2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee Review: An SUV For All Surfaces
The current generation of the Jeep Grand Cherokee can be considered a bit of a senior in the automotive sphere since it has been on sale for close to a decade. That's a long time, especially in the talent-rich midsize SUV segment where much newer competitors like the Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe have arrived. But the ace up the Jeep's sleeve is its ability to combine a comfortable cabin and lots of features with the confidence to head off-road when asked to do so. A mix of powerful V6 and V8 engines (the previously available diesel has been canned for 2020) also endows the Grand Cherokee with strong performance, while its infotainment system feels thoroughly modern. Fuel economy and cargo capacity are downsides, but considering its age, the Grand Cherokee has lots of life left in it and isn't ready to head off into retirement just yet.
What's the Price of the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
A broad, 11-strong range begins with the Laredo at an MSRP of $32,045. With minimal changes, the next two trims are the Laredo E at $33,895 and the Upland at $35,800. Next is the Altitude at $37,945, the North Edition at $38,790, the Limited at $39,660, the Limited X at $44,755, and the Trailhawk at $44,760. Things get pricier and more luxurious after that with the Overland at $46,100, the High Altitude at $48,845, and finally the Summit at $51,400. All prices exclude tax, licensing, registration, and a destination charge of $1,495.
Every model ships with 2WD by default besides the North Edition and Trailhawk, which are only available in 4WD guise. Upgrading to 4WD on any other trim will add between $2,000 and $3,000 to the price. All versions use the V6 engine by default, but the V8 can be equipped on 4WD versions (from the Limited trim and above) for $3,395, although this upgrade does increase to $3,895 on the range-topping Summit trim. If money is no object, a fully loaded Grand Cherokee Summit with 4WD, the V8 engine, and a couple of package upgrades can quickly approach $70,000.
Best Deals on 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee
2020 Grand Cherokee Exterior
Dimensions
Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width | Curb Weight |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
189.8 in | 114.8 in | 69.3 in | 76.5 in | 63.9 in | 64.1 in | 4,513.0 lbs |
Exterior Colors
2020 Grand Cherokee Performance
Engine and Transmission
Handling and Driving Impressions
The Grand Cherokee is a solid, but not exceptional, performer on the road, with newer crossovers like the Kia Telluride and Honda Passport offering a smoother ride. It's far from unlivable, though, as the big Jeep feels planted and composed on the highway, helped by the easy power from the engines, good NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness) control, and the comfortable seats. The suspension is a bit firmer than some would like, but we'd stop short of calling it harsh; the Grand Cherokee still manages to contain the worst bumps before they reach the cabin. Through corners, some body lean is perceptible, but it's nothing too alarming and while there is good weighting to the steering, it doesn't communicate much.
Off-road, the Grand Cherokee makes more of a statement. Four suspension systems are available, including the Quadra-Lift air suspension that increases ground clearance and approach/breakover/departure angles. The Quadra-Trac II 4WD system boasts a two-speed transfer case and hill-descent control. Along with an available rear electronic limited-slip differential, the Grand Cherokee has excellent traction across rough terrain and the ability to raise the air suspension helps it cope admirably with larger obstacles. The simple Selec-Terrain traction management system on 4WD versions allows you to switch between driving modes like snow and sand, while the system automatically distributes power between the front and rear wheels.
The combination of the Jeep's excellent off-road prowess and its good manners on the road make it a formidable SUV for adventure junkies who also need a refined daily driver.
2020 Grand Cherokee Interior
Seating and Interior Space
2020 Grand Cherokee Trunk and Cargo Space
2020 Grand Cherokee Safety and Reliability
Warranty
Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Roadside Assistance |
---|---|---|---|
3 Years / 36,000 Miles | 5 Years / 60,000 Miles | 5 Years / Unlimited Miles | 5 Years / 60,000 Miles |
US NHTSA Crash Test Result
Overall Rating | Frontal Barrier Crash Rating | Side Crash Rating | Rollover Rating |
---|---|---|---|
4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 3/5 |
Verdict: Is the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee A Good SUV?
The short answer is yes, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is still a capable SUV. Despite the rising standards in the segment, most manufacturers have chosen to focus on on-road refinement and improved efficiency, whereas the Grand Cherokee can be equipped with everything you need to confidently head off-road. The V6 and V8 engines are hardly thrifty, but they feel suitably strong in a large, rugged SUV like this. Some other midsize SUVs like the Honda Pilot do a better job of accommodating cargo and riding with more compliance than the Jeep, but the Grand Cherokee's comfortable cabin - especially in the top trims - keep it in contention. The Uconnect infotainment system and the inclusion of driver aids like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-path detection have also shown Jeep's commitment to keeping the Grand Cherokee relevant. Rather than hastily reintroducing an all-new model, Jeep has proven that when the basics are in place, it's possible to extend the life of a model line like the Grand Cherokee while still providing the consumer with a competitive product.
What Jeep Grand Cherokee Model Should I Buy?
With such a broad range, the Jeep Grand Cherokee caters to everyone from those wanting a frill-free midsize SUV in the Laredo to the far more luxurious Summit. As usual, the sweet spot in the range resides somewhere in the middle: we like the Limited trim for its welcome feature upgrades like leather seats, a better infotainment system, and access to the V8 engine. We'd spec ours with 4x4 capability in Sangria Metallic paint with the Black/Light Frost Beige leather interior. The Pro Tech II package adds valuable driver aids like parking assistance and adaptive cruise control, plus we'd tick the box for that brawny V8 engine despite the extra consumption. The total, including destination, works out to $48,435, but you can save $3,395 by going for the still-capable V6.
2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee Comparisons
2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer has been thoroughly revised for the 2020 model year, which should boost the SUV's already stellar sales numbers. The Explorer's sharp new suit does make the Grand Cherokee look a bit dated, and with up to 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque in the Explorer ST thanks to a turbocharged V6, it's the much peppier performer. The Explorer is much more efficient and also rides and handles with more composure, but despite available all-wheel-drive, the Jeep's greater ride height and available off-road gear sees it lead the way when the going gets tough. The Explorer can seat seven, or if you want, it can seat five with far more cargo room than the Grand Cherokee. Priced similarly to each other, the outcome here is clear: the much newer Ford Explorer is a considerably better SUV than the Grand Cherokee unless off-roading ranks highly on your list of priorities.
2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs Toyota 4Runner
The rugged Toyota 4Runner is another midsize SUV that won't shy away from rough terrain. Another similarity to the Grand Cherokee is the 4Runner's age, with the current generation having been first introduced in 2010. The 4Runner starts at $36,120, a bit pricier than the base Grand Cherokee, and all versions make use of a 4.0-liter V6 with 270 hp - that's down on the Jeep V6's output and way down on the Jeep's available V8. As mentioned, both are impressive off-roaders, but you'll need the Grand Cherokee's available air suspension to match the approach/departure/ground clearance figures of the 4Runner. The Toyota can seat up to seven and is the clear winner for cargo capacity, with its 46.3 cubic feet of space behind the second row comprehensively outgunning the Grand Cherokee's 36.3 cubes. But the Jeep fights back with a higher maximum towing capacity (7,200 lbs to 5,000 lbs), superior on-road refinement, and a plusher cabin. It's the Grand Cherokee that we feel has aged a bit more gracefully.