10 Things You Need to Know About the 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee

2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee exterior front angle hero ・ Photo by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles

The Jeep Grand Cherokee offers a unique proposition among midsize SUVs, with a brilliant combination of off-road capabilities, in-cabin comforts, power, and efficiency. If you’re shopping for a well-priced SUV that’s capable of tackling the toughest trails, the Grand Cherokee should be at the top of your consideration list. First introduced in the 1993 model year, the Grand Cherokee is now in its fourth generation, with the most recent major redesign in the 2011 model year and a refresh in 2014. Rumor has it that the next generation will move from its current Mercedes-Benz-based platform to an Alfa Romeo platform. Here are 10 things you need to know about the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

1. There are tons of trim levels.

The 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee is offered in a dizzying array of trim levels from the base Laredo ($30,395) through the HEMI-powered SRT ($66,895). The mid-range Trailhawk is new for the 2017 model year, with an off-road focus and a base MSRP of $43,095. Jeep bills the Trailhawk as the “most capable factory-produced Grand Cherokee ever” and we don’t beg to differ. The Grand Cherokee Summit ($50,095, shown above) delivers the highest level of luxury with ultra-premium Laguna leather upholstery that features diamond-quilted bolsters, as well as a leather-wrapped console, glovebox, and door panels. This year’s Grand Cherokee Limited Editions include the Altitude and 75th Anniversary models (in Laredo and Limited trim).

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2. Engines range from efficient to sports car-worthy.

The Grand Cherokee’s base engine is a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, which delivers 295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The Pentastar V6 is employed in all trim levels, with the exception of the SRT. There are two engine upgrades offered: a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 and a fuel efficient 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6. The optional 5.7-liter HEMI V8 produces a healthy 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, while the fuel efficient 3.0-liter V6 EcoDiesel delivers 240 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque. The Grand Cherokee SRT’s 6.4-liter HEMI V8 cranks out a whopping 475 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque.

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3. It's relatively efficient for the class.

The Grand Cherokee delivers a splendid combination of off-road capability and fuel efficiency. The base 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 delivers a respectable EPA rating of 19 city/26 highway with 2WD and 18 city/25 highway with 4WD. The optional 5.7-liter HEMI V8 is EPA rated at 14 city/22 highway MPG with 4WD, while the efficient 3.0-liter V6 EcoDiesel delivers 22 city/30 highway MPG with RWD and 21 city/28 highway MPG with 4WD. The Grand Cherokee SRT’s 6.4-liter HEMI is EPA-rated at 13 city/19 highway. The 5.7-liter HEMI is designed to use 89-octane mid-grade gasoline; while 87-octane regular is acceptable, performance will suffer. The 6.4-liter HEMI is designed for 91 octane premium. A 24.6-gallon fuel tank provides a generous amount of driving range.

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4. It's got surprisingly good road manners.

The Grand Cherokee is a heavy truck, but is well-mannered on-road when driven conservatively. It wasn’t meant to be hustled through the twisties. If a cushy ride is what you’re after, you’ll look elsewhere. On-road ride is firm, but not jarring. Most importantly, it’s extremely capable off-road when equipped with the highest level 4WD options in trail-rated models. The steering wheel is beefy with a full array of controls laid out in a concise manner. Steering effort is relatively light and the cabin is quiet. When equipped, the air suspension system automatically lowers itself at highway speeds.

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5. It has impressive off-road capability.

Choosing the Quadra-Drive II 4-wheel-drive system provides the utmost off-road capability, with Selec-Terrain, a limited-slip rear differential, and a 2-speed transfer case, along with automatic control when climbing and descending hills, which adds confidence and competence when traveling off the beaten path. There are 10.8 inches of ground clearance when the Trailhawk’s trim-specific Quadra-Lift air suspension is fully raised, with an approach angle of 29.8 degrees and a departure angle of 27.1 degrees. Removing the front air dam allows a 36.1-degree front approach angle. By comparison, the Land Rover Discovery Sport provides a 25-degree approach angle and a 31-degree departure angle.

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6. An upscale interior is par for the course.

The Grand Cherokee’s roomy interior runs the gamut from utilitarian (in the base Laredo) to sumptuous (in the Summit). Interior materials and features vary widely from trim level to trim level. Heated front and rear seats are standard on all models, except the Laredo. Ventilated front seats are standard in the Trailhawk, Overland, Summit, and SRT. The Trailhawk’s interior is distinctive with black leather and suede upholstery that features red accent stitching and embroidered logos. The front bucket seats are handsome, comfortable and supportive, with 8-way power adjustment. The Grand Cherokee’s rear seat provides 39.2 inches of headroom, 38.6 inches of legroom, and 58 inches of shoulder room.

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7. It's tech-heavy.

The 8.4-inch Uconnect infotainment system (standard on all models, with the exception of the Laredo and Limited) provides limited app support. The Trailhawk’s Uconnect system includes off-road pages that show suspension modes and height, as well as wheel articulation. The navigation system (optional in Limited and Trailhawk, standard in the Overland, Summit, and SRT) includes a 5-year subscription to SiriusXM Traffic. The Trailhawk, Overland, and SRT feature a standard 506-watt 9-speaker Alpine audio system (with subwoofer). The Summit features a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system as standard equipment (it’s optional on the Limited, Trailhawk, Limited 75th Anniversary Edition, and Overland). The higher trim levels feature ample power and USB ports throughout the cabin.

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8. There's plenty of cargo space.

The Grand Cherokee provides ample cargo space for camping, outdoor family activities, and sports fanatics, not to mention those frequent excursions to the big box store. A power tailgate is standard on the Limited, Trailhawk, Overland, Summit, and SRT. There are 36.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and a total of 68.3 cubic feet of storage with the 60/40 rear seat folded down. An easy-to-remove cargo compartment cover is standard on the Grand Cherokee Limited, Overland, Summit and SRT. It’s offered as an option on the Laredo and Trailhawk. All Grand Cherokees are fitted with a 12-volt outlet in the cargo area. By comparison, the Land Rover Discovery Sport provides between 28.7 and 34.6 cubic feet behind its second row, and 60 cubic feet when the seat is folded down.

Photo by Dan Gray

9. It's safe.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has awarded the 4-wheel-drive 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee with a 5-Star Overall safety rating, and a full complement of advanced safety technology is offered. The Jeep Active Safety Group is standard on the Summit and SRT and optional on the Limited, Trailhawk, and Overland. The safety package includes adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and parking assist. A backup camera and rear park assist are standard. Blind spot mirrors and rear cross-path traffic detection are standard on the Summit and SRT, and optional on all other models, with the exception of the Laredo.

Photo by Dan Gray

10. It's a long-time favorite of critics and buyers.

There’s good reason why the Jeep Grand Cherokee is a perennial best seller among midsize suvs, with 212,273 units sold in the United States in 2016, up from 196,312 in 2015. The Grand Cherokee is the flagship of the Jeep lineup. It earns well-deserved accolades from the automotive press and delivers the highest level of off-road competence in its price range, with a wide array of trim levels and powertrain choices. Nothing else quite matches up, with a base V6 engine, two HEMI V8 choices, and a fuel-efficient (and torquey) turbodiesel.

Photo by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles