2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee represents a unique choice in the midsize SUV segment, especially when it comes to dollars-for-capability ratio. It’s a highly capably vehicle with upscale styling, a spacious cabin that seats five and a lot of storage (there’s 36.3 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats).

Now its fourth generation, the Jeep Grand Cherokee offers buyers a whopping twelve different trims (four of them are limited editions) and four different four-wheel-drive systems for varying levels of off-road prowess. The base Laredo starts at $33,500 and the plush Summit is $54,000. The track-ready SRT and Trackhawk variants boast five different drive modes. Both sit at the top of the range and cost $70,000 and $88,000, respectively. The mid-grade Trailhawk costs $46,450 and is designed with dirt in mind. It has more rugged styling, red tow hooks and 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires. Its 4×4 system has rear electronic limited slip differential.

With so many options available, the Jeep Grand Cherokee casts a wide net in terms of features, capabilities and pricing—part of the reason it’s been such a perennially popular SUV over the years and a mainstay in the segment. 

All models except the SRT, Trackhawk and Trailhawk come with a rear-wheel-drive 3.6-liter V6 engine paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission that delivers 293 horsepower. Each option can be configured as a 4×4 for between $2,000 and $3,000 (SRT, Trackhawk and Trailhawk are 4×4 only). A 5.7-liter Hemi V8 that delivers 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque is standard on the Trailhawk. The SRT is powered by a 6.4-liter V8 rated at 475 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. The Trackhawk gets a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 with max output of 707 horsepower and 645 pound-feet of torque.

A $1,495 Advanced Active Safety Group package is available on most trims and adds all of the newest advanced driver-assist technology, including adaptive cruise control that will come to a full stop, brake assist (also comes to a full stop), lane warning and lane keeping, parking assist (it will parallel park by itself) and auto wipers.

The Trailhawk variant is ideal for buyers that want a well-equipped, capable, near-luxury vehicle without the premium of a comparable Range Rover Sport. It’s quadra-Lift air suspension system is both smart and effective. Coupled with the Quadra-Trac II 4×4 System and Selec-Terrain Traction Management System, it provides a smooth highway ride while self-lowering for better fuel mileage, and then works with the traction systems to provide up to 10.8 inches of ground clearance.

The 4×4 system is “on” all the time and doesn’t toggle between two- and four-wheel-drive like many others. Even off road it still does much of the thinking for the driver. Most drivers will leave the Selec-Terrain in Auto mode for daily duties because it adapts to conditions as needed. For more extreme situations, the dial can call up programs for Mud, Sand, Snow and Rock. A Sport mode also adjusts for more on-road performance. If need be, the Trailhawk also allows drivers to manually adjust ride height, drop the transmission into 4-Low and lock the differential for true rock-crawling abilities. 

And like the Range Rover, the inside of the Trailhawk coddles passengers front and rear. Heated and cooled leather-trimmed seats, a heated steering wheel and quality surfaces are arranged in a pleasing pattern. And while the Jeep’s interior doesn’t feel quite as refined as the Range Rover’s, it’s still comfortable, especially with the upgraded nine-speaker premium audio and the intuitive Uconnect4 infotainment system on the 8.4-inch touch screen. There’s also an app that tracks the status of the suspension system.

In the end, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is an extremely capable off-road partner and road trip facilitator, loaded with capability and performance. The question is whether to hold off until a hoped-for redesign arrives in 2021 or take advantage of discounts now for a proven platform that has a bit of black eye for safety.