Introduction: The 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee at a Glance

The 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee continues to define the midsize SUV segment by blending legendary off-road capability with refined on-road manners and a luxurious cabin. For 2024, Jeep has refined the Grand Cherokee’s formula, offering a range of powerful engines, advanced technology, and the ability to tackle everything from daily commutes to rugged mountain trails. This comprehensive review examines the 2024 Grand Cherokee’s features, performance, and overall value to help you decide if this iconic SUV belongs in your garage.

Exterior Design: Rugged Elegance

The 2024 Grand Cherokee’s design language strikes a balance between the boxy, utilitarian roots of the Cherokee lineage and modern, upscale aesthetics. The front fascia features Jeep’s signature seven-slot grille, flanked by sleek LED headlights that give the vehicle a wider, more planted stance. Depending on the trim, you’ll find subtle accents like chrome or blacked-out grille inserts and skid plates that hint at the SUV’s go-anywhere capability.

The profile remains unmistakably Grand Cherokee: a sculpted hood, prominent wheel arches, and a gently sloping roofline. The available 18-inch to 21-inch wheel choices further tailor the look. At the rear, slim LED taillights and a dual exhaust setup (standard on V6, dual-outlet on V8) round out a clean, purposeful design. Aerodynamic touches help reduce drag, contributing to improved highway fuel economy without sacrificing the rugged stance that buyers expect.

Interior and Cargo Space: Premium Comfort for Five

Step inside the 2024 Grand Cherokee, and you’ll find a cabin that rivals many luxury SUVs. Soft-touch materials, real wood and metal trim, and available Nappa leather upholstery create an inviting atmosphere. The front seats offer ample space and support, with available heating, ventilation, and massaging functions. Rear-seat passengers enjoy generous legroom and can opt for heated seats and a reclining backrest. The optional third-row seat (available on Grand Cherokee L models) provides occasional seating for two children, but adults will find it tight; for families requiring consistent third-row access, competitors like the Kia Telluride or Honda Pilot offer more spacious accommodations.

Cargo capacity is generous for a two-row midsize SUV. Behind the second row, you get about 37 cubic feet of space, expanding to over 73 cubic feet with the rear seats folded flat. The power liftgate is standard, and a hands-free foot-activated version is available on higher trims. Small-item storage is handled by a large center console bin, door pockets, and a cubby above the glovebox.

Infotainment and Connectivity: Uconnect 5 Dominates

Jeep’s Uconnect 5 system is the centerpiece of the Grand Cherokee’s technology suite. The standard 8.4-inch touchscreen is crisp and responsive, but the optional 10.1-inch unit with a 4K display is a standout. Both run the latest Uconnect 5 software, which supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, over-the-air updates, and a customizable home screen. The system is intuitive, with physical volume and tuning knobs that make operation easy while driving.

Higher trims add a 10.25-inch passenger screen, allowing the front passenger to stream video, navigate, or adjust audio settings without distracting the driver. A 19-speaker McIntosh premium sound system, complete with a subwoofer and 950 watts of amplification, delivers concert-quality audio. Additional features include a colorful 10-inch digital instrument cluster, a head-up display, and multiple USB-C ports throughout the cabin.

Safety and Driver Assistance: Comprehensive Protection

The 2024 Grand Cherokee comes standard with a robust suite of driver assistance features under the name Jeep Active Safety Group. This includes forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning with lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. Higher trims add intersection collision assist, traffic-sign recognition, a 360-degree parking camera, and automated parking.

The Grand Cherokee earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS for 2024, and five-star NHTSA overall safety score (with minor variation by trim). For families, the standard rear-seat reminder and rear door alert offer added peace of mind. If you’re looking for more information on how the Grand Cherokee stacks up against competitors in safety, check out the IIHS ratings for detailed test data.

Performance and Powertrain: Two Engine Choices, Endless Capability

Jeep offers two main gasoline powertrains for the 2024 Grand Cherokee. The standard 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 produces 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, paired with a smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission. This engine delivers sufficient power for daily driving and can tow up to 6,200 pounds when properly equipped. Fuel economy is competitive: an EPA-estimated 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway with rear-wheel drive, slightly lower with four-wheel drive.

For those needing more muscle, the optional 5.7-liter HEMI V8 generates 357 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque, with a towing capacity of 7,200 pounds. The V8 is paired with the same 8-speed automatic but includes a unique cylinder-deactivation system that boosts highway fuel economy to 22 mpg (vs. 14 mpg city). While the V8 excels at towing and off-road torque, its city fuel economy is notably lower, so buyers should weigh their needs carefully.

All Grand Cherokees come with a standard 8-speed automatic transmission. The V6 is available in either rear-wheel drive or one of several 4×4 systems, while the V8 is offered exclusively with four-wheel drive. The transmission provides crisp shifts and adaptive logic that holds gears when driving uphill or towing, enhancing control.

Off-Road Capability: Quadra-Trac and Air Suspension

The 2024 Grand Cherokee lives up to its Jeep heritage with available four-wheel-drive systems that provide exceptional off-road capability. The entry-level Quadra-Trac I is a full-time single-speed system ideal for light off-roading and inclement weather. Upgrading to Quadra-Trac II adds a two-speed transfer case with a low-range gear, enabling serious trail driving. The top-tier Quadra-Drive II system includes both the two-speed transfer case and an electronic rear limited-slip differential (eLSD), giving the Grand Cherokee outstanding traction on slippery rocks or mud.

