Purchase any new or used vehicle from Jay Malone Motors between August 1–21, 2026 and receive two (2) tickets to the Saturday, August 22, 2026 professional football game in Minneapolis, MN, while supplies last. Limit one ticket pair per vehicle purchased. Tickets awarded at delivery. Not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any professional football league or team. Must be 18+. See dealer for details. Jay Malone Motors, 1165 Highway 7 West, Hutchinson, MN · (320) 587-4748.
The 2026 Jeep® Grand Cherokee delivers everything central Minnesota families need in a midsize SUV: legendary 4WD capability that conquers winter roads, available 3-row seating for larger families, substantial towing capacity for boats and trailers, and a refined interior that makes daily driving a pleasure. Whether you’re shopping for the athletic 2-row Grand Cherokee or the family-friendly Grand Cherokee L with its third row, this guide covers every trim level, engine option, and package to help you find the perfect configuration for life in Hutchinson and beyond.
The 2026 Jeep® Grand Cherokee is offered in two body styles — the 5-passenger Grand Cherokee and the 6- or 7-passenger Grand Cherokee L — across seven 2026 trims (Laredo, Laredo X, Laredo Altitude, Limited, Limited Altitude, Limited Reserve, Summit). The 3.6L Pentastar V6 powers Laredo and Laredo X; the new 2.0L Hurricane Turbo 4 (324 hp, 332 lb-ft) is standard from Laredo Altitude up. Maximum tow rating is up to 6,200 lbs when properly equipped with the Trailer Tow Package. Four-wheel-drive is available across the lineup and standard on Summit, with Quadra-Trac® I, Quadra-Trac® II + Selec-Terrain®, and Quadra-Drive® II + Selec-Terrain® offered depending on trim.
2-Row vs. Grand Cherokee L: Which one do you need?
The Grand Cherokee comes in two distinct body styles, and choosing between them is the first decision most buyers face. Both share the same engines, the same 4WD systems, and the same trim architecture — so the choice comes down to seating capacity and cargo needs.
Grand Cherokee (2-Row)
5-passenger seating
More athletic proportions
Available in 4x2 or 4x4
Engine choice: 3.6L V6 (Laredo and Laredo X) or 2.0L Hurricane Turbo 4 (Laredo Altitude up)
Right for: couples, small families, drivers who prioritize driving feel
Grand Cherokee L (3-Row)
Standard 6-passenger, optional 7-passenger seating
Extended wheelbase for more rear cargo room
L-exclusive: available Rear Seat Video with Amazon Fire TV (Summit)
Same engine and 4WD options as 2-row
Right for: larger families, carpoolers, anyone needing that third row
For a detailed side-by-side comparison including cargo space measurements, fuel economy differences, and which configuration handles specific family scenarios better, see our Grand Cherokee vs. Grand Cherokee L comparison guide.
What trim levels does the 2026 Grand Cherokee come in?
For 2026, Jeep® simplified the Grand Cherokee lineup into three main trim families — Laredo, Limited, and Summit — with sub-trims and packages inside each family. Both the 2-row and Grand Cherokee L follow the same trim structure with the same equipment levels.
Laredo and Laredo X — The value entry points that deliver genuine Grand Cherokee capability with the proven 3.6L Pentastar V6. Available in 4x2 or 4x4. Laredo X adds bundled popular equipment as standard, including heated seats, heated steering wheel, sunroof, power liftgate, and wireless charging.
Laredo Altitude — The starting point for the refreshed Hurricane Turbo 4 powertrain strategy. Pairs the new 2.0L turbo with darker exterior accents, the 12.3-inch Uconnect® 5 display, and Active Driving Assist (adaptive cruise control with lane centering) as standard. The smart choice for buyers who want the new engine without stepping into Limited pricing.
Limited, Limited Altitude, and Limited Reserve — The premium comfort tier. Add leather seating, power-adjustable front seats, dual-zone automatic temperature control, the 12.3-inch Uconnect® 5 NAV system, and a range of comfort upgrades. Limited Altitude adds darkened accents and 20-inch black wheels with a dual-pane panoramic sunroof. Limited Reserve adds further refinement with upgraded materials and additional standard technology.
