Just a few weeks after the official confirmation of an upcoming facelift for the Jeep Grand Cherokee, prototypes of the SUV made their first appearance on public roads. Spy photographers captured two distinct prototypes of the Jeep Grand Cherokee testing alongside a pre-facelifted model. Identified by their 21-inch alloy wheels, both the white and silver models appear to be in the high-spec Summit trim. In addition to covering the Jeep and Grand Cherokee emblems with black tape, the company applied camouflage solely to the front end. This indicates that the visual updates will primarily focus on this area, while the remainder of the bodywork is expected to remain unchanged.

Despite the cover, we can spot a new pair of vertical DRLs, hints of the redesigned intakes, and relocated ADAS sensors. The headlights seem to retain their shape but may feature updated LED graphics. Similar updates could be anticipated for the taillights, along with potential mild tweaks to the rear bumper in subsequent prototypes.

 

Inside the cabin, the center console has been concealed, suggesting upcoming upgrades to the infotainment system. The relocated sensors on the exterior indicate Jeep’s potential enhancements to the Grand Cherokee’s active safety features, which already include limited hands-free driving capabilities in select trims.

At the moment, official information about any mechanical upgrades is not available. However, rumors suggest that the facelifted Grand Cherokee will discontinue the current V6 and V8 engines from its lineup. Instead, it is rumored that the 4xe (PHEV) variant could be supplemented by a turbocharged ICE option, potentially the Hurricane 3.0-liter inline-six from the larger Wagoneer.

The fifth-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee debuted in long-wheelbase form in January 2021, followed by the standard model in September 2021. Facelifted versions of both models are anticipated to launch next year, likely as 2026 models. These updates will coincide with refreshed versions of the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer, alongside new generations of the Compass and Cherokee.