Award Winners: Which 2017 Jeeps Have Been Recognized?

Have you made some progress on your search for an SUV? Then you’ve presumably come across Jeep’s impressive offerings. If you’re zeroing in on this particular brand, there’s a good chance that you’ll have issues choosing between the numerous available models.

Fortunately, several automotive publications and organizations could make the decision a bit easier. Every year, vehicles throughout the industry are recognized for a variety of different attributes, and Jeep is certainly no stranger to these awards and accolades. There are actually several award winners available now at your local Jeep dealer. Let’s see which of the 2017 models stand out from the rest, and you’ll surely be Googling “Jeep dealerships near me” in no time…

2017 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

This hulking SUV was recently awarded the “Five-Year Cost To Own” award from Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com, making it the third straight year that the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited has received this accolade in the mid-size SUV/crossover category. The award generally recognizes those models that have the most affordable ownership costs during the first five years on the road.

“The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is in a class by itself in style, capabilities, ruggedness, and it is also a recognized leader in cost-to-own,” said Jack Nerad, the executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book and kbb.com. “With a design that channels the military Jeep vehicles of the 1940s and takes that to a modern level, the Wrangler Unlimited delivers on its promises that include high resale value and low ownership costs.”

This ownership cost could be partly attributed to the reliable 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine. The unit delivers an incredible 285 horsepower and 260 pounds-feet of torque, and this power plays a significant role in the vehicle’s 3,500-pound towing capacity.

Generally, you wouldn’t expect an SUV with this much power to last particularly long. After all, it would constantly be taxing itself, and the driver will surely be testing its full capabilities. However, the engineers cleverly took some of the pressure off the engine by including capable 4×4 systems. Furthermore, inclusions like the Tru-lok locking differential and the Dana 44 Heavy-Duty Axle will surely take some of the burden off the V6.

Best of all, the engine delivers a 17 city/21 highway mile per gallon fuel efficiency, meaning owners will save an additional chunk of money at the gas pump. Add in the numerous safety features (which will vicariously cut down on accidents and subsequent repairs), and it makes plenty of sense why the Wrangler Unlimited is considered such a great buy.

2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk

If you’re looking for the ultimate off-roading SUV, there’s no better choice than the 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk. This sentiment was confirmed after the model was named Four Wheeler’s “2017 SUV of the Year.” The accolade recognizes a vehicle that caters to off-roading fans.

The Trailhawk version of the Grand Cherokee separates itself from similar models with its aggressive, sporty exterior, highlighted by 18-inch wheels (with the impressive Goodyear Adventure off-road tires), random red accents, and (of course) the brand’s Trail Rated badge. The mechanics include the innovative Quadra-Drive II 4×4 system, which includes the rear Electronic Limited-slip Differential, an updated version of the brand’s Quadra-Lift air suspension, and the Selec-Speed Control (with Hill-ascent and Hill-descent Control). These various features will play a significant role when off-roading, as the Grand Cherokee will be able to overcome many obstacles or road conditions.

“The addition of the Trailhawk to the Grand Cherokee model lineup is yet another example of Jeep’s commitment to producing vehicles that are just as nimble and capable in the dirt as they are on the paved road,” said editor Ken Brubaker. “The Trailhawk model, which includes a unique version of Grand Cherokee’s Quadra-Lift air suspension to improve articulation and suspension travel, takes a capable vehicle and makes it even better. In addition to the great functional upgrades, the Trailhawk package adds a number of visual tweaks to create a handsome and rugged appearance.”

Of course, the Grand Cherokee Trailhawk is also highlighted by the three available engine options, including the impressive 5.7 HEMI V8 engine. This hulking unit is capable of pumping out 360 horsepower and 390 pounds-feet of torque, and drivers will be able to haul up to 7,400 pounds.

2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit

The Trailhawk iteration of the 2017 Grand Cherokee wasn’t the only version of the model to be recognized. The Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit (equipped with the EcoDiesel engine) was the winner of the Green ALV award at the recent Active Lifestyle Vehicle awards.

The accolade shouldn’t be much of a surprise, as the engine is one of the most eco-friendly units in the industry. The 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 reduces CO2 emissions without compromising efficiency, and drivers can still expect impressive power via the 240 horsepower and 420 pounds-feet of torque. Best of all, it’s incredibly fuel efficient, as Jeep touts that owners can expect more than 730 highway miles per tank of gas. When equipped with the eight-speed manual transmission, the SUV is capable of towing 7,400 pounds – tied for the highest mark among the Grand Cherokee’s three engine offerings.

The judging process for this award requires the vehicles to be driven through an off-road course. Fortunately, the Grand Cherokee Summit is more than capable of overcoming any terrain. The Selec-Terrain Traction Control System will manipulate your SUV’s mechanics, including the throttle control, transmission shifting, and Electronic Stability Control. This will provide improved drivability on challenging surfaces.

Meanwhile, the pair of available 4×4 systems will boost your Grand Cherokee Summit’s traction and off-roading abilities. Buyers can even opt for the Quadra-Lift Air Suspension System, which raises the SUV’s ground clearance to an incredible 10.8 inches. With five different height settings to choose from (including Park, Aero, Normal, Off-Road 1, and Off-Road II), you won’t have to worry about any natural obstacles.

It’s important to remember that a particular Jeep’s accolades shouldn’t be the deciding factor when you’re choosing between a variety of models. However, these awards help highlight some of the notable features and capabilities of the SUVs, and these recognitions may help you notice a vehicle that you previously ignored.