Overview
The Jeep Grand Cherokee was initially intended to replace the standard Jeep Cherokee, but Cherokee sales ensured its continued existence. Before Chrysler purchased Jeep from American Motors in 1987, the foundation for the future Grand Cherokee was already being developed. It was the first Jeep item to be released by Chrysler and the first Jeep to employ computer-aided design software, ensuring engineering performance and consistency. Curious about which generation is for you? Read on for a breakdown of what each year had to offer.
1st Generation: 1993-1998
1993 marked the debut of the ZJ as a model. It was designed to directly compete with the Ford Explorer and was constructed on a monocoque structure with luxury features like power windows, keyless entry, and four-wheel ABS. Initially, there were three trim levels: Base (later known as SE), Laredo, and Limited, though the SE trim was discontinued after only a few years. A four-speed automatic transmission was an option in addition to the regular five-speed manual transmission. Manual transmissions were phased out in 1995, and four-speed automatic transmissions became the norm. The only engine option for the initial Grand Cherokees was the 4.0-liter, 190-horsepower straight-six from AMC. An optional 5.2-liter V8 engine with 220 horsepower was introduced not long after it made its debut. The first-generation Grand Cherokee Limited gained a bigger 5.9-liter V8 engine option with 245 horsepower for its final model year, 1998.Throughout its original run, the ZJ Grand Cherokee had only minor upgrades, although they included four-wheel disc brakes, a unibody chassis, the addition of a passenger-side air bag, improved ride quality, and a number of aesthetic packages.
2nd Generation: 1999-2004
For the 1999 model year, the second-generation WJ Jeep Grand Cherokee underwent a comprehensive overhaul. Its once-boxy form changed to one that was rounded and elegant. A new 4.7-liter V8 engine with 235 horsepower replaced the 5.2-liter V8 from the ZJ as it evolved from the last model. Although horsepower was boosted to 195, the 4.0-liter straight six remained the standard engine. The basic transmission was a 4-speed automatic that had been revised. Progressive locking differentials were a component of the new Quadra-Drive four-wheel-drive system, although rear-wheel drive remained the standard. The WJ also received side-curtain airbags, a CD player, increased passenger room, and interior changes.
3rd Generation: 2005-2010
The Grand Cherokee, also known as the third-generation WK, underwent a thorough redesign in 2005. A 3.7-liter, 210-horsepower V6 engine was installed in place of the 4.0-liter, six-cylinder engine. A new 5.7-liter Hemi V8 was added to the lineup and produced 325 horsepower, replacing the 4.7-liter V8 that was present in the previous model and producing 230 horsepower. Base models with rear-wheel drive come standard with a 5-speed automatic transmission. With the recently released Quadra-Drive II four-wheel-drive system, four-wheel drive was an option. Between 2006 and 2009, the powertrain underwent a number of mid-cycle upgrades. In 2006, the Grand Cherokee SRT8 joined the lineup. It included a 6.1-liter V8 engine that generated 425 horsepower. In 2007, a 3.0 liter turbodiesel V6 engine with 210 horsepower was available. 2008 introduced a brand-new 4.7-liter V8 with 305 hp and 2009 saw efficiency improvements and a power boost to 357 horsepower for the 5.7-liter Hemi V8. For 2010, the 4.7-liter V8 and turbodiesel V6 were both discontinued.
4th Generation: 2011-2020
Updated features included four-wheel independent suspension, air suspension, adaptive cruise control, optional ventilated seats, HID headlights, and blind-spot monitoring. In 2012, the Grand Cherokee SRT8 made a comeback with a 6.4-liter V8 engine that generated 470 horsepower. The Grand Cherokee's new Trailhawk model, which emphasizes off-road prowess, was unveiled in 2017. It was more durable, had more off-road performance equipment, and had larger tires. Models received major improvements in 2014, including a new 8-speed automatic transmission and various aesthetic changes. The SRT was given to the Grand Cherokee SRT8. The Grand Cherokee Trackhawk was a brand-new addition to the Grand Cherokee lineup in 2018. It has a 707 horsepower 6.2-liter supercharged V8 from the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat.
5th Generation: 2021-Present
Technology improvements included the UConnect 5 infotainment system with an 8.4 or 10.1-inch touchscreen in the fifth-generation Grand Cherokee. Additionally, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are integrated into this system. It boasts a rearview camera mirror, massaging leather seats, and a 950-watt McIntosh surround-sound music system that is optional. The Jeep Grand Cherokee was offered for the 2022 model year in seven different trim levels: Laredo, Altitude, Limited, Overland, Trailhawk, Summit, and Summit Reserve. With a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 375 horsepower, 470 pound-feet of torque, and a 6,000-pound towing capacity, the Limited, Trailhawk, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve trim levels of this new model are available as a 4xe plug-in hybrid. It has a 17 kWh battery pack that provides 25 miles of all-electric range.
Conclusion
Now that you have a better idea of what each generation will get you, you know that there is a used Jeep Grand Cherokee for you. Come check it out today.