Head-to-head · vehicle level

Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. Toyota Highlander

Jeep Grand Cherokee 73Toyota Highlander 78on the MotiveGrid ScoreJeep 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.
MetricJeep Grand CherokeeToyota Highlander
MotiveGrid Score7378
Cost of Ownership6973
Powertrain5470
Driver Assistance3843
Livability4746
Safety9993
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
Horsepower324 hp265 hp
MPG (combined)24 mpg24 mpg
Cargo volume37.7 cu ft16 cu ft
Seating57
Towing capacity6,200 lbs5,000 lbs
DrivetrainRWDAWD
Gas
2026$37,995
2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit front three-quarter view
MSRP
$37,995
Mo · 5yr
$954
$57,240 / 5 years
Best for long-term savings
Gas
2026$45,870
2026 Toyota Highlander hybrid SUV in three-quarter front view
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.
Grand Cherokee
99
Highlander
93
Winner: Grand Cherokee
+6 pts
02

Which vehicle is right for you

⚖️

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.

Where these rank

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