2026 Grand Cherokee Laredo

The value that does not feel like one

Base trims used to mean crank windows and a penalty-box vibe. The Laredo does not read that way. You still get the full 2026 update, the new front end, the LED lighting and the wide 12.3-inch screen, so from the driver's seat it looks and feels like the more expensive versions. The V6 under the hood is the one engine in the range that is naturally aspirated, which some buyers simply prefer, and it is smooth and quiet doing school runs and Parkway miles alike.

Where the Laredo saves you money is on the equipment sheet rather than the experience. It skips some of the convenience features that show up a rung or two higher, but nothing that stops it from being a comfortable, capable family SUV. For a household that wants the Grand Cherokee shape and the low cost of entry, this is the honest answer.

Rear-wheel drive, and why 4x4 is worth it here

The Laredo ships with rear-wheel drive standard, which keeps the sticker down, and offers Jeep's 4x4 system for roughly $2,000 more. On the barrier-island side of Ocean County, that upcharge tends to pay for itself. Between winter storms, the occasional flooded causeway approach and the odd run onto packed sand, four driven wheels turn a nervous drive into a routine one. If your Laredo will ever see weather or a boat ramp, spec the 4x4.

Who the Laredo is for

This is the trim for the buyer who wants a real Grand Cherokee without paying for leather and 20-inch wheels they did not ask for. If you find yourself wishing for a moonroof, heated seats and a power liftgate, the Laredo X adds exactly that bundle for a modest step up, and its guide walks through it. But if you would rather bank the difference, the Laredo needs no apology.

Frequently asked questions

How much does the 2026 Grand Cherokee Laredo cost?

MSRP starts at $37,995 for the rear-wheel-drive V6, before destination, New Jersey's 6.625% sales tax, and title and registration. Adding 4x4 runs about $2,000. Current rebates and lease programs against that MSRP are posted on the dealer's specials page.

What engine is in the Laredo?

The 293-hp 3.6L Pentastar V6 with 260 lb-ft of torque and an eight-speed automatic. It is the naturally aspirated engine in the 2026 range, runs on regular gas, and is shared only with the Laredo X; every trim above uses the new turbo four.

Is the Laredo good for towing?

Properly equipped, the Laredo can tow up to 6,200 pounds, the same as the rest of the lineup, which covers most small boats, jet-ski trailers and utility loads around Barnegat Bay. Ask about the factory tow package to be sure a given vehicle is equipped for your trailer.

Does the base Laredo get the new screen?

Yes. The 12.3-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen with navigation and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is part of the 2026 update across the board, so the Laredo gets the same big display as the pricier trims.

Where can I see a Grand Cherokee Laredo near Manahawkin?

At Manahawkin Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, 188 Route 72 in Manahawkin, about ten minutes from the causeway. One recent shopper, Estelle P., called it a "5 star shopping experience" and said the team "listened to what our family needed and met us where we needed to be."

The bottom line

The Laredo is the Grand Cherokee for the buyer who values the badge, the space and the capability but not the option-sheet climb. Add 4x4 for shore weather, and you have a right-sized family SUV that looks every bit as current as the trims costing thousands more.