2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2026 Mazda CX-90: Midsize SUV Comparison
Choosing a midsize SUV in the Lower Mainland comes down to what the vehicle actually has to do. Some weeks it is the school run and a grocery haul. Other weeks it is the Sea-to-Sky to Whistler, a trailer hookup at Harrison, or a long highway pull east to the Okanagan. The 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2026 Mazda CX-90 both compete for that family-and-adventure shopper, but the two SUVs are engineered for very different priorities.
This comparison breaks down what matters for Maple Ridge buyers: power, traction, towing, technology, and how each vehicle performs the moment the pavement runs out or the trailer goes on the hitch. Read on for a clear-eyed look at where the Grand Cherokee pulls ahead.
Powertrains: Hurricane Turbo Power, Available On Regular Fuel
The 2026 Grand Cherokee opens with the 3.6 L Pentastar V-6 on the Laredo trim, producing 293 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. Step up to the Laredo Altitude and above, and the all-new 2.0 L Hurricane 4 Turbo takes over -- delivering 324 hp, 332 lb-ft of torque, and a segment-leading 162 hp per litre. The Hurricane also returns an estimated driving range of up to 851 km on a single tank of regular 87-octane fuel.
The Mazda CX-90 counters with its 3.3 L inline-six turbo on most MHEV trims, producing 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque on regular fuel. The top GT-P and Signature MHEV trims push that to 340 hp and 369 lb-ft -- but only when fed 91-octane fuel. On regular 87-octane, the GT-P drops to 319 hp.
Grand Cherokee powertrain advantages:
- 324 hp from the Hurricane 4 Turbo on regular 87-octane fuel
- Up to 851 km of driving range on a single tank
- 8-speed automatic transmission across the lineup
- Equal 332 lb-ft of torque to the CX-90's base inline-six -- on regular fuel
Towing Capacity: 1,200 Lbs Of Headroom
For families who tow, the Grand Cherokee is in a different league. Properly equipped, the 2026 Grand Cherokee is rated to tow up to 6,200 lbs (2,812 kg). The 2026 CX-90 tops out at 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) when properly equipped with Mazda Genuine Towing Accessories on GS-L and above.
| Feature | 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 2026 Mazda CX-90 |
|---|---|---|
| Max Tow Rating | 6,200 lbs (2,812 kg) | 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) |
| Standard 4WD Transfer Case | Yes -- Quadra-Trac II available with two-speed | No -- i-Activ AWD only |
| Available Off-Road Trim | Trailhawk (4xe) | No equivalent |
| Available Air Suspension | Yes (Summit) | No |
True 4x4 Capability vs. All-Wheel Drive
The Mazda CX-90 uses i-Activ AWD -- a competent on-road traction system that shuffles power between axles based on road conditions. The 2026 Grand Cherokee is engineered around true four-wheel-drive architecture, with the available Quadra-Trac II 4x4 system on Summit that adds a two-speed transfer case for low-range crawling. The Selec-Terrain system gives the driver dedicated settings tailored to road conditions and terrain.
The Grand Cherokee Summit can also be ordered with Quadra-Lift air suspension, which raises ride height up to 276 mm of ground clearance for trail clearance, then lowers for highway efficiency. The CX-90 runs a fixed suspension with no adjustment. For Maple Ridge drivers who alternate between Highway 7 and a forest service road on the same weekend, that is a tangible difference.
Technology: Bigger Screens, Class-Exclusive Features
Inside, the 2026 Grand Cherokee debuts a new 12.3-inch infotainment system, paired with available features that the CX-90 cannot match. The Grand Cherokee offers an available 10.25-inch front-passenger display -- a class-exclusive feature that lets the front passenger stream content or run navigation without distracting the driver. The Summit trim adds the available McIntosh 19-speaker sound system, the most available speakers in its class.
The CX-90 counters with a 12.3-inch centre display on the GS-L and up, Mazda Online Navigation on GT and above, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system on GT. Capable technology -- but the Grand Cherokee's front-passenger screen, McIntosh audio, and available Night Vision system put it ahead.
Refresh, Trims, And Heritage
For 2026, the Grand Cherokee receives a refreshed front fascia with an updated seven-slot grille, new headlight design, and three new exterior paint finishes: Steel Blue, Copper Shino, and Fathom Blue. The trim lineup is simplified to Laredo, Limited, and Summit -- with Limited Reserve and Limited Altitude packages adding 20-inch black wheels, Nappa leather, a dual-pane sunroof, ventilated front seats, an integrated off-road camera, and a digital rearview mirror.
The Summit adds new Oak and Liquid Chrome interior accents, Palermo leather seats, a suede headliner, and driver and passenger massaging seats. And every Grand Cherokee carries the heritage of North America's most awarded SUV -- a name built over more than 30 years of Trail Rated capability.
Available Grand Cherokee features Maple Ridge buyers will notice:
- 10.25-inch front-passenger infotainment display (class-exclusive)
- McIntosh 19-speaker audio system (Summit)
- Quadra-Lift air suspension with up to 276 mm of ground clearance (Summit)
- Hands-free Active Driving Assist (Level 2)
- Night Vision system (Limited and above)
- Integrated off-road camera
Which Midsize SUV Is Right For Your Family?
The Mazda CX-90 is a refined three-row family hauler with sharp on-road manners. The 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee is engineered for everything Maple Ridge throws at a midsize SUV: real winter weather, real trailers, real backcountry. With 324 hp and 332 lb-ft from the Hurricane 4 Turbo on regular fuel, 6,200 lbs (2,812 kg) of towing capacity, true 4x4 with available low range and air suspension, and a refreshed cabin with a class-exclusive front-passenger display, the Grand Cherokee outpaces the CX-90 on the metrics that matter to BC drivers.