The optional Quadra-Lift air suspension can raise the vehicle up to 11.3 inches of ground clearance in Off-Road 2 mode, allowing you to traverse boulders and deep ruts. The air suspension also lowers the vehicle for easier entry/exit and improves aerodynamics at highway speeds. With the available Selec-Terrain system, drivers can choose settings for Snow, Sand/Mud, Auto, and Rock mode, which adjust throttle response, transmission shift points, and traction control to match the terrain. If you plan to take your Grand Cherokee off the beaten path, the official Jeep capability page provides a detailed overview of each system.

Trim Levels and Pricing: From Value to Luxury

The 2024 Grand Cherokee is offered in six primary trims: Laredo, Altitude, Limited, Trailhawk (off-road focused), Overland, and Summit. A new addition for 2024 is the Laredo “E” package that adds a larger touchscreen and upgraded wheels. Pricing starts around $40,000 for a base Laredo with rear-wheel drive and the V6, climbing to over $65,000 for a loaded Summit with the V8 and all options.

  • Laredo: Standard 8.4-inch touchscreen, cloth seats, 17-inch wheels, and quad-zone automatic climate control.
  • Altitude: Adds blacked-out exterior trim, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and 18-inch wheels.
  • Limited: Leather upholstery, power front seats, heated front seats, and a 10.1-inch touchscreen (optional).
  • Trailhawk: Quadra-Drive II, air suspension (optional), front tow hooks, all-terrain tires, and unique styling.
  • Overland: Upgraded leather, real wood trim, ventilated front seats, and a hands-free power liftgate.
  • Summit: Semi-aniline leather, 19-speaker McIntosh audio, passenger display, and 21-inch wheels.

Most buyers will find the Limited trim offers the best value, providing a strong mix of luxury, technology, and capability without the steep price of higher trims. For off-road enthusiasts, the Trailhawk is the clear choice. For more details on pricing and options, refer to Edmunds’ 2024 Grand Cherokee page.

Fuel Economy: Efficiency Depends on Choice

Fuel economy is an area where the Grand Cherokee shows its age compared to rivals with hybrid or turbocharged powertrains. The V6 rear-wheel-drive model achieves 19/26/22 mpg city/highway/combined, while the V6 4×4 drops to 18/25/21 mpg. The V8 4×4 is rated at 14/22/17 mpg. These figures place the Grand Cherokee behind the Ford Explorer (with the 2.3-liter turbo, up to 20/27 mpg) and the Kia Telluride (20/26 mpg). The 4xe plug-in hybrid variant (reviewed separately) offers over 50 MPGe and about 26 miles of electric range, making it the most efficient choice for those who can plug in regularly.

For the non-hybrid models, real-world driving often matches EPA estimates, though aggressive driving or heavy off-road use will reduce efficiency.

Pros and Cons of the 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Pros

  • Exceptional off-road ability: With Quadra-Drive II and air suspension, the Grand Cherokee can handle trails that stop most competitors.
  • Luxurious interior: High-quality materials, comfortable seats, and a premium audio system create a first-rate cabin environment.
  • Powerful engine options: The HEMI V8 offers best-in-class towing capacity, while the V6 provides a solid balance for daily driving.
  • User-friendly technology: Uconnect 5 remains one of the most intuitive infotainment systems on the market, with wireless smartphone integration.
  • Strong safety scores: Top Safety Pick+ and standard active safety features provide peace of mind.
  • Multiple configurations: Buyers can choose from two-row, three-row (Grand Cherokee L), various trims, and 4×4 systems to suit their needs.

Cons

  • Fuel economy lags behind: Even the V6 trails turbocharged competitors, and the V8 is a gas guzzler.
  • Third-row space is tight: The optional third row is best reserved for children; rivals like the Kia Telluride offer more adult-friendly accommodations.
  • Higher starting price: The base Grand Cherokee costs several thousand dollars more than many competitors, and options add up quickly.
  • Ride can be firm: On rough pavement, the air suspension in off-road settings can transmit more feedback than some luxury competitors.
  • Cargo space behind third row is minimal: With the third row up, only about 17 cubic feet remains, less than the Telluride or Pilot.

Comparison with Key Competitors

The 2024 Grand Cherokee competes in a crowded segment against the Ford Explorer, Kia Telluride, Honda Pilot, Hyundai Palisade, and Toyota 4Runner. The Grand Cherokee stands out for its off-road capability and available V8 power, but it lags behind in third-row space and fuel economy. The Ford Explorer offers a turbocharged four-cylinder that is more efficient and a third row that is slightly more usable. The Telluride and Palisade dominate for family-friendly features and rear-seat room. The 4Runner is the only off-road specialist that compares, but its dated interior and poor fuel economy make the Grand Cherokee a far better daily driver. For a detailed comparison with the Ford Explorer, Car and Driver’s head-to-head is a valuable resource.

Conclusion: The 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee – A Versatile Choice with Trade-offs

The 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee remains a strong contender for anyone seeking a midsize SUV that does not compromise on off-road prowess or interior comfort. Its blend of capability, luxury, and technology is hard to beat, especially if you opt for the Trailhawk or Summit trims. However, the Grand Cherokee is not the most efficient or most spacious SUV in its class. If towing capacity and off-road exploration are priorities, the Grand Cherokee is one of the best choices available. If you rarely venture off pavement and need maximum passenger space, competitors like the Telluride may serve you better. Test drive the Grand Cherokee with the engine and drivetrain that match your lifestyle to see if this iconic SUV fits your needs.