Overview: The 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee in the Used SUV Market

The 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee remains one of the most compelling choices in the midsize used SUV segment. It uniquely blends genuine off-road capability with a comfortable, almost premium on-road demeanor. For buyers seeking a vehicle that can handle daily commutes, family road trips, and weekend trail adventures without making sacrifices in either area, the 2019 model year strikes an excellent balance. Unlike many crossovers that are car-based and limited to pavement, the Grand Cherokee still offers body-on-frame toughness in spirit, backed by a unibody construction that improves ride quality. With a wide range of trims and powertrains—from a frugal V6 to a track-ready 6.4-liter V8 in the SRT—there is a version for nearly every budget and use case. This guide expands on the original review, providing deep insights into performance, reliability, buying strategies, and how the 2019 Grand Cherokee stacks up against its fiercest competitors.

Trim Levels and Which One to Choose

The 2019 Grand Cherokee is offered in six distinct trims, each targeting a different buyer. Understanding the differences is crucial when shopping used, as prices vary significantly based on features and history.

Laredo and Laredo E

The base Laredo (and slightly upgraded Laredo E) is the most affordable entry point. Standard equipment includes a 3.6-liter V6, rear-wheel drive (four-wheel drive is optional), a 5-inch or 8.4-inch touchscreen, cloth upholstery, and the basic Uconnect system. While it lacks luxury features, it still boasts strong safety scores and the rugged Grand Cherokee chassis. Used Laredo models often represent the best value for budget-conscious buyers who prioritize substance over leather and wood trim.

Limited

The Limited trim is the most popular choice in the used market. It adds leather seating, heated front seats, a power liftgate, dual-zone automatic climate control, and upgraded wheel designs. Many Limiteds also come with the optional Luxury Group (ventilated seats, upgraded leather). For a mix of comfort and capability without breaking the bank, the Limited is the sweet spot.

Trailhawk

The Trailhawk is the off-road specialist. It comes standard with the Quadra-Drive II 4WD system (with electronic rear limited-slip differential), an air suspension with 1-inch lift, underbody skid plates, all-terrain tires, and unique rock rails. It also includes hill-descent control and a full-sized spare. For anyone who plans to take their Grand Cherokee on serious trails, the Trailhawk is non-negotiable.

Overland

Stepping up to Overland adds premium exterior styling (unique grille, dual exhaust), Nappa leather upholstery, rain-sensing wipers, and a larger 8.4-inch Uconnect system with navigation. The Overland aims for a more luxury-oriented experience, competing with vehicles like the Ford Explorer Platinum or Toyota 4Runner Limited. It’s a solid choice for those who want upscale touches but still need the available Quadra-Trac 4WD systems.

Summit

The Summit sits at the top of the conventional Grand Cherokee lineup (before the SRT). It features quilted leather seats, genuine wood accents, suede headliner, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist (as part of the Advanced Safety Group), and a premium 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. Used Summit models offer near-luxury refinement at a fraction of the original MSRP.

SRT

The high-performance SRT variant is a different beast: it swaps the V6 for the 6.4-liter HEMI V8 producing 475 hp. It includes a track-tuned adaptive suspension, 20-inch wheels, performance brakes, and unique exterior styling. If you want an SUV that can rip to 60 mph in under 4.5 seconds while still being practical, the SRT is unrivaled. Keep in mind fuel economy and tire costs will be much higher.

Recommendation: For most buyers, the Limited or Trailhawk offers the best balance of features, off-road readiness, and resale value. If luxury is paramount, the Summit is worth the premium.

Engine Options and Real-World Performance

The 2019 Grand Cherokee offers three main engine choices (plus the SRT’s V8). Each has distinct strengths.

3.6-Liter Pentastar V6

The standard 3.6L V6 produces 295 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. It’s smooth, refined, and paired with an 8-speed automatic. It provides adequate acceleration for daily driving (0-60 mph in about 8.0 seconds) and can tow up to 6,200 pounds. Fuel economy is best-in-class for the V6: EPA rated at 19 city / 26 highway (with 4WD, slightly lower). For 90% of buyers, this engine is the smartest choice.

5.7-Liter HEMI V8

The 5.7L V8 is optional on Limited and above. It delivers 360 hp and 390 lb-ft, making towing a breeze (max 7,200 pounds). It also uses Multi-Displacement System cylinder deactivation to improve highway economy, though it still averages around 14 city / 22 highway. The V8 provides a deeper exhaust note and stronger low-end grunt. If you regularly tow heavy trailers or prefer the V8 character, it’s a worthwhile upgrade.

