Home > News & Blogs > 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Video Review

2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Video Review

Jeep Grand Cherokee Review: Off-Road King or Overkill for Your Needs? | MotorVero

Jeep Grand Cherokee: Off-Road Dominance vs Everyday Practicality

Jeep Grand Cherokee review

MotorVero's definitive guide to help you decide if this legendary SUV matches your lifestyle

Key Takeaways

  • Unmatched off-road capability in its class with available Quadra-Lift air suspension
  • Premium interior options rival luxury brands at competitive pricing
  • Fuel economy lags behind car-based SUV competitors
  • New hybrid variant offers improved efficiency without sacrificing power
  • Third-row seating now available in L models for growing families
  • --FIRST CAR LIST HERE--


The Jeep Grand Cherokee Legacy: Built for Adventure

The Jeep Grand Cherokee stands as a titan in the midsize SUV segment, boasting three decades of continuous refinement. While competitors have shifted toward car-like platforms, Jeep has maintained the Grand Cherokee's body-on-frame roots (until recent unibody updates), preserving its legendary Trail Rated capability.

--TOP ADVERTISEMENT HERE--

Who This SUV Really Serves

Our extensive research reveals three primary buyer profiles for the Grand Cherokee:

  1. Outdoor enthusiasts who regularly venture off paved roads
  2. Luxury seekers wanting premium features without European price tags
  3. Jeep loyalists who value the brand's heritage and styling

Capability Analysis: More Than You Need?

The Grand Cherokee's mechanical specifications tell a story of over-engineering for most drivers:

Where It Excels

  • Up to 10.8 inches of ground clearance (Quadra-Lift equipped models)
  • Water fording depth of 24 inches
  • 5,000-7,200 lb towing capacity depending on engine
  • Quadra-Trac II 4WD system with low-range gearing

Where It Overdelivers

  • Most buyers never use the Rock crawl mode
  • Selec-Terrain system unnecessary for highway commuting
  • Heavy-duty suspension components reduce ride comfort
  • Additional weight hurts fuel efficiency
  • --SECOND CAR LIST HERE--

On-Road Performance: The Daily Driver Reality

While Jeep markets the Grand Cherokee's adventure potential, our testing reveals how it performs where most owners actually drive:

Metric Grand Cherokee Class Average
Highway Noise (dB) 68 64
Turning Circle (ft) 38.1 36.7
EPA Combined MPG 21 24
Cargo Space (cu ft) 36.3 38.9

The Comfort Paradox

Higher trim levels like the Summit address on-road refinement with:

  • Active noise cancellation
  • Adaptive damping suspension
  • Massaging Nappa leather seats
  • 19-speaker McIntosh audio system

Yet these features come at a price point where luxury brand alternatives become compelling.



Competitive Landscape: How Alternatives Compare

The midsize SUV market offers numerous alternatives to the Grand Cherokee's specialized approach:

--FIRST CONTENT ADVERTISEMENT HERE--

For Off-Road Purists

Land Rover Defender 110: More capable with superior approach/departure angles but significantly higher maintenance costs.

For Luxury Buyers

Lexus RX 350: Superior reliability ratings and hybrid options, though less characterful styling.

For Value Seekers

Kia Telluride: More spacious third row and better warranty at lower price points.

Ownership Considerations

Beyond the purchase price, the Grand Cherokee presents unique cost factors:

Maintenance Reality

JD Power predicts average reliability, with common issues including:

  • Electrical gremlins in infotainment systems
  • Premature brake wear (especially on heavier models)
  • Suspension component replacement costs
  • --THIRD CAR LIST HERE--

Resale Value

Jeep's strong brand equity translates to:

  • 3-year residual value: 55-58% (above segment average)
  • 5-year residual value: 42-45% (comparable to Toyota 4Runner)
  • TRIM-specific demand (Trailhawk models hold value best)

The Verdict: Who Should Buy the Grand Cherokee?

After evaluating all factors, we recommend the Jeep Grand Cherokee specifically for:

Ideal Buyers

  • Weekend warriors needing true off-road capability 6+ times annually
  • Buyers valuing rugged styling over maximum practicality
  • Those planning to keep vehicles less than 5 years to avoid depreciation
  • --SECOND CONTENT ADVERTISEMENT HERE--

Alternative Recommendations

  • For primarily on-road use: Consider the Acura MDX
  • For maximum cargo space: Hyundai Palisade offers more versatility
  • For tech-focused buyers: Ford Explorer's SYNC 4 system leads the class
Compare All Midsize SUVs →

--FORTH CAR LIST HERE--


proImg

Motorveroben

Last Updated On Sep, 04-2025

Share Now: