Vehicle Type: SUV

History Description: With decades of experience in delivering capability and confidence, Jeep Grand Cherokee went on sale in its current generation in 2010, as a 2011 model. Appealing to family and lifestyle-oriented shoppers, this popular five-seat model is the recipient of numerous awards for safety, capability and owner satisfaction.

Grand Cherokee competes with competitors from around the globe with an eye for real-world aptitude on roads more and less travelled, and numerous trim grades, engine options, drivelines and packages mean selection will be generous in the used marketplace.

Feature content includes premium audio system upgrades, wood trim, rare leather trim options, xenon lighting, climate controlled seats, navigation, Bluetooth, sunroof, memory seating, heated steering wheel, and plenty more. Favorite features with shoppers include the remote start system, available rear-seat entertainment consoles, a household power outlet, and the available air suspension system.

Note that 2014 saw Grand Cherokee updated with a revised interior, new fascias, new feature content, and improved interfaces. The 2014 model-year updates also saw the newly available 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 engine added to the options list.

Engines / Trim: Trim grade nomenclature sees Grand Cherokee Laredo models opening the bidding in most years, with Summit, Limited and Overland models representing higher-grade units. Standard power comes from the Pentastar V6 engine, a 3.6L unit with the better part of 285 horsepower. An available 5.7L Hemi V8 offers 360, and the EcoDiesel turbo V6 puts 240 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque on tap.

Look for two available 4×4 systems, one a full-time unit that functions as an AWD system, while the other offers low-range and a locking centre differential. Quadra-lift is the Grand Cherokee’s air suspension system, and the SelecTerrain system allows drivers to dial in the current off-road driving terrain via selection of several specially tuned drive modes, including Rock, Mud, Sand and more.

Note that Grand Cherokee was also offered with a high-output engine and performance chassis, in SRT8 guise.

What Owners Like: Grand Cherokee owners typically report a solid and high-quality feel to the ride quality both on the road and off, a comfortable and nicely-styled cabin, a potent upgraded stereo system, good lighting, and a tremendous sense of confidence in challenging conditions. Performance from the EcoDiesel engine, as well as fuel consumption, is highly rated. Performance from the Hemi V8 is highly rated, too. Fuel mileage? Not so much.

What Owners Dislike: Some owners wish for a roomier rear seat, better rearward visibility, and more accessible up-front pricing of the diesel-powered model.

Here’s a look at some Jeep Grand Cherokee Owner Reviews.

The Test Drive: Start your test drive of a used Grand Cherokee by confirming that the seller will allow you to take the model in question to a Jeep service centre for a pre-purchase inspection if you decide to buy it, or that they’re willing to meet you at said Jeep service centre for said inspection.

Purchasing a used Grand Cherokee from this generation without a full once-over by a Jeep-trained technician is strictly not advised.

On board, scrutinize the Grand Cherokee’s interior electronics with an eye for issues, as some owners have reported battery and alternator problems which can result in a machine that won’t start, sketchy operation of certain systems, and even non-functioning accessories. If any issue presents itself, be sure to have a Chrysler mechanic check it out. Parasitic power loss (or discharging of the battery when the vehicle is turned off) is not entirely non-existent here, and software updates and a battery trickle-charger are your best defense against waking up to a dead battery.

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