Used 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is the flagship model from the iconic SUV brand. As a 2-row, 5-passenger SUV, it competes on paper with midsize sport-utility vehicles like the Ford Edge and Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. But the Grand Cherokee is unique in its "Jeep-ness" — its purpose-built ability to go off-road. In this respect it’s more like a tough Toyota 4Runner. But the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee is available in a wider variety of trims, with multiple engine choices that include a Hemi V8 and diesel V6, and a host of comfort and safety features. The Grand Cherokee is as adept on-road as it is off. For adventurous individuals and families desiring a roomy, competent and comfortable SUV, it’s hard to beat the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Considerable off-road chops aside, the 2016 Grand Cherokee is more likely to spend its life on pavement. Unlike the rougher-riding Jeep Wrangler, the Grand Cherokee is pleasing on the highway and around town. The GC’s resilient and composed highway ride belies its rugged demeanor. But there’s no escaping the wind noise rushing around the outside mirrors and boxy shape at highway speeds. Still, it’s a reasonable compromise, especially considering how capable the Grand Cherokee is when the pavement ends. With ample ground clearance, good power and multiple off-road modes, the Grand Cherokee excels. The EcoDiesel is smooth and refined, but its $4,500 premium and pricey urea refills every 10,000 miles drive us to recommend the standard V6 or 5.7-liter Hemi V8 instead. If you crave speed and family hauling, the 475-horsepower Grand Cherokee SRT is just the ticket. Speeding ticket, that is.

The new Grand Cherokee spans from a reasonably comfortable SUV to one that could give luxury brands a run for their money. All models are 2-row/5-passenger — there is no option for a third row. This layout offers good room for passengers and a healthy 36.3 cubic feet of cargo room behind the rear seats. Folded, that space expands to 68.3 cubic feet. Base Laredo models look the part with cloth, manually adjusted front seats, but stepping up just one trim brings power operation to the driver. Higher-end models are awash in leather and feature heated and ventilated front seats.

The 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee has a muscular, handsome design. True to its off-road intent, the GC has 8.6 inches of ground clearance, with the performance-oriented SRT model sitting slightly lower. The Limited 75th Anniversary model gets a unique front end with mesh grille and accents. All Grand Cherokees have Jeep’s signature 7-slot grille, and higher-end models feature extra helpings of chrome. Despite its tall profile, the Grand Cherokee is easy to get into, making it convenient for the vertically challenged. Conversely, the liftgate can be a bit difficult to reach when fully extended, but you can opt for the power-operated liftgate.

UCONNECT ACCESS
Jeep’s Uconnect combines easy-to-use, easy-to-see connected-car technology with a simple interface.  Key to its user-friendliness are the optional large 8.4-inch touch panel and voice recognition to access the navigation, or mobile apps like Bing Local Search and Pandora. It also includes hands-free text messaging.

QUADRA-LIFT AIR SUSPENSION
The 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee’s optional Quadra-Lift air suspension lets Jeep owners pick from five different vehicle-height settings. At its highest, the 10.6 inches of ground clearance beat even the Wrangler Rubicon. The system can also be lowered, improving aerodynamics as well as facilitating entry and exit.

As mentioned, the least expensive Grand Cherokee, the Laredo, still requires drivers to manually adjust their seat, but does come with dual-zone climate control, a digital instrument cluster, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, keyless entry and a 6-speaker audio system with a 5-inch touch screen. For less than $5,000 more, we recommend stepping up to at least the Laredo 75th Anniversary Edition, which includes the 8.4-inch Uconnect system, heated and power-operated front seats, heated steering wheel, auto-dimming rearview mirror, rearview camera with backup sensors and 18-inch wheels.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee’s 4-wheel-drive (4WD) system is optional, and a must if you intend to go Jeeping in your Jeep. The Quadra-Lift air suspension plus the top-spec Quadra-Drive II 4WD system are essential for any hard-core off-roader. The standard halogen headlights are so-so at best, so the optional xenon setup is a better bet. In a true sign of the times, a CD player has been relegated to the options list. Other options: a Blu-ray entertainment center, dual-pane sunroof and 19-speaker harman/kardon audio system, plus blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning with crash mitigation and lane-departure warning.

The 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee is offered with several engine choices. There’s the standard 3.6-liter V6, which offers good power and fuel economy. The 5.7-liter V8 amps up the power noticeably, but fuel economy suffers. On the flip side, there’s the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6, which offers the most torque of any engine save the SRT’s V8 and gets great fuel economy. The Grand Cherokee SRT is a completely different animal. With a 475-horsepower 6.4-liter V8, its standard 4-wheel-drive system is meant for the street, not the trail, proven by its 4.8-second 0-60-mph time. All Grand Cherokees come with an excellent 8-speed automatic transmission. Two-wheel-drive (2WD) models are now only available with V6 engines, while 4-wheel drive (4WD) is optional on all models and standard on the SRT.

3.6-liter V6
290 horsepower @ 6,400 rpm
260 lb-ft of torque @ 4,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/26 mpg (2WD), 18/25 mpg (4WD)

5.7-liter V8
360 horsepower @ 5,150 rpm
390 lb-ft of torque @ 4,250 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/22 mpg (4WD)

3.0-liter diesel V6
240 horsepower @ 3,600 rpm
420 lb-ft of torque @ 2,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/30 mpg (2WD), 21/28 mpg (4WD)

6.4-liter V8
475 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
470 lb-ft of torque @ 4,300 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 13/19 mpg