Jeep Cherokee vs Toyota Grand Highlander

The KL-generation Cherokee launched as a 2014 model and almost immediately began swirling in controversy. Jeep hadn’t offered a Cherokee in the United States since the 2001 model year, when the XJ Cherokee disappeared, replaced by two generations of the Jeep Liberty.

There was great excitement for this all-new Jeep. Lots of fans were hoping for a redo of the 1984 to 2001 Jeep Cherokee that really helped to define the midsize SUV class with a unibody and legendary toughness. “The 2014 Cherokee feels planted on the road, more carlike than trucklike…” read an early review in Car and Driver. A separate review from the same publication read: “If you have eyes, you’ve noticed that this Cherokee, code-named KL, makes no design references, other than with the grille, to the iconic, rectilinear XJ Cherokee.”

But the automotive industry isn’t necessarily in the business of fueling nostalgia. It’s interested in what it can sell in great numbers in the future, not what people liked 30 years ago. And what we’ve realized over the years is that the Cherokee is really good at what it does, and it’s capable of doing a lot more than you’d expect.

Jeep sells these at a rate of 240,000 annually, in a good year. The best the Jeep Liberty it replaced ever managed was 166,883 units before dropping off the face of the Earth entirely. Clearly, Jeep knew something we didn’t when it released the Cherokee.

Summary: Toyota offers a total of four SUVs with three rows of seats, so it might be tough to decide which one is right for you and your family. While the adventurous will likely gravitate to the 4Runner or Sequoia, those who enjoy soccer games and Target runs should stick to the Highlander or Grand Highlander. Both are excellent choices, but if you’ve got bigger kids with more gear, then the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander should be on your shortlist.

The Grand Highlander was introduced for the 2024 model year and enters 2026 unchanged. In addition to good fuel economy and lots of power, it provides plenty of space for cargo and people—even in the third row. However, the exterior styling feels stale and some of the infotainment features require a subscription.

Verdict: Despite a few small foibles, the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander is perfect for active families who need a bit of extra space and comfort.