The Jeep Grand Cherokee is an American icon, famous for being that perfect blend of a comfortable family SUV and a seriously capable off-road machine. It’s a popular choice for folks in the U.S. who want a vehicle that can handle daily commutes with ease but is also ready for a spontaneous weekend adventure into the wilderness.
A Look That Means Business
The Grand Cherokee has always had a strong, confident presence on the road, and the latest versions continue that tradition. It looks muscular and refined at the same time, with that classic Jeep grille front and center. It definitely stands out from the crowd of other mid-size SUVs.
Inside: Comfortable and Tech-Savvy
When you step inside the Grand Cherokee, you’ll find a cabin that feels solid and well-built, with a good mix of comfort and modern technology.
- Spacious Seating: The Grand Cherokee is a two-row SUV, comfortably seating five passengers. There’s plenty of room for adults in both the front and back, making it great for road trips or just running errands with the family. (If you need a third row, check out the Grand Cherokee L, which is a separate model!)
- Quality Materials: Depending on the trim level you choose, the interior can range from practical and durable to quite luxurious, with options like soft-touch materials, quilted leather, and open-pore wood trim.
- Advanced Infotainment: Jeep’s Uconnect infotainment system is a highlight. It features crisp graphics and is very easy to use, usually on a large touchscreen (you might find screens around 8.4 inches up to 10.1 inches, and even a passenger-side screen on higher trims!). Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, letting you seamlessly connect your smartphone. You’ll also find plenty of USB ports to keep everyone’s devices charged.
- Quiet Ride: The cabin is generally quiet, helping to keep road noise out, which makes for a more relaxing ride on the highway.
Performance: Capable On and Off-Road
The Grand Cherokee offers different engine options, giving you choices for power and efficiency.
- Standard V6 Engine: Many Grand Cherokees come with a 3.6-liter V6 engine that puts out around 293 horsepower. This engine feels strong enough for most driving situations, whether you’re in the city or on the highway. It’s paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission for smooth shifts.
- Plug-in Hybrid (4xe): If you’re looking for more power and much better fuel efficiency, the Grand Cherokee 4xe (pronounced “four-by-e”) is a plug-in hybrid option. It combines a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with electric motors to deliver more horsepower (around 375 hp!) and fantastic gas mileage. It can also drive on electricity alone for a decent range (around 25 miles on electric power).
- Off-Road Prowess: This is where the Jeep shines! The Grand Cherokee lives up to its Jeep name with serious off-road capabilities. You can get it with various 4×4 (four-wheel drive) systems, including advanced ones that can send power to individual wheels. Available features like the Quadra-Lift air suspension can even raise or lower the vehicle, giving you more ground clearance for tough trails or better aerodynamics on the highway. It truly is “Trail Rated®” on certain trims.
- Towing Power: The V6 engine can tow up to 6,200 pounds, which is excellent for a mid-size SUV, letting you bring along trailers, boats, or campers. The 4xe can tow up to 6,000 pounds.
Fuel Economy (MPG)
How much gas does it drink? Here’s what you can generally expect:
- V6 Gas Models:
- 2WD (Two-Wheel Drive): Around 19 MPG city / 26 MPG highway / 22 MPG combined.
- 4WD (Four-Wheel Drive): Around 19 MPG city / 26 MPG highway / 22 MPG combined (sometimes 18 city / 25 highway / 21 combined for the L).
- 4xe Plug-in Hybrid Models: These are much more efficient, especially if you plug them in regularly. They get an impressive EPA-estimated 56 MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) combined.
Safety Features
Jeep has loaded the Grand Cherokee with a lot of safety and driver-assist technologies, usually grouped under “Jeep Wave” or “Active Driving Assist.” Many of these are standard features.
- Standard Safety: This often includes:
- Automated Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection: Helps the car stop or slow down if it senses a potential crash with a car or person.
- Lane Departure Warning and Lane-Keeping Assist: Warns you if you drift out of your lane and can gently steer you back.
- Adaptive Cruise Control: Helps maintain a set speed and distance from the car ahead.
- Available Features: Higher trims can add things like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a 360-degree camera system for parking, and a digital rearview mirror.
Price (MSRP)
The price of a Jeep Grand Cherokee can vary quite a bit depending on the trim level, options, and whether you choose the V6 gas engine or the 4xe hybrid. For the latest model year, the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for a new Jeep Grand Cherokee typically starts around $38,490 for a base Laredo model. Fully loaded versions, especially the 4xe models and luxury trims like Summit Reserve, can go up into the $70,000s or even higher.
Conclusion
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a truly versatile SUV that offers a compelling package for American drivers. Whether you prioritize daily comfort, rugged capability, advanced technology, or fuel efficiency (especially with the 4xe), there’s likely a Grand Cherokee trim that fits your needs.