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2026 Cadillac LYRIQ Review2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee Review
The 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a genuine Jeep. In the SUV world, you can't get a more capable crossover for highway or trail, but is it refined?
2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee – stellantisnorthamerica.com | Shop 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee on Carsforsale.com
What’s New for the 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
The 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee isn’t a dressed-up all-wheel-drive SUV that’s scared of deep sand. Instead, it’s a Jeep and can smoothly travel over any terrain you’ll throw at it. This ability, however, doesn’t make it a rough-riding cousin to the Jeep Wrangler‘s sometimes punishing ride. Instead, the Grand Cherokee gives you all the quality and conveniences of a luxury car and the ability to climb rocks simultaneously.
The newest updates to Jeep’s 11, yes 11 different models of Grand Cherokee, push it further towards the goal of being an automotive Swiss Army knife. Updates include a better 8.4-inch touchscreen, optional navigation, and standard safety features, including blind-spot and rear cross-traffic alerts. Jeep has also added a new trim named Limited X that borrows styling cues from the mighty Jeep SRT plus some new 20-inch wheels.
The Breakdown
Jeep provides off-road confidence
The V6 engine is great
New standard safety assists are welcome
Trackhawk is a street beas
Needs a better warranty
2019 Grand Cherokee Specs
- 295 horsepower from base engine
- 260 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 11 available trims
- 36.6 cu-ft. of cargo capacity
- 68.3 cu-ft. of cargo capacity with seats down
- Towing capacity of 7200 lbs
- Available Harmon Kardon sound system
2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee Powertrain
The 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee‘s standard-issue engine is a strong V6 with quiet manners and good acceleration. It even has the power to pull up to 6200 lbs. But the standard V6 isn’t the only engine choice.
Jeep has 11 versions of the Jeep Grand Cherokee, so you would expect they would have a complete options list of engines. And you’re right. With the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 you can also opt to the powerful 5.7-liter Hemi V8. The Hemi V8 has a Multiple Displacement System that shuts down four cylinders for gas savings in low-power driving situations. It also includes an Electronic Range Selection transmission that manually limits the high gear operating range.
Additionally, if you want more torque than the stand V6, the Grand Cherokee offs up a strong 3.0-liter turbocharged diesel V6. This Fiat developed engine Ecodiesel pounds out 420 lb-ft of torque and got an EPA estimated 30 mpg on the highway.
Regardless of the engine, you’ll have a smooth-shifting eight-speed transmission that goes about its work without complaint. If you like paddle-shifters, the SRT and Trackhawk are for you, and so are the engines. Choosing models and powerplants may be the best of the many good things to say about the Grand Cherokee.
Despite the chassis, we still like the Grand Cherokee’s communicative and direct steering. The big SUV turns quickly into corners and stays solidly in its lane without the need for corrections. And, when it comes time to stop, Jeep’s standard brakes work well but, to be sure, there’s nothing like the Brembo’s on the SRT and Trackhawk.
And same goes for the suspension. Except for the Trailhawk’s off-road capabilities, the non-performance Jeep Grand Cherokees won’t wow you with its handling prowess. But, should you want performance, it’s a few thousand dollars away. And, of course, with Jeep’s all-wheel-drive systems, every 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee will hold its own in sand, mud, or snow.
Towing & Payload
Towing is one of the many high points of the 2019 Grand Cherokee with its engine-dependent 6,400 to 7,200 lb towing capacity. In addition, features like hill descent control, hill start assist, trailer sway control, and, on the high-performance models, Brembo brakes.
Unlike some manufacturer’s high-performance vehicles, Jeep’s Grand Cherokee SRT and Trackhawk can easily tow up to 7,200 pounds. In addition, payload capacity for all models can carry up to 1,260 lbs of people and cargo.
2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee Fuel Economy & MPG
With an SUV, including the Jeep Grand Cherokee, it’s important to remember you’re not driving an economy car. Not only is the Jeep tall and wide, but it’s also heavy. In addition, when you’re filling up the tank, the Grand Cherokee holds a little over 24 gallons of regular unleaded fuel. So, on a good day, you can travel an astounding 615 miles before another fill-up. And if you’re rolling around in the city stop-and-go traffic, you’ll fill up every 442 miles. Try making those miles in an EV.
