I am Jordan Malone-Forst, Assistant General Manager at Jay Malone Motors in Hutchinson, MN, and the engine question comes up in almost every Grand Cherokee conversation I have with buyers from across McLeod County. For 2026, Jeep added a new engine to the Grand Cherokee lineup — the 2.0L Hurricane Turbo 4 — and it changes the calculus for a lot of buyers who assumed they were getting a V6.
This blog breaks down both engines completely: what they are, where they are available, how they pair with the 4WD systems, and which one makes the most sense for buyers in central Minnesota dealing with cold winters, gravel roads, and real towing needs. For the full buying picture, start with our 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Buyer's Guide.
What Are the Two Engine Options on the 2026 Grand Cherokee?
The 2026 Grand Cherokee offers two engines depending on trim level. Not every trim gets both choices — and that is the first thing to understand before you start comparing specs.
| Engine | Available Trims | Drivetrain Options |
|---|---|---|
| 3.6L V6 24V VVT w/ ESS | Laredo only (2-row and L) | 4x2 or 4x4 |
| 2.0L Hurricane Turbo 4 w/ ESS | All trims — Laredo, Limited, Summit | 4x2 or 4x4 (Laredo); 4x4 only (Summit) |
If you are shopping a Limited or Summit, the engine decision is already made for you — the Hurricane Turbo 4 is the only option. The choice only comes into play at the Laredo trim level, where you can select either engine on both the 2-row and the Grand Cherokee L.
What Is the 3.6L V6 and Who Should Consider It?
The 3.6L V6 24V VVT with engine stop-start (ESS) is a naturally aspirated six-cylinder engine that has powered Jeep Grand Cherokees for years. Buyers who have owned previous Grand Cherokees with this engine know it well — it is smooth, linear, and predictable in how it delivers power. There are no turbo spools to wait for and no boost thresholds to manage. You press the accelerator and power comes in a straightforward, consistent way.
Key characteristics of the V6 on the 2026 Laredo:
- Naturally aspirated — no turbocharger, no boost lag
- Engine stop-start system (ESS) standard for fuel efficiency at idle
- Paired exclusively with the 8-speed 850RE automatic transmission
- Available with Quadra-Trac I 4WD on the Laredo 4x4
- Standard duty engine cooling on base Laredo; heavy duty cooling included with Trailer Tow Package
- 160-amp alternator standard on Laredo with V6
The V6 is the choice for buyers who:
- Have owned a V6 Grand Cherokee before and trust the engine
- Want the simplicity of a naturally aspirated engine with no turbo components to maintain long-term
- Are buying a base Laredo 4x2 and do not need maximum towing capability
- Prioritize a smooth, linear power delivery over peak output numbers
One important note for Minnesota buyers: if you are buying a Laredo 4x4 and plan to add the Trailer Tow Package, the V6 configuration includes the 180-amp alternator upgrade and automatic headlamp leveling system as part of that package — components that are not included with the Hurricane Turbo 4 Trailer Tow Package on the Laredo. Both engines support the Trailer Tow Package, but the package content differs slightly between them.
What Is the 2.0L Hurricane Turbo 4 and Why Is It New for 2026?
The 2.0L Hurricane Turbo 4 with ESS is new to the Grand Cherokee lineup for 2026 and represents a significant step forward in terms of towing capability and modern engine architecture. It is a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that Jeep has positioned as the performance and capability upgrade over the V6 — which is not how most buyers expect a four-cylinder to be described.
The Hurricane Turbo 4 delivers the class-leading maximum towing capacity of 6,200 lbs when paired with the Trailer Tow Package — more than the V6 configuration. It also pairs with a more advanced transmission family depending on trim level, and it unlocks the Quadra-Trac II and Selec-Terrain 4WD systems on the Limited and Summit that are not available with the V6.
