At A Glance: 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. 2026 Subaru Outback
Midsize SUVs do a lot of jobs for New Brunswick families. They handle the school run on a Tuesday morning, the cottage drive to the Northumberland Strait on a Friday afternoon, and the towing pull to a campsite up the Miramichi on a long weekend. The 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2026 Subaru Outback are two of the most-shopped names in the segment -- but the two SUVs are engineered for very different priorities, and the gap between them is bigger than the marketing suggests.
This guide is for Moncton buyers cross-shopping the two. We'll break down powertrain, traction, towing, technology, and the practical differences that show up the moment the road gets rough or the trailer goes on the hitch.
| Category | 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 2026 Subaru Outback |
|---|---|---|
| Available Engine | 2.0 L Hurricane 4 Turbo | 2.4 L turbo Boxer (Limited XT and up) |
| Horsepower | 324 hp | 260 hp |
| Torque | 332 lb-ft | Not published for 2026 |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | CVT |
| Drivetrain | True 4WD with available low range | Symmetrical Full-time AWD |
| Max Towing | 6,200 lbs (2,812 kg) | 3,500 lbs (1,588 kg) |
| Available Air Suspension | Yes (Summit) | No |
Powertrain: Hurricane Turbo Power vs. Turbo Boxer
The 2026 Grand Cherokee opens with the 3.6 L Pentastar V-6 on the Laredo trim, then moves to the all-new 2.0 L Hurricane 4 Turbo on the Laredo Altitude and above -- producing 324 hp, 332 lb-ft of torque, and a segment-leading 162 hp per litre. The Hurricane also delivers an estimated range of up to 851 km on a single tank of regular fuel.
The 2026 Outback's entry-level Touring trim runs an updated 2.5 L Boxer producing 180 hp and 178 lb-ft. Step up to the Limited XT, Wilderness, or Premier XT, and the 2.4 L turbocharged Boxer takes over with 260 hp. That is a 64 hp gap between the Outback's strongest engine and the Grand Cherokee's Hurricane Turbo. The Outback also uses a CVT across the lineup, while the Grand Cherokee runs an 8-speed automatic -- a more responsive setup for towing and merging.
Towing: 2,700 Lbs More Capability
If towing is part of the way you use your SUV -- a camper, a boat, or a quad trailer -- the Grand Cherokee is engineered for the task. Properly equipped, the 2026 Grand Cherokee is rated to tow up to 6,200 lbs (2,812 kg). The 2026 Outback's maximum towing capacity is 3,500 lbs (1,588 kg) on the Limited XT, Wilderness, and Premier XT trims.
That 2,700 lbs (1,224 kg) difference is the difference between a small utility trailer and a fully loaded camper trailer heading to Mactaquac for the weekend.
True 4WD vs. Full-Time AWD
The Outback comes standard with Subaru's Symmetrical Full-time All-Wheel Drive -- a respected, capable on-road system. However, it is an all-wheel-drive system, not a four-wheel-drive system. There is no low range or dedicated two-speed transfer case.
The 2026 Grand Cherokee is engineered around true 4WD architecture. The Summit trim adds the available Quadra-Trac II 4x4 system with a two-speed transfer case -- providing low-range gearing for slow, controlled descents and serious traction on rough surfaces. The Grand Cherokee also offers available Quadra-Lift air suspension on the Summit, raising ride height to as much as 276 mm of ground clearance.
Technology: Bigger Screens, More Available
Both SUVs deliver modern infotainment. The Outback's 2026 update brings a 12.1-inch touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital cluster standard. The Grand Cherokee equips its lineup with a new 12.3-inch infotainment screen and an available 10.25-inch front-passenger display -- a class-exclusive feature. Available Grand Cherokee features include Night Vision, a 360-degree camera, and a McIntosh 19-speaker sound system.
Which Midsize SUV Fits New Brunswick?
For buyers who use a midsize SUV the way Moncton drivers actually do -- towing a trailer to Kouchibouguac or plowing through Maritime winter weather -- the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee is the more capable choice.
With 324 hp from the Hurricane 4 Turbo, 6,200 lbs of towing capacity, and true 4WD with available low range, the Grand Cherokee delivers a level of capability the Outback's all-wheel-drive platform is not engineered to match.
