2026 Jeep® Grand Cherokee vs. 2026 Toyota Highlander

2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee towing boat at A M Maus & Son in Minnesota.

The 2026 Jeep® Grand Cherokee and the 2026 Toyota Highlander are two of the most popular midsize SUVs on the road, but they're built with very different priorities. The Highlander is a capable family hauler, but if you want an SUV that can tow heavier loads, tackle serious terrain, and still deliver premium technology and comfort, the Jeep Grand Cherokee has a clear edge. Come see why A. M. Maus and Son in Kimball, MN.

Power and Capability

The 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee comes with a new 2.0-liter Hurricane™ 4 Turbo engine putting out 324 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, paired with a new Gen IV eight-speed transmission. The Highlander runs a 2.4-liter turbo four-cylinder making 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft. That's a 59-horsepower advantage for the Grand Cherokee.

Towing tells a similar story. This new Jeep SUV hauls up to 6,200 lbs when properly equipped, while the Highlander maxes out at 5,000 lbs. If you're pulling a boat or camper to the lake, that extra 1,200 lbs matters.

Off-Road Readiness

This is where the gap widens. The 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee offers three available 4x4 systems along with the Selec-Terrain® Traction Management System, letting you dial in Auto, Sport, Rock, Snow, or Mud/Sand modes. The class-exclusive available Quadra-Lift® Air Suspension raises the vehicle for trail clearance and lowers it at highway speeds for better aerodynamics. The Highlander offers Multi-Terrain Select with four modes but lacks the Grand Cherokee's advanced suspension technology and trail-rated capability.

Technology Features

Both SUVs offer wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, but the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee's new 12.3-inch Uconnect® 5 NAV touchscreen dwarfs the Highlander's standard 8-inch display. The new Jeep Grand Cherokee also features a class-exclusive available front passenger interactive touchscreen and an available 19-speaker McIntosh® premium audio system delivering up to 950 watts.

Safety Features

Standard safety features overlap on both SUVs, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee goes further with available Hands-Free Active Driving Assist, a Night Vision Camera that detects pedestrians and animals up to 328 feet ahead, and a 360-degree Surround View Camera - none of which are offered on the Highlander.

Explore the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee in Kimball, MN

For drivers who want an SUV that handles Minnesota backroads and highway stretches with equal confidence, the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee is the clear pick. Stop by our Jeep dealership in Kimball, MN to learn more and get behind the wheel. Our Jeep financing team can put together a package that works for you.