The Jeep Grand Cherokee has long been a staple in the midsize SUV segment, balancing rugged off-road capability with a comfortable, luxurious daily driving experience. For 2024 and beyond, the Grand Cherokee lineup continues to evolve, introducing a fully redesigned two-row model alongside the return of the three-row Grand Cherokee L. In this comprehensive review, we’ll break down every key feature—from the striking exterior to the advanced powertrains, technology offerings, and safety systems—to help you understand what makes this Jeep a perennial favorite among families and off-road enthusiasts alike.

Exterior Design

The 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee receives a thorough exterior redesign that sharpens its identity while respecting its heritage. The look is both more premium and more aggressive than previous generations, with a lower, wider stance that improves aerodynamics and curb appeal.

Front Fascia

  • Bold Seven-Slot Grille: The signature Jeep grille remains but is now flanked by more sculpted LED headlamps. The grille insert finish varies by trim—gloss black on Trailhawk, chrome on Overland, and black chrome on Summit.
  • LED Lighting Everywhere Standard LED reflector headlights provide excellent low- and high-beam output. Higher trims add fog lamps and daytime running lights, also LEDs.
  • Active Grille Shutters Located behind the grille, these shutters close at highway speeds to reduce drag, improving fuel efficiency by about one mpg.

Side Profile and Dimensions

The Grand Cherokee sits on a longer wheelbase than its predecessor—roughly 116.7 inches—which benefits both interior space and riding comfort. Overall length inches up to around 198.8 inches for the two-row model, while the L (three-row) stretches to 204.9 inches. Key design cues include:

  • Beltline Rise A sharp crease that rises from the front bumper to the taillights gives it a sporty, fastback-like silhouette.
  • Flared Fenders Sculpted wheel arches accommodate up to 21-inch wheels on high-end trims.
  • Lower Body Cladding Black unpainted cladding on Trailhawk models visually lowers the body and protects against trail debris.

Rear End

  • Full-Width LED Taillight Bar A continuous light bar stretches across the tailgate, framing the new Jeep lettering (no badge on Summit Reserve).
  • Dual Exhaust Tips Standard on V6 and V8 models; Trailhawk gets hidden tips for better approach/departure angles.
  • Powder Coated Rear Bumper Integrated step pads make it easier to load roof cargo.

Available Colors and Wheels

Buyers can choose from 10 exterior colors including new shades like Baltic Gray, Midnight Sky, and Slate Blue. Wheel options range from standard 18-inch aluminum wheels on Laredo to 20-inch polished wheels on Limited and 21-inch satin carbon wheels on Summit Reserve. Trailhawk models ride on 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires and a full-size spare.

Interior Comfort and Technology

Step inside, and the Grand Cherokee’s cabin competes directly with premium competitors like the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE. The design is modern, driver-focused, and available with the highest quality materials Jeep has ever offered.

Seating and Space

The two-row Grand Cherokee comfortably seats five adults, with exceptional legroom in the second row (38.6 inches). The Grand Cherokee L adds a third row, offering seating for up to seven. Even the third row is usable for adults at up to 5-foot-10 thanks to a reclining seatback and 30.8 inches of legroom.

  • Leather Upholstery Standard on Limited and above; Nappa leather or Palermo premium leather available on Overland and Summit Reserve.
  • Heated and Ventilated Front Seats Standard on Limited; available on lower trims as part of packages. Second-row outboard seats are also heated on Overland and up.
  • Power-Adjustable Front Seats with Memory 12-way power with 4-way lumbar on driver’s side. Summit Reserve adds 16-way power with massage function.

Cabin Materials and Ambiance

Jeep uses soft-touch materials across the upper dash and door panels. Higher trims add open-pore wood trim, metal speaker grilles, and a stitched leather-wrapped dashboard. Ambient lighting with 10 color options is included on Limited and above.

Infotainment System

The centerpiece is the latest Uconnect 5 system. On base models, it features a 8.4-inch touchscreen; on higher trims, a 10.1-inch display. The system is responsive, with crisp graphics and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard. Additional features:

  • Frameless Rearview Mirror Standard on Limited trims, includes built-in camera display for cargo visibility.
  • McIntosh Audio System An exclusive 19-speaker, 950-watt premium audio system developed with McIntosh Labs is available on Summit and Summit Reserve—clear, powerful sound with a striking amplifier cover.
  • Hands-Free Power Liftgate Optional on most trims; standard on Summit Reserve.
  • Head-Up Display Projects speed, navigation, and safety alerts onto the windshield. Standard on Summit Reserve, available on others.

Digital Instrument Cluster

A 10.25-inch customizable digital gauge cluster is standard on all trims except the base Laredo. Drivers can choose between traditional analog-style dials or a digital off-road view that shows pitch, roll, and wheel articulation.

