Jeep’s Grand Cherokee soldiers on in top form.
If you’re shopping for a new SUV, particularly one in the midsize arena with room for five, then the Jeep Grand Cherokee should be on your list. This popular and versatile model comes in a variety of packages, with its performance ranging from mild to wild. The cost spread from the base model to the fully-loaded track version can span $70,000.
What’s New for 2020
Now in its tenth year, the current-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee soldiers on mostly with equipment and trim-level upgrades. An expanded roster of driver-assist features, new wheel designs, and a newly available lighting group round out the changes.
Selecting Your Grand Cherokee
No other midsize SUV offers as many trim levels as does the Jeep Grand Cherokee. This model’s seven trims are comprised of Laredo, Limited, Trailhawk, Overland, Summit, SRT, and Trackhawk.
Prices including destination range from $33,540 for a Laredo 4×2 to $88,395 for the four-wheel-drive Trackhawk.
Four Engine Choices
Just as the Grand Cherokee offers a slew of trims, you’ll also find four engine choices. All four work with an 8-speed automatic transmission with power routed to the rear or all four wheels.
The standard engine is a V6 displacing 3.6 liters. This engine puts down 295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. A 5.7-liter V8 engine makes 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque.
The next two engines are exclusive to their respective trims. The SRT trim has the 6.4-liter V8 engine making an even 470 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque.
The range-topping Trackhawk shares its 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine with the Dodge Charger and Challenger Hellcat models. In the Grand Cherokee, it produces 707 horsepower and 645 pound-feet of torque.
As for towing, the standard model pulls up to 6,200 pounds, while all others have a 7,200-pound tow rating.
Passenger and Cargo Capacity
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a five-passenger midsize sport utility vehicle. The passengers sit in comfort with ample head, shoulder, hip, and legroom front and back.
Cargo space measures 36.3 cubic feet behind the second row. Drop down the rear seat and storage capacity is 68.3 cubic feet. This places the Grand Cherokee squarely between the Ford Edge and Chevrolet Blazer, and just ahead of the Nissan Murano.
Key Safety Features
The Grand Cherokee trails most of its competitors in advanced safety equipment. That said, blind-spot monitoring and a rear parking assist system are standard.
Forward collision warning with active braking is included beginning with the Summit trim and available elsewhere except with the standard trim. Lane departure warning, advanced brake assist, and enhanced forward-collision warning are a package upgrade.
Connectivity
Jeep equips the Grand Cherokee with a 7-inch color display, a six-speaker audio system, and two USB ports. An 8.4-inch display screen is available with the Laredo and standard elsewhere.
Satellite radio, additional USB ports, and navigation are available. A Blu-Ray entertainment system is available on all but the base model. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone compatibility are standard.
Laredo (From $33,540)
The standard Laredo has average equipment including automatic headlamps, fog lamps, and 17-inch silver aluminum wheels. Cloth seats, a tilt-and-telescopic steering column, and dual-zone climate control are also standard.
Limited (From $41,350)
Most shoppers will begin their search with the Limited as it adds amenities not found or charged extra in the Laredo. Fine leather, wood and metal trim give this model a premium look, allowing it to punch well above its weight.
Alloy wheels, a power liftgate, a heated steering wheel, heated front seats, a traction management system, and a 115-volt power outlet are included. Limited shoppers may also opt for the 5.7-liter V8 engine.
Trailhawk (From $46,450)
As the name suggests, the Trailhawk adds equipment suitable for off-roading, including an air suspension system and rear load-leveling. Power-folding and heated side mirrors, a roof rack, all-terrain tires, and a nine-speaker Alpine audio system are included. The seats are covered in leather and suede material.
Overland (From $47,040)
The Overland trim is just $590 more than the Trailhawk as it exchanges some of the off-road features of the Trailhawk for luxury amenities. This model includes bi-xenon high-intensity discharged headlamps, LED daytime running lights, LED fog lights, a panoramic sunroof, and upgraded leather seating.
Summit (From $53,490)
The top-trim outside of the performance models is the Summit and bright exterior embellishments is one of its hallmarks. Upgraded LED fog lights, performance all-season tires, unique leather seats, and a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system are included.
SRT (From $69,890)
Until the Trackhawk’s arrival, the SRT served as the performance topper for the Grand Cherokee. It is still a powerful model and like the Trailhawk it is four-wheel-drive-only. A traction management system, active damping, and a track-ready four-wheel-drive system are included.
Special wheels and performance tires are also standard. An exclusive grade of leather covers the seats.
Trackhawk (From $88,395)
The range-topping Trackhawk brings in elements from Dodge Hellcat models, in particular, a supercharged engine. It features gloss black trim, black-satin tires, open-poor wood trim, unique color offerings, and Nappa leather.
Parting Thoughts
Grand Cherokee pricing can get out of hand quickly. A Trackhawk can top $100,000, which is absurd. The good news is that you’ll probably pay about half that with a nicely equipped four-wheel-drive Overland.
2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee Specifications
| Jeep | 2020 Grand Cherokee |
|---|---|
| Segment | Midsize SUV |
| Price Range | $32,045 to $86,900 |
| Destination Charge | $1,495 |
| Engine No. 1 | 3.6-liter, V6 |
| Horsepower | 295 @ 6,400 rpm |
| Torque (lb.-ft.) | 260 @ 4,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Engine No. 2 | 5.7-liter, V8 |
| Horsepower | 360 @ 5,150 |
| Torque (lb.-ft.) | 390 @ 4,250 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Engine No. 3 | 6.4-liter, V8 |
| Horsepower | 475 @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque (lb.-ft.) | 470 @ 4,300 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Engine No. 4 | 6.2-liter, Supercharged V8 |
| Horsepower | 707 @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque (lb.-ft.) | 645 @ 4,800 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Seating | 5 |
| Curb Weight (pounds) | 4,513 to 5,356 |
| Wheelbase (inches) | 114.7 |
| Length (inches) | 189.8 |
| Width (inches) | 84.8 |
| Height (inches) | 69.3 |
| Headroom (f,r…inches) | 39.9, 39.2 |
| Legroom (f,r…inches) | 40.3, 38.6 |
| Shoulder room (f,r…inches) | 58.7, 58.0 |
| Hip room (f,r…inches) | 57.0, 56.2 |
| Storage (cubic feet) | 36.3, 140.5 |
| Gross vehicle weight (pounds) | 6,500 to 6,800 |
| Towing (pounds) | 6,200 to 7,200 |
| Payload (pounds) | 1,120 to 1,410 |
| Fuel | Regular |
| Fuel Tank (gallons) | 24.6 |
| EPA Fuel MPG (city/highway/combined) | 19/26/21(2WD) 18/25/21(4WD): V6 |
| Manufacturing Plant | Detroit, Michigan |
Data compiled by Tom Keegan. Specifications supplied by the manufacturer.
See Also – The Incomparable Jeep Cherokee
Photos copyright Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.
Matt is a member of the Washington Automotive Press Association and is a contributor to various print and online media sources including NAPA, CarsDirect, CapitalOne, and Driven Autos.
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