Your Complete 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Buyer’s Guide

A red 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk is driving through a puddle.

It’s a great time to shop for the popular 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Jeep continues its tradition of offering the Grand Cherokee in many different trims – including Special Edition versions – so buyers can zero in on the exact model they want. Because there are so many to choose from, we assembled this handy Jeep Grand Cherokee Buyers Guide as your pocket companion while you shop.

The Grand Cherokee starts at just $34,645, making it a very attainable vehicle even for families on a tight budget.* If you’re more luxury and feature-oriented, don’t worry! The Grand Cherokee Summit and Overland trims are loaded with upscale finishes and an assortment of convenience and luxury equipment that will delight discerning buyers.

Off-roaders aren’t left out either, thanks to the Grand Cherokee Trailhawk. The Trailhawk is designed to conquer punishing terrain with ease in the iconic Jeep way. All-terrain tires and other 4×4 enhancements combine to deliver a vehicle that is equally at home on the side of a mountain or at the latest trendy urban eatery’s valet line. Call us biased, but we think the Trailhawk looks best when caked with mud and dirt.

By now, you’re probably starting to see a theme emerging: versatility. Between the seven available trims and additional five special edition models, the Grand Cherokee offers a diverse lineup for all different buyers. The Grand Cherokee is an ideal family vehicle, with plenty of interior and cargo space, but it’s also a capable weekend adventure companion.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee is designed to adapt to your lifestyle in a chameleon-like fashion. It offers universally appealing exterior styling, a range of dynamic powertrain options, and – most importantly – the weight of the Jeep name. Grand Cherokee owners are part of the Jeep family, a cohort of drivers who value freedom and adventure.

Which Grand Cherokee is right for you? We break down your options here.

Perennial Grand Cherokee Trims

The 2021 Grand Cherokee is offered in several trims, but some are more familiar because they bear the names of previous-generation Jeep models. The base Laredo E trim is one such example. Starting at just $34,645, this is the one you want if budget is your biggest consideration.* Don’t let the low price fool you, though, as this trim is loaded with many standard features.

You may also recognize names like Trailhawk and Limited. Jeep has used this trim nomenclature over many Grand Cherokee generations. In addition, the Overland and Summit round out Jeep’s standard trim range. These high-end luxurious options are priced on the upper end and designed for buyers looking to add refinement to their Grand Cherokee model. The high-end Summit has a starting MSRP of $53,760.*

Let’s dig deeper into each of these different trim options so you can discover the Grand Cherokee that belongs in your driveway.

The Standard Laredo E

The Laredo E includes the ProTech I package with Jeep’s comprehensive driver-assist technology. ProTech I includes Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Path Detection, ParkSense Rear Park Assist, and a Rear Back Up Camera that Jeep calls ParkView. These systems work via sensors and radar to detect and alert the driver to potential hazards, keeping occupants safer while on the road. When you choose the Laredo E, you’ll also get standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Like most Grand Cherokee trims, the Laredo E is available in 4×4 and comes standard with rear-wheel drive.

A black 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland is parked outside of a house as a couple opens the door after reading the Jeep Grand Cherokee Buyers Guide.

The Comfortable Limited

The Grand Cherokee Limited adds a single-pane power sunroof and a larger 8.4-inch touchscreen with standard built-in navigation to this Jeep SUV. The seating gets an upgrade to leather with an 8-way power driver’s seat. Heated front seats are also standard. Jeep also equips the Limited trim with a standard 4G LTE Wi-Fi hot spot. On the exterior, you’ll get standard power heated exterior mirrors with memory and special Limited Badging.

The Off-Roading Trailhawk

The Grand Cherokee Trailhawk is outfitted for serious off-roading and is the only Grand Cherokee to wear Jeep’s Trail Rated badge. It distinguishes itself on the outside with red tow hooks, 18-inch off-road wheels, and special Trailhawk badging that’s trimmed in red. Special exterior mirror caps accented in gray and glossy black roof rails are also part of the exterior look. The Trailhawk also boasts an upgraded Quadra-Drive 4×4 system standard, which includes a rear electronic limited-slip differential that delivers outstanding traction in even the most extreme trail conditions. The Trackhawk is also the first trim that can be outfitted with a capable 5.7-liter V8 engine instead of the standard 3.6-liter Pentastar V6.

The Premium Overland

The Grand Cherokee Overland includes additional luxury features that set it apart from less expensive trims, including a CommandView Panoramic Dual-Pane Sunroof that provides a convertible-like open-air cabin feel. Also included are heated and ventilated seats in the front with outboard heated seats in the rear. Jeep’s innovative Quadra-Lift Air Suspension is included for a smoother ride with up to 10.8 inches of ground clearance. Choose from five suspension settings, including Park, Aero, Normal, Off-Road I, and Off-Road II, and the suspension automatically adjusts its height.

The Luxurious Summit

Perched at the top of the luxury lineup, the plush Summit trim adds Berber carpet and Laguna leather seating, along with a suede-feeling headliner to the list of interior appointments. This is the model for premium buyers. The Summit also comes with a standard 19-speaker Harman Kardon Premium Audio System with a 10-inch subwoofer, as well as the ProTech II package, which adds five additional systems to Jeep’s standard suite of driver-assist technology.

A white 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit is driving on a board walk.

The Race-Inspired SRT

Think of the SRT as a Grand Cherokee on steroids. This trim is all about performance, thanks to a standard 6.4-liter HEMI V8 engine that makes 475 horsepower and has a top-end speed of 160 mph (track only!). Even the interior reflects a nod to racing, with a flat-bottom steering wheel and seating with leather and suede accenting. The SRT comes standard with 20-inch wheels and run-flat tires. Opt for the available Brembo brake system, and this Grand Cherokee is ready for optimal performance driving. The SRT is only available in a special track-ready 4×4 system.

The High-Performance Trackhawk

If the SRT isn’t quite sporty enough, take a look at the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk. This is a beast, with a 707-horsepower supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine fitted with Launch Control for even more intense acceleration. Inside, Laguna leather seating and ultra-premium leather on the lower panels, door trim, and seats make this trim a just-right mix of refinement and raw power. The Trackhawk isn’t for the budget-conscious, but you won’t find a more powerful SUV anywhere else on the market.

The Grand Cherokee Gives You Options

If you still haven’t found exactly what you’re looking for, don’t worry! The 2021 Grand Cherokee is also offered in a number of Special Edition trims. These include the Laredo X, the 80th Anniversary Edition, the Limited X, the Freedom, and the High Altitude. Within each of these trims and special editions, there are several different optional packages that add convenience and luxury features, so it’s possible to add a few extras that aren’t already standard. Jeep has created such a complete trim lineup that you are sure to find the perfect Grand Cherokee for your needs. Contact us today to learn more.