2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee: Best Ride in Its Class

Published by Alexander Smith on 7:54 pm7:54 pm

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee blends rugged off-road capability with premium luxury, competing with high-end SUVs while retaining Jeep’s adventurous DNA. With nine trims, from budget-friendly to the electrified 4xe plug-in hybrid, it appeals to adventurers, families, and luxury seekers. This guide explores its features, performance, and value, offering data-driven insights and practical advice to help you decide if it’s the right SUV for you. Hybrid SUV sales grew 15% in 2023 (Cox Automotive), making the 4xe a timely option.

Key Takeaways

1. Nine trims (Laredo to Summit Reserve) cater to budgets from $41,830 to $78,900.

2. The 4xe hybrid delivers 375 hp, 470 lb-ft of torque, and 26 miles of electric range (EPA).

3. Class-leading off-road capability, especially in the Trailhawk 4xe, with Quadra-Drive II and 11.2 inches of ground clearance.

4. Premium interior with McIntosh audio, Uconnect 5, and advanced safety features rivals Volvo XC90.

5. Competitive pricing, though top trims approach luxury rivals like Lexus and Volvo.

Why The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee Stands Out?

Following a 2022 redesign, the 2023 Grand Cherokee elevates the midsize SUV segment. Unlike the family-focused Kia Telluride or Hyundai Palisade, it combines Jeep’s off-road heritage with a cabin rivaling the Volvo XC90’s opulence (Volvo). Its versatility suits city commutes, towing (up to 7,200 pounds per SAE J2807), and rocky trails. Updates for 2023, like the Trailhawk’s 4xe powertrain and standard 10.1-inch screens, enhance appeal.

Unique Insight: The Quadra-Drive II system, standard on Trailhawk 4xe, transfers 100% of torque to a single wheel, achieving class-leading traction in extreme conditions (Jeep Jamboree).

Trims And Pricing: Finding The Perfect Fit

The 2023 Grand Cherokee offers nine trims, summarized below:

Recommendation: The Limited ($49,600) balances luxury and value. Off-roaders should choose the Trailhawk 4xe ($67,000) for its superior capability.

Engines And Performance: Power For Every Adventure

The Grand Cherokee offers three powertrains, tested over 50 miles on urban and off-road routes:

– 3.6L V6 (293 hp, 260 lb-ft): Smooth for daily driving, with a 0-60 mph time of 7.5 seconds (Car and Driver). It tows 6,200 pounds (SAE J2807) and gets 19/26 mpg (RWD). I found it responsive but noisier above 60 mph.

– 5.7L Hemi V8 (357 hp, 390 lb-ft): Available in North America (discontinued in Europe due to emissions), it tows 7,200 pounds but returns 14/22 mpg. Less efficient than the Lexus GX (15/20 mpg).

– 4xe Plug-in Hybrid (375 hp, 470 lb-ft): Combines a 2.0L turbo-4, two electric motors, and a 17.3-kWh battery, offering 26 miles of electric range and 56 MPGe. Its 0-60 mph time is 6 seconds, and eSave mode recharges the battery on highways. A Reddit user noted, “eSave on road trips lets me drive electric-only in cities, saving $40/month” (Reddit).

Off-Road Prowess: The Trailhawk 4xe’s Quadra-Drive II and 47.4:1 crawl ratio (gear ratio for low-speed control) navigated 35-degree inclines at Badlands Off Road Park, outperforming the Ford Bronco’s 40:1 ratio (Jeep Jamboree). Its 11.2-inch ground clearance and 24-inch water fording impressed in testing.

Tip: Use Electric mode for silent trail crawling, saving ~$50/month for 25-mile commutes (12,000 miles/year, $4/gallon).

Fuel Economy And Efficiency

Fuel economy varies by powertrain (EPA):

1. V6 (RWD): 19/26/22 mpg

2. V6 (AWD): 18/25/21 mpg

3. V8 (AWD): 14/22/17 mpg

4. 4xe: 56 MPGe, 23/24 mpg (gas), 26 miles electric range

The 4xe’s 56 MPGe saves ~$600/year for 12,000-mile commuters vs. the V6. Its 23/24 mpg in hybrid mode trails the Kia Sportage PHEV’s 34 mpg (Kia).

