2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid

$39,035 · Crossover

$40,075 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L bursts onto the scene with classic American ruggedness, boasting 293 horsepower and a commanding 204.9-inch length for an imposing road presence. Conversely, the 2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid captivates with efficiency, offering a stellar 35 combined MPG and 32 miles of pure electric capability. While the Jeep leans into raw power and size, the Tucson champions smart energy use in a smaller, 73.4-inch wide package. Performance specs show the Jeep leads with 25 more horsepower (293 hp vs 268 hp), but the Hyundai counters with a slight torque advantage (271 lb-ft vs 260 lb-ft) and significantly better fuel economy—a massive 14 MPG difference in combined ratings. Priced nearly identically near the $40,000 mark, the decision hinges on prioritizing brute strength and space versus hybrid technology and operational savings.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid

The 2026 Tucson Plug-In Hybrid is the superior commuter due to its exceptional 35 combined MPG and 32 miles of electric-only driving capability.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid

The Tucson offers significantly more practical space, delivering 31.9 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Jeep's 17.2 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

The Grand Cherokee L appeals more to traditional driving enthusiasts with its higher peak output of 293 horsepower and traditional RWD platform.

💰 Best Value

2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid

Despite a slightly higher MSRP of $40,075, the Tucson's fuel savings and hybrid components offer better long-term value against the car1's 21 combined MPG.

Choose the Jeep Grand Cherokee L if...

You require the maximum size afforded by the 204.9-inch length for hauling passengers or cargo internally.
Your driving priorities favor raw engine output, leveraging the 293 hp for spirited, traditional SUV driving.
You prefer a rear-wheel-drive architecture paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Choose the Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid if...

You commute predominantly under 32 miles, allowing you to utilize electric power and achieve 35 MPG.
Maximizing available storage is crucial, as the Tucson provides 31.9 cu ft versus the Jeep's 17.2 cu ft.
You appreciate the confidence and traction provided by the standard All-Wheel Drive system.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Jeep Grand Cherokee L	Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid
Length	204.9"	182.7"
Width	77.9"	73.4"
Height	71.5"	66.3"
Wheelbase	121.7"	108.5"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Jeep	Hyundai
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	3
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Jeep	Hyundai
Base Engine Displacement	3.6 L	1.6 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	plug-in hybrid
Horsepower	293 hp @ 6400 rpm	268 hp
Torque	260 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	271 lb-ft
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	Hyundai
Transmission Type	8-speed automatic	6-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Jeep	Hyundai
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	19/26 MPG	35/35 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	21 MPG	35 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	437.0/598.0 mi.	388.5/388.5 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	23.0 gal.	11.1 gal.
EPA Efficiency (City/Highway MPGe)	—	80/73 MPGe
EPA Efficiency (Combined MPGe)	—	77 MPGe
EPA Electric Driving Range	—	32 mi.
EPA Energy Consumption (kWh/100 mi)	—	44
Charging Time (240V)	—	2.0 hr.
DC Fast Charging Port Type	—	SAE J1772

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Jeep	Hyundai
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	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Extended Cabin Cooling	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Jeep	Hyundai
Infotainment Display	8.4 in	12.3 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

Power Feature

Feature	Jeep	Hyundai
One-Touch Power Windows	2	2
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Jeep	Hyundai
Front Head Room	39.8 in.	40.1 in.
Front Leg Room	41.3 in.	41.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.2 in.	57.6 in.
Front Hip Room	57.4 in.	54.5 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	6-way
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Jeep	Hyundai
Rear Head Room	39.9 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.4 in.	41.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.0 in.	56.0 in.
Rear Hip Room	56.3 in.	53.9 in.
Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Jeep	Hyundai
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 8.0 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Size	265/60R18	235/60R18
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—

Suspension

Feature	Jeep	Hyundai
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	—	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	—	✓

Warranty

Feature	Jeep	Hyundai
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	10 yr./ 100000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	7 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	10 yr./ 100000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L and 2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid.

How much better is the fuel economy between the two crossovers?

The difference is stark: the 2026 Tucson Plug-In Hybrid achieves an impressive 35 combined MPG, whereas the 2025 Grand Cherokee L manages only 21 combined MPG, resulting in a 14 MPG advantage for the Hyundai.

Which vehicle offers more usable space for gear?

The Tucson clearly leads in cargo hauling capacity, offering 31.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats, dwarfing the Grand Cherokee L's 17.2 cubic feet.

Is there a significant power difference affecting performance?

Yes, the Jeep Grand Cherokee L produces 293 horsepower, which is 25 more horses than the Tucson's 268 horsepower, though the Hyundai counters with 11 lb-ft more torque.

Can the Tucson operate purely on electricity?

Absolutely; the 2026 Tucson Plug-In Hybrid offers an EPA-estimated 32 miles of range purely on electric power before the gas engine engages.

What are the price differences at the base level?

The two vehicles are priced very closely, with the Jeep starting at $39,035 MSRP and the Hyundai commanding a slightly higher entry price of $40,075 MSRP.

Why would someone choose the Jeep's RWD setup over the Hyundai's AWD?

A buyer prioritizing the traditional, rear-wheel-drive configuration for its driving dynamics or specific towing preference might choose the Jeep, despite the Tucson offering standard All-Wheel Drive.