So, the 295 horsepower 3.6-liter V6 provides a respectable EPA-rated 25 mpg which is astonishing. With the more powerful SRT under your accelerator, you get 13 mpg in the city and 19 on the highway if you’re nice.
For the Trackhawk, the predicted gas mileage is 11 mpg in the city and 17 mpg on the highway. Of course, neither the SRT nor Trackhawk are what you would call fuel-efficient, but we’re confident that mpg isn’t a big reason for buying them.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
If you step foot into a Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit, its luxury will impress you. Of course, we felt pressured to take our shoes off so we wouldn’t soil the Berber carpet. And isn’t a Jeep supposed to get dirty? But then again, this is an SUV and can tend to be more luxurious than usual.
The leather is also upgraded in the Summit and would fit in any luxury car. But, of course, the Summit is unashamedly a luxury sport-utility. But you don’t have to spend that money to be comfortable.
We felt that a Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo with the Upland package blended a Jeep Cherokee’s utility and luxury car convenience without hitting your bank account too hard – especially for family transportation. You have the Uconnect infotainment system and can add the extra screens for the second row if you want. Plus, you don’t have to worry about muddying up the Berber.
On any trim, the seats are comfortable, and legroom in the front and rear seats are more than enough for six-footers. On the road, the Grand Cherokee is very quiet and, with the Harman Kardon system, belts out some excellent sounding tunes.
The Grand Cherokee’s ability to adapt is evident in carrying cargo. Each door handles large bottles and other items you can lose in the deep pockets. In addition, Jeep says you can toss 24 carry-on luggage cases in the rear cargo area with the 60/40 second row stored.
Although we can’t vouch for that, it looks like a lot of space. One thing we appreciated is the extra storage area under the floor and around the full-sized spare tire. Jeep even gives you four removable storage compartments to pack and go.
For some comparison, the Chevrolet Traverse has 23 cubic feet of cargo. So, the Grand Cherokee’s 36.3 cu ft of cargo volume behind the second row is substantially larger. But the Ford Explorer beats out the Grand Cherokee with its 47.9 cubic feet behind the second row. Additionally, the Explorer has 87.8 cubic feet when all the second row is flat compared to the Grand Cherokee’s 68.3.
Entertainment & Technology
The 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee’s interior design dates back to 2011, and it still looks up-to-date and fresh. We like the available 8.4-inch touchscreen and Uconnect infotainment system. Uconnect’s logical design with its bottom menu bar makes menu navigation quick and simple. Entertainment is also available for the second row through available screens, as is the Harman Kardon sound system.
There’s a nice 7-inch LCD screen between the analog tach, temp, and fuel gauges for driver entertainment. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have the wow factor of an all-screen instrument panel, but you have to look closely to see the difference since everything is designed and integrated so well.
The 7-inch screen shows a digital speed, temp, compass, and miles. You can also tailor it similarly to an Apple Watch by putting various info in the corners. In addition, the steering wheel controls allow you to navigate screen menus and make preference changes to the Grand Cherokee’s systems.
Safety Features
The 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee hasn’t received rave reviews from the NHTSA or IIHS. So do an internet check on the Grand Cherokee safety. You might see that it has an IIHS awarded “Top Safety Pick,” but it has to be built after April 2019 and needs Jeep’s optional front crash prevention system and optional high beam assists headlights.
Jeep modified the area around the door hinges and A-pillars to prevent causing damage to the front passenger footwell. The IIHS also says the optional crash prevention system is vital, so plan your shopping accordingly.
2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trims & Pricing
Laredo – $33,690
The 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo includes a powerful 295 horsepower Pentastar V6 with optional four-wheel drive. Additionally, the 7-inch infotainment touchscreen uses Jeep Uconnect 4 system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The cloth seats are comfortable, and you can be safely confident with a backup camera, blind-spot monitor, and parking sensors.
