Jeep Grand Cherokee 4th Generation 2011-2021 (WK2) Review

The 4th-gen Grand Cherokee was around for ten years, which is four years longer than the average vehicle's lifecycle. It was around for so long that Jeep had to facelift it twice, and each time the American brand managed to breathe new life into this beloved SUV. The basic exterior design Jeep started with in 2011 is extremely elegant, which made it much easier to update over time.

Revisions to the front may seem subtle at first glance, but upon further investigation, you'll notice that a number of alterations have been made to give the SUV a more modern look. The most distinctive adjustment are the addition of new headlights with LED DRLs¹. This is accompanied by a new seven-slot grille that can be had with a honeycomb or mesh finish depending on which trim you're looking at². This is encapsulated in a new panel that extends beneath the headlights. Additionally, a new lower bumper³has been designed for the range that features new fog light housings⁴and chrome trimmings for higher-specced models. Throughout the range, this bumper design embraces the mid-decade era's trend of flowing and dynamic design cues.

Again, the changes made to the front of the Grand Cherokee for its second updated further transitions the SUV from a more robust offering to one that appears more premium. The headlight design retains the same theme but the pair has shrunken slightly¹together with the seven-slot grille². For a cleaner face, a single piece has been used for the bumper that stretches from the grille and headlights³. Chrome trimmings are still present but reduced as more of the body color becomes prominent, particularly with the lower portion. Fog lights are also treated to a slimmer LED design⁴.

It's a similar story at the rear where the headlights are given a more modern LED treatment¹together with the removal of the chrome strip that connects them, making way for a bolder brand badge². The robust lower bumper has been exchanged for a sleeker and more dynamic design³that adopts slightly altered reflectors⁴and exhaust tailpipes model designation badging has been redesigned as well, together with a new hatch handle. A sharper spoiler is applied to the hatch on higher-trim models.

The rear is carried over with no noteworthy changes.

From the side you'll notice portions of the changes made to the front and rear, such as the revised lights and bumpers¹. There are also a plethora of new wheel options². To clean the design up, Jeep opted to remove the chrome trimming on the lower part of the doors³as well as the turn signal on the front fender, which is replaced by one that is integrated into the door mirror on select trims. Also take note of the antenna which has been swapped out with a smaller shark fin.

The side profile is similar, but Jeep kept another feature from the 75th Anniversary model. If you look closely, you'll note the updated emblem on the front doors as well as a selection of new alloy wheels¹.

Wood grain trimmings still has a large part to play in the interior but it is now complemented by more modern equipment such as a heavily updated steering wheel¹, gear selector², instrument cluster³, and touchscreen infotainment system⁴. The HVAC and other car controls have also been modernized by implementing more rotary dials and smaller buttons⁵. The window and door lock controls have also been treated to a more modern set of plastic finishes without any adjustments made to the layout.

Key visual changes to the cabin include a revised instrument cluster¹和触摸屏信息娱乐系统²together with some new surrounds for the air vents³and the return of a longer and more conventional gear selector⁴. Some new seat upholstery options also become available.

There are multiple versions of the Grand Cherokee available. The standard engine is the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, while a 5.7-liter V8 is optional for customers who want improved performance. With the right configuration, the V8 model can tow up to 7,400 lbs. A five-speed automatic transmission comes standard with both engines. From 2014 onwards, all models have an eight-speed automatic transmission as standard. This year marks the launch of a 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel mill that produces a giant lump of torque from low-down.

On mainline Grand Cherokees, rear-wheel drive is standard. Certain models could only be ordered with a 4WD system, and the chosen system was based entirely on the car's purpose. Jeep made three 4WD systems available for non-performance models. The first is Quadra-Trac 1, which is a fancy Jeep euphemism for standard four-wheel drive. The next step up is Quadra-Trac II, which comes with a two-speed transfer case with high and low ranges. Quadra-Drive II is the full package, which adds an electronically locking rear differential.

Keep all of this in mind when shopping around, and make sure you buy the right model. The names of the 4WD systems sound alike, but they are vastly different. You don't want to buy a rugged off-roader and end up with a mall-crawler.

