Head-to-head
2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2026 Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander wins clearly, 98.9 to 52.9, on tech & comfort, safety, fuel & range. The Jeep Grand Cherokee is ahead on performance.
D
2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee
The 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee is sold in the U.S. as a plug-in hybrid and gas large SUV with 9 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Grand Ch…
vs
A2026 Toyota Highlander
The 2026 Toyota Highlander is sold in the U.S. as a hybrid and gas large SUV with 3 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Highlander Hybrid …
More Jeep Grand Cherokee head-to-heads More Toyota Highlander head-to-heads Every Grand Cherokee vs Highlander model year
Verdict · default weights
2026 Toyota Highlander
Clear winThe Toyota Highlander wins clearly, 98.9 to 52.9, on tech & comfort, safety, fuel & range. The Jeep Grand Cherokee is ahead on performance.
Tech & comfort 2026 Toyota Highlander leads by 96.7
Safety 2026 Toyota Highlander leads by 53.3
Fuel & range 2026 Toyota Highlander leads by 34.4
| Category · weight | 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokeeoverall 52.9 | 2026 Toyota Highlanderoverall 98.9 | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricenot compared | No data | No data | |||||||||||||||
| Fuel & rangew 3 | 65.6 | 100 | |||||||||||||||
EPA annual fuel cost and combined mpg / MPGe; EV range when both are electric. | |||||||||||||||||
| Safetyw 4 | 46.7 | 100 | |||||||||||||||
NHTSA 5-Star rating, WhichTrim Safety Signal (open recalls by severity), owner complaints, standard driver-assist features (from the press kit, or from what the manufacturer filed with NHTSA where there is none). Open park-outside / do-not-drive advisories cost 25 points. | |||||||||||||||||
| Space & cargow 2 | 77.8 | 100 | |||||||||||||||
Seats, cargo volume behind the 1st and 2nd rows, rear legroom. | |||||||||||||||||
| Performancew 2 | 96 | 92.1 | |||||||||||||||
Horsepower, torque and horsepower per ton. | |||||||||||||||||
| Tech & comfortw 3 | 3.3 | 100 | |||||||||||||||
Standard (1) and optional (0.5) infotainment, convenience, climate and interior features from the manufacturer's press kit. | |||||||||||||||||
| Warrantynot compared | No data | No data | |||||||||||||||
| Overall | 52.9 | 98.9 | |||||||||||||||
Trim vs trim · 5 of 7 categories compared
Jeep Grand Cherokee: open park-outside / do-not-drive advisory (−25)
Jeep Grand Cherokee: base trim Laredo 2WD · Toyota Highlander: base trim XLE AWD. Pick a trim in the tool to compare any other trim.
Change what matters to you →Scores are 0–100 per category from the data on this page. The weights are yours to set.
Where the gap is
the biggest differences, from the scorecard's own numbersWhere the 2026 Toyota Highlander wins
- It has drawn fewer owner complaints (4 against 59 filed with NHTSA).
- It lists more comfort and tech equipment (30 points against 1 on the press-kit count, standard = 1, optional = ½).
- It has the cleaner recall record (Safety Signal 100 against 64).
Where the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee answers
- It carries 138 hp per ton against 121.
- It makes 293 hp against 265.
What they share
- 5 NHTSA stars.
Ranked by how far apart the two score on each measure, so a price gap and a horsepower gap are compared on the same scale. Every figure is on this page.