6.4-Liter SRT HEMI V8

Exclusive to the SRT, this engine churns out 475 hp and 470 lb-ft. It comes with a performance-tuned 8-speed automatic and launch control. Fuel economy plummets to 13 city / 19 highway. The SRT is not for towing (rated at 5,000 lbs) but for speed and driving excitement. It also requires premium fuel.

Four-Wheel Drive and Off-Road Systems

Jeep offers several 4WD systems on the Grand Cherokee:

  • Quadra-Trac I — full-time single-speed transfer case, best for on-road all-weather traction.
  • Quadra-Trac II — two-speed transfer case, low range for serious off-roading.
  • Quadra-Drive II — includes an electronic rear limited-slip differential and hill-descent control; available on Trailhawk and Overland.

The Trailhawk’s air suspension provides up to 10.8 inches of ground clearance and 35.2 inches of water fording capability. For off-road enthusiasts, the Trailhawk with Quadra-Drive II is the ultimate choice.

Interior Quality, Comfort, and Cargo

The Grand Cherokee’s interior has aged gracefully. Even base models feel solidly built, with soft-touch materials on the dash and doors. Higher trims elevate the cabin to near-premium levels.

Seating and Space

Front seats are spacious and supportive on long drives. The second-row bench offers good legroom for adults, but the Grand Cherokee only seats five—unlike many rivals with an optional third row. This is a deliberate design choice to maintain cargo space and off-road ruggedness. Cargo volume measures 36.3 cubic feet behind the second row and 68.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. That’s competitive with the Ford Explorer (who has a tiny third row) but less than the Honda Passport’s 100.7 cubic feet maximum.

Infotainment and Technology

The Uconnect 4 system with the 8.4-inch touchscreen (standard on Limited and above) remains one of the most intuitive interfaces on the market. It includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto (added for 2019), and Bluetooth streaming. Higher trims add navigation, a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, and the optional 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system—a must for audiophiles.

Materials and Build Quality

Build quality is generally good, but with higher-mileage used units, some interior rattles can develop. Look for well-maintained examples; interior wear is often minimal except on high-use switchgear. The Summit’s quilted leather and open-pore wood are truly luxurious for the class.

Safety Ratings and Driver Assistance Features

The 2019 Grand Cherokee earned solid crash test scores. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded it a 5-star overall rating, with 5 stars in frontal and side impact tests (4 stars in rollover resistance). IIHS rated it a Top Safety Pick when equipped with specific headlights, but marginal for small overlap front on the passenger side—an area to note.

Standard Safety Features

  • Rearview camera with dynamic gridlines
  • Park-assist sensors (rear)
  • Stability control and traction control
  • Hill-start assist
  • Tire pressure monitoring

Available Advanced Safety (via Packages)

  • Adaptive cruise control with full stop
  • Forward collision warning with active braking
  • Lane departure warning and lane-keep assist
  • Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
  • Automatic high-beam headlights
  • ParkSense parallel/perpendicular parking assist

These features are often bundled in the Advanced Safety Group or Luxury Group. Check the vehicle’s window sticker or VIN lookup to confirm which systems are installed. Recommended: buy a used Grand Cherokee with the Advanced Safety Group for maximum safety and resale appeal.

For detailed NHTSA ratings, visit NHTSA’s official page.

Fuel Economy and Real-World Expectations

Fuel economy varies drastically by engine and drivetrain. Here are the EPA estimates:

  • 3.6L V6 (4WD): 18 city / 25 highway / 21 combined
  • 5.7L V8 (4WD): 14 city / 22 highway / 17 combined
  • 6.4L SRT V8 (4WD): 13 city / 19 highway / 15 combined

In real-world driving, the V6 often achieves 22-24 mpg on highways. The V8 drops to 15-18 mpg in mixed driving. If fuel costs are a significant concern, the V6 is the clear winner. The Grand Cherokee requires regular 87 octane for the V6 and V8; the SRT demands premium.

Reliability and Common Issues for the 2019 Model Year

The 2019 Grand Cherokee has a mixed reliability reputation. According to Consumer Reports, the predicted reliability rating is below average, but many owners report trouble-free ownership. The key is knowing which problems are most frequent and how to spot them before buying used.

Infotainment and Electrical Gremlins

The Uconnect system may occasionally freeze or lag, especially on early-build 2019 models with older software. A software update from a dealer can often fix this. Also, battery drain issues have been reported if the system doesn’t shut down properly. Check that all electrical items work: headlights, windows, mirrors, and the infotainment screen during the test drive.

