The Jeep Grand Cherokee is almost an institution, a name that carries weight in the SUV world. For 2025, the two-row version comes with a welcome surprise: a price reduction. But is that enough to maintain its reign in an increasingly competitive market? Let’s dive deep into this modern classic.
This American giant isn’t alone in the family; it has siblings like the plug-in hybrid 4xe and the spacious three-row Grand Cherokee L (but we’ll leave those for another discussion). Here, we focus on the “classic” Grand Cherokee, with its V6 engine and options ranging from basic to luxurious.
What’s New (or Not) in the 2025 Grand Cherokee?
Get your confetti ready… or maybe not. The big (and only) news for the 2025 two-row Jeep Grand Cherokee is a slightly friendlier price tag. Yes, you read that right. No design changes, no groundbreaking technology, and no tweaks to the engine. Jeep seems to say, “Our team is winning, so we just adjusted the score…with the price.”
This price reduction could be seen as a response to tough competition offering equally capable (or even more) SUVs at a lower cost. Or maybe it’s just a branding strategy adjustment. Either way, a discount is always welcome, even if it’s subtle. Beyond that, it’s the same Grand Cherokee we know, with its strengths and areas for improvement.
Trims and Pricing: Where’s the “Jeep Tax”?
With nine trim levels, choosing a Grand Cherokee can be more complex than assembling Swedish furniture. The lineup starts with the Laredo (from around $38,490) and goes up to the luxurious Summit Reserve (reaching about $65,035). There’s a version for nearly every taste and budget—provided you’re prepared for the “Jeep Tax.”
It’s undeniable that the Grand Cherokee starts at a higher price point than direct rivals like the Kia Telluride or Hyundai Palisade. This difference reflects the brand’s prestige and its off-road heritage. In the pricier trims, it dangerously flirts with luxury German SUVs. Does the experience justify the extra cost? For many, the Jeep aura speaks volumes.
Which Trim Offers the Best Value?
The house recommendation (and many experts agree) falls on the **Limited** version (from roughly $44,900). It represents an interesting balance, offering a significantly richer equipment package than entry-level trims without hitting the stratospheric prices of the top-tier versions. Features like leather, heated seats (front and rear!), a power liftgate, and remote start add a touch of luxury.
For those looking for “something extra,” the optional Lux Tech Group II adds features like a wireless charger, ventilated seats, a 360-degree camera, and parking sensors. It’s an upgrade that takes comfort and convenience to a higher level, justifying the additional investment for those who can afford it.
V6 Engine: Enough Power or Just Okay?
Under the hood of the non-hybrid 2025 Grand Cherokee lurks a familiar sight: the 3.6L V6 Pentastar engine, delivering 293 horsepower. Rear-wheel drive is standard on the most basic trims (which is a bit unusual for a Jeep, right?), but the brand’s soul lives within the various all-wheel-drive systems available.
Don’t expect the brutality of a V8 (which is no longer available in this generation, except in the 4xe) or the instantaneous response of a modern turbo. The V6 is… adequate. It gets the SUV from 0 to 60 mph in about 7.4 seconds, a respectable time but far from exhilarating. For daily use and relaxed trips, it performs smoothly, aided by a well-geared 8-speed automatic transmission.
Off-Road DNA and On-Road Capability
A Jeep without off-road capability is like a beach without the ocean. The Grand Cherokee honors its roots with traction systems like Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, and the advanced Quadra-Drive II with electronically limited-slip rear differential. The Trailhawk version, focused on heavy off-roading, even adds front sway bar disconnect for greater articulation.
The most impressive part is how this off-road capability doesn’t compromise (much) on-road comfort. The Grand Cherokee glides smoothly, especially in versions with the adaptive air suspension (Quadra-Lift), masterfully absorbing bumps. It’s a surprisingly composed and quiet vehicle on highways, turning long trips into a pleasure.
Towing Capacity
- Maximum towing capacity: 6,200 lbs
- Does it outperform the 4Runner? Yes.
- More than the Wrangler? Yes.
- Ideal for trailers? Yes.