Specifications side by side
56 specs · manufacturer press kits| Spec | Jeep Grand CherokeeLaredo 2WD | Toyota HighlanderXLE AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Base MSRP (excludes destination) | — | $45,570 |
| Engine Basics | ||
| Aspiration | naturally aspirated | twin turbo |
| Cylinder count | 6 | 4 |
| Engine displacement | 3,604 cc | 2,393 cc |
| Engine type (full description) | 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6, 60-degree V-type, liquid-cooled | 2.4-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged DOHC |
| Fuel injection system | Sequential, multiport, electronic, returnless | D-4S |
| Valve configuration | DOHC | DOHC 16-Valve |
| Engine Output | ||
| Horsepower | 293 hp | 265 hp |
| Torque | 260 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| MPG (city) | 19 mpg | 21 mpg |
| MPG (combined) | 22 mpg | 24 mpg |
| MPG (highway) | 26 mpg | 28 mpg |
| Transmission | ||
| Final drive ratio | 3.45:1 | 3.329 |
| Transmission speeds | 8 | 8 |
| Transmission type | automatic | automatic |
| Dimensions Exterior | ||
| Ground clearance | 8.4 in | 8 in |
| Overall height | 70.8 in | 68.1 in |
| Overall length | 194 in | 195 in |
| Overall width | 77.5 in | 76 in |
| Wheelbase | 117 in | 112 in |
| Cargo | ||
| Cargo volume behind 1st row | 70.8 cu-ft | 84.3 cu-ft |
| Cargo volume behind 2nd row | 37.7 cu-ft | 48.4 cu-ft |
| Cargo volume behind 3rd row | — | 16 cu-ft |
| Total interior volume | 145 cu-ft | 142 cu-ft |
| Seating | ||
| Passenger seating capacity | 5 | 7 |
| Headroom | ||
| Front headroom | 39.9 in | 41.2 in |
| Second-row headroom | 39.4 in | 39.4 in |
| Third-row headroom | — | 36.1 in |
| Legroom | ||
| Front legroom | 41.3 in | 42 in |
| Second-row legroom | 38.2 in | 38.7 in |
| Third-row legroom | — | 28 in |
| Weights | ||
| Curb weight (maximum) | 4,238 lbs | 4,376 lbs |
| Curb weight (minimum) | 4,238 lbs | 4,376 lbs |
| Gross vehicle weight rating | 6,050 lbs | 5,970 lbs |
| Payload capacity | 1,280 lbs | — |
| Suspension | ||
| Front suspension type | Multi-link independent front suspension, coil springs, gas-charged, twin-tube coilover shock absorbers, all-aluminum arms and knuckles | Independent MacPherson strut with stabilizer bar; trailing-wishbone |
| Rear suspension type | Multi-link rear suspension, coil spring, twin tube shocks, all-aluminum arms and knuckles | Multi-link with stabilizer bar |
| Steering | ||
| Steering type | Electric rack-and-pinion | Electric Power Steering (EPS); power-assisted rack-and-pinion |
| Turning radius (curb-to-curb) | 38 ft | 18.7 ft |
| Brakes | ||
| Front brake diameter | 354 mm | 338 mm |
| Front brake type | vented disc | ventilated disc |
| Parking brake type | Drum-in-hat | epb |
| Rear brake diameter | 350 mm | 338 mm |
| Rear brake type | vented disc | solid disc |
| Wheels | ||
| Wheel diameter | 17 in | 18 in |
| Wheel material | Painted cast aluminum | alloy |
| Wheel width | 8 in | — |
| Tires | ||
| Tire size | 245/70R17 | P235/65R18 |
| Fuel System | ||
| Fuel tank capacity | 23 gal | 17.9 gal |
| Minimum recommended octane | 87 | 87 |
| Connected Services | ||
| Connected services brand | — | Toyota Connected Services |
| Connected services trial (premium tier) | — | 12 months |
| Connected services trial (standard tier) | — | 60 months |
| Shoulder Room | ||
| Front shoulder room | 59.2 in | 59 in |
| Second-row shoulder room | 58 in | 58.7 in |
| Third-row shoulder room | — | 55 in |
Green marks the better value where the direction is unambiguous (more room, more power, lower price). Blank rows are specs the press kit does not publish.
