2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

$36,495 · Crossover

$47,020 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee unleashes an accessible V6 punch, boasting 293 horsepower and a $36,495 starting MSRP that immediately appeals to the budget-conscious driver looking for traditional SUV swagger. Conversely, the 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid commands attention with its stellar efficiency, achieving an incredible 35 MPG combined from its hybrid powertrain, justifying its higher $47,020 entry price. While the Jeep offers superior brute force power and a generous 37.7 cu ft of cargo space, the Highlander’s commitment to frugality shines through its class-leading fuel economy—a massive 13 MPG better than the Jeep's 22 MPG combined. This comparison pits raw, rear-wheel-drive performance (Jeep) against sophisticated, all-wheel-drive economy (Toyota), requiring buyers to balance the Jeep's 50-horsepower advantage against the Highlander’s enduring financial savings over the long run.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid wins for commuters due to its segment-leading 35 MPG combined efficiency, which drastically reduces fuel stops.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee provides significantly more utility with 37.7 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Highlander's 16 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The Jeep Grand Cherokee appeals more to driving enthusiasts with its higher output of 293 horsepower and traditional RWD dynamics.

💰 Best Value

2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The Jeep Grand Cherokee offers undeniable value starting at $36,495, which is $10,525 less than the Highlander Hybrid’s $47,020 starting price.

Choose the Jeep Grand Cherokee if...

You prioritize immediate driving excitement, benefiting from 293 horsepower versus the Highlander’s 243 hp.
Maximum hauling and storage are essential, as the Jeep offers 37.7 cu ft of cargo room.
You want to save over $10,500 at the point of purchase with an MSRP of $36,495.

Choose the Toyota Highlander Hybrid if...

Fuel economy is paramount, given the Highlander Hybrid achieves an outstanding 35 MPG combined.
You prefer the assured grip of All-Wheel Drive (AWD) across varied weather conditions.
You need consistent efficiency for long highway treks, as the Highlander delivers 35 MPG city/highway.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Jeep Grand Cherokee	Toyota Highlander Hybrid
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	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	hybrid
Horsepower	293 hp @ 6400 rpm	243 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	260 lb-ft @ 4000 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	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	all wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Jeep	Toyota
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	19/26 MPG	35/35 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	22 MPG	35 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	437.0/598.0 mi.	598.5/598.5 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	23.0 gal.	17.1 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	P235/65R18
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.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	8 yr./ 100000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	2 yr./ 25000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid.

What is the main performance trade-off between the two crossovers?

The 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee leads on raw power, delivering 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. However, this comes at the expense of fuel consumption, returning only 22 MPG combined, while the 2026 Highlander Hybrid prioritizes efficiency with 243 horsepower and a superior 35 MPG combined rating.

How does the cargo capacity compare for daily utility?

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is the clear winner for cargo hauling, offering a cavernous 37.7 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats. In contrast, the 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid offers significantly less utility with only 16 cubic feet available for storage.

Is the difference in starting price significant?

Yes, the price difference is substantial; the 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee starts at $36,495, undercutting the 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid's $47,020 MSRP by $10,525.

Which vehicle is better equipped for foul weather driving?

The 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid comes standard with an All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, which typically offers better traction in rain and snow compared to the Jeep Grand Cherokee's standard Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) configuration.

How does the fueling requirement differ between these two models?

Both vehicles are capable of running on regular unleaded gasoline. Despite the hybrid nature of the Toyota, the Jeep Grand Cherokee uses regular unleaded fuel with its V6 engine, meaning neither requires premium gasoline.

Are the driving dynamics very different due to the transmissions?

The driving feel will vary, as the Jeep utilizes a traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, offering distinct gear changes. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid employs a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), which provides seamless acceleration but can sometimes feel less engaging than geared setups.