When shopping for a capable SUV, you’ll undoubtedly encounter the Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee, but what’s the difference? Which one would work best for your family’s needs? These two Jeep siblings share much in common, but the details differ.
Performance
Jeep Cherokee and Jeep Grand Cherokee are engineered with performance and off-road prowess in mind, so they both offer Select Terrain traction control. That said, they don’t call it the Grand Cherokee for nothing. The bigger brother boasts superior off-road performance that thrives in the mud and rocky terrain.
Of course, the Cherokee is no stranger to rough conditions, as it will get you through the most brutal winter with no worries. Being a smaller vehicle, the Cherokee gets better gas mileage with a smaller carbon footprint and lower cost. Still, the Grand Cherokee is a must for off-road enthusiasts who want more than your everyday commuter.
Cargo Space and Towing Capacity
If you’re in the market for an SUV, you need more space than a typical sedan can provide. You also might need to tow a trailer or small camper for those family vacations. Whatever the need, you’ll be happy to know the Cherokee and Grand Cherokee deliver on cargo space and towing capabilities. Still, the Grand Cherokee is engineered to offer more of each.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee boasts 36.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and a 7,400-pound towing capacity. By contrast, the Cherokee offers 24.8 cubic feet and 4,500 pounds of towing. For those who prefer a more compact size, the Jeep Cherokee is an acceptable option that provides plenty of space for its class, while the Grand Cherokee kicks things up a notch. As such, expect the Grand Cherokee to cost a bit more.
Powertrain
The Jeep Cherokee is powered by a 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine, an optional 3.2-liter V6, and a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Grand Cherokee, naturally, has a heftier 3.6-liter V6 engine and an optional 5.7-liter V8 with an eight-speed automatic transmission. You can also get a 3.0-liter diesel engine on the Grand Cherokee, which isn’t an option on the smaller sibling.
Being a smaller SUV, the Cherokee has a 15.8-gallon fuel tank that makes it capable of a 490-mile range before you have to stop for gas. The Grand Cherokee boasts a 24.6-gallon tank with a 590-mile range.
Exterior
Other than two different-size packages, there isn’t much difference between the Cherokee and Grand Cherokee’s exteriors. Both have 17-inch wheels, although the Cherokee’s are aluminum, and the Grand Cherokee has alloy wheels. Both are certainly styled in similar ways. There are different details, of course, such as the Cherokee’s halogen projector fog lamps versus the Grand Cherokee’s LED headlights. The Grand Cherokee also has optional chrome trim packages.
Experience the differences for yourself right here at Huffines Chrysler Jeep Dodge Lewisville. Once you’ve tried both, you’ll easily decide on your favorite.