The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee is an SUV that's well suited for just about any driver. In typical Jeep fashion, the Grand Cherokee has a rugged appeal that means it's ready to go off-road when the mood hits. But Jeeps are multifaceted, and off-road revelry is just one side to this impressive and versatile vehicle. The Grand Cherokee also has the spacious and upscale interior that you'd want in a family car for long road trips.
At Ciocca Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Hanover, Pennsylvania, we continue to be impressed with the Jeep Grand Cherokee's performance capabilities. With multiple powertrain and drivetrain options to choose from, there's certain to be a Grand Cherokee that meets your needs. Let's take a closer look at how the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee can meet your performance desires.
Trim Levels
To understand all that the Jeep Grand Cherokee has to offer, we first have to understand the trim offerings. In an effort to reach as many drivers as possible with a multitude of offered features and specifications, Jeep presents 12 available trim options for the 2023 Grand Cherokee: Laredo, Altitude, Limited, Overland, Summit, Summit Reserve, 4xe, 30th Anniversary 4xe, Trailhawk 4xe, Overland 4xe, Summit 4xe, and Summit Reserve 4xe. Any of the trim levels that include a “4xe” are hybrid models, and any of the gas-powered models can be configured as a two-row or three-row SUV.
Engine Options
The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee has a total of three engine options to choose from. The base engine, which is standard on the six gas-powered trim levels, is a 293-horsepower 3.6-liter V-6 that generates 260 lb-ft of torque. The base engine has a compact and lightweight design, and when combined with dual overhead camshafts, high-flow intake and exhaust ports, variable valve timing, and electronic throttle control, it produces an impressive performance that meets or exceeds expectations for most SUV drivers.
For performance enthusiasts looking for a bit more power under the hood, the Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve trim levels have the option to upgrade to a 357-horsepower 5.7-liter V-8 engine that cranks out 390 lb-ft of torque. This robust and responsive engine is constructed with a multi-displacement system with fuel-saver technology, so efficiency won't have to suffer.
Finally, the 4xe models are equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four hybrid engine that's paired with an electric traction motor to deliver 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid engine is the perfect combination of power and efficiency, generating more horsepower and torque than its gas-powered counterparts while utilizing a plug-in capability to save on fuel and reduce emissions.
Fuel Economy
The base V-6 engine has a starting fuel economy rating of 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. If you're interested in seeing what changes in fuel efficiency the V-8 engine brings, you'll find that it drops a bit to 14 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway.
It comes as no surprise that the hybrid engine comes with the best fuel economy, reaching 23 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. Additionally, the 14 kWh battery pack allows the Jeep Grand Cherokee to drive for up to 26 miles per charge.
Acceleration and Towing
When it comes to acceleration, you can't beat the hybrid engine. It's capable of going from zero to 60 mph in just 5.3 seconds and reaches the quarter-mile mark in just 13.9 seconds when traveling 100 mph. Its top speed is 132 mph. As for the base V-6 engine, it's capable of going zero to 60 in 7.4 seconds and gets to a quarter of a mile in 15.6 seconds. The top speed is slightly lower than the hybrid at 117 mph.
Although the hybrid might be the leader when it comes to acceleration, the gas-powered engine takes the cake when it comes to towing capacities. The base V-6 engine has a towing capacity of 6,200 pounds, while the upgraded V-8 engine reaches a maximum capacity of 7,200 pounds. Although towing is still an option with the hybrid engine, you're limited to a maximum of 3,500 pounds.
Off-Road Capabilities
Jeep enthusiasts are known to want to take their vehicles off-road from time to time. After all, it's part of the fun of owning a Jeep. With that in mind, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is equipped with the tools that are necessary for optimal off-road performance. For starters, although rear-wheel drive is standard on most of the gas-powered trim levels, all-wheel drive is still optional across the board and standard on the Summit Reserve and all of the 4xe models.
There are actually three different 4x4 systems available on the Jeep Grand Cherokee: Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, and Quadra-Drive II, which have rear electronic limited-slip differential. All three systems include an active transfer case to improve traction by moving torque to work with the wheel that has the most grip.
When it comes to suspension, the Jeep Grand Cherokee includes the class-exclusive Jeep Quadra-Lift air suspension system that creates up to 10.9 inches of ground clearance. The Trailhawk model ups the ante with an adjustable air suspension system that provides up to 11.3 inches of ground clearance. That, paired with a disconnecting sway bar to allow greater wheel articulation, makes the Trailhawk the best pick for serious off-roaders.
Traction management is handled by the class-leading Selec-Terrain system, which allows drivers to choose between four all-weather settings for peak performance. This adjustment electronically coordinates the four-wheel-drive torque split, braking and handling, steering and suspension systems, throttle control, transmission shift, transfer case, traction control, stability control, antilock brake system, and steering feel.
2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee: Primed To Perform
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a highly capable and versatile SUV that's just as comfortable off the road as on. With a variety of features designed to enhance off-road capabilities and engine options to suit any driver's needs, you can check all your boxes with the Jeep Grand Cherokee when it comes to performance. Be sure to check out our latest inventory to see what we have available today.