You see them everywhere. In suburban driveways, at the trailhead, or idling in the school pickup line. The Grand Cherokee Laredo 4x4 is basically the "white t-shirt" of the SUV world—it’s ubiquitous, reliable, and honestly, a bit misunderstood. Most folks look at the Laredo and think "base model," assuming they’re settling for the budget version of a luxury rig.
That’s a mistake.
Choosing the Laredo 4x4 isn't about being cheap; it’s often the smartest way to get the actual Jeep hardware without paying the "Summit Reserve" tax for massaging seats you'll never use. For 2026, things have shifted in a way that makes this specific trim even more interesting, especially with the introduction of the Hurricane engine and some tech updates that finally bring the cabin into the modern era.
The Hurricane under the hood
The biggest news for the 2026 model year is something you can't even see from the outside. While the 3.6L Pentastar V6—an engine that’s been around since, like, the dawn of time—is still the standard workhorse, there’s a new player in town. The 2.0L Hurricane 4 Turbo engine has officially joined the Laredo lineup.
It puts out 324 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque.
If you’re doing the math, that’s actually more "grunt" than the old V6. Honestly, the way this thing delivers power is just different. Turbochargers give you that low-end torque that makes merging onto a crowded highway feel less like a prayer and more like a plan. It’s snappy. You’ve got peak torque hitting at 3,000 rpm, whereas the V6 makes you wait until 4,000 rpm to really feel the push.
Does it sound as "beefy" as a V6? Nope. It’s got a bit of that four-cylinder buzzy-ness when you really floor it. But at a cruising speed, the 8-speed automatic (the 8HP80 transmission for the nerds out there) keeps things quiet.
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Quadra-Trac I: Capability without the complexity
Let’s talk about the "4x4" part of the name. On the Laredo, you’re usually looking at the Quadra-Trac I system. This is a full-time four-wheel-drive setup. Basically, it’s always on. You don’t have to push buttons or pull levers when the snow starts falling in a parking lot. It just handles it.
There’s a common misconception that if you don't have a "Low" range or lockers, you’re not in a real Jeep.
That’s mostly elitist gatekeeping.
While the Laredo 4x4 isn't going to crawl over boulders at Moab without some serious aftermarket help, it’s remarkably capable on forest service roads and in deep slush. It uses a brake-actuated limited-slip differential. If one wheel starts spinning, the car pinches the brake on that wheel to send power to the others. It’s simple, it’s effective, and it doesn't require you to be an off-road expert to use it.
The ground clearance sits right around 8.4 inches. That’s enough to clear most "oops" moments on a dirt trail or a high curb in a Target parking lot.
Inside the cabin: No more "base model" blues
For 2026, the interior of the Grand Cherokee Laredo 4x4 got a massive boost. We’re finally seeing the 12.3-inch touchscreen become more common across the board. The graphics are crisp, and Jeep’s Uconnect 5 system is, in my humble opinion, one of the easiest to use on the market. It supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which should be the law at this point.
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The seats are cloth, but it’s a rugged, high-quality fabric that actually grips you better than the slick leather in the high trims.
It feels... durable.
You get dual-zone climate control and a decent 6-speaker audio system. If you step up to the Laredo Altitude package, you get the blacked-out wheels and some "leatherette" (read: fancy vinyl) seating bits that make it look twice as expensive as it actually is.
One thing to watch out for: the button layout. Jeep crammed a lot of physical buttons for the climate and volume low on the dash. They’re small. If you have large hands or you're wearing gloves, it can be a bit of a fumble. But hey, at least they’re physical buttons and not buried in a touchscreen menu like some of the European rivals.
The "Jeep Tax" and real-world value
Let’s talk money. A 2026 Grand Cherokee Laredo 4x4 is going to start you somewhere in the $41,000 to $44,000 range, depending on how many boxes you tick. That’s not "cheap," but compared to the $70,000 you can spend on a Summit, it’s a bargain.
The resale value is where the Laredo really shines.
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Jeeps hold their value remarkably well. Even a 10-year-old Grand Cherokee with a 4x4 badge and a Laredo trim is a hot commodity on the used market. People want the look and the capability, and they don't always want the complicated air suspension (which can be a nightmare to fix once the warranty expires) found on the higher trims.
Maintenance is also a bit of a mixed bag. You’re looking at an average of about $650 to $700 a year in maintenance costs. It’s more than a Honda Pilot, sure, but it’s less than a Land Rover or a BMW X5. You’re paying for the privilege of that seven-slot grille and the ability to actually tow something.
Speaking of towing, both the V6 and the new Hurricane turbo are rated for 6,200 lbs. That’s best-in-class for a midsize SUV. If you have a small boat or a couple of jet skis, the Laredo 4x4 won't even break a sweat.
What to look for when you're on the lot
If you’re shopping for one of these, don't just look at the MSRP.
- Check the Axle Ratio: If you’re getting the Hurricane engine, it usually comes with a 3.70 rear axle ratio, which helps with that "get up and go" feeling.
- Safety Tech: Make sure it has the "Active Driving Assist." It’s Jeep’s version of Level 2 autonomy (lane centering and adaptive cruise). It makes long road trips significantly less draining.
- The "Altitude" Trap: The Altitude package looks cool, but it often adds $5,000 to the price just for black wheels and some trim. If you don't care about the "murdered out" look, stick to the standard Laredo and save the cash for a better set of all-terrain tires.
Making the final call
The Grand Cherokee Laredo 4x4 is the SUV for the person who wants a "real" vehicle but doesn't feel the need to show off. It’s the "just right" Goldilocks of the lineup. It’s got enough tech to feel modern, enough power to be fun, and enough capability to get you through a blizzard.
If you’re coming from a sedan, the 19 city / 26 highway MPG might feel a bit thirsty. But for a 4,300-pound brick with 4WD, it’s actually pretty decent.
Next Steps for Potential Buyers:
- Test Drive Both Engines: Don't just take the V6 because it’s familiar. Drive the Hurricane turbo back-to-back. The torque delivery is significantly more "modern."
- Verify the Screen Size: Some leftover 2025 units might still have the smaller 8.4-inch screen. If you're buying a 2026, ensure you're getting the 12.3-inch display for better resale value.
- Inspect the Tires: If you plan on actually going off-pavement, the stock "Low Rolling Resistance" tires are okay for rain but terrible for mud. Budget for a set of Falken Wildpeaks or BFGoodrich KO2s if you want to unlock the 4x4’s true potential.
- Download the Jeep App: You can often find specific VIN-based discounts or "Owner Loyalty" cash that dealers won't mention unless you ask.