Most of the Grand Cherokees available are equipped with one of the 4WD systems. Buying a standard RWD model won't make any meaningful difference to the fuel consumption, as every model in the range has a healthy appetite for gas. The only highlight is the turbocharged diesel, which, according to the EPA, costs $5,750 less in fuel over five years than the 5.7-liter V8.

* Real-world mpg and MPGe figures are provided by the EPA. Once a car has been on sale for a significant period of time, the EPA gets real-world figures directly from the customer base. These figures are then provided on the EPA website. Real-world figures are not available for certain models due to a lack of sales, or not enough people partaking in this after-sales survey.

The 2011 models are equipped with the normal active and passive safety features, including ABS, traction and stability control, hill-start assist, automatic headlights, and six airbags, with an auto-dimming interior rearview mirror optional, along with a backup camera via the Security and Convenience Group package. The 2011 Limited and up also have rear parking sensors, auto-dimming side mirrors, and automatic wipers, as well as the options of adaptive cruise control and blind-spot assist. From 2012 onward, all Overland Summit models are equipped with adaptive cruise control, rear cross-traffic assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward-collision warning, while the 2013 Overland Summit gains front parking sensors. These features are also available as an optional package on mid-spec models. The entire line-up of 2017 Grand Cherokees get a standard backup camera and rear parking sensors, while a self-parking system and lane departure become standard on the Summit. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are standard on all 2019 Grand Cherokees.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee was launched just in time for the NHTSA's more stringent safety tests, introduced in 2011. It was tested again in late 2014, and the scores improved drastically.

If safety is high on your list, go for a late 2014 to 2021 model.

The fourth-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee was given a multitude of trims in an attempt to enhance its market share appeal in the competitive SUV segment. From the Laredo to the Summit, each trim has been specifically curated to cater to the model's varying consumer base, including those who are looking for a run-of-the-mill SUV, a premium multi-terrain tourer, or a proper off-roader. Furthermore, it offers performance derivatives to appease those who have a need for speed without sacrificing interior practicality. Regardless of the diversity, all trims are generously kitted out and should fulfill the needs of daily usability.

Some changes affect the entire range, such as the addition of the eight-speed automatic transmission for the 2014 facelift, a new fix-position automatic gear shifter, a more powerful V6 gas engine with start-stop technology, electric assistance for the power steering, and new aluminum suspension components to reduce weight for the 2016 model year, a backup camera and rear parking sensors for 2017, and a seven-inch Uconnect infotainment screen for 2018 on all trims that had the five-inch screen before. Full smartphone integration in the form of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto accompanies this 2018 infotainment system upgrade on all trims. Also for 2018, the Summit's noise-canceling tech comes standard on any trim that is equipped with the optional nine-speaker Alpine audio system. Some of these changes appeared to have taken place late in the 2018 model year, so make doubly sure that the 2018 Grand you're looking at actually has smartphone integration and the bigger screen.

Special editions:

