Ever since the first Jeep vehicle was introduced in the 1940s, the Jeep brand has been an American staple on and off the road. What began as a rugged and dependable war vehicle morphed into the ideal all-around workhorse that was perfect for the early American farmer. As the needs of the everyday driver changed, the Jeep SUVs changed to meet these needs, evolving to become one of the world’s most popular off-roading adventure vehicles. The Jeep SUV has adapted to become a family-friendly SUV that perfectly combines the average driver’s adventuring dreams with commuting needs.
In fact, Jeep is so committed to adapting to meet the needs of everyday drivers that there are currently five different Jeep SUV options, making it easy for car shoppers to find the SUV that is best suited for them. Ranging from compact to full size, there is a Jeep SUV out there for everyone. But what is the difference between these SUVs, and what makes a Jeep SUV so enticing in the first place?
Why Consider an SUV?
There are many reasons that car buyers are drawn to SUVs when considering a new vehicle purchase. One of the most popular reasons is the fact that SUVs tend to sit higher up than regular car sedans. The higher seating makes drivers and passengers feel more comfortable and more aware of their surroundings because they can see over and around other vehicles. Additionally, not having to stoop down to get in a car or climb up to get out of a car is far more comfortable.
SUV’s also tend to be more capable than sedans, especially when it comes to off-roading capabilities. Even if you don’t plan to go rock crawling or mudding, SUVs are a dependable choice when it comes to traveling on dirt or gravel roads or even driving in snowy and icy weather. When compared to trucks, SUVs as a whole tend to get much better gas mileage, which is another draw to the sports utility vehicle. A Jeep SUV is a natural choice for anybody who wants to combine the comfort and convenience of a commuter vehicle with the adventuring capabilities of an off-road truck.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is one of Jeep’s most popular SUVs to date. In fact, the Grand Cherokee has received more awards than any other SUV. This premium, full-sized Jeep is the most capable SUV on the market when it comes to towing, able to haul an impressive 7,200 lbs. The Grand Cherokee is also one of the most luxurious SUVs available, proving that Jeep not only considers what drivers need but also what they want. If you’re looking for the capabilities of a truck and the comfort of a luxury SUV, you can’t go wrong with a Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Jeep Wrangler
The Jeep Wrangler is arguably the face of the entire Jeep brand. Most directly inspired from those early models, the Wrangler is a staple for anyone who enjoys adventure and off-roading due to its nearly limitless capabilities. This off-roading SUV boasts superior traction and maneuverability, thanks to multiple 4×4 systems, allowing adventure lovers to take their Wrangler almost anywhere. Available water fording features will even help you traverse up to 20-in of water without damaging the vehicle.
Plus, unlike almost any other Jeep model, the Wrangler has a modular design for the optimal outdoor experience. With several options for removable tops and doors, you can get as close to nature as possible while traversing trails on your next adventure. This particular feature has become an iconic staple of the Jeep brand and is extremely popular among drivers across the country.
Jeep Cherokee
If you’re looking for something a little smaller than the Grand Cherokee, that is not very bulky and instead glides in and out of tight city spaces with ease, then the Jeep Cherokee is for you. The Cherokee is the perfect family car for everyday city folks who enjoy an off-roading adventure every so often. While still offering drivers some impressive and user-friendly off-roading capabilities, the Cherokee really shines when it comes to fuel economy and safety features. The Cherokee comes equipped with top-of-the-line technologies such as lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, parking assist, and more.
Jeep Compass
The Jeep Compass is one of Jeep’s smaller vehicles, officially marketed as a compact SUV. The Compass has one of the lowest MSRPs of any of the Jeep, with a base 2021 model costing you only $23,895 to start. Add on a pretty impressive fuel economy, and the Jeep Compass will probably save you money both upfront and in the future of owning the car. However, just because you’re paying a little bit less does not mean you’ll be sacrificing when it comes to capabilities.
The Compass has the option of a dual-panel roof, allowing the compact SUV to feel more spacious than it is. Additionally, this compact Jeep allows drivers access to local off-roading adventures with the performance capabilities that have become expected of the Jeep brand. You don’t need to worry about getting stuck in a mud puddle or a sand dune with your trusty Jeep Compass. For extra convenience, the Compass also offers passengers some popular tech features, including easy phone connectivity for sharing map directions and media, along with an available 4G hotspot so all Compass passengers can remain connected while on the road.
Jeep Renegade
The Jeep Renegade is the small crossover vehicle that Jeep introduced in 2015. The Renegade was marketed as being the ultimate crossover and one of the most capable Jeeps available. The Jeep Renegade expertly combines off-roading capabilities with on-road comfort and convenience. This vehicle was able to beat out all of its competitors as far as 4×4 capabilities go and comes with the option of a unique disconnecting rear axle for even more off-roading capabilities. As if that weren’t enough, the Jeep Renegade also comes equipped with some of the latest and greatest technologies, including the popular UConnect system.
One of the features that sets the Renegade apart from other SUVs and crossovers on the market is the dual-panel open roof. This gives drivers and passengers the feeling of being in an open-air convertible, without the inconvenience of actually taking the top off the vehicle. This dual-panel roof gives passengers a panoramic view of the sky and none of the weather hazards. Jeep’s Renegade has always come with a superior fuel economy to match its smaller size so drivers can get the most out of their gas. The open-air feeling available with the Renegade is one of the most desirable features for an off-road fan.
Which Jeep SUV Is Right for You?
When it comes to considering a Jeep SUV, you really can’t go wrong with any of these successful models. Jeep has been serving and supporting the average driver for 80 years, and there’s no sign of that track record ending anytime soon. Each Jeep SUV comes with performance and capability options, along with safety and technology features that rival all competitors. Don’t let a Jeep SUV pass you by next time you are at the dealership lot. Test drive a model today and become of the storied Jeep history.
