2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs Toyota Highlander

Features & Specs

2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee

2018 Toyota Highlander

Parking Assistance

Standard

Available on Other Trim Levels

Keyless Ignition

Standard

Available on Other Trim Levels

Engine Configuration

V6

4-Cylinder

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic Transmission

6-Speed Automatic Transmission

2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2018 Toyota Highlander

There are so many great SUVs on the market today it can be hard to narrow it down to which model is the best one for you and all your needs. Two that have stood out year after year are the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Toyota Highlander. The 2018 Grand Cherokee offers a trim level for every type of driver from those that love off-roading to those that have a need for speed. There is also an incredible amount of standard features including technology, convenience, and safety! New updates for the 2018 model year include the addition of the Trackhawk model to the lineup and the standard touchscreen is now 7-inches. The 2018 Highlander is a great option for families with room for up to eight passengers and a lengthy list of comfort and tech features. Sadly, the Highlander was refreshed back in 2017 so there aren't any new changes for the 2018 model year. The Grand Cherokee has a head start over the Highlander, read the rest of our comparison review to find out which SUV comes out on top!

2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Power & Handling

There is a total of five engine options available for the Grand Cherokee in 2018. The first three options are available or standard in the Laredo through Summit models. The standard engine option is the Pentastar. This 3.6L V6 cranks out 295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. When it comes to towing this engine maxes out a 6,200 pounds. Next up is the 3.0-liter diesel V6 that produces 240 horsepower. You also have the option of a 5.7L Hemi V8 that generates 360 horsepower and offers a 7,200-pound towing capacity. The SRT model has a 6.4L Hemi SRT V8 underneath the hood that creates 475 horsepower while the Trackhawk model is powered by a Supercharged 6.2L Hemi SRT V8 that generates 707 horsepower. This incredible engine makes the Trackhawk the quickest SUV on the market! All of these engine options are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. RWD is standard with V6 engines but it can be upgraded to 4WD while 4WD is standard with V8 engines.

2018 Toyota Highlander Power & Handling

There are three engine options available for the 2018 Highlander all of which are closely tied to the trim levels. The standard option is a 2.7L 4-cylinder that delivers 184 pound-feet of torque and 185 horsepower. This engine comes connected to a six-speed automatic transmission. You can upgrade to the 3.5L V6 that delivers 263 pound-feet of torque and 295 horsepower. There is also a hybrid option. This powertrain includes the V6 engine with AC 650-volt permanent-magnet motors. This system outputs a total of 306 horsepower. FWD is standard but if you can opt for the V6 engine you can upgrade to AWD.

2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Features & Design

The Grand Cherokee is a super stylish SUV with a bold exterior design and a high-quality interior. The Grand Cherokee is a two-row five-passenger SUV that comes in seven trim levels. Each model offers 36.3 cubic feet of standard cargo room which can be extended to 68.3 when the second row is folded down. Standard features for 2018 consist of a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, heated mirrors, rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, a six-speaker sound system, two USB ports, keyless entry and ignition, satellite radio, and 17-inch wheels. As you move up throughout the trim levels you'll gain more advanced features including a self-parking system, adaptive cruise control, xenon headlights, 20-inch wheels and so much more! The Trailhawk model is perfect for those that plan on off-roading quite often while the Trackhawk is the most powerful SUV on the market today.

2018 Toyota Highlander Features & Design

The 2018 Toyota Highlander is a three-row eight-passenger SUV, offered in six trim levels. Standard features include heated mirrors, a rearview camera, a 60/40 split second and third-row seat, five USB ports, a six-speaker sound system, Bluetooth, a 6.1-inch touchscreen, a height adjustable driver seat, and 18-inch wheels. If you upgrade to one of the higher trim levels you'll gain features like a power liftgate, an 8-inch touchscreen, fog lights, leather upholstery, navigation, 19-inch wheels, LED running lights, heated and ventilated front seats, and much more.

Conclusions

The 2018 Grand Cherokee is the clear winner here! The Highlander may offer more seating and cargo room but that's only important if you need room for more people otherwise the Grand Cherokee surpasses the Highlander in every way. We love the impressive trim levels that cater to every type of driver and budget and the impressive engine lineup that is clearly more powerful than the Highlander's. The standard features for the 2018 Grand Cherokee are also superior to the Highlander's. Want to learn more about the Grand Cherokee? Read our complete review linked below, give our sales team a call or fill out the contact form below. You can also come into the Three Rivers showroom today and we'll show you everything the Grand Cherokee has to offer!