2026 Jeep® Grand Cherokee Teased Ahead of Final Testing Phase

The next chapter in the Jeep® Grand Cherokee story is starting to unfold. After more than a year of spy shots and speculation, Jeep has officially begun teasing the updated 2026 Grand Cherokee by pulling back the camo and launching into its final phase of validation testing. Two teaser images and a short video clip posted across Jeep’s social media platforms gave us our first clean look at the refreshed SUV—and it looks like they’re bringing some serious heat.

The vehicle seen in the teaser appears to be the top-tier Summit Reserve 4×4 trim, which brings a premium vibe to the lineup. We recently caught the new Grand Cherokee L High Altitude 4×4 out testing on public roads, that model is the darkened appearance package on the premium Summit Reserve. Blacked-out details like the grille, roof rails, and a sharp new set of 21-inch gloss black wheels give it a bold, upscale appearance. The front bumper and grille have been reshaped, following a new design direction that lines up with what we’ve already seen on the upcoming 2026 Jeep Cherokee (KM). It’s clear Jeep is going for a more unified family look moving forward.

Inside, Jeep is putting a strong focus on premium materials and tech. Expect soft-touch leather, updated wood accents, and customizable ambient lighting to give the cabin a more refined feel. The brand’s familiar 12.3-inch Uconnect 5 system will return, but spy photos show an even larger, square-style touchscreen on the Summit Reserve model, much like what’s found in the Grand Wagoneer. Physical knobs and haptic buttons surround the new display, giving drivers a blend of old-school control and modern convenience.

The center console layout has been reworked to improve storage and usability, and drivers can expect new tech perks like enhanced connectivity, integrated navigation, and a premium sound system.

But one of the biggest changes is what’s under the hood. Jeep is phasing out both the longtime 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 and the 5.7-liter HEMI® V8 in favor of the all-new 2.0-liter GME-T4 EVO turbocharged I4 engine. Rated at an expected 300 horsepower, it should deliver solid performance while improving fuel efficiency and helping meet stricter emissions standards. It’s a move similar to what we’ve seen from rivals like Ford, whose 2.3-liter EcoBoost powers the Explorer ST.

Still, not everyone is thrilled about the shift to turbocharged four-cylinders. There’s been no official word yet on whether the Pentastar V6 might stick around for 2026 as an alternative, and rumors of the 5.7-liter HEMI’s return to this model remain just that—rumors.

Production of the 2026 Grand Cherokee will continue at Jeep’s Detroit Assembly Complex, and all three variants—the two-row, three-row L, and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) 4xe—will return. The PHEV version, one of America’s best-selling plug-in hybrids, will likely get some upgrades too, though details remain under wraps.

Jeep says the full reveal is coming later this year, and with prototypes starting to shed their camo on public roads, we’ll be watching closely.