The Jeep Grand Cherokee has long been a staple in the mid-size SUV market, celebrated for its versatility and ability to cater to a wide spectrum of needs. Whether you’re seeking a reliable family vehicle, a capable off-road adventurer, a comfortable daily commuter, or even a luxurious ride packed with premium features, the Grand Cherokee aims to deliver. However, in recent years, the Grand Cherokee had shifted towards the luxury end of the spectrum, potentially alienating some of its traditional customer base. For the 2025 model year, Jeep is making strategic moves to broaden its appeal again, introducing a more accessible base model and implementing price adjustments across various trim levels. In this comprehensive review, we will delve into the 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee, analyzing its strengths and weaknesses at these revised price points to help you determine if it strikes the right balance for your specific requirements.
Mainstream Appeal to Premium Luxury: Exploring the 2025 Grand Cherokee Trim Levels and Pricing
The 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee enters the market with a starting MSRP of $36,495. While not exactly budget-friendly, this price point represents a significant $2,000 reduction compared to the 2024 model’s starting price and a substantial $4,000 decrease from its peak in 2023. In fact, by adjusting the starting price, Jeep effectively rolls back inflation to the pricing levels of 2021, the year of the Grand Cherokee’s previous generation.
Even the entry-level Laredo A trim is surprisingly well-equipped. Standard features include a robust 293-horsepower V6 engine, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, an 8.4-inch infotainment touchscreen, adaptive cruise control, front and rear automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. It’s worth noting that the Laredo A is somewhat limited in configuration, offered only with white paint and rear-wheel drive. For broader customization options, buyers will need to step up to the regular Laredo trim, which starts at a slightly higher $37,035. This suggests the Laredo A trim primarily serves to advertise a lower base price.
For those seeking enhanced capability and space, adding four-wheel drive or opting for the extended-length, three-row Grand Cherokee L each adds approximately $2,000 to the price. Moving up the trim ladder unlocks further refinements and features. The Altitude trim, priced at $41,640, upgrades to leatherette upholstery, while the Limited trim at $42,905 offers genuine leather. For those desiring top-tier luxury, the Overland ($56,995), Summit ($58,560), and Summit Reserve ($63,040) trims deliver increasingly opulent appointments. With options and packages, even after the recent price adjustments, a fully loaded Grand Cherokee can still exceed $70,000. However, this price reflects features typically found in luxury SUVs like Range Rovers, rather than mainstream models. These premium features include massaging front seats, a hands-free driving system, upscale leather upholstery options (Capri, Nappa, or Palermo leather), a high-fidelity 19-speaker McIntosh audio system, a night-vision system, and both heated and ventilated front and rear seats.
Image showcasing the luxurious interior of a 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit, highlighting the premium leather seats and spacious cabin.
Standard V6 Power and Available 4xe Plug-In Hybrid Powertrain Options
The 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee provides buyers with a choice of two potent powertrains. A 3.6-liter V6 engine comes standard across most trims, delivering 293 horsepower and 257 lb-ft of torque. This V6 provides ample power for daily driving and even produces a satisfyingly robust engine note, especially when compared to the growing number of competitors utilizing smaller four-cylinder engines. During testing, some reviewers even double-checked under the hood to confirm the presence of the V6, as a previously available V8 engine option was discontinued this year. The V6-powered Grand Cherokee boasts a towing capacity of up to 6,200 pounds, making it suitable for hauling trailers or boats.
Fuel economy for the V6 Grand Cherokee is competitive within the mid-size SUV segment, earning EPA ratings of up to 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined. However, real-world fuel economy can vary. One test vehicle averaged only 17 mpg in mixed driving conditions over five days, primarily in cold, sub-freezing temperatures. The vehicle’s trip computer also indicated a less-than-ideal 19.5 mpg average over the preceding 2,500 miles.
Image of the engine bay of a 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit, emphasizing the 3.6-liter V6 engine and its robust design.
