2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Review

Detailed Review

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a 5-Seater SUV that has been in production for five generations starting from 1993 to present. These generations are;

• The first Generation Known as the ZJ that was in production from 1993 to 1998
• The second generation known as the WJ that was in production from 1999 to 2004
• The third generation known as the WK that was in production from 2005 to 2010
• The fourth generation known as the WK2 was in production from 2011 to 2020
• The fifth generation known as the  WL has been in production from 2021 to present.

The fourth generation Grand Cherokee was developed during the Daimler-Chrysler era and consequently, it shares 30% of its components with the 3rd generation Mercedes M-Class. The Grand Cherokee became the first Jeep to be equipped with air suspension thanks to this partnership and its interior has a touch of the Mercedes quality.

The 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee delivers good on- and off-road performance and it boasts a comfortable interior. However, it’s demoted to the center of our midsize SUV rankings since its safety and anticipated reliability ratings are low. 

The 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee comes with four engine options, these are; a 3.0-Litre diesel engine, a 3.6 V6 Pentastar petrol engine, a 5.7-Litre V8 petrol engine, and a 6.4-Litre V8 petrol engine.

Jeep Grand Cherokee Grades

1. Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo – This is the base grade that comes with 17-Inch steel rims, dot-type MID, projector halogen Headlights, six way adjustable driver’s seat, brown fabric seat trim and power windows with driver auto.
2. Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited – This adds 17-Inch alloy rims, paddle shifters, Downhill Assist Control, rear parking sensors, 4.2-Inch colour MID, keyless smart entry, premium steering wheel, roof rails, fog lights, privacy glass, chrome trim, power windows all auto and meter illumination control.
3. Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk: The Grand Cherokee Trailhawk’s Quadra-Drive II four-wheel-drive system, five traction control settings, Quadra-Lift air suspension system, and limited-slip differential are some of its outstanding features. Standard features include heated and ventilated front seats, an 8.4-inch touch screen, a nine-speaker Alpine audio system, leather and suede seat upholstery, a tow hitch with rear-leveling suspension, and a trailer hitch.
4. Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT – This is the luxury grade that adds 18-Inch alloy rims, auto air conditioning, satellite navigation, 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat, Projector LED headlights, auto headlight levelling, LED daytime running lights, leather accented seat and door trim and woodgrain finish.
5. Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk: The Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is essentially a Grand Cherokee Hellcat. It has a 707-horsepower, 6.2-liter supercharged engine and can reach 60 miles per hour in 3.5 seconds from a standstill. Its street cred is enhanced by performance enhancements such as an adjustable Bilstein suspension system and a high-performance Brembo braking system. In addition, it includes the Quadra-Trac Active On Demand four-wheel-drive system, GPS, an 8.4-inch touch screen, and Nappa leather and suede-upholstered seats.

Interior

 

The 2018 Cherokee excels in many areas. There’s plenty of space, it’s simple to get in and out of, and the controls are fairly intuitive. You’re unlikely to spend much time thumbing through the owner’s manual.
There’s plenty of head- and legroom in the front, and there’s also plenty of space in the back. Bins for storage are strategically positioned throughout the cabin. It appears to be well-made both inside and out, however, some of the inside trim pieces are just ordinary. Nothing, however, is likely to let you down.

Technology

The 2018 Cherokee boasts a Uconnect infotainment system that utilizes a touchscreen display to deliver music, directions, and more. Utilize Bluetooth to stream music and make calls and avoid congestion with available SiriusXM Traffic. Uconnect Access, which is available, transforms your smartphone into a remote control for your Cherokee. Lock and unlock its doors, start and stop its engine, and adjust its climate control, among other things. Introducing the Jeep Cherokee.

Cabin Storage
There are several storage compartments in the cabin that are useful for storing items such as smartphones, beverages, goggles, handbags etc. At the first row there are 4 cup-holders, door panel storage, a glovebox and the center-box. For the second row, there are 2 cup-holders on the armrest compartment, front seat pockets and door pockets.

Exterior

The 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee expertly strikes a balance between modern and traditional. While the front end and grille are not as bold as in the past, they go well with the rest of the package. It is no longer as blue-collar as it once was. Rather than that, it is more rich and pedigreed.

Compared to luxury-brand rivals, the Grand Cherokee is a fairly smart piece of design. The front aspect isn’t quite as aggressive as it once was, but it retains the Jeep-exclusive seven-slat grille. That grille is slightly thinner and smaller than it was previously, and it is understated in a category that prefers huge and chrome.

Ground Clearance

The 2018 Cherokee has a ground clearance of 8.6 inches.

2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Fuel Consumption
2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.0L diesel fuel consumption: 13.33 Km/L
2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee 6.4L petrol fuel consumption: 7.35 Km/L

2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Acceleration
2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.0L diesel accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 8.2 sec.
2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee 6.4L diesel accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 5.0 sec.

Jeep Grand Cherokee Fuel Tank Capacity: 93.5 Litres

Performance and Handling 

The Jeep Cherokee is genetically predisposed to off-road capability. Even the entry-level 3.0L diesel accelerates fast and the power delivery is consistent across the speed band. The air suspension gives it unparalleled stability and it’s capable of negotiating sharp corners at speeds where most SUVs will topple over.  Each Cherokee is offered with best-in-class four-wheel drive capability. Three 4×4 systems are offered, including the Trail Rated Jeep Active Drive Lock, which is capable of taming the most difficult off-road terrain. Selec-Terrain traction management is standard on all three. Simply select the setting that corresponds to the current conditions and you’re ready to go.

Service Intervals
Minor Service: At 5,000 km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, Diesel Filter and Engine Oil, etc.
Major Service: At 10,000km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, Diesel Filter, ATF Filter, Cabin Filter, Front Brake Pads, ATF Oil, and Engine Oil, etc.

Jeep Grand Cherokee Spare Parts Availability, Cost & Where to buy
Service parts are fairly and available in Nairobi. Body parts are expensive and available from specialist dealerships in Nairobi. Find a list of Jeep spare part dealers in this link.

Reliability

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a complex SUV that, if not properly maintained, can encounter numerous issues. In particular, if the air suspension breaks down, it could be difficult and expensive to fix. The Grand Cherokee is less prone to issues than the majority of its German competitors, though, with adequate maintenance. If you are planning to own the Jeep Grand Cherokee, it’s vital that you read the Owner’s Manual.

Resale Value: Good

Jeep Grand Cherokee Competitors:  Audi Q7, VW Touareg, BMW X5, Range Rover Sport, Mercedes M-Class, and Porsche Cayenne,

Cost of Ownership
Purchase Price: from Ksh 6,500,000
Comprehensive Insurance: Average Ksh. 120,000/ per annum- Or
3rd Party Insurance: Ksh. 7,000/- per annum
Change of Tyres(If necessary) Ksh. 60,000/- for 4 Tyres
See the Latest Jeep Grand Cherokee Prices Here

What we like about the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee

• Outstanding off-road ability
• Comfortable cabin
• Powerful engines

What we don’t 

• Subpar cargo

Conclusion
The Jeep Grand Cherokee offers an excellent alternative to the German SUVs and it’s a cut above them in terms of off-road capability. If you’re looking for a comfortable and laid-back family SUV, then the Grand Cherokee should definitely be high on your list. Fuel consumption is above average but this is the price you pay for performance.

Where to Buy the Jeep Grand Cherokee in Kenya
If you are looking to either import or buy the Grand Cherokee locally, we can help you with this process. Over the years, we have developed a network of trusted dealers both in Kenya and Japan who supply us with exceptional cars. Simply call us or send us a message through our contacts below and we’ll get you the right car at the right price.