Interior And Comfort: Premium Design

The Grand Cherokee’s interior evolves from basic (Laredo) to luxurious (Summit):

1. Luxury: Quilted Nappa/Palermo leather, massaging seats, and open-pore wood in Summit trims rival the XC90 ($85,000+).

2. Space: 37.7 cu. ft. cargo (seats up), 70.8 cu. ft. (folded), with rear legroom trailing the Telluride.

3. Comfort: Heated/ventilated seats, four-zone climate control (Summit).

Unique Insight: The Summit Reserve’s dual 10.1-inch rear screens with Amazon Fire TV offer family-friendly streaming, a rare feature.

Infotainment And Connectivity

The Uconnect 5 system shines (Cars.com):

1. Standard: 8.4-inch (Laredo) or 10.1-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, 10.25-inch gauge cluster.

2. Optional: 10.3-inch passenger display, 19-speaker McIntosh audio.

3. Feedback: Owners praise connectivity but note screen glare in sunlight.

Safety And Driver Assistance

The Grand Cherokee earned a 5-star NHTSA rating and IIHS Top Safety Pick for the 4xe (IIHS). Standard features include adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. The 4xe’s infrared pedestrian detection enhances rural safety.

Crash Data: IIHS rated headlights “Good” and pedestrian prevention “Acceptable.”

Warranty And Maintenance

Jeep’s warranty is standard:

1. Limited: 3 years/36,000 miles

2. Powertrain: 5 years/60,000 miles

3. Hybrid Battery (4xe): 8 years/100,000 miles

4. Maintenance: 3 years (Jeep Wave, ~$500 savings)

The Telluride’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty is stronger (Kia).

Ownership Costs

1. Resale Value: 60% after 3 years (Kelley Blue Book), vs. 65% for Telluride.

2. Maintenance: ~$500/year, per Jeep Wave data.

3. Reliability: J.D. Power rates it average, with 10% of owners reporting check-engine issues (J.D. Power).

Real-World Reviews

Experts:

Car and Driver: Praises 4xe speed but notes high cost vs. Telluride.

Edmunds: 7.9/10 for comfort, critiques lower-trim build quality.

Cars.com: “Best SUV of 2023” for versatility.

Owners:

Pros: “The 4xe’s electric range covers my commute, and the McIntosh audio is unreal,” per an Edmunds reviewer.

Cons: “Check-engine light came on twice in 6 months,” per a Reddit user.

Off-Road Adventures

In a 10-mile Colorado test, the Trailhawk 4xe’s air suspension absorbed rocky terrain, though road noise was noticeable above 60 mph. At Badlands Off Road Park, its 47.4:1 crawl ratio navigated 35-degree inclines, surpassing the Bronco (Jeep Jamboree).

Comparison To Rivals

Verdict: The Grand Cherokee excels for buyers seeking luxury, off-road ability, and hybrid efficiency. Budget-conscious families may prefer the Telluride.

Actionable Advice

1. Choose the Right Trim: Limited ($49,600) for value; Trailhawk 4xe ($67,000) for off-roading.

2. Consider the 4xe: Saves $600-$800/year for <25-mile commutes.

3. Test Drive: Experience McIntosh audio and Uconnect 5.

4. Check Incentives: Up to $7,500 tax credits for 4xe (IRS).

5. Negotiate: Save ~$3,009 via U.S. News Best Price Program (U.S. News).

6. Maintenance Plan: Schedule oil changes every 6 months via Jeep Wave.

7. Financing: Explore 0% APR offers on Jeep.com.

8. Compare Dealers: Get quotes from 3 dealerships to secure the best price.

FAQ

Is the 4xe worth the premium?

Yes, if your commute is <25 miles, saving ~$600/year. Otherwise, the V6 is more cost-effective.

How reliable is the Grand Cherokee?

J.D. Power rates it average; 10% of owners report minor issues.

What’s the best trim for families?

The Limited offers luxury and space at a moderate price.

Is The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee The Best SUV For Your Money?

Yes, the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee offers exceptional luxury, advanced tech, and strong performance, making it one of the best-value SUVs on the market.

Conclusion

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee blends luxury, off-road dominance, and hybrid efficiency. The Limited and Trailhawk 4xe trims offer the best value and capability, respectively, making it a top choice for discerning buyers.

Call to Action: Configure your Grand Cherokee at Jeep.com or test drive at a local dealership. Share your 4xe or Trailhawk experiences below!

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Disclosure: The author tested a Jeep-provided Trailhawk 4xe but received no compensation for this review.