Jeep Grand Cherokee Compared: Rivals and Trims
Cross-shopping midsize SUVs? The Jeep Grand Cherokee stands out with available real 4×4 capability, best-in-class towing up to 6,200 pounds, and a choice of V6 or Hurricane turbo power. Open a one-on-one comparison below, see how it stacks up at a glance, and walk through the trims.
Grand Cherokee matchups, one on one
Already have a rival in mind? Each link opens a full side-by-side of the Grand Cherokee against that specific SUV, spec for spec.
How the Grand Cherokee measures up
| Model |
Starting MSRP |
Seating |
Max towing |
Off-road capability |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee |
About $40,410 |
5 (7 in L) |
Up to 6,200 lbs |
Available Quadra-Drive II 4×4 |
| Ford Explorer |
About $38,465 |
Up to 7 |
Up to 5,000 lbs |
Available Tremor |
| Chevrolet Traverse |
About $40,000 |
Up to 8 |
Up to 5,000 lbs |
On-road focused (available Z71) |
| Honda Pilot |
About $40,200 |
Up to 8 |
Up to 5,000 lbs |
Available TrailSport |
| Kia Telluride |
About $39,190 |
Up to 8 |
Up to 5,000 lbs |
Available X-Pro |
Starting MSRP is the manufacturer’s suggested retail price and may or may not include destination charges; it excludes taxes, title, and dealer fees. Contact us for current pricing.
The Grand Cherokee leads this group on maximum towing at up to 6,200 pounds and on genuine off-road capability with its available Quadra-Drive II 4×4. The three-row rivals (the Explorer, Pilot, Traverse, and Telluride) seat more people, so if you regularly need a third row, the Grand Cherokee L or one of those is worth a look. Open a head-to-head above for the full breakdown.
Worth knowing about the Grand Cherokee
- The Hurricane turbo tows up to 6,200 pounds, more than any of these rivals, and does it with a four-cylinder for better efficiency and a class-leading driving range of about 529 miles.
- The Grand Cherokee is the only one here with available Quadra-Lift air suspension, which adjusts ride height for clearance, easy entry, and highway efficiency.
- Decades of awards give the Grand Cherokee one of the strongest reputations in the midsize-SUV class.
Grand Cherokee trim comparison
The Grand Cherokee lines up from the value-focused Laredo to the luxurious Summit, with well-equipped Limited and Limited Reserve trims in between.
| Trim |
Highlights |
Best for |
| Laredo |
Value-priced base with the V6 and core tech |
Value shoppers |
| Laredo X |
Added style and features on the value trim |
Value plus |
| Limited |
Popular mid-grade with more comfort and the Hurricane turbo |
Most buyers |
| Limited Reserve |
Upscale comfort and technology |
Near-luxury |
| Summit |
Top luxury materials and available air suspension |
Loaded |
Grand Cherokee comparison FAQ
What SUVs compete with the Jeep Grand Cherokee?
The Grand Cherokee is most cross-shopped with the Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, Chevrolet Traverse, and Kia Telluride. We have a dedicated comparison for each; open the head-to-head links above.
Which midsize SUV tows the most, the Grand Cherokee or its rivals?
The Grand Cherokee leads this group with up to 6,200 pounds of towing when properly equipped, ahead of the roughly 5,000-pound ratings of the Explorer, Pilot, Traverse, and Telluride.
Does the Jeep Grand Cherokee have a third row like these rivals?
The standard Grand Cherokee seats five, while the Explorer, Pilot, Traverse, and Telluride are three-row SUVs. For three rows in a Jeep, choose the Grand Cherokee L, which seats up to seven.
Is the Grand Cherokee more capable off-road than these rivals?
Yes. With its available Quadra-Drive II 4×4 and Quadra-Lift air suspension, the Grand Cherokee offers off-road hardware few midsize SUVs match. The Explorer Tremor, Pilot TrailSport, and Telluride X-Pro add rugged looks and light capability, but the Grand Cherokee is built for the trail.
Which Grand Cherokee trim is best?
For most buyers the Limited balances features and price and adds the Hurricane turbo. Choose Laredo to save, Limited Reserve for added comfort, and Summit for full luxury and available air suspension.
Is the Jeep Grand Cherokee or the Chevy Traverse a better value?
They start close, both around $40,000. The Traverse adds a standard third row and up to eight seats, while the Grand Cherokee adds more towing, available real 4×4 capability, and a choice of V6 or Hurricane turbo power.