Transmission and Drivetrain

The 8-speed automatic is generally robust, but some owners report rough shifting at low speeds or hesitation. This is more common on higher-mileage units (over 60,000 miles). A transmission fluid change may alleviate symptoms. The Quadra-Trac 4WD systems are durable, but the air suspension on Overland/Summit models can fail (compressor or air leaks), leading to expensive repairs. Avoid an air suspension vehicle without a detailed service history.

Suspension and Brakes

Some earlier Grand Cherokees (2014-2018) suffered from premature front suspension bushing wear; the 2019 improvements reduced but didn’t eliminate the issue. Listen for clunks from the front end over bumps. Brake rotors can warp with heavy towing use; check for pedal pulsation.

Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs)

As of early 2025, the 2019 Grand Cherokee has 10 recalls, including for airbag inflators, engine stall risk, and brake booster assembly. Use the NHTSA recall lookup with the VIN to verify all recall work has been completed. TSBs also cover software updates and HVAC issues. A dealer report is recommended before purchase.

Overall: The 2019 Grand Cherokee is not the most reliable midsize SUV, but proper maintenance and a thorough pre-purchase inspection can mitigate risks. Avoid examples with cloudy maintenance records or signs of off-road abuse.

Buying Tips: How to Evaluate and Negotiate a Used 2019 Grand Cherokee

Follow these steps to make a smart purchase.

1. Get a Vehicle History Report

Use CARFAX or AutoCheck to check for accident history, flood damage, odometer rollback, and consistent service records. A Grand Cherokee that was serviced at a Jeep dealer every 5,000 miles is far more likely to be trouble-free.

2. Find a Trusted Mechanic for a Pre-Purchase Inspection

Spend $150-250 for a comprehensive inspection. Pay special attention to the air suspension (if equipped), 4WD system engagement, and transmission shifts. A mechanic can also check for signs of frame damage from off-road use.

3. Test Drive Thoroughly

Drive on both highway and local roads. Test acceleration at highway speeds, and listen for wind noise (failed seals). Try engaging 4WD Low (if available) to ensure it works. Check the air suspension cycles through modes (Normal, Off-Road 1, 2). For the SRT, test the launch control and sport modes briefly.

4. Consider an Extended Warranty

Given the known electrical and air suspension risks, a Mopar Vehicle Protection extended warranty can be a worthwhile investment—especially for Summit and SRT models. Compare quotes from multiple providers, but Mopar plans are the most seamless with Jeep dealerships.

5. Negotiate on Known Depreciation Factors

The 2019 Grand Cherokee depreciated heavily in the first 3-4 years, but has stabilized. Check prices on Kelly Blue Book and Edmunds for your area. Negotiate by pointing out high mileage, lack of service records, or visible interior wear. The SRT and Summit hold value better, but you can still bargain based on tire wear (SRT tires are expensive).

Comparing the 2019 Grand Cherokee to Key Rivals

How does it stack up against other popular midsize SUVs from that model year?

2019 Ford Explorer

The Explorer offers optional third-row seating and a turbocharged EcoBoost V6 for strong performance. However, it lacks the Grand Cherokee’s off-road credibility and has a less refined interior. The Grand Cherokee tows more (7,200 vs 5,600 lbs with V6) and has a superior infotainment system. Choose the Explorer if you need a third row; choose the Grand Cherokee for ruggedness and luxury.

2019 Toyota 4Runner

The 4Runner is legendary for reliability and off-road capability, but its 5-speed automatic and engine are ancient by 2019 standards. It gets poor fuel economy (17 mpg combined) and has a harsh highway ride. The Grand Cherokee’s V6 is more efficient, its interior is far more upscale, and its on-road comfort is much better. The 4Runner is only for serious off-roaders who prioritize long-term toughness over daily comfort.

2019 Honda Passport

The Passport is a two-row SUV based on the Pilot, with a powerful V6 and excellent cargo space. It handles better on pavement than the Grand Cherokee and is more reliable. However, it lacks any genuine off-road capability, and its interior feels less premium. If you rarely leave paved roads, the Passport is a smart alternative; but for all-weather and trail capability, the Grand Cherokee wins.

Final Verdict: Is the 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee Worth Buying Used?

Yes, but with careful selection. The 2019 Grand Cherokee offers a unique combination of capability, style, and luxury that few rivals can match. The Limited with the V6 is the most practical choice for daily driving, while the Trailhawk is the go-to for adventurers. Avoid examples with the air suspension if you want to minimize long-term maintenance costs, and always verify recall completion. When well-maintained, the 2019 Grand Cherokee provides years of satisfying ownership—whether commuting, exploring, or towing. For a deeper dive into specific trims, reference Jeep’s official page for original specifications, or read a full Car and Driver review for driving impressions. With the right due diligence, you can find a capable and rewarding used SUV that stands out in a crowded segment.