Jeep's New Engine? Jislaaik, It's Trying Too Hard

For $66,585 (that's over R1.2 million, bru), you expect a bit more oomph than a startled meerkat – and the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit delivers…eventually. Jeep’s trying to spice things up with a new turbocharged engine, but it feels like they’ve traded power for pretension. It's a luxurious SUV, sure, but the performance doesn't quite match the price tag. We're digging into whether this American beast can actually handle the South African roads – and your hard-earned rands. ## So, What's the Deal with This New Engine? Okay, so Jeep’s gone and swapped out the old reliable V6 for something called the ‘Hurricane 4 Turbo’. It's a 2.0-liter inline-four, and they’re bigging it up with all sorts of fancy tech. We’re talking port *and* direct fuel injection, two spark plugs per cylinder – the whole shebang. Apparently, this tech originally “clattered to life” in a Maserati MC20, which sounds lekker, right? They’re aiming for more power *and* better fuel economy. It’s a bit like trying to have your bunny chow and eat it too. The engine pumps out 324 hp @ 6000 rpm and 332 lb-ft of torque @ 3000 rpm. Sounds good on paper, but there’s a catch. This little engine needs a *lot* of boost – a peak of 34.8 psi, to be exact – to actually make that power. It’s a bit like a biltong – needs time to marinade, right? ## Punchy on Paper, But Does It Deliver on the Road? Let’s be real. Numbers look good in a brochure, but the road is where it counts. Jeep reckons this thing will hit 60 mph in 6.3 seconds. That’s 1.1 seconds quicker than the V6 Grand Cherokee, which isn’t kak. But, and it's a big but, their real-world 5-to-60-mph time is 7.6 seconds. That tells a different story, bru. That's a better indicator of how hard this Hurricane actually *blows*. It feels “punchy enough once you get going,” according to *Car and Driver*, but getting it going is the problem. It's burdened by the Jeep’s 4881-pound weight. It's like asking a Springbok to pull a double-decker bus. It can do it… eventually. ## Fuel Economy: The One Area Where It Actually Shines Alright, let’s give credit where credit’s due. This is where the Hurricane 4 Turbo actually delivers. It manages 26 mpg at 75 mph, compared to the V6’s 22 mpg. That’s a decent improvement, especially with petrol prices being what they are. If you're doing a long haul from Joburg to Durban, that extra mileage could save you a few rands. But is that enough to justify the engine swap? We’ll get to that. ## Inside the R1.2 Million Cabin: Is It Worth the Splurge? Step inside, and you're greeted with a lavish cabin full of leather and wood. It's a nice place to be, especially on a long drive. The massaging front seats and 19-speaker McIntosh stereo are proper lekker. But then there are the haptic controls. Seriously? Unless you have a fetish for frustration, steer clear of those. They sound like a kak idea to begin with. You get a decent amount of space – 56 cubic feet of passenger volume in the front and 51 in the rear. Cargo space is also good: 71 cubic feet behind the front seats and 38 behind the rear. Enough room for the braai kit and the cooler box, definitely. ## Handling and Ride: Smooth Sailing or a Bumpy Ride? The Grand Cherokee Summit handles well *for its size*. It’s not going to corner like a Porsche, let’s be honest. But it's competent enough. The firm air springs, however, can make things a bit jarring over potholes, especially with those 21-inch wheels. Think Sandton potholes, but amplified. And the brake pedal? Annoyingly grabby in traffic. You're constantly trying to modulate it, which is befok when you're stuck in rush hour. ## Driver Assistance: Does It Keep You Safe, or Just Annoy You? Jeep offers an optional hands-free driver-assistance system. It *works*, but it’s hesitant in corners and doesn’t inspire much confidence. Apparently, it’s not as good as the systems from GM, Ford, or Tesla. In a country where taxi drivers think lane markings are merely suggestions, you want a driver-assistance system you can actually trust. ## The Verdict: Should You Be Braaing With This Jeep? Look, the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit, at an as-tested $66,585, is a luxurious SUV with a long list of features. But that new engine? It requires too much effort to extract meaningful performance. The fuel economy is a plus, but it doesn’t quite justify the powertrain’s weaknesses. It’s a well-appointed, spacious family hauler, but for over R1.2 million, you expect more. Honestly? You’re paying for the badge and the interior. If you can overlook the engine’s shortcomings, it’s a decent SUV. But there are better options out there for the money. So, is this the SUV you pull up in at the braai to impress the neighbours? Maybe. But is it the best choice for your rands? Probably not. Now, speaking of questionable engine choices… are electric bakkies actually ready to tackle the tough South African terrain? Click here to find out.