Luxury and More; Why the Grand Cherokee is a Great Used Option

Jeeps are a clever choice for those seeking a capable used vehicle, and none of the brand’s nameplates better emphasize this attitude than the Grand Cherokee. The vehicle is consistently rated among the most impressive SUV offerings. In fact, the vehicle’s variety of features and amenities has actually earned it the distinction of being a luxury vehicle.

Despite this classification, the Grand Cherokee delivers in ways that aren’t necessarily glamorous. The various engine options will provide enough power and speed for any terrain or condition, and the unit also transforms the nameplate into a perfectly capable off-roader. The accompanying mechanics result in a smoother and more enjoyable riding experience, while the plethora of safety functions should keep all of the occupants safe and secure.

For those seeking the utmost value from their Grand Cherokee, a used model may actually be the best route. Customers can still secure a relatively new model (especially if it’s a fourth generation) for a portion of the original price tag. Plus, considering the vehicle’s reliability, these customers should expect the used Grand Cherokee to last several years.

Used Grand Cherokees are an excellent opportunity for those on a budget looking to purchase a luxury vehicle. Of course, we want to focus on more than the extravagant amenities, so let’s explore several of our favorite attributes of the fourth-generation Grand Cherokee…

Capable, Long-Lasting Engine Options

Despite being a luxury SUV, the Grand Cherokee is still a Jeep. That means drivers should expect optimal capabilities and excellent off-roading performance. Of course, in order for your vehicle to perform to its full potential, it needs to be equipped with a powerful engine.

Luckily, the Grand Cherokee has offered a number of impressive engine options since the debut of the fourth generation. The nameplate was originally accompanied by a pair of powerful engine options. The 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine provides drivers with 290 horsepower and 260 pounds-feet of torque. Meanwhile, the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine delivers the utmost power among the nameplate’s offerings, pumping out 360 horsepower and 390 pounds-feet of torque.

In 2012, the brand rolled out their beefier 6.4-liter HEMI V8. The unit is the most powerful offering for the fourth-generation Grand Cherokee. Drivers can expect incredible power at 470 horsepower and 465 pounds-feet of torque. For those seeking a diesel option, the 3.0-liter DOHC EcoDiesel V6 was released in 2013. The unit provides improved efficiency, as well as a solid 240 horsepower and 420 pounds-feet of torque.

Dependable, Accompanying Mechanics

Of course, those impressive engines mean absolutely nothing if the accompanying mechanics aren’t ready to perform. The fourth-generation Grand Cherokee has placed a clear emphasis on luxury, but engineers also meticulously designed all of the nitty-gritty aspects of the SUV for optimal drivability.

For example, the exterior has been specifically designed for aerodynamics, which affects the vehicle’s overall performance and fuel efficiency. Meanwhile, the sturdy and rugged body structure results in 146-percent overall torsional rigidity. This doesn’t only improve the vehicle’s overall durability, but it also helps reduce vibration and cabin noise, providing the driver with a much more pleasant driving experience.

The available four-wheel drive independent suspension plays a role in the Grand Cherokee’s off-roading abilities, but will also help during the winter months. If snow or ice starts to accumulate on the ground, drivers won’t have any apprehension about trekking through the mess. The available four-wheel drive systems (including Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, and Quadra-Drive II) were accompanied by the Selec-Terrain system. Drivers can choose between several driving settings (including Sport, Snow, Sand/Mud, and Rock) to adapt their vehicle to the current driving conditions.

Finally, the available Quadra-Lift system will make your Grand Cherokee more than capable of overcoming any obstacles. The system bumps up the SUV’s grounding clearance, and with the available lift modes (including Park, Off-Road 1, and Aero), drivers won’t be stopped by any rocks or logs.

Consistently-High Safety Scores

In order to appreciate the capabilities of your Jeep Grand Cherokee, you’re going to want to be assured that all of the vehicle’s occupants are safe and secure. Fortunately, the vehicle has consistently received impressive accolades for its safety features and capabilities.

The vehicle has earned high ratings from all of the most respected safety organizations in the country. Upon its release, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety handed the vehicle the best possible scores in the moderate overlap frontal offset test, side impact test, and roof strength test. These accolades continued with recent Grand Cherokee models, including the 2015 version.

Meanwhile, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has consistently lauded the vehicle’s safety. The Grand Cherokee earned a four-star overall safety rating from 2011-2013, including perfect scores in frontal driver safety, side driver safety, side passenger safety, and side pole driver safety. For the 2015 Grand Cherokee, the vehicle earned a five-star rating from the NHTSA, the best possible rating.

What is it about the vehicle that has earned it the distinction of being one of the safest SUV options on the road? Well, the variety of preventative and protective features certainly help. Several technologies, like the Blind Spot Monitoring system, will restrain a driver from making an accidental mistake, potentially causing a wreck. Meanwhile, technologies like the Forward Collision Warning will anticipate an accident and adapt accordingly, notifying the driver via visual and audible signals.

If a driver does end up in an accident, the Grand Cherokee will do a commendable job keeping the vehicle’s occupants safe and protected. Side-curtain airbags will provide additional cushion during a collision, while the sturdy, high-strength body should absorb the energy caused by a crash. The nameplate should prevent you from getting into that collision in the first place, but if you do find yourself in an accident, you can be assured that your occupants will remain safe.

A used Grand Cherokee is certainly a unique choice for those seeking a pre-owned vehicle. While luxury vehicles would ordinarily be out of some customer’s budgets, a used luxury vehicle may be more realistic. Of course, the Grand Cherokee offers more than just luxury, with its powerful and efficient engines, impressive corresponding mechanics, and reliable safety scores. When all is said and done, there’s really no other more logical choice.