Jeep Grand Cherokee – Learn the Evolution of the Best SUV

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a luxury mid-size SUV introduced in 1992. The Grand Cherokee has utilized body-on-frame construction and was built on a unibody frame construction and has remained so.

First Generation

The first generation ZJ was revealed in 1992 and was available in three trim levels which are the Base SE, Laredo, and Limited, with the Orvis and TSI trims introduced in 1995 and 1997 respectively. The Jeep Grand Cherokee was almost perfect for most families who needed one for hauling everyone and maneuvering patiently in urban areas. The Grand Cherokee provided a balance of utility and sport with a family-friendly grille and fascia.

The cabin was fitted with a driver-side airbag, full instrumentation, and cloth interior while higher trims feature compact disc players, power windows, power locks, leather seating, heated seats, an electrochromic rearview mirror, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated mirrors, woodgrain interior, climate control, a driver information center with a compass, Jensen brand stereo with multi-band equalizer, and front power-adjustable seats. Other features include four-wheel anti-lock brakes and cruise control.

The ZJ came fitted with 4.0-liter V6 engine and later, introduced the 5.2-liter V8 engine and the 5.9-liter V8 petrol engine with available two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive options.

Second Generation

The second-generation WJ/WG was unveiled in 1998 featuring the iconic seven-slat grille flanked by rectangular headlights with rounded edges. The bumper was positioned high up and its flared wheel arches on the side.

The cabin is spacious with comfortable and supportive velour upholstery or leather-clad as an option. The dash is neat with a center console fitted with an audio system, and climate control as well as a large round speedometer and tachometer. Also include a gear-selector, transfer case lever, cup holders, and a storage bin. Under the hood, came with a 4.0-liter V6 petrol engine paired with a four-speed automatic, and 4.7-liter V8 petrol paired with a five-speed automatic, and a turbocharged 2.7-liter diesel for the European market.

Third Generation

The third-generation WK was introduced in 2004 with longer wheelbase and improved interior space. The exterior had new looks but the seven vertical slats on the grille were retained which was flanked by round headlights. The fender flares, rear wheel arches, and the pushed-forward D pillar gave a sportier look.

The cabin becomes more spacious and the interior is lavishly finished with features including cloth upholstery, a rear-seat DVD system, Bluetooth connectivity, an infotainment system, and leather upholstery as an option. Under the hood, came a 3.7-liter petrol engine, a 4.7- or 5.7-liter Hemi V8 petrol, and a 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine for European market, paired with a standard 5-speed automatic transmission.

Fourth Generation

The fourth-generation WK2 was introduced in 2010 featuring four-wheel independent suspension and is available in Laredo, Limited, and Overland trims. The iconic seven-slot grille sits high on the front with slim bi-xenon headlights. In 2014, all models were upgraded with new features such as a new shorter grille, slimmer taillights, and new LED rear lamps. Also introduced the forward-collision warnings with automatic emergency braking, a new 19-speaker, and 825-watt Harman/Kardon surround-sound audio system.

The cabin features a neat dashboard design, three-spoke steering wheel, driver and front passenger compartments, radio and climate control buttons, and much wider rear seats with knee room increased by 4-inches. The cargo area can be extended by folding flat the rear seats to get 1926 liters of cargo space. The 2011 JGC came fitted with 3.6-liter V6 petrol, 5.7-liter Hemi V8 petrol, and the 3.0-liter V6 turbo diesel as options. The high-end SRT came with a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 petrol paired with a five-speed automatic transmission, six-speed, and eventually an eight-speed self-shifter transmission.

2021 – 2022 Model

The fifth-generation WL was unveiled in January 2021 with a three-row long-wheelbase (LWB), Grand Cherokee L that is 7.0-inches longer than the. This 2021 JGC features a long hood, a wider seven-slot grille with slimmer LED headlights, a fat bumper beneath, and trapezoidal wheel arches with low-lying roofline. The cabin features an 8.4-inch infotainment touchscreen (10.1-inch optional) with Uconnect 5 multimedia system and a 10.3-inch instrument cluster. The JGC L has a back-and-forth sliding function with enough legroom and cargo area.

Under the hood, came a 3.6-liter V6 petrol engine, 5.7-liter V8 petrol, or a hybrid version turbocharged 2.0-liter petrol engine, two electric motors, and a 400-volt battery pack with a combined output of 375 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. In September 2021, Jeep introduced the Grand Cherokee as a two-row five-seat fifth-generation 2022 model with 3.4 inches longer.

Generally,

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is an SUV that offers an off-road thrill paired with the convenience of the urban usability of a family vehicle. Due to their build qualities, most of the consumers choose Grand Cherokees which are insured to offer many more years of on- and off-road use. You can check the Jeep Grand Cherokee stocklist for more available models.