First drives and powertrain impressions for new Jeeps

The 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Cherokee mark a significant shift in Jeep’s powertrain strategy, introducing the 324-horsepower Hurricane turbocharged four-cylinder engine as a central piece of their lineup. These first-drive impressions highlight both the promise and the challenges of Jeep’s downsized, turbocharged approach, offering valuable insights for shoppers weighing their options in the evolving SUV market.

A New Heartbeat: The 324-HP Hurricane Turbo-Four

Jeep’s move away from larger-displacement engines to a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder — dubbed the Hurricane — is a clear nod to efficiency and emissions standards, but it also represents a bet on refinement and performance from a smaller package. The engine delivers a robust 324 horsepower, which on paper competes well against some naturally aspirated six-cylinder rivals. However, early drives reveal a mixed bag:

• Power delivery is generally strong and responsive, with turbo lag kept in check, allowing for confident acceleration in various driving conditions.
• Despite the impressive output, the engine is described as “a bit unrefined,” with a noticeable mechanical noise and vibration under certain throttle inputs that detracts from the otherwise polished experience.
• The Hurricane’s character contrasts with the expected smoothness of larger engines, making it a distinct departure for Jeep enthusiasts accustomed to V6 or V8 powertrains.

Refinement and Overall Driving Experience

Both the Grand Cherokee and Cherokee have been re-engineered with a focus on improving ride quality and cabin quietness, aiming to complement the new engine’s attributes. Noteworthy impressions include:

• The Grand Cherokee’s facelift brings subtle styling and tech updates but more importantly, reaffirms that Jeep believes cylinder count is less important than overall driving dynamics and refinement.
• The Cherokee’s latest iteration addresses many criticisms of its predecessor, particularly around interior quality and driving manners, resulting in a package that is “not perfect, but pretty darn close.”
• Suspension tuning and sound insulation have been enhanced to mitigate the Hurricane engine’s harsher characteristics, producing a ride that feels confident and composed on pavement and light off-road trails.

What This Means for Buyers

For shoppers in the market for new Jeep SUVs, especially those considering downsized turbocharged engines, these first-drive impressions provide critical context:

• The Hurricane turbo-four offers a compelling blend of power and efficiency, suitable for everyday driving and light towing, but it may not fully satisfy those seeking the traditional smoothness and character of Jeep’s larger engines.
• Buyers prioritizing fuel economy and emissions compliance will appreciate the technological step forward, while those valuing refinement might want to test drive carefully to assess personal tolerance for the engine’s quirks.
• Jeep’s overall package improvements in both Grand Cherokee and Cherokee suggest a conscious effort to balance performance, comfort, and capability, making these models strong contenders in their segments despite the unconventional powertrain choice.

In summary, the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Cherokee’s introduction of the 324-hp Hurricane turbo-four signals Jeep’s commitment to modernizing its lineup. While the engine impresses with its power and efficiency, its refinement remains a work in progress. Together with enhanced chassis tuning and interior upgrades, these new models offer an intriguing option for buyers open to the benefits and trade-offs of downsized turbocharged Jeep SUVs.