Summit — The flagship with full luxury and technology. Standard 4x4, Nappa leather seating, 12.3-inch Uconnect® 5 NAV, premium Harman Kardon® audio, available Night Vision camera, class-exclusive Front Passenger Interactive Display (new for 2026), and every advanced safety and driver assistance feature. Summit represents the pinnacle of Grand Cherokee refinement.
What engines are available on the 2026 Grand Cherokee?
The 2026 Grand Cherokee offers two engine options that provide different approaches to power delivery and fuel efficiency. Engine availability is tied to trim level — not every trim gets both choices.
Engine
Power
Available On
Best For
3.6L Pentastar V6 with ESS
293 hp / 260 lb-ft
Laredo and Laredo X only
Proven reliability, value pricing, traditional V6 feel
2.0L Hurricane Turbo 4 with ESS
324 hp / 332 lb-ft
Laredo Altitude, all Limited variants, Summit
Modern efficiency, strong low-end torque, advanced technology
Both engines pair with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The V6 is the engine most central Minnesota buyers have known and trusted in the Grand Cherokee for years — proven in cold starts and long highway miles between Hutchinson and Willmar. The Hurricane Turbo 4 is new to the Grand Cherokee for 2026 and delivers more horsepower and torque than the V6 with better fuel economy and the same maximum tow rating.
For a detailed comparison including fuel economy figures, towing capacity differences by configuration, and real-world performance characteristics in Minnesota driving conditions, see our 2026 Grand Cherokee Engine Guide.
What 4WD systems does the 2026 Grand Cherokee offer?
The Grand Cherokee offers three distinct 4WD systems depending on trim. Each is engineered for different types of driving, from daily winter commuting to serious off-road adventures.
System
Standard On
Type
Best For
Quadra-Trac® I
Laredo 4x4 and Limited 4x4
Single-speed, full-time automatic
Winter roads, automatic operation, daily driving
Quadra-Trac® II + Selec-Terrain®
Summit (standard)
Two-speed with low range and terrain management
Moderate off-road, steep terrain, deep snow
Quadra-Drive® II + Selec-Terrain®
Summit (available upgrade)
Two-speed with rear electronic limited-slip differential
Maximum capability, serious off-road, heavy towing in poor conditions
The Selec-Terrain® system on Summit configurations offers five drive modes (Auto, Snow, Sport, Sand/Mud, Rock) for maximum versatility. For most buyers in and around Hutchinson — running gravel roads, dealing with McLeod County winters, and occasionally heading up north with a boat in tow — the Laredo 4x4 or Limited 4x4 covers everything you need. Summit configurations unlock the additional terrain modes and the rear electronic limited-slip differential for buyers who want maximum capability.
The 2026 Grand Cherokee tows up to 6,200 lbs when properly equipped with the 2.0L Hurricane Turbo 4 and the Trailer Tow Package — best in class in the midsize SUV segment, beating the Ford Explorer (5,600 lbs) and Toyota Highlander (5,000 lbs). The Grand Cherokee L tows the same as the 2-row at equivalent trim configurations.
The Trailer Tow Package is available on all trims and standard on the Summit. This essential package includes:
Class IV receiver hitch: Heavy-duty mounting for substantial trailers
7 and 4 pin wiring harness: Complete electrical connection for trailer lights and brakes
Rear load-leveling suspension: Automatically adjusts for trailer tongue weight
Trailer hitch zoom: Display feature to assist with hitching
Full-size spare tire: Essential for safe towing on longer trips
If you’re towing a boat to one of central Minnesota’s lakes or pulling a livestock trailer through Dassel, this package transforms the Grand Cherokee into a confident towing platform. The rear load-leveling suspension is particularly valuable for maintaining proper vehicle stance and handling when towing heavy loads.
For complete towing capacity figures by configuration, trailer weight distribution guidelines, and real-world towing advice for Minnesota conditions, see our 2026 Grand Cherokee Towing and Capability guide.
Which equipment packages are worth adding to the 2026 Grand Cherokee?
The Grand Cherokee uses an equipment group system that allows you to add meaningful capability and comfort upgrades at each trim level. Here are the packages that deliver the most value for central Minnesota buyers:
Trailer Tow Package — Standard on Summit and available across the lineup. Includes Class IV hitch, 7 and 4 pin wiring harness, rear load-leveling suspension, trailer hitch zoom camera assist, and full-size spare tire. For anyone who tows boats, campers, or trailers, this is the most important option box to check.
