicle services system of Jeep's parent company, Stellantis.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is also equipped with safety features such as auto emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, parking sensors, and lane-keep assist.
The vehicle I tested offered more than 70 cubic feet of cargo space. The vehicle has a towing capacity of 6,200 pounds.
The Grand Cherokee can comfortably fit up to five passengers. An optional third-row takes the seating capacity to seven. The model I tested offers nearly 40 inches of front row headroom and more than 41 inches of legroom.
Is the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee worth it?
The 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee's price is considerably lower than most new cars, with the average price of new cars in October 2026 being more than $52,000.
I enjoyed testing the Grand Cherokee 4x4 Limited model. The car was fun to drive, and I loved exploring its modern features. But when I saw all the available space, I wished the version I tested had a third row.
If I were shopping for a SUV today, I'd likely choose a model that comes with three rows in all trims like the Kia Telluride, Toyota Grand Highlander or Nissan Pathfinder.
The CX-90 competes in the mid-size SUV segment with models such as the Kia Telluride, Ford Explorer, Toyota 4Runner, and Honda Passport.
Should you buy the Jeep Grand Cherokee?
Like most new cars these days, the Jeep Grand Cherokee has a sticker price that may make price-conscious shoppers' recoil, starting near $45,000. But it is cheaper than most comparably sized SUVs in modern showrooms. That, plus the included technology, makes it a potential option for buyers seeking an efficient mid-size SUV, with its sturdy handling, distinctive styling, and modern features.
But even with competitive pricing, I think there are better options than the Jeep Grand Cherokee in the segment that can get you more passenger seating capacity without making tradeoffs on vehicle size or cargo capacity.
Keith Laing is an automotive reporter on the National Trending Desk at USA TODAY. Contact Keith at klaing@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: I drove a very popular SUV. Would I recommend Jeep's Grand Cherokee?