Equipment, feature by feature
76 features · differences first, then sharedSafety16 differ · 19 listed
| Feature | Jeep Grand CherokeeLaredo 2WD | Toyota HighlanderXLE AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) | — | std |
| Downhill Assist Control (DAC) | — | std |
| Trailer Sway Control (TSC) | — | std |
| Active Driving Assist (hands-free, optional) | opt | — |
| Active Lane Management | std | — |
| Automatic Emergency Braking | std | — |
| Backup camera with projected path | — | std |
| Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) | — | std |
| Blind-spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Path detection | std | — |
| Brake Assist | std | — |
| Hill Start Assist Control (HAC) | — | std |
| Parking Brake Type: Drum-in-hat | std | — |
| Rear Park Assist | std | — |
| Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+ — Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD), Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA), Automatic High Beams (AHB), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Road Sign Assist (RSA) and Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) | — | std |
| Anti-theft system with alarm and engine immobilizer | — | std |
| Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) (individual tires) | — | std |
| Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) | std | std |
| Star Safety System™ — includes Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA) and Smart Stop Technology® (SST) | std | std |
| Traction Control (TRAC) | std | std |
Infotainment15 differ · 15 listed
| Feature | Jeep Grand CherokeeLaredo 2WD | Toyota HighlanderXLE AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency Assistance Button (SOS) | — | std |
| Stolen Vehicle Locator | — | std |
| Wi-Fi Connect — includes AT&T Wi-Fi hotspot and Integrated Streaming (Apple Music® and Amazon Music) compatibility | — | std |
| Remote Connect — remotely interact with your vehicle through the Toyota app via your smartwatch | — | std |
| Safety Connect® — includes Emergency Assistance button, enhanced Roadside Assistance, Automatic Collision Notification and Stolen Vehicle Locator | — | std |
| 10.25-inch passenger infotainment display (optional, class-exclusive) | opt | — |
| 12.3-in. Toyota Audio Multimedia with wireless Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto™ compatibility, USB media port, four USB charge ports, hands-free phone capability and music streaming via Bluetooth® wireless technology, SiriusXM® with 3-month trial subscription | — | opt |
| 6-speaker audio system | — | std |
| 8.0-in. Toyota Audio Multimedia with wireless Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto™ compatibility, SiriusXM® with 3-month trial subscription | — | std |
| Drive Connect — includes Cloud Navigation with Google Points of Interest (POI) data, Intelligent Assistant with Hey, Toyota, and Destination Assist | — | std |
| Fam Cam rear-facing camera (optional) | opt | — |
| Five USB ports (one USB-A media port and four USB-C charging ports) and two 12V outlets | — | std |
| Over-the-Air (OTA) updates | — | std |
| Qi-compatible wireless smartphone charging with charge indicator light | — | std |
| Service Connect — receive personalized maintenance updates and vehicle health reports | — | std |
Convenience4 differ · 4 listed
| Feature | Jeep Grand CherokeeLaredo 2WD | Toyota HighlanderXLE AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Height-adjustable hands-free power liftgate with jam protection | — | std |
| Smart Key System on front doors and liftgate with Push Button Start, remote keyless entry system with lock, unlock, panic and liftgate functions; and remote illuminated entry | — | std |
| Power windows with auto up/down in all positions and jam protection | — | std |
| Two 12V outlets | — | std |
Climate1 differ · 1 listed
| Feature | Jeep Grand CherokeeLaredo 2WD | Toyota HighlanderXLE AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Three-zone automatic climate control with air filter, separate second-row control panel, individual temperature settings for driver, front passenger and rear-seat passengers, and second- and third-row vents | — | std |
Seating7 differ · 7 listed
| Feature | Jeep Grand CherokeeLaredo 2WD | Toyota HighlanderXLE AWD |
|---|---|---|
| 8-way power-adjustable front passenger seat | — | std |
| Heated front seats | — | std |
| 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat including power lumbar support | — | std |
| 7-passenger seating with second-row fold-down captain's chairs and fold-down inboard armrests, adjustable headrests and two cup holders mounted on the floor; and 60/40 split, fold-flat third-row seats with sliding headrests and recline function | — | std |
| 8-passenger seating with 60/40 split, sliding and reclining fold-flat second-row bench seats; 60/40 split, fold-flat third-row seats with sliding headrests and recline function | — | opt |
| 8-way power-adjustable front passenger seat | — | std |
| SofTex®-trimmed front- and second-row seats; heated front seats; 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat including power lumbar support; 8-way power-adjustable front passenger seat | — | std |
Interior6 differ · 6 listed
| Feature | Jeep Grand CherokeeLaredo 2WD | Toyota HighlanderXLE AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink® universal garage door opener | — | std |