Fuel Economy: The Expected Achilles’ Heel
There are no miracles here: a large, heavy SUV with a naturally aspirated V6 engine won’t be a champion in fuel efficiency. The official EPA numbers hover around 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. These figures are just average for the class.
In independent highway testing (at a constant 75 mph), observed fuel consumption was around 22 mpg. If fuel economy is your top priority, you might be better off looking at its hybrid brother, the 4xe (with its own drawbacks), or competitors with smaller turbo engines or more conventional hybrid options.
Interior: From Basic Functionality to Tangible Luxury
The Grand Cherokee’s cabin varies dramatically depending on the trim. The Laredo models are functional, with decent materials but no flashiness. Things improve significantly starting with the Limited, which features leather and greater attention to detail. The real leap occurs in the Overland and Summit/Summit Reserve trims.
In these, the environment is genuinely premium: plush leather, open-pore wood, metal details, and a wealth of technology. The interior space is generous for five adults, with comfortable seating and a good trunk space (37.7 cubic feet with the seats folded down). Keep in mind: this is the two-row model; for more passengers, you’ll need the Grand Cherokee L.
Technology and Connectivity: A Showcase of Screens
The Grand Cherokee’s dashboard is dominated by screens. An 8.4 or 10.1-inch touchscreen (featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) is standard. Jeep’s Uconnect system is intuitive and fast. Optional features include a digital instrument cluster, a 10-inch Head-Up Display (HUD), and even a 10.3-inch screen exclusively for the front passenger—an interesting tech luxury.
For audiophiles, options exceed the basic six-speaker system. A nine-speaker Alpine system is available, but the crown jewel is the 19-speaker McIntosh setup, providing an immersive and high-fidelity listening experience. Connectivity and entertainment are well catered for.
Available Audio Systems
| System | Speakers | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | 6 | Laredo, Limited |
| Alpine Premium | 9 | Optional/Superior |
| McIntosh High-End | 19 | Summit/Optional |
Safety: Comprehensive and Reliable Package
Jeep hasn’t skimped on active and passive safety features. Resources like automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning with lane-keeping assistance, and adaptive cruise control are standard across all trims. This is a big plus.
For those seeking maximum convenience, the Hands-Free Active Driving Assist semi-autonomous driving system is available on the Overland and Summit trims, allowing hands-free driving on compatible highways (always with attention on the road, of course!). The Grand Cherokee consistently earns good ratings in crash tests (NHTSA/IIHS), reinforcing the feeling of safety.
Warranty: Standard, No Surprises
Despite the premium positioning of some trims, the Grand Cherokee’s warranty follows the general industry standard: 3 years or 36,000 miles for the basic warranty and 5 years or 60,000 miles for the powertrain. Competitors like Kia and Hyundai offer much longer coverage.
A positive point is the complementary maintenance offered by Jeep for three years, with no mileage limit, covering oil changes and tire rotations, which helps to mitigate some of the initial ownership expenses in the early years.
Frequently Asked Questions about the 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Is the 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee good for off-road?
Absolutely, especially with the more advanced 4×4 systems (Quadra-Trac II/Quadra-Drive II) and the Trailhawk version. - Is the V6 engine of the 2025 Grand Cherokee powerful?
It provides 293 hp, which is sufficient for daily use and traveling, but don’t expect sports performance. - What is the main news about the 2025 Grand Cherokee?
The only significant change is a price reduction compared to the previous year. - Does the 2025 Grand Cherokee have a 7-seat version?
No, the standard model features two rows (5 seats). For 7 seats, you’ll need the Grand Cherokee L (a different model). - Which version of the 2025 Grand Cherokee offers the best value?
The Limited version usually provides the best balance of price, features, and luxury.
Conclusion: The 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee remains an attractive, comfortable, and capable SUV both in the city and off-road. The price reduction is appreciated, but it still requires a considerable investment, especially for the more equipped versions. If you value the brand, off-road capability, and an interior that can be quite luxurious, it deserves your attention. How about scheduling a test drive to experience the Jeep spirit for yourself?