Key characteristics of the Hurricane Turbo 4:
- Turbocharged four-cylinder with engine stop-start (ESS)
- Strong low-end torque from the turbocharger — useful for towing and off-pavement driving
- Class-leading maximum towing capacity of 6,200 lbs with Trailer Tow Package
- Paired with 8-speed 8HP80 transmission on Laredo, 8-speed 880RE on Limited 4x4 and Summit
- 240-amp alternator standard on Limited and Summit
- Heavy duty engine cooling standard on Limited and Summit
- Engine oil cooler standard on Limited and Summit
- The only engine available on Limited and Summit trims
The best-in-class driving range of 529 miles is also associated with the Hurricane Turbo 4 configuration, made possible by the 23-gallon fuel tank standard across all Grand Cherokee trims combined with the engine's efficiency at highway cruise. For buyers doing regular long-distance drives between Hutchinson and the Twin Cities, Willmar, or further afield, that range is a meaningful daily convenience.
How Do the Transmissions Differ Between Engines and Trims?
Both engines use 8-speed automatics, but not the same unit. Understanding which transmission goes with which engine and trim helps clarify why the Hurricane opens up more capability at the Limited and Summit levels.
| Engine | Trim | Transmission |
|---|---|---|
| 3.6L V6 | Laredo (4x2 and 4x4) | 8-speed 850RE automatic |
| 2.0L Hurricane Turbo 4 | Laredo (4x2 and 4x4) | 8-speed 8HP80 automatic |
| 2.0L Hurricane Turbo 4 | Limited 4x4, Limited Reserve, 85th Anniversary | 8-speed 880RE automatic |
| 2.0L Hurricane Turbo 4 | Summit (4x4 only) | 8-speed 880RE automatic |
The 880RE transmission paired with the Hurricane on the Limited 4x4 and Summit is a more robust unit designed to handle the higher torque output of the turbocharged engine and the demands of towing near the 6,200 lb maximum. Both the Limited 4x4 and Summit also include a transmission heater as standard equipment — a feature worth noting for Minnesota buyers who start cold vehicles in January.
How Does Engine Choice Affect Your 4WD System?
This is one of the most important and least-discussed aspects of the engine decision on the Grand Cherokee. The engine you choose at the Laredo level determines which 4WD system you get — and not all 4WD systems are equal.
Laredo 4x4 with V6 — Quadra-Trac I
Single-speed transfer case with full-time 4WD. Automatically manages torque distribution between axles. No driver input needed, no terrain modes. Solid for Minnesota winters and gravel roads. This is the system most V6 Grand Cherokee buyers have known for years.
Laredo 4x4 with Hurricane Turbo 4 — Quadra-Trac I
Same Quadra-Trac I system as the V6 Laredo 4x4. At the Laredo level, the engine choice does not change the 4WD system. Both V6 and Hurricane on the Laredo 4x4 use Quadra-Trac I.
Limited 4x4 with Hurricane Turbo 4 — Quadra-Trac II and Selec-Terrain
The Hurricane engine at the Limited level unlocks Quadra-Trac II with a two-speed transfer case for low-range capability, plus the Selec-Terrain system with five terrain modes including Snow, Rock, Sand/Mud, Sport, and Auto. This is a meaningful step up in both winter capability and off-road capability compared to the Laredo 4x4 regardless of engine.
Summit 4x4 — Selec-Terrain with Quadra-Drive II and Quadra-Lift Air Suspension
The Summit adds a rear electronic limited-slip differential to the Selec-Terrain system, creating the most capable 4WD setup in the Grand Cherokee lineup. The Quadra-Lift air suspension automatically adjusts ride height for highway aerodynamics or off-road clearance. Hurricane Turbo 4 only at this level.
The practical takeaway for central MN buyers: if Snow mode matters to you for winter driving on McLeod County roads, you need the Limited 4x4 with the Hurricane engine at minimum. The V6 Laredo 4x4 with Quadra-Trac I handles most winter conditions well, but it does not give you selectable terrain modes. For our full 4WD system breakdown, see our towing and capability blog.
Does Engine Choice Affect Towing Capacity?
