2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs. 2026 Toyota Highlander in Huron, SD
Huron-area SUV shoppers comparing three-row models can look at the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee L and 2026 Toyota Highlander for different approaches to family transportation. The Grand Cherokee L offers a 293-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 or available 324-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, rear-wheel drive or available four-wheel drive, and up to 6,200 pounds of towing capacity. The Highlander uses a 265-horsepower 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, standard all-wheel drive for 2026, and a maximum 5,000-pound towing capacity on gas models.
Both SUVs provide three rows of seating, modern infotainment, driver-assistance technology, and cargo flexibility. Their differences in powertrain output, drivetrain systems, towing capacity, fuel economy, and cabin technology give drivers around Huron, Aberdeen, Watertown, and central South Dakota several specifications to consider.
2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee L and 2026 Toyota Highlander Key Highlights
| Feature | 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee L | 2026 Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 6 or 7 | 7 or 8 |
| Base engine | 3.6L V6 | 2.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder |
| Base horsepower | 293 hp | 265 hp |
| Available horsepower | 324 hp | 265 hp gas / hybrid available |
| Maximum torque | 332 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD or available 4WD | Standard AWD |
| Maximum towing | 6,200 lbs. | 5,000 lbs. |
| Cargo behind third row | 17.2 cu. ft. | 16.0 cu. ft. |
| Maximum cargo | 84.6 cu. ft. | 84.3 cu. ft. |
2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Offers V6 and Turbocharged Four-Cylinder Power
The 2026 Grand Cherokee L gives Huron drivers a choice between the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 and a new 2.0-liter Hurricane turbocharged four-cylinder. The V6 produces 293 horsepower, while the turbo-four increases output to 324 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. Both engines use an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Grand Cherokee L Powertrain Details Include
- 3.6L Pentastar V6 with 293 hp
- Available 2.0L Hurricane turbo-four with 324 hp
- Up to 332 lb-ft of torque
- 8-speed automatic transmission
- Rear-wheel drive or available 4WD
- Up to 6,200 lbs. of towing capacity
Highlander Powertrain Details Include
- 2.4L turbocharged four-cylinder
- 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque
- 8-speed automatic transmission
- Standard all-wheel drive
- Up to 5,000 lbs. of towing capacity
- Available Highlander Hybrid models
2026 Toyota Highlander Reaches 24 MPG Combined With Gas Power
The 2026 Highlander gas lineup uses a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder rated at a manufacturer-estimated 24 mpg combined. Toyota also offers Highlander Hybrid models with a manufacturer-estimated 35 mpg combined rating. The Grand Cherokee L's new turbo-four is rated by Jeep at up to 21 mpg city and 27 mpg highway.
Grand Cherokee L Fuel-Economy Facts
- Turbo-four: up to 21 city/27 highway mpg
- V6: fuel economy varies by configuration
- 6,200-lb. maximum towing capacity
- Available four-wheel-drive systems
Highlander Fuel-Economy Facts
- Gas models: 24 mpg combined manufacturer estimate
- Hybrid models: 35 mpg combined manufacturer estimate
- Standard AWD for 2026
- 5,000-lb. maximum towing capacity
2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Provides 84.6 Cubic Feet of Maximum Cargo Space
The Grand Cherokee L provides three-row seating for up to seven passengers and 17.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row. Folding the third row increases cargo room to 46.9 cubic feet, while folding both rear rows provides 84.6 cubic feet.
Grand Cherokee L Interior and Utility Features Include
- Seating for up to seven
- 17.2 cu. ft. behind the third row
- 46.9 cu. ft. behind the second row with third row folded
- 84.6 cu. ft. maximum cargo capacity
- Available air suspension
- Available premium seating and comfort features
Highlander Interior and Utility Features Include
- Seating for seven or eight
- 16.0 cu. ft. behind the third row
- Up to 84.3 cu. ft. maximum cargo capacity
- Available second-row bench seating
- Three-zone automatic climate control
- Available leather-trimmed seating
2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Adds a 12.3-Inch Uconnect Display
The 2026 Grand Cherokee L receives a redesigned interior with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and an available 10.3-inch front-passenger display. The system supports modern smartphone connectivity, while available equipment adds additional comfort and entertainment features.
Grand Cherokee L Technology Includes
- 12.3-inch Uconnect touchscreen
- Available 10.3-inch passenger display
- Available advanced driver-assistance features
- Available premium audio
- Available navigation and connected services
Highlander Technology Includes
- 8.0-inch standard touchscreen
- Available 12.3-inch touchscreen
- Wireless Apple CarPlay®
- Wireless Android Auto™
- Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+
- Available wireless charging
What Do Automotive Experts Say About the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee L?
Car and Driver tested the Grand Cherokee L and highlighted its highly refined cabin and impressive capability, awarding it an outstanding 9/10 rating. The publication praised the SUV for perfectly balancing a spacious, luxurious interior with competent handling and a smooth on-road demeanor.
"This mid-size three-row SUV maintains the shorter GC's pleasant on-road demeanor and can handle itself out on the trails while remaining wieldy on city streets and tight parking lots."
What Are 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Owners Saying?
A verified Kelley Blue Book owner review for the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Summit highlights its exceptional interior and robust engine performance, awarding the SUV a perfect 5/5 stars across all major categories.
"Honestly, I've never owned such a comfortable vehicle. The engine has incredible power... it's an incredible SUV."
Source: Kelley Blue Book, 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Consumer Reviews
2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs. 2026 Toyota Highlander FAQs
How much horsepower does the 2026 Grand Cherokee L have?
The Grand Cherokee L produces 293 horsepower with the 3.6-liter V6 or 324 horsepower with the available 2.0-liter turbo-four.
Does the 2026 Grand Cherokee L have four-wheel drive?
Yes. Rear-wheel drive is available, while four-wheel-drive systems are available depending on configuration.
How much can the Grand Cherokee L tow?
The 2026 Grand Cherokee L can tow up to 6,200 pounds when properly equipped.
How many passengers can the Grand Cherokee L seat?
The Grand Cherokee L seats up to seven passengers, depending on configuration.
How much cargo space does the Grand Cherokee L have?
The Grand Cherokee L provides 17.2 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 84.6 cubic feet with the rear rows folded.
We Help Huron Drivers Explore the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
We help drivers at Iverson CDJR Huron explore the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, compare available configurations, review financing and trade-in options, and schedule service. Our dealership is located at 2500 Dakota Ave S in Huron, with access from US Highway 14 and SD Highway 37.
Huron Drivers Can:
- Explore Grand Cherokee L configurations
- Compare available powertrains and 4WD systems
- Review financing and leasing options
- Value a trade-in
- Schedule certified Mopar service
- Order genuine Mopar parts