2017 Jeep Cherokee vs. 2017 Grand Cherokee

When you’re shopping for a capable SUV, you’ll undoubtedly encounter the Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee, but what’s the difference between the two? And which one would work best for your family’s needs? These two Jeep siblings share much in common, but the differences are in the details.

Performance
Both the Jeep Cherokee and Jeep Grand Cherokee are engineered with performance and off-road prowess in mind, which is why they both offer Select Terrain traction control. With that being 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 itself is no stranger to rough conditions, as it will get you through the toughest winter with no worries. And being a smaller vehicle, the Cherokee gets better gas mileage with a smaller carbon footprint for less cost, but 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, but 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 as well as 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 a fine option that offers 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 or an optional 3.2-liter V6 coupled with 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 when it comes to the Cherokee and Grand Cherokee’s exteriors. Both have 17-inch wheels, although the Cherokee’s is aluminum and the Grand Cherokee gets alloy wheels, and 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 taken both for a spin, you’ll easily decide on your favorite.
 
Photo by automobileitalia via Flickr | Licensed under CC BY 2.0 | Cropped from original