2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Laredo

$41,995

Trailhawk 4xe PHEV

$67,055

Overland 4xe PHEV

$69,675

Summit 4xe PHEV

$74,390

Summit Reserve 4xe PHEV

$78,870

The Grand Cherokee starts thousands higher than rivals such as the Kia Telluride and the Hyundai Palisade–consider it the Jeep-brand tax–and its higher trims are priced similarly to some luxury SUVs. That being said, we think the Limited model represents the best mix of features, besting the base Laredo with more equipment to satisfy luxury buyers. The Limited comes standard with leather upholstery, a power-operated rear liftgate, heated front, and rear seats, power-adjustable front seats, interior ambient lighting, automatic high-beam headlamps, remote start, and more. We’d spring for the Lux Tech Group II package, which adds rain-sensing windshield wipers, a wireless phone charger, perforated leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, a power-adjustable steering column, a digital rearview mirror, second-row sunshades, a 360-degree exterior camera system, front and rear parking sensors, and a collision avoidance feature that helps when traveling through intersections.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Like the last generation Grand Cherokee, the new one is powered by either a 3.6-liter V-6 or a 5.7-liter Hemi V-8. Jeep also offers its plug-in-hybrid 4xe powertrain, which consists of a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four and an electric traction motor delivering a combined 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid’s motor is juiced by a 14.0-kWh battery pack. Rear-wheel drive is standard with the base V-6, but all-wheel drive is standard on Grand Cherokees with the V-8 or plug-in-hybrid powertrain. Several different all-wheel-drive systems are available, including an electronically locking limited-slip differential. A Trailhawk model with more robust off-road equipment and greater capability features an adjustable air suspension that provides up to 11.3 inches of ground clearance and a disconnecting sway bar that allows greater wheel articulation for tackling difficult terrain. During our initial test drive, we were impressed with the Grand Cherokee’s composed, smooth ride and found both the V-6 and V-8 engines to be plenty perky. At our test track, our V-6–powered Summit test vehicle managed a respectable 7.4-second run to 60 mph.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Fuel economy estimates for the V-6–powered Grand Cherokee are typical of the mid-size SUV segment at 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway when paired with rear-wheel drive. Adding all-wheel drive drops each of those estimates by 1 mpg; the V-8 model is rated for 14 mpg city and 22 mpg highway. The plug-in hybrid 4xe delivers better fuel economy and is rated for 23 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. It comes with a 14.0-kWh battery pack and a 134-hp electric motor that allows the Grand Cherokee to cruise for up to 26 miles per charge. Jeep boasts that the Grand Cherokee with the 4xe powertrain completed the famed Rubicon Trail entirely in its EV driving mode. For more information about the Grand Cherokee’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

A thoroughly modernized cabin replaces the outgoing Grand Cherokee’s somewhat dated interior. While base Laredo models offer the essentials, upscale Summit and Overland trims will add luxuries like quilted leather upholstery, open-pore wood trim, and high-tech digital displays. The Grand Cherokee is strictly a two-row SUV, but buyers seeking a third row can upgrade to the Grand Cherokee L, which we review separately. We haven’t had a chance to test the new Grand Cherokee yet, but we expect it to accommodate more of our carry-on suitcases than the previous generation model.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Floating just above the surface of the Grand Cherokee’s dashboard is either an 8.4- or 10.1-inch touchscreen with standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. In-dash navigation with real-time traffic and weather updates is optional, and higher-end models can be had with a digital gauge cluster, a 10.0-inch head-up display, and another 10.3-inch display embedded into the dashboard for use by the front-seat passenger. While the Laredo and Limited models ship with a standard six-speaker stereo, buyers can upgrade to either a nine-speaker Alpine audio setup or a high-end 19-speaker McIntosh arrangement.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Driver-assistance features such as pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, and semi-autonomous driving modes are becoming increasingly important to shoppers, and Jeep is delivering a more comprehensive suite of standard safety tech to satisfy that demand. For more information about the Grand Cherokee’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

• Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
• Standard adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Although the Grand Cherokee has moved toward the premium end of the market, its standard warranty package has remained basic. Rivals such as the Telluride and the Hyundai Santa Fe both offer longer terms here, but the Jeep’s warranty lines up with most other mainstream rivals, including the Chevrolet Blazer and the Ford Edge.

• Limited warranty covers 3 years or 36,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
• Three years of complimentary scheduled maintenance is included

More Features and Specs

Source: www.caranddriver.com