2026 Jeep® Grand Cherokee L near Greenville, SC

The 2026 Jeep® Grand Cherokee L is a three-row sport-utility vehicle engineered with a focus on structural integrity, mechanical balance, and adaptable performance. Built on a steel uniframe architecture, the vehicle combines rigid construction with weight distribution engineered for stability across varying road and load conditions. Assembly takes place at the Detroit Assembly Complex, Mack Plant, reinforcing manufacturing consistency and adherence to North American production standards. The 2026 Jeep® Grand Cherokee L is classified as a multipurpose vehicle and is designed to support rear-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive configurations. Its extended wheelbase and revised proportions distinguish it from two-row variants while preserving the fundamental chassis geometry associated with the Grand Cherokee platform.

The vehicle's layout places the engine longitudinally at the front, supporting both traditional rear-wheel-drive operation and advanced four-wheel-drive systems. This configuration allows the drivetrain to manage torque distribution efficiently while maintaining predictable handling characteristics. All dimensions are measured at curb weight with standard tires and wheels, ensuring consistent reference points for ride height, clearance, and cargo calculations.

Powertrain Architecture and Engine Specifications

The 2026 Jeep® Grand Cherokee L offers two gasoline engine options, each designed to deliver consistent output, durability, and towing capability while operating on regular unleaded fuel.

The 3.6-liter Pentastar® V-6 engine is a naturally aspirated powerplant with a displacement of 3,604 cubic centimeters. It features a 60-degree V configuration and a chain-driven dual overhead camshaft valvetrain with 24 valves. Hydraulic end-pivot roller rockers reduce friction and support long-term operational stability. The engine block is constructed from aluminum with a deep-skirt design, paired with aluminum alloy cylinder heads. Bore and stroke measurements of 96 millimeters by 83 millimeters contribute to balanced combustion characteristics. The engine produces 293 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 260 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm, with an electronically limited maximum engine speed of 6,700 rpm. A compression ratio of 11.3:1 supports efficient combustion without requiring premium fuel.

Fuel delivery is managed through sequential multiport electronic fuel injection, operating in a returnless configuration. Emissions control includes dual three-way catalytic converters, heated oxygen sensors, and integrated internal engine features designed to maintain regulatory compliance. Oil capacity is rated at 5.0 quarts, while coolant capacity totals 14.0 quarts.

The available 2.0-liter Hurricane turbocharged inline-four engine introduces a higher output option within a compact displacement. This engine displaces 1,995 cubic centimeters and utilizes a chain-driven dual overhead camshaft system with 16 valves. It integrates both direct and port fuel injection to optimize combustion across varying load conditions. Internal components include a forged and twisted steel crankshaft, forged steel connecting rods, and cast aluminum alloy pistons with diamond-like carbon-coated piston pins. The aluminum block features plasma spray-bore coated cylinders to reduce friction and enhance durability under turbocharged operation.

This engine delivers 324 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 332 pound-feet of torque across a wide range from 3,000 to 4,500 rpm. The compression ratio is set at 12:1, and maximum engine speed is electronically limited to 6,500 rpm. Oil capacity mirrors the V-6 at 5.0 quarts, while coolant capacity is divided between the engine and intercooler systems.

Transmission Systems and Driveline Configuration

Both engines are paired with TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmissions designed for smooth ratio transitions and consistent torque delivery. The 3.6-liter V-6 utilizes the TorqueFlite 8HP70 transmission, while the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine is matched with the TorqueFlite 880RE or 8HP80 transmission. These transmissions incorporate electronically modulated torque-converter clutches and driver-interactive manual control. Gear ratios are selected to balance acceleration, highway efficiency, and towing performance.

Rear-wheel drive is standard, with multiple four-wheel-drive systems available. The MP3010 transfer case provides a single-speed electronically shifted system with full-time active four-wheel drive and variable front-to-rear torque distribution. The MP3022 transfer case adds a two-speed configuration with a 2.72:1 low-range ratio, supporting enhanced traction in low-speed driving conditions. Both systems are designed to operate automatically without manual intervention during normal driving.

