Review: 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Review: 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Since its introduction in 2011 the latest variant of the Jeep Grand Cherokee seen a massive makeover about every three years. The 2014 one was major, but in 2017 the the American manufacturer kept it small with minor adjustments in the grill and headlights. For 2020 the exterior remained pretty much the same with the most noticable changes in safety technology. As the top-of-the-line Jeep especially the Overland we took to Moreton Island with the 4X4XMORE Club is a luxury vehicle like no other, but at the same time won’t be stopped when one of the specialised 4WD-modes is engaged.

INITIAL IMPRESSION

Big, bulky and boisterous. Very American. That’s the first impression you will get from the Jeep Grand Cherokee. It has road presence, for sure. Its LED-lights looking at you daringly, while it’s 3.6L V6 petrol or (preferably) 3.0L V6 diesel is ready to pounce. For a real kick only the SRT-version with massive 6.4L Hemi V8 will do, but that’s a whole different ball game. Both other two engines have enough power to get the Grand Cherokee where it needs to be with ease and comfort. In regards to the latter the GC is in the top of its class. Inside you’ll find a 8.4-inch touch screen that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, comfortable seats fixed with leather from the Limited editon onwards and enough space to suite 5 occupants comfortably. Unfortunately there isn't a seven-seater Grand Cherokee yet, but that might change in the near future with a completely new GC coming.

DRIVEABILITY

Where most ‘proper’ 4WD are not the most comfortable on the tarmac, the Grand Cherokee is a haven of peace. Whether it’s in the so` suspension, powerful engine or both, the GC is a pleasure to drive. Due to the high seating position the overall view is great though large in size with a length of almost five metres, the GC doesn’t feel uncontrollable. Leave it to the 8- speed gearbox to smoothly change gears and make sure that – especially in eco-mode – the fuel consumption is kept low. Where the 3.0L V6 diesel gets about 9l/100km the petrol version doesn’t perform quite as well: 12l/100km. Probably worth looking into forking out the extra few grand when making the initial purchase and safe on gas in the long run.

LIVEABILITY

When it comes to liveability the Grand Cherokee again stands head and shoulders above it’s 4WD rivals. Standard features include a reverse parking camera and sensors, bi-xenon headlamps, keyless entry and 7 airbags earning the GC a 5-star ANCAP rating. It’s from the Limited model that things really get interesting: a 9-speaker Alpine Sound System, power tail gate, auto dimming mirrors, heated seats with memory function and satellite navigation. The almighty Overland model even comes with full speed collision warning, adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning plus, features usually reserved for premium German sedans. Add all of these options and functionalities to a descent finish and use of proper materials and it makes the GC a car in which you want to take a drive for a fun of it. With the addition of the Quadralift-system you know that ride-height is also covered when going offroad.

COST

The Jeep Grand Cherokee Night Eagle 4x4 starts around $50,000 with the petrol engine. The diesel-variant is $5000 more expensive. From that moment it’s up to you to choose however many options you want and step up to the Night Eagle for just under $60k or the Limited just over that mark. It's more luxurious brother, the S-Limited comes in at $10k more and if you want to add some cash for the upgraded Jeep Quadra Drive II 4x4 system with air suspension in the Overland you're looking at a price just under $80k. If you won’t settle for anything less than the best, the Summit with all the bells and whistles comes in mid-way $80k. And then there is the SRT and Trackhawk beast, respectively just under $100k or quite a bit over at around $130k.

CONCLUSION

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee is the best of both worlds. Whichever model you choose, you will get a proper 4WD that is capable of taking you anywhere. Add that to the fact that it will do so in relative luxury because of its option package and spacious interior and you have a very complete car. Especially with the diesel you will get very descent mileage and low end torque that gives the Grand Cherokee some grunt not to get boring. They might not hold their value like a Japanese car, but the complete package is worth the investment.