Review by Veeno Dewan.

For 2026, the Jeep Grand Cherokee has a minor update making this premium Luxury SUV a fine example of what the Jeep brand can aspire to. There is a revised front fascia and lighting, but the overall broad shouldered, handsome styling remains. Don’t look for gimmicky curves and swoops – the signature seven-slat grille remains with a smart, attractive profile. One cool addition is the floating roof available in two tone option that adds a certain flair to Grand Cherokee. The cabin has also been updated to a highly impressive specification with luxury materials, design and a neat premium feel and look. The Jeep Grand Cherokee arrives in both two-row seating and extended wheelbase three row seating versions with Laredo, Limited and Summit trims to start. New Reserve and Altitude packages on the Limited, and the off-road oriented Trailhawk version will also be available.

In terms of the powertrain, the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit replaces the previous V6 engine with a thoroughly modern 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder unit GME EVO engine with a creditable 324 horsepower and 332 lb.-ft of torque. This is new engine is very advanced with more power output and better fuel efficiency than the previous V6. The transmission is an 8-speed unit with Jeeps famed Quadra–Trac II 4×4 system for handling various terrain.

The Summit trim as tested lavishes the Grand Cherokee with premium luxury details and features. Our cabin featured stunning Matte wood trim on the dash and door, diamond-quilted stitching on the leather seats and doors for an upscale look and feel. The tan Palermo leather look is echoed on the dash and other surfaces and is set off by high-quality brushed metal trim for a visually interesting and pleasing look and feel, Jeep’s Uconnect 5 system infotainment touchscreen system remains the easiest and best interface in any vehicle and now features a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen with even sharper graphics and faster response times. There is also an optional front passenger display you won’t find anywhere in this segment with HDMI video connectivity for mobile devices mirroring and video games. It can also control audio and video to optional second-row screens.

The Summit trim is super generous with the extras. You receive features like a premium audiophile McIntosh audio system with a 950-watt amplifier and multiple speakers. There was also an eexquisite Black / Tupelo interior with Palermo leather–faced seats. 10.25–inch full–colour digital gauge cluster, A/C with  dual–zone  automatic temperature control, Heated exterior mirrors. Front heated seats and Heated steering wheel.

Option on our high-level Summit model were way too long to list, but included: Black deluxe headliner, Head–Up Display, Night Vision w/ Pedestrian and Animal Detection, plus CXN Hands–free active driving assist system. Total price for our tester came to $91,180.

The Summit also comes with a 360 surround-view camera, Drowsy Driver Detection, Active Lane Management, a Trailer-Tow Package (6,200-pound towing capability), full speed adaptive cruise control, Active Lane Management, and Active Driving Assist. In terms of interior space, both rows of seats offer excellent occupant room in all areas and are superbly cushioned, and supportive. The rear seats provide decent enough legroom. Rear cargo storage offers 1,067 litres of  space behind the rear seats, expanding to 2,005 litres with the rear seats folded down.

Safety features included: adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go, Full–Speed Forward collision Warning Plus, Active Lane Management System, Blind–Spot Monitoring w/ Rear Cross–Path Detection, ParkView Rear Back–Up Camera and Park–Sense Rear Park Assist System. Also added was: Trailer Sway Control

Hill Start Assist,

On the road, the Grand Cherokee Summit’s ride is smooth, quiet, and composed, even over rough pavement. The new turbo four is powerful, but the 8-speed automatic could use some ironing out. Acceleration is good and the SUV glides over imperfections.  Handling is solid for a vehicle of this size. It’s not sporty, but it’s controlled and predictable, with steering that offers decent feedback. The SUV’s weight is noticeable, but it never feels unwieldy. There is also exuberant off-road performance as the instant torque aids in quick bursts of power on climbing steep grades. Jeeps tough rugged four-wheel drive system and assorted  traversing aids means it is no “soft  roader.”

In summing up, the Grand Cherokee Summit remains the top choice in the model line up with a simply beautifully finished interior and enough features and luxury to rival the best in its segment. You also gain excellent space for five occupants and a good performance. One of my favourite SUVS and highly recommended.

2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit: Base priced from $59,995. Priced as tested with options- -$91, 130 including all options and destination.

More info at: jeep.ca