Yes — and this is one of the clearest reasons to choose the Hurricane Turbo 4 if towing is part of how you use an SUV in central Minnesota.
The 2026 Grand Cherokee with the 2.0L Hurricane Turbo 4 and the Trailer Tow Package tows up to 6,200 lbs — the best maximum towing figure in its class. That covers a wide range of what buyers in and around Hutchinson actually pull:
- Pontoon boats and fishing boats headed to lakes near Litchfield or Willmar
- Single-axle utility and landscape trailers
- Small to mid-size campers and travel trailers
- Livestock trailers for smaller loads on farm operations in McLeod County
- Snowmobile trailers for a two or three sled load
The V6 Laredo with the Trailer Tow Package is also capable of towing, but the maximum rating is lower than the Hurricane configuration. If towing near or at the class maximum is important to you, the Hurricane Turbo 4 is the engine to choose — even at the Laredo level.
One more towing note: the Trailer Tow Package content differs slightly between engines on the Laredo 4x4. With the V6, the package includes a 180-amp alternator upgrade and automatic headlamp leveling system. With the Hurricane on the Laredo 4x4, those components are not included in the package. Both configurations include the Class IV receiver hitch, 7 and 4 pin wiring harness, rear load leveling suspension, trailer hitch zoom, and full-size spare tire.
How Do Both Engines Perform in Minnesota Winters?
This is a question I get from a lot of buyers in Hutchinson, Glencoe, Dassel, and Winsted who are used to thinking of turbocharged engines as more sensitive in extreme cold. It is a fair concern and worth addressing directly.
V6 in cold weather: Naturally aspirated engines have a long track record in cold climates. The V6 starts reliably in cold temperatures, warms up predictably, and does not have a turbocharger that requires warmup time or special cold-weather attention. For buyers who park outside year-round in central MN and want the most straightforward cold-weather starting experience, the V6 has a psychological edge even if the practical gap is smaller than it used to be.
Hurricane Turbo 4 in cold weather: Modern turbocharged engines are engineered to handle cold climates well. Both the Limited 4x4 and Summit include a transmission heater as standard equipment, which is a meaningful cold-weather feature. The remote start system included on Laredo X, Altitude, Limited, and Summit allows the engine to warm up before you get in — which benefits both engines but is particularly useful with a turbocharged engine to bring oil temperature up before driving hard. The ESS (engine stop-start) system on both engines also has a battery management system designed to maintain starting reliability in cold conditions.
Additional cold-weather features available regardless of engine choice:
- Heated front seats — Laredo X, Altitude, Limited, Summit
- Heated steering wheel — Laredo X, Altitude, Limited, Summit
- Heated second-row seats — Limited and Summit
- Remote start — Laredo X, Altitude, Limited, Summit
- Windshield wiper de-icer — Summit with Adv Protech Group IV option
- Heated exterior mirrors — standard across all trims
My honest take: for the vast majority of Minnesota buyers, both engines handle our winters without issue when combined with remote start and the right winter tires. The V6 has a slight edge in cold-start simplicity. The Hurricane has a meaningful edge in towing and unlocks better 4WD systems at the Limited level. Do not let cold-weather concerns alone push you toward the V6 if the Hurricane is the better fit for how you use the vehicle the other eleven months of the year.
Which Engine Should You Choose?
Choose the 3.6L V6 If:
- You are buying a base Laredo 4x2 and do not plan to tow
- You have owned a V6 Grand Cherokee and trust the engine's track record
- You want a naturally aspirated engine with no turbo components
- Budget is the primary driver and the V6 Laredo gives you the lowest entry price
Choose the 2.0L Hurricane Turbo 4 If:
- You plan to tow a boat, camper, or trailer — the Hurricane delivers the 6,200 lb class-leading rating
- You want the Limited or Summit — the Hurricane is your only option
- You want Selec-Terrain with Snow mode on a Limited 4x4
- You want the 880RE transmission on a Limited 4x4 or Summit
- You want the best-in-class 529-mile driving range
- You want the most modern engine architecture in the lineup
My Honest Take
For most buyers in central Minnesota, I recommend the Hurricane Turbo 4 at the Laredo level. Here is why: it costs the same as the V6 on the Laredo trim, it delivers a higher tow rating, it is the only engine available if you step up to a Limited or Summit later, and it represents the direction Jeep is moving the Grand Cherokee lineup going forward. The V6 is a great engine with a proven track record — but if you are buying new in 2026 and plan to keep this vehicle for several years, the Hurricane is the better long-term choice for most buyers. The only buyer I would steer toward the V6 is someone on a strict budget who does not tow and specifically wants the simplicity of a naturally aspirated engine.
