The fifth-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee, introduced in 2021, is set for a mid-cycle refresh this year. The Grand Cherokee is Jeep’s best-selling vehicle, and the plug-in hybrid variant, known as the Grand Cherokee 4xe, ranks as America’s third best-selling vehicle in its class. In 2024, the 4xe accounted for around 13% of Grand Cherokee sales, and we quite enjoyed our time with the vehicle last year.
Here’s what we expect from the facelift, which should be introduced in the U.S. as the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe.
Design
Spy photos of test prototypes show subtle changes, reflecting Jeep’s intent to enhance rather than overhaul the SUV’s successful design. The planned adjustments, which are reflected in our exclusive renderings, should freshen the SUV’s face without altering its well-received styling.
Noticeable changes include the repositioned Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) sensors. Jeep appears to be moving these sensors slightly for improved safety system functionality, though the overall shape remains familiar. We also expect modest adjustments to the fascia, including a redesigned radiator grille with sharp horizontal slats and new air intakes, making the front end look slightly more dynamic.
Additionally, Jeep usually offers new color choices with facelifts, and we anticipate the 2026 Grand Cherokee 4xe to receive fresh paint options to retain the appeal of the lineup.
Interior
Test mules of the facelifted Grand Cherokee indicate a new infotainment screen which appears wider, almost covering the width of the center air vents, with dials for volume and tuning on either side. One of the spy images shows that Jeep maybe shifting to a complete haptic touch system for the HVAC panel, which sits just below.
We’re expecting the larger 12.3-inch infotainment system to upgrade, bringing faster processing, clearer graphics, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Improved interior materials are also on the cards. As we found out in our review, the current-generation Grand Cherokee interiors already set high standards, but Jeep will likely introduce softer-touch surfaces, additional color combinations and thicker, higher-quality trim finishes in the 2026 model. This would enhance the feeling of luxury, positioning it clearly against premium competitors.
Specifications
Some Jeep models are slated to upgrade to the 2.0-liter GME-T4 ‘EVO’ I4 engine. MoparInsiders has it on authority that the 2026 Grand Cherokee 4xe will continue with the current 2.0L engine with twin electric motors, which develops 375 hp and 470 lb-ft torque.
Another upgrade reported by MoparInsiders for the 2026 Wrangler 4xe and the incoming Gladiator 4xe is the ZF’s new 8HP80PH plug-in hybrid transmission. Its electric motor produces 215 hp (160 kW) and 332 lb-ft (450 Nm) torque, up sharply from the current 134 hp (100 kW) and 181 lb-ft (245 Nm). The result should be faster acceleration, smoother gear changes, and better fuel economy.
The gearbox’s modular design reduces wiring, improves safety, and lowers maintenance. Vehicles using this gearbox can travel 50 km (31 miles) on electric power alone at speeds up to 120 km/h (74.5 mph). It remains to be seen if this transmission is introduced in the Grand Cherokee 4xe facelift, which currently manages 25 miles of EV mode range.
Price & Release Date
Jeep’s new CEO, Bob Broderdorf, spoke to the media during the Wagoneer S media drive in February 2025. He confirmed that the product investment of USD 3.2 billion for 2025 includes the launch of the refreshed Grand Cherokee.
This $3.2 billion part of the story also means the Grand Cherokee will get a facelift and a refresh, and we will continue to expand our powertrain line.
Jeep brand CEO Bob Broderdorf, confirming the Grand Cherokee facelift for 2025, to TopSpeed.com, in February 2025
The new Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe is expected to be revealed in the second half of the year, reaching dealerships soon after. Pricing will likely remain close to current figures, starting at approximately USD 62,000 and climbing toward USD 78,000 for premium Summit models.
TopElectricSUV says
The 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe should deliver meaningful refinements rather than wholesale changes. Updated styling, enhanced interior features, and potentially increased emphasis on hybrid power will keep it competitive against newer rivals. Given the increasing demand for efficient, premium SUVs in the U.S., it doesn’t make sense for Jeep to keep the new ‘EVO’ engine and ZF plug-in hybrid transmission away from the Grand Cherokee for long.
An automobile engineer by training, I’ve analyzed the global car market since 2005, with a keen focus on EVs since 2008. My journey in online automotive publishing spans 17 years, during which I have reviewed cutting-edge automotive technologies and interviewed leading global CEOs and vehicle developers.
