Jeep Grand Cherokee 73·Toyota Grand Highlander 82on the MotiveGrid Score·Toyota Grand Highlander about $6,725 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander is the cheaper one to own — roughly $6,725 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better. The Jeep Grand Cherokee counters with more cargo room (37.7 vs 20.6 cu ft) and more power (324 vs 265 hp).
Go with the Toyota Grand Highlander for the better long-term value; consider the Jeep Grand Cherokee if you prioritize more cargo space and stronger acceleration.
Last updated July 2026 · National-average estimates
Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. Toyota Grand Highlander
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee versus 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander.
Metric
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Toyota Grand Highlander
MotiveGrid Score
73
82
Cost of Ownership
69
84
Powertrain
54
67
Driver Assistance
38
43
Livability
47
51
Safety
99
95
5-Year Cost to Own
$57,240
$50,516
Depreciation (5-yr)
$20,897
$13,143
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$14,111
$14,034
Insurance (5-yr)
$10,635
$11,935
Maintenance (5-yr)
$2,670
$2,000
Tires (5-yr)
$2,150
$1,900
Financing (5-yr)
$5,717
$6,358
Registration (5-yr)
$1,060
$1,145
Starting Price
$37,995
$42,260
Horsepower
324 hp
265 hp
MPG (combined)
24 mpg
24 mpg
Cargo volume
37.7 cu ft
20.6 cu ft
Seating
5
8
Towing capacity
6,200 lbs
—
Drivetrain
RWD
FWD
Gas
2026$37,995
MSRP
$37,995
Mo · 5yr
$954
$57,240 / 5 years
Best for lower upfront price
Gas
2026$42,260
MSRP
$42,260
Mo · 5yr
$842
$50,516 / 5 years
Best for long-term savings
VS
01 · The MotiveGrid Score
Five measured pillars, weighted into one score.
Cost, Powertrain, Driver Assistance, Livability, and Safety — each scored against its class, then combined into a single MotiveGrid Score. Built by our engineering team and benchmarked against independent sources like NHTSA, IIHS, and CarEdge. How it’s calculated →
Toyota Grand Highlander scores higher overall.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
0
/ 100
Toyota Grand Highlander
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Grand Cherokee
69
Grand Highlander
84
Winner: Grand Highlander
$6,725 cheaper / 5 yrs
Strong projected resale value▲
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Grand Cherokee
54
Grand Highlander
67
Winner: Grand Highlander
+13 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Grand Cherokee
38
Grand Highlander
43
Winner: Grand Highlander
+5 pts
Strong highway driving support▲
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Grand Cherokee
47
Grand Highlander
51
Winner: Grand Highlander
+4 pts
Easy to maneuver and park▲
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Toyota Grand Highlander is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $6,725 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Jeep Grand Cherokee still wins if your priority is best for lower upfront price.
Daily commuter
Toyota Grand Highlander
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Toyota Grand Highlander
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Better safety rating with substantially more cargo room
Highway driver
Toyota Grand Highlander
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Easiest to park and maneuver in tight spots
03
Cost of Ownership
Monthly running costs — national baseline.
Adjust for your situation
State
Miles/yr15,000
Loan rate7%
Down payment20%
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$954
$57,240 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$954/mo
Toyota Grand Highlander
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$842
$50,516 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$842/mo
💡
On fuel + maintenance alone, the pricier Toyota Grand Highlander would need 28.5 years to recoup its $4,265 price premium ($149/yr in savings) — longer than most people own a car. Depreciation and insurance aren’t included in this payback view.
04
Frequently asked questions
Toyota Grand Highlander comes out about $6,725 cheaper over 5 years on running costs (depreciation, fuel/energy, insurance, maintenance, financing). The gap shifts with your state, annual miles, and loan rate — use the "Adjust for your situation" panel above.