Key Takeaways
- The V6 is available on Laredo only — the Hurricane Turbo 4 is available on all trims
- The Hurricane delivers the class-leading 6,200 lb maximum towing capacity with the Trailer Tow Package
- Both engines use 8-speed automatics — the 850RE with the V6, the 8HP80 or 880RE with the Hurricane depending on trim
- Engine choice does not change the 4WD system at the Laredo level — both get Quadra-Trac I on the 4x4
- The Hurricane unlocks Quadra-Trac II and Selec-Terrain on the Limited 4x4 — V6 cannot access these systems
- Both engines handle Minnesota winters well — use remote start and the practical cold-weather gap is minimal
- The Hurricane costs the same as the V6 on the Laredo trim — there is no price penalty for choosing it
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2.0L Hurricane Turbo 4 more expensive than the V6 on the Laredo?
No. Both engines are available at no extra charge on the Laredo trim. The V6 and the Hurricane Turbo 4 are both listed as no-cost options when building a Laredo, so the engine choice does not add to the base price of the vehicle. This makes the Hurricane an easy recommendation for most buyers — you get a higher tow rating and a more modern engine at the same price.
Can I get the V6 on a Grand Cherokee Limited or Summit?
No. The 3.6L V6 is only available on the Laredo trim, on both the 2-row Grand Cherokee and the Grand Cherokee L. The Limited and Summit are exclusively powered by the 2.0L Hurricane Turbo 4. If you are comparing a Laredo Altitude with the Hurricane to a base Limited, both vehicles use the same engine family.
Is a turbocharged engine reliable in Minnesota winters?
Modern turbocharged engines like the Hurricane Turbo 4 are designed to operate reliably in cold climates. Using the remote start system to warm the engine before driving — which is standard on Laredo X, Altitude, Limited, and Summit — is good practice with any engine in Minnesota winters. The Limited 4x4 and Summit also include a transmission heater as standard equipment. With proper warm-up habits, the Hurricane performs reliably in central MN cold.
What is the towing capacity of the Grand Cherokee with the V6?
The confirmed class-leading maximum towing capacity of 6,200 lbs is associated with the 2.0L Hurricane Turbo 4 engine with the Trailer Tow Package. Jeep has not published a separate tow rating figure specifically for the V6 configuration on the 2026 model. If towing capacity is a priority, the Hurricane Turbo 4 is the confirmed choice for maximum capability.
Does the Grand Cherokee L use the same engines as the 2-row?
Yes. The Grand Cherokee L uses identical engine and transmission options to the 2-row at each equivalent trim level. The V6 is available on the L Laredo (4x2 and 4x4), and the Hurricane Turbo 4 is available on all L trims. The 4WD system pairings and transmission assignments are the same across both body styles.
Have questions about which engine configuration makes the most sense for your situation? Come talk through it with me at Jay Malone Motors in Hutchinson. We serve buyers from across central Minnesota and we will give you a straight answer without pressure.
About the Author
I'm Jordan Malone-Forst, Assistant General Manager at Jay Malone Motors in Hutchinson, MN. Our family has been selling and servicing vehicles in this community since 2005. I serve as President of the Hutchinson Ambassadors and sit on the Board of Directors for the Hutchinson Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism. If you have questions about Grand Cherokee engines or want to talk through your options before you visit, reach out — I would love to help.