Limited Altitude package — Available within the Limited trim family. Adds darkened exterior accents, 20-inch black wheels, and a dual-pane panoramic sunroof. The visual upgrade that gives Limited a more aggressive presence.
Advanced Driver Assistance content — Includes Active Driving Assist (adaptive cruise control with lane centering), which is standard on Laredo Altitude, Limited, and Summit. For buyers driving regularly between Hutchinson and the Twin Cities, Willmar, or Mankato, the lane-centering feature significantly reduces driver fatigue on longer highway trips.
Summit advanced technology and protection content — Available on Summit. Bundles Night Vision camera with pedestrian and animal detection, Head-Up Display, digital rearview mirror, and the complete suite of driver assistance technologies. The cutting edge of automotive safety and convenience.
Contact us for current package availability and pricing on the configuration you’re considering — package contents and pricing can change throughout the model year.
What technology does the 2026 Grand Cherokee have?
The 2026 Grand Cherokee offers a comprehensive technology suite that scales from essential connectivity on the Laredo to industry-leading innovation on the Summit. Every Grand Cherokee runs the Uconnect® 5 infotainment platform, but the screen size and feature set scale up the lineup.
Standard across every 2026 Grand Cherokee: Uconnect® 5 platform with Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, SiriusXM®, 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, Bluetooth® streaming, USB ports, plus a comprehensive standard safety baseline that includes full-speed forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind spot detection, lane management, and rear cross-path detection.
Laredo and Laredo X: Run the 8.4-inch Uconnect® 5 display.
Laredo Altitude, Limited (all variants), and Summit: Upgrade to the 12.3-inch Uconnect® 5 NAV display with built-in GPS navigation, SiriusXM® with 360L, Connected Travel and Traffic Services, and wireless device charging. Active Driving Assist (adaptive cruise with lane centering) is standard at this level.
Limited and Summit upgrades: Available 19-speaker Harman Kardon® premium audio with 950-watt amplifier, head-up display, digital rearview mirror, and additional driver assistance features like traffic sign recognition.
Summit-exclusive content: Available Night Vision camera that detects pedestrians and large animals in low-light conditions, plus the class-exclusive Front Passenger Interactive Display (new for 2026) that gives the front passenger their own touchscreen for navigation, media, and entertainment without distracting the driver.
For a complete walkthrough of the Uconnect® system, available audio upgrades, and the full driver assistance suite with Minnesota-specific relevance, see our 2026 Grand Cherokee Technology and Safety guide.
Is the 2026 Grand Cherokee good for Minnesota winters?
The Grand Cherokee is exceptionally well-suited for Minnesota winters and the challenging driving conditions we face from November through April. Unlike crossovers designed primarily for pavement, the Grand Cherokee was built with genuine winter capability as a core requirement.
The Quadra-Trac® 4WD systems provide constant traction monitoring and automatic torque distribution that responds to changing conditions faster than any driver could manually. Ground clearance up to 10.9 inches helps in deep snow situations where lower vehicles get stuck, while the robust construction handles the punishment of road salt, temperature extremes, and harsh conditions.
Comfort features like heated seats, heated steering wheel, and remote start (available across the lineup) make those January mornings in Hutchinson more manageable. The refined interior and smooth ride quality mean highway trips between central Minnesota and the Cities remain comfortable even when road conditions are challenging.
Perhaps most importantly, the Grand Cherokee provides the confidence that comes from genuine capability. Whether you’re navigating icy township roads outside Glencoe, accessing a cabin on trails that become impassable for most vehicles, or simply handling the daily reality of Minnesota winter driving, the Grand Cherokee delivers the traction and control you need.
Key Takeaways — 2026 Jeep® Grand Cherokee
Available in 2-row (5-passenger) and Grand Cherokee L (6- or 7-passenger) configurations
Seven 2026 trims across three families: Laredo (Laredo, Laredo X, Laredo Altitude), Limited (Limited, Limited Altitude, Limited Reserve), and Summit
Two engines: 3.6L Pentastar V6 (293 hp, Laredo and Laredo X only) and the new 2.0L Hurricane Turbo 4 (324 hp, Laredo Altitude up)
Three 4WD configurations: Quadra-Trac® I (Laredo and Limited 4x4), Quadra-Trac® II + Selec-Terrain® (Summit standard), Quadra-Drive® II + Selec-Terrain® (Summit upgrade)
Up to 6,200 lbs towing with the Trailer Tow Package — best in class in the midsize SUV segment
12.3-inch Uconnect® 5 NAV display standard from Laredo Altitude up; 8.4-inch on Laredo and Laredo X
Comprehensive standard safety baseline on every trim — forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind spot, lane management
Available Night Vision camera and class-exclusive Front Passenger Interactive Display on Summit (new for 2026)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Grand Cherokee and Grand Cherokee L?
