Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. Jeep Cherokee

Jeep has made some high-quality, dependable vehicles that are a lot of fun to drive. Some of its most popular models have been the Jeep Cherokee and the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Both are stylish SUVs that offer reliable performance and a lot of great comfort and convenience features.

Generally speaking, the difference between these two models is that the Jeep Grand Cherokee is bigger and more luxurious than the Jeep Cherokee. But to really understand what these two models have to offer, you have to take a closer look.

Exterior Styling

Look at just about any model year of the Jeep Cherokee and the Jeep Grand Cherokee and you’ll notice one thing right away: The Jeep Grand Cherokee is bigger. The Cherokee is a crossover SUV, and the Grand Cherokee is a full-size SUV, and that difference is noticeable on sight. Even the design of the Grand Cherokee makes it look bigger, with its bulky profile suggesting strength and size.

Every model year presents something different in design, but what you’ll notice year after year is that the Jeep Cherokee has a more streamlined and aerodynamic appearance. The front end comes to a bit of a point, and it sweeps over a sharply slanted windshield to roof. Meanwhile, the Jeep Grand Cherokee has a thick front end with multiple lights, air intakes, and more, leading to a larger body with defined angles and large corners. The Grand Cherokee is designed for more space but also to weather the obstacles you’ll face on the road.

Interior Comfort and Features

Both Jeep models offer superior comfort to other SUV models, and they both have exceptional interior styling. However, some differences do emerge between the two. Both can seat five passengers comfortably, though there is a little more room in the Grand Cherokee. On several model years, the Grand Cherokee also comes with an optional third row, providing seating for up to seven passengers.

You get cloth seating as standard with both vehicles, though the Grand Cherokee offers upgrades like leather upholstery and heated seats before you get to the top-tier trim. But you’ll enjoy a comfortable ride in both.

In addition to getting more room for passengers in the Jeep Grand Cherokee, you’ll also have more room for cargo. You’ll be able to carry more groceries, school supplies, sports equipment, and more.

Power and Performance

If you’re looking for an off-roading vehicle, your search will turn up both the Jeep Cherokee and the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Both are built to take on the challenges of off-road terrain, including reinforced suspension, rugged tires, and a powerful drivetrain. Both models come with all-wheel drive as an option.

With the Jeep Grand Cherokee, you tend to get more engine options, giving you greater control over what kind of performance you can get. Exactly what’s on offer depends on the model year and the trim level, but you are looking at options for V6 and V8 engines, as well as a turbocharged engine in some years. You’ll get some of those choices in the Jeep Cherokee, though not as many. Overall, you’ll get nice performance from the Cherokee, but you can get even better performance from the Grand Cherokee.

Perhaps not surprisingly, the Cherokee tends to get better gas mileage than the Grand Cherokee since its engines are not as powerful or demanding. You’ll need to think through what your priorities are when choosing between the two. Are you going to need more power on the road, or are you going to do more daily driving and need better fuel efficiency?

If you are going to use your vehicle for work, know also that you’ll get greater towing capacity from the Grand Cherokee.

Technology and Convenience Features

In many ways, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is like the luxury version of the Jeep Cherokee. That’s not a perfect description, but it works in generalities. Both models come with the Uconnect infotainment system, which has gotten plenty of praise for being easy to use and delivering high-quality sound. With the Jeep Grand Cherokee, you tend to get more features on the infotainment system, such as Bluetooth connectivity and charging/streaming ports. Again, the exact features depend on the model year and trim level, and some of these options will be available on both models, depending on the configuration.

Some additional features you’ll find on both the Jeep Cherokee and the Jeep Grand Cherokee include large touch screen displays, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and backup cameras. You’ll have options for a lot more upgrades, including rear-seat entertainment systems, navigation, and HD radio.

Safety features abound in both models, which both earned top safety marks. Some of the most recent models of the Cherokee come with safety features like rear parking sensors, anti-lock brakes, and traction and stability control. Some of the most recent models of the Grand Cherokee come with safety features like blind spot monitoring, cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors. You also have the option to upgrade to more advanced safety features like parking assist and lane departure warning.

Choosing the Right Jeep for You

Both the Jeep Cherokee and the Jeep Grand Cherokee are exceptional vehicles that are fun to drive and have a lot of great features. They both offer great performance and can be used for off-roading fun. You really can’t go wrong with choosing either one. However, you should look closer to ensure that you are getting the perfect model and configuration to suit your personal tastes and needs.

The friendly and knowledgeable associates at Tim’s Truck are ready to help you find the perfect Jeep Cherokee or Jeep Grand Cherokee. We carry new and previously owned models of the Cherokee and Grand Cherokee, so you can find several configurations to get exactly the features you want. We’ll help you narrow the options, and you can take a test drive to determine what feels right for you. Then we’ll help you find the financing that best fits your budget. Visit us today to learn more!