Yahoo Autos 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee In-Depth Review: Outdoor Couture
Overall Rating:
Its pervasiveness in suburban shopping centers may fool you into thinking the Grand Cherokee is yet another soft-roading crossover, but think again. Under the skin it’s a true Jeep: a stout, off-road capable machine. That doesn’t mean it’s a chore to drive on-road; the big Jeep’s an easygoing, high-utility companion that can be had as an unpretentious workhorse, a leather-lined luxo-ute, or something in between. Two gasoline engines and a diesel are offered, and all three drive the rear or all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic. In any guise, the Grand Cherokee offers a class-leading infotainment system, and the higher trim levels can be equipped with a host of active safety technologies including automated emergency braking.
What's New for 2018?
For 2018, all Grand Cherokee trims feature an updated Uconnect infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The base 5.0-inch display has been ditched for a higher-resolution 7.0-inch unit. Laredo models are enhanced with new cloth seats and 17-inch wheels, the Summit model can be optioned with a new Premium Metal package that adds real metal accents throughout the cabin, and the Overland model can now be had with a brown interior. Grand Cherokees equipped with the optional Alpine audio system will now also feature active noise cancellation. Two new trims for 2018 join the dizzying number already on offer; the Sterling Edition slots in between the Limited and the Trailhawk trims in price and is meant to celebrate the Grand Cherokee’s 25th anniversary. The High Altitude trim—revived from years past—bridges the gap between the Overland and Summit models and is more than just an appearance package, as it adds a suite of active safety technologies and a panoramic sunroof. The big news for 2018 is the introduction of the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk, an ultra-performance SUV built to take on the likes of the Porsche Cayenne Turbo and BMW X5 M, but we review that beast separately.
What Was New for 2017?
Jeep’s aspirational Grand Cherokee pressed on into 2017 with only minor changes. A Trailhawk model joined the lineup and features Kevlar-reinforced off-road tires, red tow hooks, an adjustable air suspension, and other off-road goodies. Upscale Summit models gained a new handcrafted leather interior, a revised grille, and lane-departure warning and a parallel/perpendicular parking aid as standard equipment.
Trims and Options We’d Choose
Last year we recommended the mid-level Altitude trim with all-wheel drive, and we’ll stick by that choice for 2018 as well. It’s a fantastic value at $40,085, which is a scant $295 more than the 2017 model. The updated 8.4-inch infotainment touchscreen with navigation is still standard on Altitude models for 2018, and the Altitude offers other standard niceties that the lower-spec Laredo and Laredo E don’t:
• Leather and suede covered seats with heat for front-seat occupants
• Heated steering wheel
• SiriusXM satellite radio and SiriusXM Travel Link services
• Power rear liftgate
Not to mention the Altitude’s extra, uh, attitude. Its blacked-out 20-inch wheels, grille, and window trim give it a distinct style that’s further enhanced when paired with a contrasting paint color. Don’t like our suggestion? That’s okay; Jeep is now offering nine different trims for the Grand Cherokee (not including the high-performance variants). With a more than $20,000 price gap between the base Laredo and the luxurious Summit, there’s sure to be a Grand Cherokee that fits both your budget and your style.
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