The Grand Cherokee (2-row) seats 5 passengers and has more athletic proportions. The Grand Cherokee L has an extended wheelbase and seats 6 passengers standard (7 with bench seating). Both share the same engines, 4WD systems, and trim levels. The choice comes down to whether you need the third row and additional cargo space.
Which engine should I choose in the 2026 Grand Cherokee?
The 3.6L V6 is available only on the Laredo and Laredo X, and offers proven reliability with traditional V6 characteristics. The 2.0L Hurricane Turbo 4 is standard from Laredo Altitude up (and the only engine on Limited and Summit). The Hurricane produces more horsepower (324 vs. 293) and significantly more torque (332 vs. 260 lb-ft) than the V6, while delivering better fuel economy and the same maximum tow rating. For most 2026 buyers, the Hurricane Turbo is the more capable choice.
Do I need 4WD for Minnesota winters?
While not absolutely required, 4WD is highly recommended for Minnesota winters, especially in rural areas around Hutchinson. The Grand Cherokee’s Quadra-Trac® systems provide automatic traction management that significantly improves safety and confidence in snow and ice conditions. The peace of mind alone makes 4WD worth the investment for most buyers in our region.
How much can the Grand Cherokee tow?
When properly equipped with the 2.0L Hurricane Turbo 4 engine and the Trailer Tow Package, the 2026 Grand Cherokee tows up to 6,200 lbs — best in class in the midsize SUV segment. The Trailer Tow Package is available across the lineup and standard on the Summit; it includes a Class IV hitch, 7 and 4 pin wiring harness, rear load-leveling suspension, trailer hitch zoom camera, and full-size spare tire.
What makes the Summit trim special?
The Summit is the luxury flagship with standard 4x4, Nappa leather seating, 12.3-inch Uconnect® 5 NAV, available 19-speaker Harman Kardon® audio with 950-watt amplifier, available Night Vision camera, and the class-exclusive Front Passenger Interactive Display new for 2026. It includes the Trailer Tow Package standard and offers the most advanced driver assistance features available. Summit represents the pinnacle of Grand Cherokee refinement and capability.
Is the Grand Cherokee reliable for high-mileage driving?
Yes, the Grand Cherokee has a strong reputation for durability and long-term reliability. The proven drivetrains, robust construction, and comprehensive warranty coverage make it an excellent choice for buyers who drive significant miles. Regular maintenance at our service department helps ensure years of reliable operation.
What changed on the Grand Cherokee for 2026?
The biggest changes for 2026 are the new 2.0L Hurricane Turbo 4 engine (standard from Laredo Altitude up), the new 12.3-inch Uconnect® 5 NAV display, an updated grille and front fascia, the new class-exclusive Front Passenger Interactive Display on Summit, and new exterior paint options including Steel Blue, Copper Shino, and Fathom Blue. The 4xe plug-in hybrid was dropped from the lineup, and the trim structure was simplified into three main families: Laredo, Limited, and Summit.
The Grand Cherokee has earned its reputation as one of America’s most awarded SUVs because it delivers on the promise of genuine capability without sacrificing daily comfort. Whether you choose the athletic 2-row or the family-friendly Grand Cherokee L, you’re getting a vehicle that can handle everything central Minnesota throws at it while keeping you and your passengers comfortable and connected. Come see us on Highway 7 and let’s find the Grand Cherokee configuration that fits your life — no pressure, just straight answers from people who understand what you need from a vehicle in this region.
Last reviewed May 2026 by Jordan Malone-Forst, Jay Malone CDJR.
About the Author
I’m Jordan Malone-Forst, Assistant General Manager at Jay Malone Motors in Hutchinson, MN. Our family has been in the business since 2005 — and we’ve built our reputation on treating every customer like a neighbor, not a transaction. I’m proud to serve the community I grew up in as President of the Hutchinson Ambassadors and as a Board member of the Hutchinson Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism. Meet our team or reach out — I’d love to help.
