Jeep is preparing to roll out a mid-cycle refresh for the Grand Cherokee in conjunction with the 2026 model year, and now, a new set of spy shots is serving up an early look at what’s in store. High on the list of changes are a few exterior styling tweaks, as well as several interior technology upgrades. When it finally drops, the new 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee will compete in the midsize SUV segment, with two-row variants going up against rivals like the Chevy Blazer and GMC Acadia.
Hiding under the light front camo, we see this 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee prototype rocking a new front fascia design, showing off a few forthcoming updates expected to be applied to both the two-row Grand Cherokee and the three-row Grand Cherokee L, creating a cohesive look across the lineup. While the swirling wrap conceals finer surface details, it does little to hide the newly reshaped grille and air intakes.
The 2026 Grand Cherokee retains Jeep’s hallmark seven-slot grille, but introduces a fresh interpretation. The slots are now fully framed by a thick, notched border that gives the front end a more technical look overall, and marks a notable shift from the current open-slot design. Under the grille, Jeep has fitted the new Grand Cherokee with a redesigned bumper and updated air intakes. The new lower fascia integrates multiple intake tiers, each of which includes a horizontally oriented insert design.
Inside, the changes are even more significant. Spy shots reveal a wide-format infotainment display integrated into a reshaped center stack. This widescreen replaces much of the physical switchgear seen in the current model, consolidating HVAC and seat function controls into on-screen icons arranged vertically along the edges of the screen.
Despite the shift toward a more touch-heavy interface, Jeep has retained a pair of physical knobs – one for the driver and one for the passenger – likely to manage various audio and vehicle settings.
Stay tuned for more information on the forthcoming 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee as cover this key GM competitor. Up next – the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee L.
Comments
Do you really believe the Blazer and Acadia compete with the JGC?
HA!
How is there a rivalry when the Blazer is being dropped soon?
This refresh is much ado about little. Some say it’s worse-looking. That infotainment screen is hilariously way too low and reliability, well, you know.
Good lord, but I wish companies would move away from digital controls for functions like HVAC! I have no problems with the screens themselves or some more niche functions being hidden away in there (as long as they can be reached in an easy, logical manner). But stuff like HVAC says that you hate customers!