Jeep Cherokee vs Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid

The 2026 Jeep Cherokee, with its new KM model, presented a more traditional and less divisive design compared to its predecessor, the KL model. Its boxy shape echoed the classic XJ Cherokee from the 1980s and 1990s, yet it risked blending into the sea of rugged-looking crossovers. The iconic seven-slot grille seemed less authentic, resembling a replica rather than the original. The rear design was more successful, merging an XJ-like profile with aerodynamic elements and distinctive taillights. The Cherokee's proportions were commendable for a compact SUV sharing the Stellantis STLA Large platform. Across its trim levels, from base to Overland, the exterior appearance remained consistent, with the Overland boasting 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Cherokee offered cloth upholstery in lower trims and leatherette in higher ones, with recycled materials used for environmental reasons. The interior, primarily plastic, avoided glossy finishes, and its design exceeded expectations with a stylish dashboard and rotary shifter.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid, particularly in its Platinum Hybrid Max trim, embraced a conservative design reminiscent of the popular RAV4, scaled up to accommodate up to eight passengers and ample cargo space. Its interior prioritized function, with a touch of luxury in the Platinum trim, though glossy plastics and unlined storage detracted slightly from its value. The climate system was straightforward, with large knobs for easy adjustments, but the infotainment interface was less intuitive, with a small volume knob and no tuning knob. The Grand Highlander’s design choices reflected a balance between practicality and a nod to luxury, making it a formidable contender in the three-row SUV segment.

The 2026 Jeep Cherokee featured a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a two-motor hybrid system, delivering 210 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque. Its AWD system, while basic by Jeep standards, offered a clutch-based rear-axle disconnect for improved fuel economy. The Cherokee's Selec-Terrain drive modes and best-in-class approach and departure angles enhanced its off-road capabilities, though it lacked the 4WD systems of its larger siblings. The hybrid system impressed with smooth power transitions, and the vehicle was quiet and comfortable, though steering required adjustments for optimal performance. Regenerative braking was minimal, with a "low mode" offering slight improvement.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max emphasized performance with its 2.4-litre turbocharged engine and electronic AWD, producing 362 horsepower. Its six-speed automatic transmission avoided the droning typical of CVTs. While the Hybrid Max traded some fuel efficiency for power, it offered a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. During testing, it achieved fuel economy in the mid-9s L/100 km. The powertrain provided confident acceleration, and the ride quality was soft and isolating, though handling was secure only up to a point. Visibility was excellent, aided by comprehensive camera systems, though the front camera's frequent screen takeover was a minor annoyance.

The 2026 Jeep Cherokee offered competitive headroom and legroom for front-seat passengers, though forward visibility was slightly hindered by its design. Upgrading to higher trims provided additional features like power seats and heated options. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed similar headroom, but competitors offered more legroom and cargo space. The Cherokee's cargo capacity was 951 litres behind the rear seats and 1,934 litres with seats folded, with a towing capacity of 1,587 kilograms. The dashboard maintained important analog controls, though some buttons were hard to locate, and touch sensors for climate controls lacked feedback.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid provided comfortable seating across three rows, with over 2,700 litres of maximum cargo space. The Platinum trim featured upscale interiors with leather and artificial suede upholstery. While rear doors posed challenges for child seat access, the second-row captain’s chairs allowed easy third-row access. The third-row seats were comfortable for adults, and the cargo space was generous, with 586 litres behind the third row and up to 2,761 litres with seats folded. The Grand Highlander offered ample space for family trips, though some storage areas were unlined.

The 2026 Jeep Cherokee came with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, running the Uconnect 5 system. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with wireless charging available on higher trims. The system was stable and upgradable, though the digital cluster's graphics were plain, and the navigation system lagged compared to Android Auto. The audio system showed little difference between lower and higher trims.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and access to music services. Toyota Connected Services offered various features, though the infotainment system had limitations in displaying multiple screens simultaneously. The digital voice assistant was responsive, and the Platinum trim included advanced features like a head-up display and premium audio system, enhancing the overall experience.

The 2026 Jeep Cherokee offered standard driver assistance features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Active Driving Assist and traffic sign recognition were standard on higher trims, with a surround-view camera system as an option. Crash test ratings were unavailable at the time.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid came with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features. Proactive Driving Assist was standard, though it was often turned off due to its intrusiveness. The safety tech operated accurately, though lane keep assist occasionally required manual correction. The Grand Highlander received a five-star rating from NHTSA but fell short of IIHS's Top Safety Pick due to headlight and frontal-impact ratings.