2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Review: A Not So Mighty Wind

Key Takeaways

• The 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit features a new 324-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine.
• The engine feels punchy but requires significant boost to produce max power, resulting in a laggy feel.
• The Summit’s interior is luxurious, with a beautiful design and plenty of features.
• The ride quality is poor, with firm air springs crashing over potholes.
• The Grand Cherokee Summit’s price starts at $62,595, with our test vehicle costing $66,585.

What’s the New Engine Like?

The 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit’s new engine is a 324-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four, dubbed the Hurricane 4 Turbo. This engine features two injectors, two spark plugs per cylinder, and a variable-geometry turbocharger. It also boasts novel prechamber ignition technology, which promises more complete combustion.

In my experience, the engine feels punchy enough once you get going, but it requires prodigious boost to produce max power. This results in a laggy feel, particularly when accelerating from a standstill.

How Does the Summit Handle?

Aside from the lack of giddyap, the Jeep handles well for its size. However, the firm air springs crash over potholes on the SUV’s 21-inch wheels, resulting in a poor ride quality. The brake pedal is also annoyingly grabby in traffic.

The Summit’s hands-free driver-assistance system is optional and works but is hesitant in corners, inspiring less confidence than similar tech from GM, Ford, and Tesla.

What About the Interior?

The Summit’s interior is luxurious, with a beautiful design and plenty of features. The massaging front seats and 19-speaker McIntosh stereo are particular highlights. However, the haptic climate controls can be frustrating to use.

How Does the Summit Compare to Its Rivals?

In my opinion, the Grand Cherokee Summit’s engine requires too much effort to extract meaningful performance. However, the SUV’s luxurious interior and long list of features make it a well-appointed, spacious family hauler.

Compared to its rivals, the Summit’s engine is less refined than some of its competitors. However, its interior and features list are among the best in its class.

What’s the Verdict?

Overall, the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit is a mixed bag. While its luxurious interior and features list are impressive, the laggy engine and poor ride quality are significant drawbacks. As-tested, the Summit costs $66,585, which is a significant premium over some of its rivals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What’s the new engine in the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit?

A: The new engine is a 324-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four, dubbed the Hurricane 4 Turbo. It features two injectors, two spark plugs per cylinder, and a variable-geometry turbocharger.

Q: How does the Summit handle?

A: The Summit handles well for its size, but the firm air springs crash over potholes on the SUV’s 21-inch wheels, resulting in a poor ride quality.

Q: What’s the interior like?

A: The Summit’s interior is luxurious, with a beautiful design and plenty of features. The massaging front seats and 19-speaker McIntosh stereo are particular highlights.

Specifications	2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit 4x4
Vehicle type	front-engine, 4-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon
Price	Base/As Tested: $62,595/$66,585
Engine	turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve Miller-cycle inline-4, aluminum block and head, port and direct fuel injection
Displacement	122 in3, 1995 cm3
Power	324 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	332 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm
Transmission	8-speed automatic
Chassis	Suspension, F/R: multilink/multilink
Brakes, F/R	13.9-in vented disc/13.8-in vented disc
Tires	Continental CrossContact LX Sport
Wheelbase	116.7 in
Length	193.5 in
Width	77.5 in
Height	70.9 in
Passenger Volume, F/R	56/51 ft3
Cargo Volume, Behind F/R	71/38 ft3
Curb Weight	4881 lb