2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2026 Toyota Highlander
Comparison Overview
Trying to decide between the rugged capability of the 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L and the efficiency of the 2026 Toyota Highlander can be tough. If your priority is saving money upfront, the Jeep starts at a compelling $39,035 compared to the Highlander's $45,270, a difference of $6,235 right off the bat. However, the Toyota fights back with better fuel economy, boasting a Combined MPG of 24 versus the Jeep's 21 MPG, and offers better highway mileage at 28 MPG versus 26 MPG. Performance favors the Jeep, which delivers 293 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque compared to the Highlander's 265 hp, despite the Toyota having higher torque at 310 lb-ft. Size matters too; at 204.9 inches long, the Jeep is significantly longer than the Highlander's 194.9 inches, which may impact maneuverability in tight city parking spots.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Toyota Highlander
The 2026 Toyota Highlander is the clear commuter winner due to its superior combined 24 MPG fuel economy.
2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
The 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offers a slightly larger overall footprint and superior horsepower (293 hp) for moving a family.
2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
Enthusiasts seeking higher peak power will appreciate the Jeep's 293 horsepower output over the Highlander's 265 hp.
2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
The Jeep commands the value category by saving buyers $6,235 in starting MSRP while offering more base horsepower.
Choose the Jeep Grand Cherokee L if...
- You prioritize the lowest initial purchase price, starting at just $39,035.
- You need the extra length, as the Grand Cherokee L measures 204.9 inches long.
- You prefer more peak horsepower for acceleration, delivering 293 hp versus the competitor's 265 hp.
Choose the Toyota Highlander if...
- Maximizing fuel savings is key, highlighted by its 24 Combined MPG.
- You require standard All-Wheel Drive capability right out of the box.
- You prefer higher torque output (310 lb-ft) for pulling power, despite lower horsepower.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Jeep Grand Cherokee L | Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 204.9" | 194.9" |
| Width | 77.9" | 76.0" |
| Height | 71.5" | 68.1" |
| Wheelbase | 121.7" | 112.2" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Jeep | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Jeep | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 3.6 L | 2.4 L |
| Number of Cylinders | V6 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 293 hp @ 6400 rpm | 265 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 260 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 310 lb-ft @ 1700 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 | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | rear wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Jeep | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 19/26 MPG | 21/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 21 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 437.0/598.0 mi. | 375.9/501.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 23.0 gal. | 17.9 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Jeep | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Jeep | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.4 in | 8.0 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 | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Moonroof Type | — | 1st Row Power Glass |
Frontseats
| Feature | Jeep | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.8 in. | 39.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.3 in. | 42.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 59.2 in. | 59.0 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 57.4 in. | 57.2 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 | — |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | Jeep | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.9 in. | 39.4 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.4 in. | 38.7 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.0 in. | 58.4 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 56.3 in. | 57.0 in. |
| Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Jeep | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 8.0 in | — |
| Tire Size | 265/60R18 | P235/65R V |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 18 in |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Underbody Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Jeep | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Jeep | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L and 2026 Toyota Highlander.
How much more fuel-efficient is the Highlander compared to the Grand Cherokee L?
The 2026 Toyota Highlander is notably more efficient, achieving a Combined MPG of 24. This edges out the 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, which is rated for 21 Combined MPG, offering savings on regular unleaded fuel over time.
Which vehicle is physically larger and does that affect cargo space?
The 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L is the larger vehicle, measuring 204.9 inches long compared to the Highlander's 194.9 inches. Despite its greater length, the Jeep offers slightly more cargo capacity at 17.2 cu ft versus the Highlander's 16 cu ft.
Is the base price difference significant between these two crossovers?
Yes, the price difference is substantial; the Jeep starts at $39,035 while the Highlander begins at $45,270, giving the Jeep an upfront cost savings of $6,235.
Which vehicle has more power under the hood?
The 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L holds the advantage in raw horsepower, producing 293 hp, whereas the 2026 Toyota Highlander is rated for 265 hp, though the Toyota compensates with 310 lb-ft of torque compared to the Jeep's 260 lb-ft.
Are the base drive types different for these models?
They utilize different standard drive systems; the base 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L comes with Rear Wheel Drive. Conversely, the base 2026 Toyota Highlander includes All Wheel Drive.
Which vehicle offers better highway fuel economy?
The 2026 Toyota Highlander maintains a slight edge in highway efficiency, delivering 28 MPG on the highway compared to the 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's 26 MPG rating, both using regular unleaded fuel.
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