Jeep Grand Cherokee 73·Toyota Highlander 78on the MotiveGrid Score·Jeep Grand Cherokee about $349 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee is the cheaper one to own — roughly $349 less over five years, thanks to cheaper insurance. The Toyota Highlander counters with seating for 7.
Go with the Jeep Grand Cherokee for the better long-term value; consider the Toyota Highlander if you prioritize more passenger space.
Last updated May 2026 · National-average estimates
Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. Toyota Highlander
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee versus 2026 Toyota Highlander.
Metric
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Toyota Highlander
MotiveGrid Score
73
78
Cost of Ownership
69
73
Powertrain
54
70
Driver Assistance
38
43
Livability
47
46
Safety
99
93
5-Year Cost to Own
$57,240
$57,590
Depreciation (5-yr)
$20,897
$19,174
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$14,111
$14,034
Insurance (5-yr)
$10,635
$12,325
Maintenance (5-yr)
$2,670
$1,790
Tires (5-yr)
$2,150
$2,150
Financing (5-yr)
$5,717
$6,901
Registration (5-yr)
$1,060
$1,215
Starting Price
$37,995
$45,870
Horsepower
324 hp
265 hp
MPG (combined)
24 mpg
24 mpg
Cargo volume
37.7 cu ft
16 cu ft
Seating
5
7
Towing capacity
6,200 lbs
5,000 lbs
Drivetrain
RWD
AWD
Gas
2026$37,995
MSRP
$37,995
Mo · 5yr
$954
$57,240 / 5 years
Best for long-term savings
Gas
2026$45,870
MSRP
$45,870
Mo · 5yr
$960
$57,590 / 5 years
Best for comfort & features
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 Highlander scores higher overall.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
0
/ 100
Toyota Highlander
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Grand Cherokee
69
Highlander
73
Winner: Highlander
$349 cheaper / 5 yrs
Strong projected resale value▲
Low maintenance cost▲
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Grand Cherokee
54
Highlander
70
Winner: Highlander
+16 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Grand Cherokee
38
Highlander
43
Winner: Highlander
+5 pts
Strong highway driving support▲
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Grand Cherokee
47
Highlander
46
Winner: Grand Cherokee
+1 pts
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Too close to call — these two vehicles are within $349 of each other over 5 years. The cost difference is small enough that your priorities should drive the decision.
Jeep Grand Cherokee wins on best for long-term savings; Toyota Highlander wins on best for comfort & features.
Daily commuter
Toyota Highlander
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Better safety rating with substantially more cargo room
Highway driver
Toyota 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 Highlander
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$960
$57,590 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$960/mo
💡
On fuel + maintenance alone, the pricier Toyota Highlander would need 41.1 years to recoup its $7,875 price premium ($191/yr in savings) — longer than most people own a car. Depreciation and insurance aren’t included in this payback view.
04
Frequently asked questions
Jeep Grand Cherokee comes out about $349 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.