For buyers prioritizing fuel efficiency or seeking enhanced performance, the Grand Cherokee offers the “4xe” plug-in hybrid powertrain. This option is exclusively available on the standard-length, five-seat Grand Cherokee. The 4xe combines a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric motor, resulting in a combined output of 375 horsepower and a substantial 470 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain enables the Grand Cherokee 4xe to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under 6 seconds.
When charged, the Grand Cherokee 4xe offers an EPA-estimated all-electric driving range of up to 25 miles. Once the electric range is depleted, it achieves a respectable 23 mpg in combined driving. However, real-world testing has shown that the 4xe’s efficiency can be heavily dependent on driving style and usage patterns. One test drive yielded only 20 miles of electric range, with the gasoline engine frequently engaging even in EV-focused driving modes. Furthermore, due to the 4xe’s power and weight, the gasoline engine’s fuel efficiency isn’t exceptional. Prior tests have shown average fuel economy around 26 mpg with regular battery recharging, and trip computer data from test vehicles has indicated even lower averages around 23 mpg.
The Grand Cherokee 4xe comes with a significant price premium, starting at $60,490, approximately $15,000 more than a comparably equipped V6 Grand Cherokee Limited 4×4. A $3,750 federal tax credit can partially offset this price difference. Buyers should consider if the increased performance and potential fuel savings justify the higher initial investment.
Image of a 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe charging, illustrating the plug-in hybrid capability and modern design.
Modern and High-Tech Interior Design
The exterior styling of the 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee is described as clean and understated. The five-passenger model exhibits more compact and muscular proportions compared to the longer Grand Cherokee L. The rear design is enhanced with a light bar and a visually appealing “floating roof” effect.
Stepping inside the Grand Cherokee reveals a sophisticated and well-appointed cabin. The dashboard features a contemporary design with crisp digital displays and premium trim materials, including wood and leather accents. Leather upholstery is available in a variety of stylish colors to personalize the interior. An 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system is standard, with an optional upgrade to a larger 10.1-inch screen, as featured in the test vehicle. An additional 10.25-inch passenger-side touchscreen is also available. Despite the advanced technology, Jeep thoughtfully incorporates physical buttons and knobs for frequently used functions, and the infotainment interface is generally user-friendly. However, the digital graphics in the Grand Cherokee’s infotainment system might appear slightly less cutting-edge when compared to newer competitors in the market.
Image showcasing the modern dashboard and infotainment system of the 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit, highlighting the digital displays and user-friendly interface.
Cabin and Cargo Space: Practicality for Passengers and Gear
While the Grand Cherokee has historically been a popular choice for families, its cargo capacity in the standard configuration has always been moderate for a mid-size SUV, unless opting for the longer Grand Cherokee L. The standard Grand Cherokee offers 37.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 70.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. This provides a usable amount of storage, but smaller crossover SUVs such as the Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, and Nissan Rogue offer even more cargo room. However, it’s important to note that these lighter crossovers lack the towing capability of the Grand Cherokee.
Passenger space is generous in both the front and rear seats. While the front seats in the test vehicle were described as aesthetically pleasing but somewhat firm, individual comfort preferences may vary. The optional massaging front seats in the test vehicle were considered underwhelming in their effectiveness. However, some owners have reported positive experiences with this feature. The rear seat comfortably accommodates adults, even three across, although some smaller SUVs offer slightly more rear legroom.
Image illustrating the spacious rear seating area of the 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit, demonstrating ample legroom and passenger comfort.
The Grand Cherokee L: Expanding to Three Rows
Jeep addressed the demand for three-row seating in the Grand Cherokee lineup by introducing the extended-length Grand Cherokee L. The Grand Cherokee L is nearly a foot longer than the standard two-row model, providing a seven-passenger capacity.