Laredo E – $35,540
The Laredo E trim upgrades the Grand Cherokee interior with power driver and passenger seats, satellite radio, and roof rails.
Upland – $37,630
The 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee Upland adds black wheels, tinted taillights, and blacked-out trim. The Upland also includes the convenience and comfort of remote start and heated front seats.
Altitude – $39,635
The Grand Cherokee Altitude is similar to the Upland with its black accents and wheels, but it upgrades the touchscreen to the new 8.4-inch HD version plus satellite radio.
Limited – $40,940
The 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited fills the interior with heated leather front and rear seats. With the Limited’s 8.4-inch touch screen, you get a satellite radio and navigation plus the standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. To assist cargo loading, the Limited gets Jeep’s power liftgate. The Limited trim also gives you the option of moving up to the more powerful V8 or diesel V6 engines.
Limited X – $45,840
The 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited X is new for 2019 and adds 20-inch Granite Crystal wheels and trim Heritage black leather interior and a superb Alpine sound system.
Trailhawk – $46,040
The Trailhawk comes ready for any trail with a standard low-range Quadra-Trac II four-wheel-drive system, air suspension, five-mode traction control, and skid plates. Inside, you’re kept comfortable with Trailhawk leather suede and ventilated front seats. Active noise control helps mask exterior sounds, and everyone gets heated seats.
Overland – $47,740
The 2019 Overland sheds the Trailhawk’s off-road look but keeps the all-wheel-drive and suspension. In addition, the Overland adds a nine-speaker Alpine sound system while keeping most of the Trailhawk’s interior comforts and conveniences.
High Altitude – $50,235
The 2019 Grand Cherokee High Altitude starts with the Overland and adds previously optional equipment. The High Altitude version continues the black Granite Crystal look from the Altitude and adds 20-inch low-gloss Granite Crystal wheels. Granite crystal accents the grille, taillights, and projector beam headlights. The High Altitude also comes with black chrome dual exhaust tips. On the inside, drivers will find a dual-pane sunroof and black roof bars. In terms of tech, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee High Altitude has Uconnect 4C Nav with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto support, plus GPS navigation. There’s also the ability to upgrade to Harman Kardon’s high-performance audio system with 19 speakers and active noise cancellation.
Summit – $55,440
The Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit is the luxury standard for this model. The dual-screen infotainment system for passengers, 19 speaker Harman Kardon sound system, and laminated sound-deadening glass make the already comfortable interior a more excellent place to be. The Summit also includes Jeep’s suite of advanced safety assists.
SRT – $68,645
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is the original Jeep Grand Cherokee hotrod. Even though the Trackhawk beats it in power, it’s hard to deny that 475 horsepower and a 0-60 of 4.5 seconds isn’t impressive. The SRT’s racing-inspired interior has ventilated sport seats built to keep you secure when cornering, an active damping suspension with Bilstein shocks and stopping power provided by Brembo brakes.
Trackhawk – $88,645
The Jeep Trackhawk is back for 2019 as the most powerful SUV in the world. With a top speed of up to 180 mph, few vehicles will catch it or outhaul it. Its engine bay carries the 707 horsepower V8 with a 7400 lb tow rating, and the adaptive suspension with all-wheel drive keeps the power to the ground. Inside you’ll ride in the luxury of Nappa leather and suede.
Warranties
As great as the 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee is on and off the road, Jeep struggles to give you groundbreaking warranty coverage. So, all of your warranty issues should be taken care of before 3 years or 36,000 miles unless it’s the powertrain, and that extends to 5 years and 60,000 miles. You’ll also be surprised to know that complimentary maintenance is available for two years but only for the Overland, Trailhawk, High Altitude, and Summit models.
What we think
2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee – stellantisnorthamerica.com | Shop 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee on Carsforsale.com
Compared to many new vehicles on the road today, the Jeep Grand Cherokee‘s chassis is starting to show its age. However, the excellent air suspension covers up many of the circa 2011 chassis issues and makes the 2019 Grand Cherokee a joy to drive. When you add that to the fuel-efficient V6, luxury-appointed interior, generally good attention to detail, and excellent off-road ability, the 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a standout SUV.
