2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2026 Chevrolet Traverse
Comparison Overview
Deciding between the rugged capability of the 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L and the spacious utility of the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse often boils down to priority: power versus heritage pricing. The Jeep starts at a slightly lower MSRP of $39,035, compared to the Traverse's $40,800, though both use regular unleaded fuel. However, the new Traverse packs a significant punch with 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque, easily eclipsing the Grand Cherokee L's 293 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. While the Jeep measures slightly longer at 204.9 inches, the Traverse wins decisively on utility, offering 22.9 cu ft of cargo space versus the Jeep's 17.2 cu ft. Interestingly, the Traverse also nudges ahead slightly in fuel economy, netting 23 combined MPG compared to the Jeep's 21 combined MPG, despite the Jeep using RWD as standard and the Traverse using FWD.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Chevrolet Traverse
The Traverse offers marginally better fuel economy at 23 combined MPG and is slightly wider for potentially better road presence.
2026 Chevrolet Traverse
The 2026 Traverse offers substantially more space with 22.9 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Jeep's 17.2 cu ft.
2026 Chevrolet Traverse
The Chevrolet Traverse pulls ahead thanks to its higher output of 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque.
2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
The 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L wins on initial outlay, starting at an MSRP of $39,035 versus the Traverse's $40,800.
Choose the Jeep Grand Cherokee L if...
- You prioritize a lower entry price, as the Grand Cherokee L starts at $39,035.
- You prefer the standard Rear Wheel Drive setup over the Traverse's standard Front Wheel Drive.
- You value the slightly taller stance provided by the Jeep's 71.5-inch height.
Choose the Chevrolet Traverse if...
- Maximum hauling capability is critical, as the Traverse offers 22.9 cu ft of cargo space.
- You need the extra performance delivered by the Traverse's 328 hp engine.
- Slightly better efficiency is important, with the Traverse achieving 23 combined MPG.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Jeep Grand Cherokee L | Chevrolet Traverse |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 204.9" | 204.5" |
| Width | 77.9" | 79.6" |
| Height | 71.5" | 69.6" |
| Wheelbase | 121.7" | 121.0" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Jeep | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Brake Drying | ✓ | — |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Jeep | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 3.6 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | V6 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 293 hp @ 6400 rpm | 328 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 260 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 326 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 24 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | — | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Jeep | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | rear wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Jeep | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 19/26 MPG | 20/27 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 21 MPG | 23 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 437.0/598.0 mi. | 388.0/523.8 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 23.0 gal. | 19.4 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Jeep | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | ✓ | — |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Sun Sensor | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Jeep | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.4 in | 17.7 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Jeep | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Jeep | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.8 in. | 42.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.3 in. | 44.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 59.2 in. | 62.3 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 57.4 in. | 58.7 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Driver Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | Jeep | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.9 in. | 40.0 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.4 in. | 41.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.0 in. | 62.2 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 56.3 in. | 58.6 in. |
| Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Jeep | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 8.0 in | — |
| Tire Size | 265/60R18 | 255/65R18 |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 18 in |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Underbody Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Jeep | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Jeep | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 6 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 1 yr./ unlimited mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L and 2026 Chevrolet Traverse.
How much more powerful is the 2026 Traverse than the Grand Cherokee L?
The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse holds a significant advantage in power, boasting 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque. This is a noticeable increase over the 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, which produces 293 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque.
Which crossover is better for hauling cargo on a road trip?
For carrying gear, the Traverse is the clear winner; it offers 22.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The Jeep Grand Cherokee L is considerably tighter, providing only 17.2 cubic feet behind its rear seats.
Is there a big price difference between the base models?
Yes, there is a gap of $1,765 separating the base MSRPs. The Jeep Grand Cherokee L starts at $39,035, while the 2026 Traverse begins at $40,800, making the Jeep cheaper upfront.
How does the standard drivetrain differ between these two vehicles?
The standard configuration for the Jeep Grand Cherokee L is Rear Wheel Drive (RWD), suggesting a focus on traditional SUV dynamics. Conversely, the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse comes standard with Front Wheel Drive (FWD).
Which car is better for long-distance highway driving regarding fuel economy?
The Chevrolet Traverse edges out the Jeep slightly in efficiency for highway runs, rated at 27 MPG Highway compared to the Grand Cherokee L's 26 MPG Highway rating. Overall combined MPG is 23 for the Traverse versus 21 for the Jeep.
Are the overall exterior footprints drastically different?
No, they are nearly identical in length, with the Jeep measuring 204.9 inches and the Traverse just shy at 204.5 inches. However, the Traverse is significantly wider at 79.6 inches compared to the Jeep's 77.9 inches.
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