It’s no secret that Jeep is well-known for creating a stellar lineup of adventure vehicles that can conquer just about any terrain. Expanding the brand’s market, the engineers at Jeep developed a more family-friendly vehicle known as the Grand Cherokee. First produced back in 1993, the company has spent the last 27 years perfecting this model. The result is the new 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
As a mid-size SUV, this model is ideal for families with active lifestyles. Living in an urban or suburban environment doesn’t mean that you never venture out into the wild. If you love going to the lake on the weekends, camping, or heading off on a hiking adventure, this is the ride for you. Offering families comfort, advanced technology, and even a few luxury features, you can’t go wrong with the new 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Size Matters
Small families can rejoice at the interior space of this vehicle. With seating for up to five people, the new Grand Cherokee has 36.3 cubic feet of space behind the back row. If you fold the back seats down, you can expand this area to 68.3 cubic feet. This is ideal for solo travelers who need the cargo room for sports gear or videography equipment. It can also be a great space for your four-legged companions to safely travel with you.
What’s Under the Hood
The motor under the hood is what we like to call the heart of the vehicle. Typically, mid-size SUVs are available with two engine choices, and that’s all. In the case of the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee, there are four different powertrains to pick from.
First is the standard 3.6-liter V6 engine that produces 295 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. Available on the base Laredo trim, it is equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission and can tow up to 6,200 pounds.
The next option is a massive 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine that generates 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. This beast can tow up to 7,200 pounds without breaking a sweat. If you have a trailer, boat, or RV that you want to take out on a weekend adventure, this is the powertrain you should go for.
Then, there is the 6.4-liter SRT V8 engine that gets up to 475 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. Coupled with an 8-speed automatic transmission, it has five selectable driving modes. You can choose Auto, Sport, Track, Snow, and Tow for optimized handling. It can also pull up to 7,200 pounds.
Finally, the insanely powerful supercharged 6.2-liter V8 produces 707 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque. With features such as powder-forged connecting rods, forged-alloy pistons, and sodium-cooled exhaust valves, this impressive powertrain can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds.
Please keep in mind that any of these models can be equipped with rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, except for the Trailhawk. This off-roading trim is only available with four-wheel drive
The Grand Cherokee’s Diverse Trims
Offered in seven trim levels, there is something unique about each Jeep Grand Cherokee model. The base Laredo is well-equipped for a standard model. It comes with an advanced infotainment interface displayed on a 7-inch touchscreen. This innovative system works with Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free text messaging and calling. It is also compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless app and audio integration. Dual-zone climate control allows the driver and front-seat passenger to choose their own preferred temperature settings, and rear parking sensors to assist with backing out of tight spaces. These sensors are also handy for parallel street parking. You won’t have to worry about fender benders ever again! Rolling on 17-inch wheels, this model also comes with daytime running lamps for optimized visibility. Interior color options include black cloth with black stitching or frost beige cloth with beige stitching.
Moving up to the Limited trim will add heated leather seats throughout the interior. The cabin also boasts a heated leather steering wheel and remote start technology. This means that you can turn on the vehicle to warm it up before you step foot outside. As for the infotainment system, it received a larger 8.4-inch touchscreen upgrade. On the outside, the Limited trim gets larger 18-inch wheels and a power liftgate. Interior color options include black leather with black stitching or frost beige leather with beige stitching.
The Trailhawk is the off-roading version that adds ventilated seats. It features the new Quadra-Drive II system that adds five terrain drive modes for enhanced traction control no matter what kind of conditions the roads are in. Skid plates have been fitted to the underside of the vehicle to protect against damage from rocks. It also comes with a unique set of wheels and off-roading tires. The only interior color it comes in is black leather with contrasting red stitching.
The Overland version doesn’t change much except for the redesigned instrument cluster and larger 20-inch wheels. Interior color options include Nappa leather seating in dark sienna with black accent stitching, light frost beige with brown edge welting, or black with tungsten stitching.
Next, we will move into the luxury trims starting with the Summit. This adds a 19-speaker Harman Kardon sound system with a 10-inch subwoofer for a premium music experience. It also includes an advanced self-parking system. Interior color options vary depending on the material. You can opt for Natura Plus leather upholstery in black with tungsten stitching, light frost beige with brown edge welting, or black/dark sienna with black stitching. The other option is Laguna leather upholstery in black with brown stitching or ski grey with indigo edge welting.
For a sportier ride, you can opt for the SRT model, which rides on summer-performance tires. It also gets unique SRT badging and two interior materials to choose from. You can opt for Nappa leather in black with tungsten stitching or sepia with tungsten stitching, or you can choose Laguna leather in black with tungsten stitching.
Lastly, the Trackhawk is powered by the supercharged V8 engine. It also gets larger Brembo brakes for better stopping power and several exterior updates, including 20-inch black wheels and high-performance tires. Interior color options vary depending on the upholstery. You can get the Nappa leather seating in black or sepia. Both come with tungsten stitching. You can also go for the Laguna leather in black with tungsten stitching or ski grey with black stitching. Whatever material you choose, it will feature unique badging for the Trackhawk model.
The Grand Cherokee’s Limited Editions
As with any Jeep vehicle, there are several special editions that you can choose from as well. These are the Altitude, Upland, High Altitude, Limited X, and North Edition.
The Altitude gets heated leather seats with suede inserts and stylish gloss black accents on exterior features like the grille rings, lower front fascia, fog lamps, and taillamps.
The Upland receives heated seats and a heated steering wheel with sophisticated blue accent stitching throughout the cabin. The outside is characterized by the black accents and Desert Sky tracer.
Next, the High Altitude comes with Nappa leather, a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, and gloss granite crystal exterior accents.
Then, there is the Limited X model. This one features liquid titanium interior accents, a sculpted hood, HID headlights, and granite crystal exterior accents.
Finally, the North Edition was created to conquer the ice and snow. All-weather floor mats, tow hooks, heated seats, and a heated steering wheel make it the perfect ride to handle slush and poor road conditions.
It doesn’t matter which version of the Grand Cherokee you end up. All models are luxurious in their own right, packed to the brim with style and luxury.
