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Jeep just announced an exciting mid-cycle refresh for the 2026 Grand Cherokee. While the popular SUV may not look very different on the outside, it offers an all-new engine on the inside. The 2.0-liter Hurricane 4 Turbo engine shares branding with the Ram RHO’s “Hurricane” I6. So will it require premium fuel like the high-output Ram? Not according to Jeep’s press release.

“The Hurricane 4 Turbo delivers 324 horsepower, 332 lb-ft of torque and a segment-leading 162 horsepower per liter on regular gasoline.”

Standard-output Hurricane I6 engines in Jeep Wagoneers, Dodge Chargers, and Ram trucks can also run on regular gasoline. It’s only the high-output (540 horsepower) version that requires premium fuel. But 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee buyers may choose to splurge on premium fuel anyway.

Does premium fuel make a difference in a Grand Cherokee?

High-octane “mid-grade” and “premium” fuels don’t actually contain more explosive power. But they are essentially more stable, combusting more predictably. This allows higher engine compression and, thus, higher output. Chrysler Corporation has long pioneered engines that adapt to their fuel’s octane rating, producing more power. The result may be a higher mpg that actually offsets the cost of the premium fuel.

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Staff Writer

Henry Cesari

Henry Cesari is a MotorBiscuit Staff Writer who brings his deep interest in vintage cars, trucks, and motorcycles to the site. Henry covers Ford models daily, including the F-150. Having restored his first classic car at just 16 years old, Henry has wrenched on everything from overland campers to Japanese motorcycles and even pre-war Bugattis. He’s an avid attendee at local car shows and genuinely enjoys connecting with fellow auto enthusiasts. Henry earned a Bachelor’s in Anthropology and English from the University of Vermont.