With summertime right around the corner, it’s time to start planning those warm nights, long weekends, and epic road trips. How can you make memories with your loved ones that’ll keep you smiling long after you’re back home? We’re lucky that adventure can be as simple as taking the road less traveled. You don’t have to buy an expensive plane ticket or travel for days to find your little oasis. The good news is you can drive to it. A brand like Jeep knows a thing or two about adventures. They’ve always been at the forefront of designing vehicles capable and ready to conquer whatever lies ahead. Whether camping, off-roading, or taking your boat out on the lake, there’s a Jeep for that.
Are you shopping for your next vehicle and looking to save money while leaving room for fun? Considering a used Jeep is an excellent shortcut to both. Not everyone can buy new, but that doesn’t mean you have to be left out of experiencing the benefits of a quality vehicle. Today’s used car market has limitless potential to connect you to an SUV that packs a punch. You only have to scan the inventory of a used Jeep dealership to see how many vehicles are loaded with powerful performance, off-roading gear, safety, and the technology to make your commute a breeze. Jeep has several exciting models, giving you tons of options for finding one that’s only a few years old. Models like the Compass, Wrangler, Cherokee, Renegade, and others offer much value at a significantly lower price than their new counterparts. Let’s explore some model years that could serve you well on your way to the next great adventure.
The 2018 Jeep Compass
The Compass is Jeep’s answer to a compact SUV that can handle conditions normally reserved for much larger vehicles. Jeep’s 2018 Compass shares the off-roading capabilities of Jeep’s larger vehicles like the Grand Cherokee; however, its smaller size makes it easier to park and maneuver when you’re running errands or heading to work around the city. For the 2018 model, Jeep offered the Compass in five trim levels, including the Sport, Latitude, Altitude, Limited, and Trailhawk. This Compass thrives on a variety of terrain thanks to the iconic 4×4 system and selectable drive modes.
The 2018 Compass comes with a 2.4L Tigershark engine built with a six-speed manual transmission, a six-speed automatic, and a nine-speed automatic transmission. Those selectable drive modes function using Jeep’s Selec-Terrain system that adjusts for snow, sand, mud, and automatic traction. It also offers a rock-crawling mode with a 20:1 crawl ratio, an impressive feature for the compact SUV.
Inside the 2018 Jeep Compass, a welcoming interior offers the perfect getaway when you’re done enjoying the outdoors. It’s perfect for packing and unpacking, with plenty of storage space and organization, making it easy to bring whatever you need. Every trim comes standard with convenient features like keyless entry, push-button start, comfortable and durable fabrics, and Jeep’s UConnect touchscreen infotainment center. If you can get your hands on a 2018 Jeep Compass, you’ll be in great shape for whatever the road ahead brings.
The 2020 Jeep Wrangler
One of the best-known Jeeps for reliability is the Wrangler. When properly cared for, this classic can go well beyond 200,000 miles on the odometer. The origins of the Wrangler go all the way back to WWII when Jeep was the go-to vehicle provider for the US Army. The 2020 Wrangler comes standard with removable doors, a removable roof, and a fold-down windshield that most people affiliate with this model. There is an assortment of different versions, from two-door to four-door, to numerous trim levels like the Sport, Willys Sport, Sport S, Black and Tan, Sport Altitude, Freedom, Sahara, Rubicon, and many others. The 2020 model year features lots of fun exterior colors, some of which have now been discontinued, making it a rare find out on the market.
The standard engine on the 2020 Wrangler is a 3.6L powerful V6 that has an output of a whopping 285 hp. It comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission, or for a more connected feel, you can find it with a six-speed manual gearbox. It has other powertrain options as well, including a turbocharged four-cylinder. Of course, it comes standard with Jeep’s 4×4 drive system that’s controlled by a lever on the center console.
The 2020 Wrangler interior depends greatly on which trim level you choose. Space in the four-door is more generous than that in the two-door counterpart. The heightened positioning of the driver and front passenger seats gives you an unparalleled view of the road ahead. Further in the cabin, the roll bars and roof pillars give the rugged aesthetic that Jeep is well-known for establishing. There are plenty of entertainment features available, like connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, USB charging ports, and a customizable display. If you love connecting to the outdoors as much as possible, the Wrangler is the Jeep for you.
The 2017 Grand Cherokee
To mix things up and bring in a slightly older model, the 2017 Grand Cherokee is a great choice that you’ll be able to snag for under $15,000. The original Grand Cherokee debuted in 1992, quickly rising to popularity as the go-to model for family adventures. Those 2017 models came in seven trim levels, including a unique 75th Anniversary Edition. Get your hands on one of these rare limited edition 7th Anniversary models, and you’re in store for Jeep-exclusive Green exterior paint in three varieties, Low Gloss Bronze wheels, Bronze and Orange accents around the exterior, embossed 75th Anniversary logos, and badging.
The performance is nothing to sneeze at, either. The 2017 Grand Cherokee was designed with three different engines, all-wheel drive, and towing capacity that gives it a truck-like appeal. The base-level trims come with a standard 3.6L V6; otherwise, there is a 5.7L V8 and a 3.0L turbo-diesel V6 as you move up in trim levels. Each pair with an eight-speed automatic transmission that optimizes performance while speeding up and downgrading. If you can track down a Trailhawk model, you’ll also gain Kevlar-reinforced off-road tires, adjustable air suspension, and red tow hooks to take advantage of those capabilities. Similarly, the Summit trim has high-end add-ons like lane-departure warning, parallel/perpendicular parking aid, and a striking, handcrafted leather interior.
Perfect Options for Adventurous Drivers on a Budget
Jeep’s rich history and attention to detail allow the brand to thrive in new and used markets alike. It’s lucky for us, as consumers, that we get to benefit from all the previously designed models just as much as from the new inventory. While the 2018 Compass, the 2020 Wrangler, and the 2017 Grand Cherokee are good examples of what’s available, countless other options deliver on style, performance, and all-around convenience. A used Jeep is the vehicle for the adventurous and the thrifty, and there have never been more ways to shake the stigma of shopping used and get behind the wheel of a quality Jeep that you’ll get to keep enjoying for years to come. The brand proves that the cost of adventure doesn’t have to come with a brand-new price tag.
