2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2026 Lexus TX

The 2026 Lexus TX offered a range of packages tailored to different powertrains, with the TX 350 featuring the Luxury package as standard and options for Ultra Luxury, Executive, and F Sport 3 packages. The 500h hybrid began with the F Sport Performance 2 package, with the possibility of upgrading to the F Sport 3 package. Higher packages included towing capabilities, and while the base models had 20-inch wheels, most packages boasted 22-inch wheels that complemented the vehicle's design. The TX retained its large grille, reminiscent of the older spindle grille shape, but it harmonized well with the sharp bi-LED headlights. The rear featured LED lighting spanning the vehicle's width, topped with a small roof spoiler, and optional roof rails for additional storage.

Inside, the TX offered three interior colour options: standard grey, light grey Birch, and dark brown Peppercorn. Ambient lighting added warmth, and suede trim adorned the glovebox, though the overall material quality fell short of luxury standards, with basic plastics evident. The redesigned door handles, which reacted to pressure rather than pulling out, were a novel feature, but some might have preferred more attention to cabin detail over this innovation.

The 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee underwent subtle exterior updates, with new headlights, grille, and lower front fascia that were hard to distinguish. Despite these minor changes, the Grand Cherokee maintained its handsome and bold appearance, standing out among competitors. The thin grille and headlights, perched atop a prominent brow, contributed to its wide-track look, while traditional Jeep trapezoidal wheel arches and straight body lines enhanced its classic Jeep proportions. The shark-nose front end and canted rear added a dynamic touch, avoiding the boxy look of some rivals.

The Grand Cherokee's interior, though slightly plain due to design elements borrowed by the smaller Jeep Cherokee, still offered premium materials and equipment at higher trim levels. The expected seven trim levels ranged from Laredo to Summit, with varying wheel sizes and upholstery options. The interior featured cloth upholstery in lower trims, leatherette in mid-level trims, and genuine leather in the top trims. Sunroof options were available, with prices reduced compared to the 2025 models.

The 2026 Lexus TX 350 was equipped with a 275-horsepower 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the TX 500h hybrid increased output to 366 hp. The gas model featured an eight-speed automatic transmission, and the hybrid came with a six-speed automatic, offering an alternative to the typical CVT found in electrified powertrains. The TX 350 had electronically controlled full-time AWD, while the TX 500h utilized Lexus's Direct4 AWD system, distributing torque to each axle as needed. Drivers could choose between Normal, Eco, or Sport drive modes, with Sport mode enhancing throttle sensitivity for a more responsive drive. The 500h also included adaptive suspension and rear steering for improved handling.

The 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee introduced the Hurricane 4 Turbo engine, delivering 324 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, surpassing the Wrangler's output. This engine was standard in all trims except the base Laredo and Laredo X, which retained the Pentastar 3.6-litre V6 with 293 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with eight-speed automatic transmissions and standard 4WD in Canada. The Hurricane 4 offered impressive power across a broad rpm range, providing quick acceleration and a towing capacity of 2,810 kilograms. The Grand Cherokee's driving experience remained consistent, with a comfortable steel suspension and available height-adjustable air suspension on the Summit model. Off-road capability varied by trim, with the top Summit trim featuring advanced 4WD systems.

The 2026 Lexus TX offered three-zone automatic climate control, heated and cooled front seats, heated second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel as standard in Canada. Ventilated second-row seats were standard on the TX 500h. The second row featured captain's chairs with a removable centre console, while some packages offered a bench seat. The third row was spacious, with a recline function and ample headroom, accommodating full-sized adults comfortably. Each seat had its own cupholder and USB-C port. Access to the third row was facilitated by a one-touch button on the second-row seat, though folding the second row flat required flipping several levers in a specific order. The front seats were roomy but lacked thigh support, and the heating function remained active through key cycles. The TX boasted excellent cargo space, with 572 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,625 litres with the third row folded, and a total of 2,747 litres with all rear seats down. All TX models could tow up to 2,268 kilograms when properly equipped.

The 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered a standard two-row configuration with five seats, while the Grand Cherokee L provided a three-row option. The front seats offered competitive headroom, but legroom was average compared to rivals. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard in Canada, with ventilation and massagers available on higher trims. The second row had similar headroom to competitors, but legroom was limited compared to the Chevy Traverse. The Grand Cherokee L's third row offered competitive headroom but sub-par legroom. Two-row models provided 1,067 litres of cargo space behind the second row and 2,004 litres with the rear seats folded. The Grand Cherokee L offered 487 litres with all seats in place, 1,328 litres with the third row folded, and 2,395 litres with all back seats down. The interior featured ample storage options, though the rotary shifter and drive mode selector were visually interesting but not particularly practical.

The 2026 Lexus TX featured a 14-inch colour touchscreen that was user-friendly and responsive, though some features lacked polish. Manual input for satellite radio stations was unavailable, requiring users to scan channels. Steering wheel buttons controlled adaptive cruise control and volume, but their multi-functional nature and lack of labels made them confusing. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though connectivity issues occasionally arose. A subscription was required for in-dash navigation and other features, with some packages offering a three-year trial. The back-up camera provided a clear view, and the available Advanced Park system handled parking duties. The TX included seven USB ports and wireless charging, with an available 120-volt/1,500-watt outlet in the second row.

The 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen on higher trims, while lower models retained a 10.2-inch screen. All trims featured a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster. Audio systems ranged from a six-speaker setup to a 19-speaker McIntosh system on the Summit, which also had a front-passenger touchscreen. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system provided wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, with Off-Road Pages displaying useful information for off-road adventures. However, the main touchscreen's home menu was cluttered, and the digital instrument cluster was disorganized. The Grand Cherokee included a surround-view camera system with night vision and a low-angle off-road camera, as well as a digital rearview mirror and Fam Cam for monitoring rear passengers.

The 2026 Lexus TX came standard with Safety System+ 3.0, which included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane tracing assist, lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition, and Proactive Driving Assist. The adaptive cruise control worked well once set up, though it was occasionally slow to respond in traffic. The TX received a five-star crash safety rating from the NHTSA and "Good" scores from the IIHS, with an "Acceptable" rating for the small overlap front crash test on the driver's side.

The 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee was expected to include standard driver assistance features such as adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and lane departure warning. Blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors were also standard. Active Drive Assist, a hands-free highway driving system, was available, with improvements for 2026. The 2025 model received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was an IIHS 2024 Top Safety Pick, though updated ratings for 2026 were not available.