Four Jeep Models Perfect for Irvine, CA, Drivers

December 18th, 2020 by

A white 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee is driving on a wet road after leaving a Jeep dealership near you.

Irving offers something for everyone. Take a short drive, and you can find Disneyland attractions, beautiful Pacific beaches, and rugged mountain parks. However, enjoying everything that Irvine has to offer takes an equally special vehicle, and the best vehicles for this part of California will only be found by searching for a “Jeep dealership near me.” While our experts here at Orange Coast are inclined to say all Jeep models are perfect, we want to point out some specific models that are particularly well-suited to adventurous Irvine drivers. So, without any further ado, let’s explore some of the great vehicles you can find here at Orange Coast.

1. The Jeep Grand Cherokee

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is the perfect midsize SUV for Irvine families. With seating for up to five people and a cargo area of 36.3 cubic feet, you can fit everything you need – you can even fold the back row down to reveal up to 68.3 cubic feet of space. And with ten trims and special editions to choose from, we are sure that you find the perfect match to suit your driving style.

One thing to note is that there are four powertrain options for the Grand Cherokee. The standard engine is a 3.6-liter V6 that makes 295 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. It features Start/Stop technology, which is perfect for California traffic. This enhancement even helps to boost the average fuel economy up to 21 MPG combined (19 city/26 highway). As for towing, you can pull 6,200 lbs with this base engine.

Next is the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 that pumps out 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. If you have a camper, trailer, or boat to haul, this is the best option for you as it can handle up to 7,200 lbs. If you plan on taking the kids for off-roading adventures, then the 6.4-liter SRT V8 is a better choice. Generating 475 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque, it features five selectable driving modes and Quadra-Trac Active On-Demand 4×4. The last option is a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 that produces an incredible 707 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque.

Standard features on the Grand Cherokee include keyless entry and ignition, dual-zone climate control, and an advanced infotainment system. Display on a 7-inch touchscreen, it works with Bluetooth, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. Every Grand Cherokee trim also comes with at least rear parking sensors, blindspot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert, while higher trim levels give you even more advanced features.

2. The Jeep Compass

A gray 2021 Jeep Compass is pulling out of an alley.

Individuals, couples, and small families living in Irvine can all enjoy a Jeep Compass. This compact crossover isn’t as big as the Grand Cherokee, but it still seats five people. The cargo area in the back measures 27.2 cubic feet, and it can be expanded to 59.8 cubic feet by folding the rear seats down. This is a fantastic option for people who need a small SUV for adventures around Southern California. It also has enough space to pile in all of your Disneyland goodies.

As for the engine, every Compass trim is powered by a 2.4-liter Tigershark 4-cylinder motor. Producing 180 hp and 175 lb-ft of torque, this smaller engine is much more fuel-efficient than the Grand Cherokee offerings. It gets about 25 MPG combined (22 city/31 highway), which will keep both your wallet and your environmentally-conscious friends happy. It can also pull up to 2,000 lbs, which is notable because most compact SUVs can only manage to tow 1,500 lbs. If you opt for the Trailhawk trim, it will also come with Jeep’s Active Drive Low 4×4 System for better off-road capabilities.

With six trim levels to choose from, the base trim includes the same infotainment system and features that we mentioned for the Grand Cherokee. If you want more advanced features, you can choose from an array of trim. We highly recommend the Trailhawk due to its off-roading features like skid plates, hill-descent control, and more.

3. The Jeep Wrangler

A beach with turquoise water is shown through the windshield of a 2021 Jeep Wrangler.

When it comes to Jeep models perfect for Irvine, CA drivers, you can’t go wrong with a Wrangler. As one of the most recognizable vehicles in the world, the Jeep Wrangler is like an entirely different breed. Classified as a midsize SUV, it is one of the few “real” sport utility vehicles in production today. With seating for up to five people, you can choose the conventional two-door body style or the large 4-door Wrangler Unlimited. The difference is in the cargo space. The two-door version has 13 cubic feet of room in the back, while the Unlimited style offers 32 cubic feet.

For 2021, there are now six different powertrains to choose from. The standard option is a 3.6-liter V6 that produces 285 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. This allows the Wrangler to pull up to 3,500 lbs, and it gets 21 MPG combined (20 city/24 highway) when it is equipped with the optional eTorque mild hybrid system. The other conventional option is a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder for folks who gravitate towards better gas mileage. Pumping out 270 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, this engine gets up to 23 MPG combined (22 city/24 highway).

If you want a diesel, then you may like the 3.0-liter V6 Ecodiesel engine. Making 260 hp and a staggering 442 lb-ft of torque, it has a fuel economy of about 25 MPG combined (22 city/29 highway). But for ultimate fuel economy, the new Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid is the way to go. Not only can it run on battery power alone, but it also delivers an incredible 375 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. Last but far from least is the 6.4-liter V8 engine in the Rubicon 392 with its 470 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque and phenomenal acceleration.

The Jeep Wrangler is one of the most customizable vehicles out there. With so many trims, sub-trims, special editions, and add-ons, you can easily create one that is unique to you. Standard features include removable body parts such as doors, the roof, and even the front windshield. However, you still have all the modern features you could desire. The standard Jeep infotainment system carries over into the Wrangle, and cruise control and a rearview camera are standard as well. If you want a top-of-the-line model, we recommend that you take a peek at the high-performance Rubicon or luxurious Sahara Altitude.

4. The Jeep Renegade

The last vehicle on our lot that is perfect for Irvine drivers is the Jeep Renegade. This compact crossover is the most fuel-efficient Jeep model, and it is more practical for city driving. Five people can be seated inside with a cargo area in the back measuring 18.5 cubic feet. This can grow up to 50.8 cubic feet by folding the rear seats down.

There are two fuel-efficient powertrains to pick from, starting with the standard 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine. This motor is fitted to Sport and Latitude trims and delivers 180 hp and 175 lb-ft of torque. You can expect to get about 27 MPG combined (24 city/32 highway). The other option is a 1.3-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder that generates 177 hp and 210 lb-ft of torque. Equipped on the Limited and Trailhawk trims, this engine gets up to 25 MPG combined (22 city/30 highway).