Axles, Suspension Geometry, and Steering Control

Front axle design includes a conventional differential with a front axle disconnect on four-wheel-drive models, contributing to reduced drag during two-wheel-drive operation. Ring gear diameter measures 7.7 inches, with a standard axle ratio of 3.45:1. Rear axle configurations vary by drivetrain, with a 7.7-inch ring gear on four-wheel-drive models and a 9.1-inch ring gear on rear-wheel-drive models. The rear axle ratio remains consistent at 3.45:1 across all configurations.

The front suspension uses a multi-link independent layout with coil springs and gas-charged twin-tube coilover shock absorbers. Aluminum control arms and knuckles reduce unsprung mass and support precise wheel movement. The rear suspension also uses a multi-link independent design with coil springs and twin-tube shocks. Load-leveling functionality is included to maintain consistent ride height during towing or cargo loading.

Electric rack-and-pinion steering is standard, with an overall ratio of 16.9:1 on rear-wheel-drive models and 15.6:1 on four-wheel-drive models. Lock-to-lock steering turns range from 2.9 to 3.0, depending on drivetrain configuration. The turning diameter measures 39.6 feet curb-to-curb.

Braking Systems and Vehicle Stability Technologies

The braking system incorporates electric brake boost technology paired with four-wheel disc brakes. Front brakes use vented rotors measuring 13.94 inches in diameter and 1.10 inches in thickness, combined with two-piston pin-slider calipers. Rear brakes utilize vented rotors measuring 13.78 inches in diameter and 0.87 inches in thickness, paired with single-piston electronic parking brake calipers. Swept brake area is optimized to support consistent stopping performance under load.

Standard safety and stability systems include four-wheel antilock brakes, electronic stability control, all-speed traction control, and brake assist. These systems work in coordination to manage wheel slip, maintain directional control, and support braking effectiveness during emergency maneuvers or reduced traction conditions.

Exterior Dimensions, Ground Clearance, and Aerodynamics

The 2026 Jeep® Grand Cherokee L rides on a 121.7-inch wheelbase and measures 204.9 inches in overall length. Overall width is 84.6 inches when measured at the mirrors and 77.5 inches with mirrors folded. Body width matches the folded mirror measurement, while overall height measures approximately 71.5 inches with standard suspension or air suspension.

Ground clearance varies by suspension type. Standard suspension provides 8.5 inches of clearance, while available air suspension increases clearance up to 10.9 inches in its higher ride position. Approach, breakover, and departure angles are enhanced with air suspension, supporting varied terrain operation. The drag coefficient is rated at 0.357, with a frontal area of 31.95 square feet.

Interior Space, Seating Configuration, and Cargo Volume

Interior accommodations are arranged in a three-row configuration with seating for up to seven occupants. The seating layout consists of two front seats, a three-seat second row with optional bucket seats, and a two-seat third row. Total passenger volume measures 159.1 cubic feet.

Front-row headroom measures 39.8 inches, with legroom of 41.3 inches. Second-row headroom measures 39.9 inches, while legroom reaches 39.4 inches. Third-row headroom measures 37.3 inches, with legroom of 30.3 inches. Cargo volume behind the third row totals 17.2 cubic feet, expanding to 46.9 cubic feet behind the second row and 84.6 cubic feet with the first row folded.

Wheels, Tires, and Towing Capability

Wheel sizes range from 18 inches to 21 inches depending on trim level, with aluminum construction used throughout. Tire sizes include 265/60R18 and 265/50R20 all-season configurations from multiple manufacturers. These tire selections are calibrated for load rating, ride comfort, and traction consistency.

Maximum trailer weight is rated at 6,200 pounds for both engine options in rear-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive configurations. This capability is supported by drivetrain gearing, suspension load management, and braking capacity.

Schedule a Test Ride near Greenville, SC

Drivers interested in evaluating the engineering characteristics of the 2026 Jeep® Grand Cherokee L can arrange a test drive through McKinney Chrysler Dodge Jeep® & Ram near Greenville, SC. A scheduled drive provides the opportunity to assess power delivery from both available engines, observe transmission shift behavior, and experience chassis response across varied driving conditions. The test drive also allows evaluation of steering precision, braking response, and interior space functionality. Experiencing the suspension tuning and drivetrain operation firsthand offers practical insight into the vehicle's design priorities. Appointments can be arranged to focus on specific configurations and technical features relevant to individual driving needs.