2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2026 Toyota Highlander
Comparison Overview
Deciding between the 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee (car1) and the 2026 Toyota Highlander (car2) often boils down to budget versus baseline capability. The biggest hurdle for buyers is the substantial $8,775 MSRP gap, with the Jeep starting at $36,495 versus the Toyota's $45,270. While the Highlander offers a slight fuel economy advantage with 24 combined MPG versus the Jeep’s 22 combined MPG, the Grand Cherokee counters with significantly more horsepower, delivering 293 hp compared to the Highlander's 265 hp, though the Toyota boasts a higher torque figure at 310 lb-ft. Interestingly, despite being slightly shorter in length (193.5 inches vs. 194.9 inches), the Jeep offers more than double the primary cargo capacity at 37.7 cu ft versus the Highlander's 16 cu ft, making utility a key separating factor beyond the initial purchase price.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Toyota Highlander
The Highlander offers slightly better fuel economy at 24 combined MPG, saving marginally on routine commuting costs.
2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Jeep provides significantly more usable space with 37.7 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Highlander's 16 cu ft.
2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Grand Cherokee pulls ahead in raw power with 293 horsepower, offering a more spirited driving experience than the Highlander's 265 hp.
2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Jeep saves the buyer $8,775 on the initial purchase price while still offering competitive performance metrics.
Choose the Jeep Grand Cherokee if...
- You prioritize initial cost savings, as the MSRP is $8,775 lower than the Highlander.
- You need maximum hauling capacity, as the Jeep offers 37.7 cu ft of cargo space.
- You prefer more immediate power, given the Grand Cherokee's 293 hp output.
Choose the Toyota Highlander if...
- You value standard All-Wheel Drive capability right out of the box.
- You need slightly better fuel efficiency, achieving 24 combined MPG.
- You prefer the benefit of a higher torque rating at 310 lb-ft for initial pull.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Jeep Grand Cherokee | Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 193.5" | 194.9" |
| Width | 77.5" | 76.0" |
| Height | 70.8" | 68.1" |
| Wheelbase | 116.7" | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | 3 | 2 |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | — |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | — | ✓ |
| 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 shiftable 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) | 22 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | — | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | — | ✓ |
| 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 | 39.9 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | — |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| 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 | 39.4 in. | 39.4 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.2 in. | 38.7 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.0 in. | 58.4 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 56.3 in. | 57.0 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Jeep | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 6.5 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P245/70R17 | P235/65R V |
| 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 and 2026 Toyota Highlander.
How does the standard drivetrain differ between these two crossovers?
The 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee comes standard with Rear Wheel Drive (RWD), which is common for its segment base models. Conversely, the 2026 Toyota Highlander includes All-Wheel Drive (AWD) as standard equipment, providing better traction in slippery conditions.
Is the Jeep or the Toyota more fuel-efficient for daily driving?
The Toyota Highlander edges out the Jeep slightly in fuel economy, achieving 24 combined MPG compared to the Grand Cherokee's 22 combined MPG. However, the difference is marginal across a year of typical use.
Which vehicle is better for moving large items based on cargo measurements?
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is the clear winner for cargo, boasting 37.7 cubic feet of storage space. The 2026 Highlander is significantly more constrained for cargo, offering only 16 cubic feet behind the second row.
Considering the power output, which car feels faster off the line?
While the Highlander has higher torque (310 lb-ft vs. Jeep’s 260 lb-ft), the Jeep Grand Cherokee holds the horsepower advantage with 293 hp versus the Highlander’s 265 hp, suggesting it might have a higher top-end performance ceiling.
What is the primary reason to choose the more expensive Toyota Highlander?
The main reasons to pay the $8,775 premium for the Highlander are its standard AWD system and its marginally better combined fuel efficiency rating.
How do the overall dimensions compare regarding parking and maneuverability?
The vehicles are very similar in size, though the Highlander is slightly longer overall (194.9 inches vs. 193.5 inches) but narrower (76.0 inches vs. 77.5 inches), which might make parallel parking feel slightly easier in the Toyota.
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