Against 247 other V6 cars rated 2024–2026, the Grand Cherokee beats their 21 mpg average by 1.7 mpg, about $137 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1993, the 3L 6-cyl (2007–2019), does 23.4 mpg and the thirstiest, the 5.2L 8-cyl (1993–1998), 14: $1,102 a year apart.
Every Jeep Grand Cherokee engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3L 6-cyl | 20.7 / 27.7 | 2007–2019 | $1,641 | |
| 2L 4-cyl Plug-in hybrid | 23 / 24 | 2022–2026 | $1,670 | |
| 2L 4-cyl | 21 / 27 | 2026–2026 | $1,670 | |
| 3.6L 6-cyl | 18.4 / 25.1 | 2011–2026 | $1,846 | |
| 3.7L 6-cyl | 15.5 / 21 | 2005–2010 | $2,194 | |
| 5.7L 8-cyl | 13.9 / 21.1 | 2007–2023 | $2,327 | |
| 4L 6-cyl | 14.2 / 19.6 | 1993–2004 | $2,385 | |
| 4.7L 8-cyl | 13.5 / 18.3 | 1999–2006 | $2,510 | |
| 5.2L 8-cyl | 12.2 / 17 | 1993–1998 | $2,743 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Toyota Highlander gets 29.8 mpg, the Lexus GX 17 mpg and the Ford Explorer 22.5 mpg, next to 22.7 mpg for the 2026 Grand Cherokee.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2026) | $0.141 |
| Fuel per year | $1,692 |
| Fuel over five years | $8,460 |
| Against other V6 cars, 2024–2026 | −$137 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $3,719 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee gives up 4.7 mpg in town: 25.7 on the highway against 21 in the city, $335 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2026) | 21 mpg | $1,829 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 25.7 mpg | $1,494 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +4.7 mpg (22%) | Typical for its type |
How the Grand Cherokee changed over the years
The Grand Cherokee peaked in 2026 at 22.7 mpg (21 city, 25.7 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 1998 at 15 — 7.7 mpg apart, or $868 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The biggest single-year change came in 2014: 17.5 to 21 mpg.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 21 / 25.7 | 3 | $1,692 | |
| 2025 | 21 / 25 | 2 | $1,707 | |
| 2024 | 21 / 25 | 2 | $1,707 | |
| 2023 | 18.7 / 24 | 3 | $1,855 | |
| 2022 | 18.7 / 24 | 3 | $1,855 | |
| 2021 | 16.5 / 24 | 2 | $2,021 | |
| 2020 | 16.5 / 24 | 2 | $2,021 | |
| 2019 | 17.5 / 25 | 2 | $1,873 | |
| 2018 | 18 / 26 | 2 | $1,829 | |
| 2017 | 16.5 / 24 | 2 | $2,021 | |
| 2016 | 18 / 26 | 2 | $1,829 | |
| 2015 | 18 / 26 | 2 | $1,829 | |
| 2014 | 18 / 26 | 2 | $1,829 | |
| 2013 | 15.5 / 21.5 | 2 | $2,194 | |
| 2012 | 15.5 / 21.5 | 2 | $2,194 | |
| 2011 | 15 / 21 | 2 | $2,259 | |
| 2010 | 15 / 20.5 | 2 | $2,259 | |
| 2009 | 15 / 20.5 | 2 | $2,259 | |
| 2008 | 15.5 / 21 | 2 | $2,194 | |
| 2007 | 15.5 / 21 | 2 | $2,194 | |
| 2006 | 14.5 / 19.5 | 2 | $2,400 | |
| 2005 | 14.5 / 19.5 | 2 | $2,400 | |
| 2004 | 14 / 19 | 2 | $2,400 | |
| 2003 | 14 / 19 | 2 | $2,400 | |
| 2002 | 13.5 / 18.5 | 2 | $2,477 | |
| 2001 | 13.5 / 19.5 | 2 | $2,477 | |
| 2000 | 14 / 19 | 2 | $2,400 | |
| 1999 | 13.5 / 18 | 2 | $2,477 | |
| 1998 | 13.5 / 18.5 | 2 | $2,560 | |
| 1997 | 13 / 18.5 | 2 | $2,560 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 71 EPA ratings of the Jeep Grand Cherokee — 9 engines across 1993–2026. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $3,719. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee get?
22.7 mpg combined, 21 city and 25.7 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1993 the Grand Cherokee has averaged 18 mpg.
Is the 2026 Grand Cherokee more efficient than the 2025?
About the same: 22.7 against 22.5 mpg combined.
Which Grand Cherokee year has the best gas mileage?
The 2026, at 22.7 mpg combined (21 city, 25.7 highway), which is also the latest model year we hold.
Does the Grand Cherokee get better gas mileage than the Toyota Highlander?
No: 22.7 mpg for the 2026 Grand Cherokee against 29.8 for the 2026 Toyota Highlander, about $403 a year more to run.
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