Performance and Capability

The Jeep Grand Cherokee offers three distinct powertrain choices, each matched to a smooth 8-speed automatic transmission. The lineup includes a gas V6, a V8, and a plug-in hybrid—the 4xe—all designed to deliver strong performance and towing capability.

Engine Options

  • 3.6L Pentastar V6 – 293 hp / 257 lb-ft of torque. This is the standard engine on most trims. It offers a good balance of power and fuel economy, and is the only engine available in the base Laredo. Towing capacity: 6,200 lbs.
  • 5.7L HEMI V8 – 357 hp / 390 lb-ft. Available on Overland and Summit trims. Features cylinder deactivation for improved highway fuel economy. Towing capacity: up to 7,200 lbs.
  • 2.0L Turbocharged 4-Cylinder + Electric Motor (4xe) – Combined 375 hp / 470 lb-ft, with an EPA-estimated 23 miles of all-electric range. The 4xe significantly reduces fuel consumption for short commutes and recovers energy through regenerative braking. Towing capacity: 6,000 lbs.

Transmission and Drivetrain

All Grand Cherokees come with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The standard system is rear-wheel drive, but Jeep’s Quadra-Trac I (single-speed transfer case) or Quadra-Trac II (two-speed transfer case) are available across the lineup. The top-tier Quadra-Drive II system includes:

  • Rear Electronic Limited-Slip Differential (E-LSD) – Sends torque to the wheel with grip, essential for off-road traction.
  • Active Drive Control – Engages four-wheel drive in adverse conditions and disconnects the rear axle in normal driving to save fuel.
  • Selec-Terrain System – Adjusts throttle, shift points, and traction control for Sand, Mud, Snow, or Rock modes.

Off-Road Capabilities

The Trailhawk trim is the off-road specialist with the highest level of capability from the factory. It includes:

  • Quadra-Drive II with Rear E-LSD
  • Two-Speed Transfer Case with 47.4:1 Crawl Ratio
  • Air Suspension – Raises ground clearance from 8.3 inches up to 11.3 inches in Off-Road 2 mode.
  • Skid Plates – Protect the front suspension, transfer case, and fuel tank.
  • Approach/Departure/Breakover Angles – 30.1°, 23.6°, and 22.1° respectively.
  • 35-Inch Water Fording – Sealed electrical connectors allow crossing streams up to 24 inches deep for standard models, 25 inches for Trailhawk.

The Grand Cherokee L retains most of these capabilities, though its longer wheelbase reduces breakover angle slightly. Still, it’s one of the most capable three-row SUVs off-road.

Safety Features

Safety is a top priority for the Grand Cherokee, with a full suite of standard and available driver-assistance technologies. Jeep calls its system Active Safety Group, and it includes:

  • Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go – Handles traffic jams by bringing the vehicle to a complete stop.
  • Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Path Detection – Standard on all trims except base Laredo.
  • Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian & Cyclist Detection – Standard on all trims.
  • Lane Keeping Assist – Gentle steering corrections to keep the vehicle centered.
  • Driver Drowsiness Monitoring – Alerts if it detects inattentiveness.
  • 360° Surround-View Camera – Available on Limited and above; standard on Summit Reserve. Offers a top-down view for parking and off-road trail mapping.
  • ParkSense Front and Rear Park Assist – Standard on Limited and up.

Both the IIHS and NHTSA have not yet rated the 2024 model fully, but the 2023 Grand Cherokee earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from IIHS and a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. The 2024 model shares the same structure and systems, so similar ratings are expected.

Fuel Efficiency

Fuel economy varies significantly by powertrain and drivetrain. Here are the EPA estimates for the most common configurations:

  • V6 (RWD): 19 city / 26 highway / 22 combined mpg
  • V6 (4WD): 18 city / 25 highway / 21 combined mpg
  • V8 (4WD): 14 city / 22 highway / 17 combined mpg
  • 4xe Plug-In Hybrid (4WD): 57 MPGe combined; 23 miles all-electric range; 23 city / 24 highway (gas only) mpg when depleted.

The V6 delivers competitive efficiency for the segment, while the 4xe is the clear winner for daily commuting. An Eco Mode in the Selec-Terrain system optimizes shift logic and reduces A/C compressor load to save fuel.

Note that real-world fuel economy often falls slightly below EPA estimates, especially with the V8 under heavy throttle. The 4xe’s electric range is best used for short trips and plugging in nightly for maximum savings.

