Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. Toyota Grand Highlander
The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander is the cheaper one to own — roughly $7,260 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
| Metric | Jeep Grand Cherokee | Toyota Grand Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| MotiveGrid Score | 73 | 83 |
| Cost of Ownership | 70 | 85 |
| Powertrain | 54 | 67 |
| Driver Assistance | 38 | 43 |
| Livability | 47 | 51 |
| Safety | 99 | 95 |
| 5-Year Cost to Own | $57,090 | $49,831 |
| 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) | $2,520 | $1,315 |
| 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 |
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.
Which vehicle is right for you
Toyota Grand Highlander is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $7,260 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Jeep Grand Cherokee still wins if your priority is best for lower upfront price.
Cost of Ownership
State
Frequently asked questions
Where these rank
- Jeep Grand Cherokee ranks #1 of 3 in Best Driver Assistance — Midsize SUV and #3 of 3 in Safest Midsize SUVs.
- Toyota Grand Highlander ranks #1 of 3 in Best 3-Row SUV and #1 of 3 in Cheapest 3-Row SUV to Own.
What each one costs at the counter
Both five-year totals above count yearly registration. Neither counts what the state takes on the day you sign — sales tax and the title fee. Those are one-time, they are not the dealer’s to negotiate, and on a car at this price they run to four figures in most states. Work out yours:
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Compare tax, title and license across all 22 states we cover →