| 7-in. color LCD Multi-Information Display (MID) with odometer, trip/average fuel economy, cruising range, average speed, AWD torque distribution (AWD models only), cruise control guide, audio details, hands-free incoming call notices, telephone information | — | std |
| Second-row sunshades | — | std |
| Silver-painted dashboard trim and painted door trim | — | std |
| Dual sun visors with sliding function and illuminated vanity mirrors | — | std |
| Dual sun visors with sliding function and illuminated vanity mirrors | — | std |
Exterior19 differ · 19 listed
| Feature | Jeep Grand CherokeeLaredo 2WD | Toyota HighlanderXLE AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Power tilt/slide moonroof with sunshade and one-touch open/close | — | std |
| LED projector headlights | — | std |
| 17-inch Painted cast aluminum wheels in Fine Silver (Laredo) | std | — |
| 18-inch wheels (new, standard on base Laredo) | std | — |
| Heated power outside mirrors | — | std |
| High Solar Energy-Absorbing (HSEA) glass on front side windows | — | std |
| LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) | — | std |
| LED fog lights | — | std |
| LED taillights | — | std |
| Outside mirrors with turn signal indicators | — | std |
| Rear liftgate windshield washer and backup camera washer | — | std |
| Rear spoiler with LED center high-mount stop light | — | std |
| Seven-slot grille (updated design) | std | — |
| Silver-painted roof rails | — | std |
| Windshield wiper de-icer | — | std |
| Privacy glass on rear side, quarter and liftgate windows | — | std |
| Rear liftgate windshield defogger | — | std |
| Front and rear mudguards | — | std |
| Temporary spare tire/wheel | — | std |
Powertrain4 differ · 4 listed
| Feature | Jeep Grand CherokeeLaredo 2WD | Toyota HighlanderXLE AWD |
|---|---|---|
| All-Wheel Drive | — | std |
| 3.6-Liter Pentastar V-6 Engine (293 hp @ 6,400 rpm, 260 lb.-ft. @ 4,000 rpm) | std | — |
| Electronic Limited Slip Differential (rear axle, optional) | opt | — |
| TorqueFlite 8HP70 8-Speed Automatic Transmission | std | — |
Cargo1 differ · 1 listed
| Feature | Jeep Grand CherokeeLaredo 2WD | Toyota HighlanderXLE AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Trailer Towing: Max 6,200 lbs (2WD/4WD, axle ratio 3.45) | std | — |
Highlighted rows are where the two differ. Wording is the manufacturer's own.
Safety record
NHTSA recalls, complaints, NCAPJeep Grand Cherokee
Safety Signal 64 D
NHTSA overall ★★★★★
Frontal / side / rollover ★★★★★ / ★★★★★ / ★★★★☆
Recalls 6 · 1 critical
Owner complaints 59 · 0 crashes · 0 fires
Most complained about Engine (42), Power Train (20), Electrical System (10)
Park-outside advisory — open NHTSA recall with a consumer advisory.
Top recalls
- critical Electrical System 25V741000 · 320,068 vehicles
- high Air Bags 26V328000 · 419,035 vehicles
- high Electrical System 25V576000 · 91,787 vehicles
- moderate Tires 26V559000 · 201,975 vehicles
- moderate Visibility 26V529000 · 81 vehicles
- minor Back Over Prevention 26V531000 · 844,028 vehicles
Toyota Highlander
Safety Signal 100 A
NHTSA overall ★★★★★
Frontal / side / rollover ★★★★☆ / ★★★★★ / ★★★★☆
Recalls 0
Owner complaints 4 · 0 crashes · 0 fires
Most complained about Back Over Prevention (1), Visibility/Wiper (1), Power Train (1)
Top recalls
No recalls on file.
Ownership
EPA, manufacturer warranty| Jeep Grand CherokeeLaredo 2WD | Toyota HighlanderXLE AWD | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | — (base trim) | $45,570 (base trim) |
| Price range across trims | — 11 trims | $45,570 – $54,975 7 trims |
| Powertrains | PHEV, GAS | HEV, GAS |
| EPA configuration compared | Grand Cherokee 4xe | Highlander Hybrid AWD |
| Combined mpg / MPGe | 23 | 35 |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $2,900 | $1,900 |
| EV range | — | — |
| Basic warranty | — | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| Powertrain warranty | — | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
| Roadside assistance | — | 2 yr |
Common questions
Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kitsWhich is better, the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee or the 2026 Toyota Highlander?
The Toyota Highlander wins clearly, 98.9 to 52.9, on tech & comfort, safety, fuel & range. The Jeep Grand Cherokee is ahead on performance. On WhichTrim's default weights the 2026 Toyota Highlander scores 98.9 and the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee 52.9. The weights are yours to change — move what you care about and the verdict recalculates on the page.
Which has the better safety record, the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee or the 2026 Toyota Highlander?
2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee: 5 NHTSA stars, grade D, 6 recalls. 2026 Toyota Highlander: 5 NHTSA stars, grade A, 0 recalls. Crash ratings come from NHTSA's own tests; the grade is WhichTrim's read of the recall record, and the two can disagree.
What are the biggest differences between the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee and the 2026 Toyota Highlander?
Where the 2026 Toyota Highlander wins: it has drawn fewer owner complaints (4 against 59 filed with NHTSA), lists more comfort and tech equipment (30 points against 1 on the press-kit count, standard = 1, optional = ½), and has the cleaner recall record (Safety Signal 100 against 64). Where the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee answers: it carries 138 hp per ton against 121 and makes 293 hp against 265. What they share: 5 NHTSA stars.