While some may find the proportions of the standard Grand Cherokee more visually balanced, the Grand Cherokee L undeniably offers greater practicality. The third-row seats can accommodate adults, particularly if the middle-row seats are adjusted forward. Cargo capacity expands significantly in the L model, offering 46.9 cubic feet behind the second-row seats and 84.6 cubic feet with both rear rows folded. Space behind the third row is a modest 17.2 cubic feet, typical for three-row mid-size SUVs. While not class-leading, these cargo figures are competitive with rivals like the Ford Explorer, Nissan Pathfinder, and Toyota Highlander.
Image of the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, showcasing its extended length and three-row configuration, parked in a scenic outdoor setting.
On-Road Comfort and Off-Road Prowess
The Grand Cherokee might not be the most dynamically engaging mid-size SUV on paved roads. However, it prioritizes a comfortable ride and competent handling. The steering in the test vehicle was noted as feeling somewhat heavy at low speeds but lightened up at higher speeds.
The Grand Cherokee’s on-road manners are more than acceptable, particularly when considering its exceptional off-road capabilities. This is a true SUV built for rugged terrain, unlike many car-based crossovers. A generous 8.4 inches of ground clearance comes standard, and an optional air suspension system can increase ground clearance to an impressive 10.9 inches, enabling water fording up to 24 inches. The four-wheel-drive system can be further enhanced with a two-speed transfer case and a rear limited-slip differential. The Trailhawk model, designed for maximum off-road capability, is exclusively offered with the 4xe plug-in hybrid powertrain, allowing for near-silent electric off-roading when charged. However, even standard four-wheel-drive Grand Cherokee models are highly capable in typical off-road scenarios.
Image of the 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit demonstrating its off-road capability, driving over rocky terrain, highlighting its ground clearance and robust build.
Exploring the Competition in the Mid-Size SUV Segment
For buyers prioritizing off-road capability in a mid-size SUV, the Grand Cherokee’s primary competitors include the Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser, Subaru Outback, and Land Rover Discovery. The redesigned Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser are also highly capable but are exclusively offered with four-cylinder engines, and the Land Cruiser offers less interior space than the Grand Cherokee. Neither Toyota model matches the Jeep’s level of luxury; that’s typically reserved for the more expensive Lexus GX, which is also less fuel-efficient.
The Subaru Outback provides excellent practicality and comfort, and it can handle light off-road conditions such as muddy roads or snowy weather. However, it doesn’t offer the same level of extreme off-road capability or premium luxury as the Grand Cherokee. The Land Rover Discovery elevates the blend of on-road luxury and off-road aptitude even further than the Jeep, but even its base four-cylinder model starts at a significantly higher price point.
For buyers where off-road capability is not a primary concern, the Grand Cherokee faces a wider range of excellent crossover SUVs. Many models now offer off-road-inspired trims, including the Ford Explorer Timberline, Honda Passport TrailSport, Hyundai Santa Fe XRT, Kia Telluride X-Line, and Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek Edition. These crossovers generally offer superior on-road driving dynamics compared to the Jeep, but lack the Grand Cherokee’s distinctive “cool factor” and genuine off-road pedigree.
Image of a 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser 1958, a key competitor to the Jeep Grand Cherokee in the off-road SUV segment, showcasing its rugged design.
Striking a Balance: Capability Without Excessive Compromise
Many vehicles designed for serious off-roading tend to be either utilitarian and basic, like Jeep’s own Wrangler, or prohibitively expensive, like a Land Rover. The 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee aims to deliver off-road capability with fewer compromises. It successfully blends the attributes of a comfortable, family-friendly SUV with the ability to confidently tackle challenging off-road trails. This engineering achievement is truly impressive.
For buyers who do not require maximum off-road capability, numerous on-road optimized SUVs may be a better fit for daily driving needs. While the Grand Cherokee represents “less compromise,” it’s not entirely without compromise. However, for those who value the Grand Cherokee’s go-anywhere versatility, the current model offers a broad spectrum of talents to complement its core off-road strengths.
Image of the 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit in an urban setting, demonstrating its versatility as both a capable off-roader and a comfortable city SUV.
