Whitten Brothers of Ashland
The Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Jeep Cherokee are similar but not the same SUV. The Jeep Grand Cherokee was first introduced in 1992. The Jeep Cherokee debuted in 1974. It was discontinued in 2023, but Jeep has brought back this compact SUV for the 2026 model year.
Now that both of these Jeep SUVs are in the lineup once again, Whitten Brothers CDJR of Ashland is comparing the 2026 Jeep Cherokee vs Jeep Grand Cherokee to help you with your car shopping research.
The 2026 Jeep Cherokee comes in four trim levels and starts at $35,000 MSRP. The 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee comes in six trim levels and starts at $38,415 MSRP.
| Jeep Cherokee Trim Level | Jeep Cherokee Price | Jeep Grand Cherokee Trim Level | Jeep Grand Cherokee Trim Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Jeep Cherokee | $35,000 MSRP | 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo | $38,415 MSRP |
| 2026 Jeep Cherokee Laredo | $38,000 MSRP | 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo Altitude | $43,855 MSRP |
| 2026 Jeep Cherokee Limited | $40,000 MSRP | 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo X | $42,910 MSRP |
| 2026 Jeep Cherokee Overland | $43,000 MSRP | 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited | $43,815 MSRP |
| 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited Reserve | $51,410 MSRP | ||
| 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit | $60,195 MSRP |
Jeep SUV Engines: The 2026 Jeep Cherokee runs on a 210-net-horsepower 1.6-liter I4 turbo hybrid engine. This is Jeep’s first-ever turbo hybrid vehicle. In addition to the engine power, there are two electric motors, which are recharged via regenerative braking. The hybrid power helps to improve gas mileage, and the Jeep Cherokee gets an EPA-estimated 37 mpg/combined
The Jeep Grand Cherokee has a new engine for the 2026 model year. The new 324-hp 2.0-liter Hurricane 4 turbo engine helps improve fuel efficiency, getting an EPA-estimated 21 mpg/city and 27 mpg/highway. With this engine, the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee produces a best-in-class driving range of 529 miles.
Jeep SUV Drivetrains: All 2026 Jeep Cherokee trim levels feature a standard 4×4 system.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee has standard two- or four-wheel drive, depending on the trim. Two-wheel drive is standard on the Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo, Laredo Altitude, Laredo X, and Limited trims. Four-wheel drive is available. The two trim levels that have a standard 4×4 system are the Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit and Limited Reserve.
Jeep SUV Towing: The Jeep Cherokee towing capacity is 3,500 pounds, which is unsurpassed in class.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee towing capacity is 6,200 pounds, which is best in class.
Seating: The Jeep Cherokee and the Jeep Grand Cherokee are both two-row SUVs. The Cherokee is considered a compact SUV, and the Grand Cherokee is considered a midsize SUV. The Grand Cherokee is also offered with the long (L) wheelbase, providing three rows of seats.
With two rows, both Jeep SUVs seat up to five people.
Upholstery: Both Jeep SUVs have standard cloth upholstery on the base trims.
Higher Cherokee trims have premier cloth or leatherette upholstery. Higher Grand Cherokee trims have leatherette or leather upholstery.
Technology: The Jeep Cherokee and the Jeep Grand Cherokee are both equipped with the Uconnect® 5 infotainment system.
The Jeep Cherokee interior has a 12.3-inch touchscreen, as well as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Navigation doesn’t come standard on this Jeep SUV.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee interior features a new 12.3-inch touchscreen, as well as an available class-exclusive 10.25-inch passenger display. This Jeep SUV has standard navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
Sound System: Both SUVs have a standard six-speaker sound system. The highest Jeep Cherokee trim increases to 10 speakers. The higher trim levels of the Jeep Grand Cherokee have a standard or available 19-Speaker McIntosh® audio system.
| 2026 Jeep Cherokee | 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 188.1 inches | 193.5 inches |
| Width | 74.7 inches | 77.5 inches |
| Height | 67.5 inches | 70.8 inches |
| Wheelbase | 113 inches | 116.7 inches |
| Passenger Volume | 107 cubic feet | 145 cubic feet |
| Standard Cargo Capacity | 33.6 cubic feet | 37.7 cubic feet |
| Maximum Cargo Capacity | 68.3 cubic feet | 70.8 cubic feet |
If you’d like a bit more interior space, a fancier sound system, or the option of a third row of seats, the Jeep Grand Cherokee will be a good fit for you.
If you prefer a slightly smaller SUV or a hybrid powertrain, the Jeep Cherokee is the choice for you.
The good news is that both Jeep SUVs are excellent options that provide a comfortable ride, fuel-efficient driving, and the latest Jeep technology. If you’re still undecided, you can visit the Whitten Brothers of Ashland showroom to test drive the Jeep Cherokee and Jeep Grand Cherokee. Want to know more? Contact our Jeep dealership online!
