Jeep, especially under FCA ownership, has some critics saying it has returned to glory. Enthusiasts bicker about what model is best – some say only the tried-and-true Wrangler is a “true” Jeep, while others love the posh luxury of the Jeep Grand Cherokee. The array of Jeep models is what keeps the brand growing with new fans.
Whether you want comfort or down-and-dirty off roading, there’s likely a Jeep for you. Here are some of the best to explore:
The Grand Cherokee has an upscale, modern interior with a top-of-the-line infotainment system, spacious seating in both rows, and high-end trim.
The 36.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 68.3 cubic feet with the seats folded down isn’t overly generous, but it's suitable for its class. Reviewers favorably noted the myriad of storage areas throughout the cabin that provide homes for smaller items.
What really sets the Grand Cherokee apart, though, is the ride. It’s smooth on the road and phenomenal off road, easily taking on any and all challenges while providing a surprisingly cushioned ride.
The Grand Cherokee isn’t perfect though. Reviewers note that its predicted reliability is below average. That means this sporty overachiever may spend more time in the repair shop than optimal.
Our research shows there’s a lot to love about the Jeep Cherokee. The high-end interior includes a sleek infotainment system, comfortable seats in both rows, and soft-touch materials throughout the cabin that convey luxury and upscale styling.
The Jeep Cherokee is more than a sophisticated look. The four-cylinder base engine provides plenty of power for around-town jaunts, though reviewers found it a bit lacking on the highway. If highway speed is important, buyers should consider paying the extra $1,700 for a muscular V6. The real highlight of the Jeep Cherokee is it off-roading capability. Serious off-roaders will want to take a close look at the available four-wheel drive systems to determine what will best suit their needs.
So what’s not to love? Well, a few things. Reviewers were disappointed with its dull handling. The less-than-generous cargo space – between 24.6 and 29.1 cubic feet behind the second-row seats and 54.9 cubic feet with the back row folded down – is well below competitors’ offerings. Their biggest gripe, though, is the low-for-the-class reliability rating.
The Renegade is a fun off- and on-road ride with trail-rated capabilities, a punchy engine, agile handling, and funky styling. In our analysis, the Jeep Renegade ranked No. 2 in subcompact SUVs (it tied with the Honda HR-V right behind the Mazda CX-3), No. 5 in off-road SUVs, and No. 10 in SUV with 2 rows.
The Renegade comfortably seats five with plentiful headroom and legroom in the front and rear seats. The interior is cloth, but leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, and heated front seats are available as options. There’s even a large sunroof for those who want to soak up the rays.
The Renegade has 18.5 cubic feet of cargo space, which expands to 50.8 with the rear sets folded down. That’s not outstanding, but it does beat the class average. Critics thought the adjustable-height cargo floor panel and fold-flat passenger seats were nice touches. The Renegade isn’t large, but there’s plenty of room to haul sports equipment.
The standard turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine kicks out 160-horsepower. Buyers can opt for a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that provides 180-horsepower and choose the six-speed manual or nine-speed automatic. The Renegade isn’t a workhorse, but it’s a powerful, fun drive with great torque.
Reviewers gave negative marks to the Renegade’s low reliability rating and lower-than-expected gas mileage, traits it shares with its siblings.
The Jeep Wrangler is where it all started and where many Jeep aficionados think it should end. It’s the closest descendant of the vehicles that birthed the whole Jeep craze, the WWII military vehicle, Willy’s MB, and the many years of Jeep CJs that followed. The Jeep Wrangler hasn’t gone through a major facelift in a decade and its owners like it that way.
Yes, the Jeep Wrangler has a stiff suspension and slow steering. Yes, it is noisy and uncomfortable. Yes, it ranks near the bottom of our compact SUV rankings. But according to enthusiasts, those features are what make it great. “In a world of soft-road-only-car-based crossovers, the Wrangler is a tough-as-nails off-road expert,” wrote Car and Driver.
If you want to power through mud and over rocks, the Jeep Wrangler is great for you. But don’t look for soft-touch interior features or over-the-top infotainment systems. The Wrangler is ready to work.
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From Rugged to Refined
Jeep, especially under FCA ownership, has some critics saying it has returned to glory. Enthusiasts bicker about what model is best – some say only the tried-and-true Wrangler is a “true” Jeep, while others love the posh luxury of the Jeep Grand Cherokee. The array of Jeep models is what keeps the brand growing with new fans.
Whether you want comfort or down-and-dirty off roading, there’s likely a Jeep for you. Here are some of the best to explore: