Large Hd Pictures of the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee in Steel Blue

2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee

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Our Verdict

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee remains a near-perfect melding of style, function and comfort almost unmatched by competitors at this price point. With the 5.7-liter V8 option, it's even more fun to drive. Selec-Terrain system simplifies off-roading but leaves some driver options open. Although the styling is beginning to age, it still looks plenty sharp and is certainly distinctive. But some low crash test ratings may convince some buyers to wait for the expected 2021 redesign.

What's New

Jeep Active Safety Group, which includes forward collision and land departure alerts, automatic high beams and advanced brake assist, is now available on Grand Cherokee Laredo
Grand Cherokee Limited and Trailhawk models now feature a standard single pane sunroof
Available lighting upgrades to lower trim levels
New interior color options and new wheel designs available on some grades
The six-cylinder diesel engine is dropped for 2020

Pros & Cons

Pros

Laughs at off-road obstacles that would stymie more expensive rigs
Interior comfort and ride quality still a cut above most competitors
Quadra-Lift adjustable suspension system can coddle or conquer

Cons

Worrisome crash test ratings
Options drive up the price in hurry
Exterior style has a few grey hairs

REVIEW

2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee: A Distinctively American SUV

Updated : Jun 23, 2020, 08:50 am

Our team of experts has decades of experience assessing things on wheels . Unlike on a track where the road conditions are pristine and can give foreseeable results, we evaluate vehicles in the real world, where conditions can be unpredictable and, frankly, unfriendly ...Read More

The Grand Cherokee hasn't had a significant style makeover in nearly a decade, but that's not an issue as evolutionary updates to its distinct visage means it doesn't appear dated and there's no mistaking its seven-slot grille. The stance remains muscular but refined, with an optional V8 howl to back it up.

The base Pentastar V6 gets the job done, but in the eyes of many, it's not a Jeep without a V8 under the hood. That's why the Trailhawk is a solid choice as its 5.7-liter Hemi brings more power, big torque and a lot of fun. Plus, it bumps towing capability to over 7,000 pounds. Gas mileage? Not that bad! The Quadra-Lift air suspension and Selec-Trac traction systems are huge assets.

Jeep has refined the Grand Cherokee by degrees since 2011, and it's a comfortable, capable place to embark on an adventure. Surfaces feel high-quality and the Uconnect4 infotainment system is among the best in the industry. Rear cargo space is average, but that's nothing a cargo box can't fix.

Time has not been kind to the Grand Cherokee in terms of IIHS ratings, where it falls short of many more up-to-date competitors. It ranks as good in most categories, including its comprehensive but optional safety tech suit, but has a Marginal overall rating due to safety cage and rollover concerns. It's not a death trap, but buyers should be aware that it ranked below many competitors.

Opting for a V8 in a Jeep of any kind makes clear that fuel economy isn't a primary concern. That said, the 5.7-liter Hemi includes cylinder deactivation and switchable start/stop, netting it 22 mpg on the highway and 14 mpg in city driving. It could be worse for the size, weight and power on hand.

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).

Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit SUV — Though Jeep's 2020 Grand Cherokee is well into its fourth generation, its look is far from dated and its seven-slot grille is unmistakable (the Summit trim is pictured here). *Jeep*

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.

The range-topping Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is equipped with a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine that delivers 707 horsepower and 645 pound-feet of torque. *Jeep*

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.

Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk off-road — The Trailhawk's rugged styling includes red tow hooks, 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires and special badging. Its 4×4 system has rear electronic limited slip differential for extra control off road. *Jeep*

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.

Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk interior — The Trailhawk's interior features leather trimmed seats with exclusive badging, red contrast stitching and a dual-pane moonroof. *Jeep*

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.

Warranty

Basic:
3 Years/36,000 Miles

Drivetrain:
5 Years/60,000 Miles

Corrosion:
5 Years/Unlimited Miles

Roadside Assistance:
5 Years/60,000 Miles

Specs & Safety

Jeep Grand Cherokee Specification

Vehicle Type SUV

Engine Type Regular Unleaded V-6

Seats 5 Person

Horsepower 293p

Torque (lb-ft) 260

Efficiency (MPG) 19 City / 26 Hwy

Transmission Automatic w/OD

*Includes Destination Charges

Jeep Grand Cherokee Safety

Competition

Jeep Grand Cherokee Generations

First Generation

1993 to 1998

The Grand Cherokee launched to much fanfare in for the 1993 model year, replacing the Wagoneer as a midsized premium SUV. The Grand Cherokee set new standards for on-road ride, handling and comfort in an SUV, and boasted a driver's side airbag as well.

Second Generation

1999 to 2004

The second-generation Grand Cherokee was wider, longer and taller than outgoing model. A redesigned rear suspension provided even better ride quality. A new 4.7-liter V8 replaced the 5.2-liter, while a 4.0-liter straight six remained the base engine.

Third Generation

2005 to 2010

The third-generation Grand Cherokee combined power, luxury and a significantly quieter, more comfortable ride. The generation marked the start of a high-performance line of Grand Cherokees. A 330-horsepower 5.7-liter Hemi V8 was added as an engine option. In 2006, the Grand Cherokee SRT8 debuted with a 6.1-liter Hemi V8 rated at 420 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque. It sported 20-inch lightweight forged wheels and four-piston Brembo brakes.

Fourth Generation

2011 to Present

The fourth-generation Grand Cherokee debuted for the 2011 model year.