Used 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The Jeep Grand Cherokee has a long-standing reputation as a practical midsize SUV that retains the off-road chops you’d expect from the Jeep name. The recently redesigned 2023 model continues that legacy. The Grand Cherokee has an upscale, high-tech interior and rugged capabilities when equipped with 4WD.

If you’re looking for a bargain and don’t plan on doing a lot of driving off-road, this class has better bargains, like the Hyundai Santa Fe and Honda Passport. However, if you’re looking for a composed ride on the street and adventurous capabilities in the dirt, then few SUVs can strike this balance like the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

There’s also a bigger, 3-row Grand Cherokee L and a plug-in hybrid Grand Cherokee 4xe, which are reviewed separately.

Driving the Jeep Grand Cherokee on the street is a pleasant experience. A test drive of this SUV will clarify why it’s on the more expensive side of its class. The ride is smooth and comfortable, and there’s not much body roll. The ride is exceptionally supple if you opt for the Quadra-Lift air suspension, which improves both on-road comfort and off-road capability.

The base V6 powertrain does the job, but it won’t blow you away. This V6 has more than enough power for most drivers and returns decent fuel economy. It uses an 8-speed automatic transmission, which delivers smooth and quick shifts that you’ll hardly notice.

Rear-wheel drive is standard in the Grand Cherokee, but if you have any off-road ambitions, you’ll want to upgrade to 4WD. There are two 4WD systems available; Quadra-Trac I and Quadra-Trac II, which adds a 2-speed low transfer case.

The available Selec-Terrain system has Auto, Sport, Snow, Sand/Mud, and Rock drive modes allowing you to customize your drive. Whether it’s a snowy road, a muddy trail, or just an open road, choosing the proper drive mode can help you get the most out of your Jeep.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee has one of the nicest interiors in its class. The design looks nice, and the materials are upscale, especially in the upper trims. Everything but the base trim has leather seats, and the top trims come with luxuries like massaging seats, 4-zone climate control, and premium audio systems, including a 19-speaker McIntosh sound system.

The seating space is generous in both rows of seats. Since it’s bigger than a compact SUV, the Grand Cherokee has back seats that are all-day comfortable, even for taller adults. However, the cargo space is a little tight compared to most SUVs this size.

The appearance of the Jeep Grand Cherokee reflects its rugged yet refined personality. The look can change a bit depending on the trim. For example, the Altitude model has unique black accents, the Overland trim has a distinct front fascia with chrome tow hooks, and the Summit models have gorgeous wheels and a black contrast roof.

The Grand Cherokee is a midsize 2-row SUV, and it’s about the same size as the Honda Passport, Chevrolet Blazer, and Nissan Murano. In the Jeep lineup, it’s slotted between the compact Cherokee and the longer Grand Cherokee L.

1. Off-Road Capability
Simply put, the Grand Cherokee is one of the most off-road-capable SUVs in its class. With two available 4WD systems and options like the Selec-Terrain system, air suspension, and a 2-speed transfer case, the Grand Cherokee is a genuinely adventurous SUV with impressive capabilities.

2. McIntosh audio system
The available McIntosh audio system has the most speakers of any sound system in this class. It’s a 19-speaker system (including a 10-inch subwoofer) with a 17-channel amplifier delivering top-notch sound quality akin to a high-end audio system in a luxury SUV.

3. Luxurious Upper Trims
The upper trims of the Jeep Grand Cherokee are seriously competitive with expensive luxury SUVs. For example, the top Summit Reserve trim has premium features like Palermo leather seating (massaging in front), a 19-speaker McIntosh audio system, a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, and a long list of safety tech features.

4. Quadra-Lift Air Suspension
You get the fantastic Quadra-Lift Air Suspension system on the Overland and Summit models with 4WD. This suspension lowers the ride height on the highway, improving comfort and aerodynamics. When the pavement ends, it gives you extra ride height for enhanced off-road capabilities.

5. Passenger Screen
This unique feature gives an informative screen to the front passenger. It can show music and navigation data, and if you get the rear entertainment system, it adds Amazon Fire TV streaming that your passenger can enjoy with wireless headphones.

6. Uconnect Infotainment Systems
Every Grand Cherokee has a user-friendly Uconnect infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The Limited, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve models come standard with an upgraded Uconnect 5 system with a 10.1-inch screen loaded with TomTom navigation, HD Radio, and wireless smartphone connectivity features.

The 3.6-liter V6 that powers the non-hybrid, 2-row Grand Cherokee is a tried and true powertrain that strikes a nice balance of power and efficiency.

Rear-wheel drive is standard, and multiple 4-wheel drive systems are optional. Every V6-powered Grand Cherokee has an 8-speed automatic transmission.

The plug-in hybrid Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe is reviewed separately.

3.6-liter V6
293 hp @ 6,400 rpm
260 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway/combined fuel economy: 19/26/22 mpg
Max towing capacity: 6,200 lb