Find Luxury off the Beaten Path with the Jeep Grand Cherokee

When we talk to our customers at Orange Coast CJDRF, the word that most often comes up when test-driving the Jeep Grand Cherokee isn’t a word you would expect—we expect a conversation centered around words like tough, strong, resilient, durable, rugged—and it always surprises us: civilized. Now it shouldn’t come as a surprise with the Grand Cherokee since it is all of these things at once, but people are genuinely amazed by the level of luxury they find in the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

While “civilized” or “refined” might be where the conversation starts, where it leads is more interesting. Once they get behind the wheel, it becomes clear this is an SUV like no other they have driven. The combination of luxury, performance, and off-road capability is immediately evident, and we always like to mention how the term “sports utility vehicle” was first used in the 1974 Cherokee brochure. The Grand Cherokee certainly has not lost the spirit of its predecessors, as it continues to define the segment, and redefine our expectations of what an SUV should be.

So what makes the Grand Cherokee so different from its competitors in the midsize SUV segment? Well, it doesn’t necessarily have any competitors. It competes just as easily with the Audi Q5 as it does with the Ford Edge, yet they are not direct competitors. The Grand Cherokee has carved out its own niche in the segment, and it’s a niche for people who appreciate luxury amenities and off-road chops, people who are adventurous and refined. Even in the base trim level, the Grand Cherokee offers plenty of standard options and features to set it apart from its class.

Let’s take a look at what separates the Jeep Grand Cherokee from the pack and which options you will want to know about before you get behind the wheel and start dreaming about which mountain lake or stretch of wild river the Grand Cherokee can transport you and your family to in comfort.

Standard Features

The Grand Cherokee has seven trim levels (not including five limited-edition trims): the Laredo, Limited, Trailhawk, Overland, Summit, SRT, and Trackhawk. The Laredo comes with a host of standard features, such as a high-resolution 7-inch touchscreen Uconnect system, rear cross-traffic alert, dual-zone climate control, blind-spot monitor, parking sensors, and a rearview camera. It’s great that even in the base trim Jeep has included so many safety features. Plus, you get a V6 engine standard wherein most competitors the V6 option is an upgrade, and with this engine, you will be able to tow your boat or camper with no problem.

The Limited Trim

The Limited trim really adds on to these standard features, and we recommend going with one of the higher trim levels since every feature adds so much value. In the Limited trim, you get a power liftgate, an 8.4-inch display with navigation, heated front seats, power front seats, power sunroof, and the ability to opt for the 5.7-liter Hemi V8, which puts out an impressive 360 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque. The Grand Cherokee is rated to tow up to 7,200 lbs when properly equipped, so you won’t be lacking for power.

The Coveted Trailhawk Trim

The Trailhawk trim level is where the Grand Cherokee really finds itself. Here you’ll enjoy the Selec-Terrain 4×4 terrain-management system, Quadra-Lift Air Suspension, Quadra-Trac 4WD, 18-inch off-road wheels, and an Alpine premium audio system. Let’s talk about how great the ventilated seats would be on a hot day on your favorite backroad or trail, knowing the Air Suspension will give you the clearance to get you where you’re going. Not only do you have peace of mind from the Grand Cherokee’s off-road capabilities, but you’re as comfortable as if you were driving around town.

The Quadra-Lift Air Suspension allows you to raise and lower the vehicle by a span of 4.1 inches. This is an automatic adjustment system so you do not have to stop to make the adjustment. Whether you need better aerodynamics on the highway or more ground clearance in off-road conditions, this feature allows you to adjust to your environment on the go.

The Overland Trim

The Overland trim adds 20-inch polished aluminum wheels, CommandView dual-pane panoramic sunroof, Bi-Xenon high-intensity discharge headlamps with signature LED daytime running lamps,
Rain-sensing windshield wipers, Nappa leather-trimmed interior with real wood and a leather-wrapped heated steering wheel, and a 9-speaker Alpine audio system with Active Noise Cancellation. So we’re already into luxury territory and keep in mind the Overland also has the Quadra-Lift Air Suspension and other off-road features included in the lower trim levels.

The Extravagant Summit Trim

With the luxury-leaning Summit trim, you’ll find the Jeep Active Safety Group, Park Sense parallel-park assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, upgraded leather upholstery, and a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. The Summit trim just might be the pinnacle of SUV engineering as it combines serious off-road capability with an exquisiteness you only find in dedicated luxury SUVs.

The SRT Trim

The high-powered SRT trim level is equipped similar to the Summit trim level but also gets a 6.4-liter V8 (475 hp, 470 lb-ft), a specialized all-wheel-drive system that is tuned more for high-performance driving than off-road use, summer performance tires, an adaptive sport-tuned suspension, a sport body kit, sport-tuned steering and brakes, a limited-slip rear differential and selectable performance modes. This is a performance SUV that will take your breath away as it can go 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds.

The Trackhawk Trim

The last trim level builds on the SRT trim but takes it to an extreme that no other SUV in its segment has ventured. The Trackhawk gets most of the SRT’s standard features and adds a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 with an upgraded eight-speed transmission. This engine produces an incredible 707 horsepower and 645 lb-ft of torque. While not meant for the trail necessarily, this is a trim level designed for the racetrack. Behind that 707 horsepower, it’ll find 60 mph in 3.5 seconds or less, decimating everything in its segment on the track, including luxury brands that cost far more than Grand Cherokee.

Also included in the Trackhawk are features like an upgraded adaptive suspension, Brembo brakes, and lightweight 20-inch wheels with high-performance tires.

Take a Test Drive

Come on down to Orange Coast CJDRF in Costa Mesa and check out our extensive selection of cars. We are dedicated to providing the highest level of customer service, and that includes finding the perfect vehicle for your lifestyle and needs, along with the best possible auto financing options. We are here to help you find your dream vehicle.

We are excited to start the conversation and help you through the process of buying a car. At Orange Coast CJDRF, we provide a hassle-free experience. We know how difficult it can be to buy a vehicle and our friendly staff will guide you through not only finding the right vehicle for you that is in your budget but also in helping you down the road when you’re ready to schedule your first vehicle service appointment or ready to trade-in for a newer model. We are a full-service dealership and are dedicated to maximizing customer loyalty and building relationships.

We are open 7 days a week to help you with anything you may need. Give us a call or come down and visit us at 2929 Harbor Boulevard in Costa Mesa. We look forward to talking more about the Jeep Grand Cherokee with you.