Pricing, Trim Levels, and Value

The 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee is offered in a wide range of trims to suit different budgets and lifestyles. Starting MSRPs (including destination fee) are:

  • Laredo (RWD): $39,490 – Standard V6, 8.4-inch touchscreen, cloth seats, 7-inch digital cluster.
  • Altitude (4WD): $44,090 – Adds black wheels, black grille, unique interior trim, and standard Uconnect 5 with 10.1-inch screen.
  • Limited (4WD): $47,840 – Leather seats, heated front seats, power liftgate, 18-inch wheels, LED fog lights.
  • Trailhawk (4WD): $53,980 – Off-road upgrades as noted above, unique front/rear bumpers, all-terrain tires, interior rubberized floor mats.
  • Overland (4WD): $56,890 – 20-inch wheels, Nappa leather, ventilated front seats, hands-free liftgate, upgraded audio.
  • Summit (4WD): $63,490 – Premium leather, real wood trim, 21-inch wheels, McIntosh audio, panoramic sunroof.
  • Summit Reserve (4WD): $67,290 – Palermo leather, 16-way front seats with massage, quilted seat pattern, suede headliner, unique exterior accents.
  • 4xe (Trailhawk 4xe): $59,490 – Plug-in hybrid powertrain, unique blue accents, all-electric range.
  • 4xe (Overland 4xe): $62,490
  • 4xe (Summit Reserve 4xe): $72,090

For comparison, the three-row Grand Cherokee L starts around $42,000 and tops out near $70,000. While pricing is higher than many mainstream midsize SUVs, the Grand Cherokee’s off-road capability and interior quality justify the premium for buyers who need either.

Warranty, Reliability, and Maintenance

Jeep offers a competitive warranty package:

  • Basic Limited Warranty: 3 years / 36,000 miles
  • Powertrain Limited Warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles
  • Rust-Through Perforation: 5 years / unlimited miles
  • Roadside Assistance: 5 years / 60,000 miles
  • First Scheduled Maintenance: Complimentary oil change and tire rotation at 1 year / 10,000 miles (for 2024 models purchased after Jan 1, 2024).

Reliability ratings for the current generation have improved significantly over the previous generation. J.D. Power gave the 2023 Grand Cherokee a score of 81 out of 100 for quality and dependability—above average for the segment. Common concerns include software glitches in early models, but most have been addressed via over-the-air updates. The 4xe’s electric system is covered by a separate 8-year / 100,000-mile warranty for the battery pack.

Annual maintenance costs are typical for a premium midsize SUV: average about $700 per year over the first five years, with a major service at 60,000 miles. The V6 is less expensive to maintain than the V8 due to fewer cylinders and simpler exhaust.

Competitor Comparison

The Grand Cherokee competes with several strong rivals. Here’s how it stacks up:

  • vs. Ford Bronco – The Bronco offers superior off-road rock-crawling capability but far less on-road refinement and interior quality. The Grand Cherokee is better for daily driving and family use.
  • vs. Toyota 4Runner – The 4Runner is older, less fuel-efficient, and lacks modern safety tech, but is legendary for reliability and off-road ability. The Grand Cherokee is more comfortable and tech-forward.
  • vs. Ford Explorer – The Explorer has a third row standard, better fuel economy, and a lower starting price. The Grand Cherokee’s Trailhawk and upscale Summit trims offer more luxury and off-road chops.
  • vs. BMW X5 – The X5 is more expensive but has sportier handling and a more prestigious badge. The Grand Cherokee matches it on interior materials and adds off-road ability the X5 lacks.

For most buyers who want a daily driver with weekend adventure capability, the Grand Cherokee offers the best all-around balance. The 4xe model further reduces fuel costs, making it an environmentally clever choice without sacrificing utility.

Customization Options

Jeep offers over 150 Mopar accessories for the Grand Cherokee, available at order or after purchase. Popular customization includes:

  • Roof Cross Bars and Roof Baskets – For extra cargo capacity.
  • Towing Packages – Available from the factory with trailer brake controller.
  • All-Weather Floor Mats and Cargo Trays – Essential for muddy gear.
  • Side Steps and Running Boards – Improve access for lifted models.
  • Off-Road Bumpers and Winch Mounts – For serious Trailhawk builds (aftermarket).

Conclusion

The Jeep Grand Cherokee remains one of the most versatile SUVs on the market. Its bold redesign brings segment-leading luxury interior materials and technology, while maintaining the off-road capability that built the Jeep legend. Whether you choose the economical V6, the brawny V8, or the future-focused 4xe plug-in hybrid, the Grand Cherokee delivers an engaging driving experience that few competitors can match. For families seeking adventure without compromising daily comfort, and for enthusiasts who demand real off-road hardware, the Grand Cherokee is an excellent choice that continues to set the standard for midsize SUVs.

To build your own or compare trims, visit the official Jeep Grand Cherokee page. Check out Car and Driver’s review for driving impressions, or the EPA fuel economy data for the 4xe model. Safety ratings can be found from IIHS (2023 model).