Why a Used Jeep Grand Cherokee Makes an Excellent Partner

More and more drivers are turning to used cars these days, and for great reasons. With modern cars lasting longer and longer, it’s not unusual to see drivers looking back a few years to find a great deal on a used car that has everything they’re looking for. That’s what makes this a great time to start your search for a used Jeep Grand Cherokee for sale.

Since its introduction in 1993, the Jeep Grand Cherokee has always represented the crossroads of luxury and adventure. Equal parts adventure and sophistication, the Grand Cherokee combines legendary Jeep off-road performance with on-road refinement in one versatile package. Let’s look back at some of the more recent Jeep Grand Cherokee models to help you find the version that best meets your needs, personality, and driving style.

The Evolution of Performance

The Jeep Grand Cherokee celebrated its 25th year of production in 2018 with a lineup of 12 distinct models ranging from straightforward to mind-boggling. After choosing between the Laredo, Laredo E, Altitude, Upland, Limited, Trailhawk, Limited Sterling Edition, High Altitude, Overland, Summit, SRT, and Trackhawk models, drivers then had to narrow down their selection of engines.

The standard engine is a peppy and well-received 3.6L V6 that delivers 295 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. This can be swapped out for a 360-hp 5.7L V8, but many drivers prefer the 3.0L diesel engine, which produces 240 hp and a mighty 420 lb-ft of torque. Drivers who chose the SRT model unlocked a 6.4L V8 good for 475 hp, but the true magic is available only in the Trackhawk trim. Borrowed from the Dodge Charger, the 6.2L V8 in the 2018 Jeep Cherokee Trackhawk provides 707 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque, which translates into a 0-60 mph time of just 3.5 seconds.

The diesel engine was discontinued with the 2020 model year. However, the remaining engines remained untouched throughout the rest of the fourth generation, which concluded with the 2021 model year. The SRT and Trackhawk models did not reappear at the beginning of the 2022 model year, making models with this particular engine specific to the fourth generation.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee Makes Versatility Reality

By 2018, everyone who needed a Jeep was familiar with the brand. Jeeps were boxy SUVs that could go just about anywhere. With the introduction of the Grand Cherokee, Jeep had redefined the possibilities of those boxy SUVs. Adding the quickest production SUV in the world to the lineup was simply a demonstration of what an SUV like the Grand Cherokee could do. When the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk debuted in 2018, many drivers were curious about how a sports car engine would perform in a five-seat SUV. Jeep continued on its mission to create an SUV that drivers not just enjoyed, but cherished as a wise investment.

The Trackhawk is more than a big engine that goes very fast. It features an exclusive cooling system to provide the big engine with the air it needs. Equipped with Quadra-Trac on-demand four-wheel drive, it features its own unique suspension, axles, and transfer case. The Brembo brakes used on the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk were the largest that Jeep had used at the time. It’s more than a new trim level. It’s a new level of engineering possibilities.

But there’s more to life than just going fast. The 3.6L Pentastar engine is mighty, allowing the 2018 Grand Cherokee to tow up to 6,200 lbs. The 5.7L engine increases this number to 7,200 lbs. A power liftgate opens to a 36.3 cubic foot cargo space, which can be increased to 68.3 cu.ft. by folding the rear seats. 

From roof racks to sunroofs, the wide variety of trims allows drivers the ability to truly customize their rides. While it’s often said that no two Jeep Wranglers are alike, the same could easily be said for the Jeep Grand Cherokee and its choice of engines, tow kits, and off-road features.

Sign Up for Adventure

It’s difficult to talk about any Jeep vehicle without mentioning the off-roading aspect. After all, the brand is practically synonymous with outdoor adventure. Still, it’s interesting to note that not all Grand Cherokees are four-wheel drive. Only models equipped with V8 engines offer standard four-wheel drive, while both the 3.6L gasoline and 3.0L diesel engines are available in both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations.

The off-road-focused Trailhawk model is equipped with standard 4x4 capability, including an exclusive Quadra-Lift air suspension system that’s tuned for the highest possible ground clearance of 10.6 inches. It’s also equipped with Quadra-Drive II 4x4 technology, featuring a rear electronic limited-slip differential for unparalleled traction control in unexpected situations. Skid plates and tow hooks help keep this model trail-ready at all times.

For those who anticipate only brief forays off the beaten path, the rest of the Jeep Grand Cherokee lineup is more than capable of tackling mud and dirt. Features like 20-inch wheels, heated steering wheels, and rain-sensing windshield wipers may not make a car off-road capable, but they certainly make it more comfortable off the beaten path.

A Solid, Sophisticated SUV

The word “luxury” is mentioned frequently when discussing the Jeep Grand Cherokee. While the image of a rugged Jeep blending with anything labeled “luxury” might seem like a stretch, the cabin of the fourth-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee begs to differ. The 2021 Grand Cherokee, in particular, boasts a refined list of comfort features that begins with dual-zone climate control and a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system on the base Laredo trim. The Laredo X model, introduced in 2021, steps up from the base model with a larger 8.4-inch touchscreen, heated front seats and steering wheel, and parking assistance technology. Higher trim levels offer a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system in a cabin equipped with active noise canceling technology. The Jeep Grand Cherokee also offers many features that others do not.

The performance-oriented SRT and Trackhawk models also receive a taste of indulgence, featuring fine details such as leather and suede seating and an Alpine premium sound system. Performance pages help drivers track their best times, while a leather-wrapped sport-style steering wheel enables them to make the most of the tighter steering and more responsive acceleration of these models.

Shopping for a Used Jeep Grand Cherokee

When shopping for any vehicle, it’s a good idea to take a look at all the individual features. When shopping for a vehicle as customizable as a Jeep, it’s an even better idea to pay close attention to the details. It’s not that you might find a bad egg among the bunch so much as you might be surprised at all that’s in store for you for the price. With so many trims and configurations to choose from, it’s best to start brainstorming about which features you simply can’t live without. From track-worthy engines to terrain-tackling engineering, the fourth-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee marked a special time in the brand’s history. With so many choices and a cabin that takes coziness into consideration, a used Grand Cherokee is still a great fit for nearly every SUV driver.