• Jeep Grand Cherokee Sterling Edition: This special model was only available in 2018 as a celebration of the model's 25th production year. It is based on the Limited but steps things up with special 20-inch alloy wheels and the 8.4-inch infotainment system connected to a premium Alpine sound system. At an additional cost, you could specify the Luxury Group which adds ventilated front seats and a plethora of safety features.
• Jeep Grand Cherokee 75th Anniversary: The American manufacturer's 75th birthday in 2016 was met with a range of special-edition models of which the Grand Cherokee was included. It could be painted in Recon Green, Brilliant Black, Rhino, Bright White, Billet Silver, or Granite Crystal, together with specific finishes for the grille, front fascia, headlights, and other body accents. The unique 18-inch or optional 20-inch alloy wheels are finished in a low-gloss bronze, as are the grille rings, fog-light bezels, tow hooks, roof rails, and badges. Standard kit includes heated seats that can be finished in leather or Gode-Tex (not to be confused with Gore-Tex) fabric.
• Jeep Grand Cherokee 80th Anniversary: Just five years later, the anniversary special edition returned for 2021 to celebrate a new milestone. Based on the Limited, this range benefits from 18-inch alloy wheels, satin-gloss granite crystal exterior trimmings, and Nappa leather with tungsten contrast stitching and Berber floor mats.
• Jeep Grand Cherokee 2020 Editions: A year before this generation was discontinued, Jeep added four special models that were essentially extended visual packages. The Upland was based on the Laredo and added a set of unique 20-inch gloss black alloy wheels and several dark exterior and interior trimmings. The Altitude is also based on the Laredo but features more technological features. The Limited X, based on the Limited, takes the same approach as the Upland. Last, the 4WD-only North Edition makes the Grand winter-friendly with features such as a heated steering wheel, heavy-duty floor mats, and a tow-strap kit.
• Jeep Grand Cherokee 2021 Editions: 2020's Limited X is extended to 2021, getting gloss-black exterior accents. For 2021, a new Laredo X trim is also added, effectively replacing the Upland, Altitude, and North Edition. It is basically a Laredo with the 8.4-inch Uconnect system with navigation, as well as vinyl/suede upholstery, remote start, and heated front seats and steering wheel. The Freedom Edition celebrates America's armed forces with some special equipment and color schemes.

Jeep really upped its interior game with the introduction of the 4th-gen Grand Cherokee as it shifted the models focus from being a purely rugged SUV to more of a premium and plush model with daily usability in mind. There are still hard plastics, but they're well hidden from view. There were some initial complaints about the leather dashboard bubbling on early models. Overall, it's a nice place to spend time.

Headroom and legroom are good all around, though models with a basic black interior can feel claustrophobic. Look for a model with a sunroof, as the added light makes a huge difference. Interior storage space is also decent, especially if you treat it like a four-seater. You get two large cupholders in the front, decent storage underneath the armrest, and a large glove compartment.

With both rows in place, the Grand Cherokee has a 36.3 cubic feet trunk. Some rivals have larger trunks, but anything above 35 cubes is perfectly fine for a family. Fold the rear seats forward in a 60/40 split and the cargo space increases to a full 68.3 cubes. You can easily fit a bicycle back there.

3.6升和5.7升模型需要一个engine oil and oil filter change every 8,000 miles. The diesel can last a bit longer at 10,000 miles. If you frequent the beaten track, you'll need to replace the air cleaner filter at 16,000 miles. The air-conditioning filter needs to be exchanged at this point, regardless of what environment it is subjected to. 32,000 miles is when the air cleaner filter will need a replacement for cars that spend more time on the tarmac. At this point, the V8 will also need a new set of spark plugs. At 64,000 miles, the transmission and transfer case fluid and filter will need replacing. 96,000 miles is where the 3.6-liter will need new spark plugs. The engine coolant will need a flush and refill at 104,000 miles. A new accessory drive belt is needed at 120,000 miles. You can expect an average annual maintenance cost of about $700 for all three engines of the fourth-generation Grand Cherokee.

Jeep recommends highway all-season tires for the normal models' tire sizes. The Trailhawk requires special tires.

Technical Service Bulletins according to the NHTSA. Check service book for:

有几个2011 - 2021吉普大切诺基再保险calls you should be aware of. Even more concerning is the number of official complaints filed against the car. On average, a car receives between 50 to 300 complaints during its first year on sale. The NHTSA received more than 1,500 complaints in the Cherokee's first year. 2011 to 2013 models were recalled for a faulty fuel pump relay, while 2011 to 2014 models were recalled for an incorrectly installed brake booster shield. 2011 to 2013 models had to return to dealerships for a vanity lamp short circuit that could lead to a fire, while 2011 to 2014 models had to return again for the brakes. This time, it was for corrosion on the brake booster center shell. Jeep caught these in time, which means the Grand Cherokee is not known for having brake problems.

A fairly small number of V6 models manufactured in the first two weeks of September 2011 were recalled for a connecting-rod bearing failure, which requires the engine to be replaced. 2012 to 2014 models were recalled for a possibly faulty alternator that may lead to an engine stall, while 2012 and 2013 models returned to dealerships for a hard brake pedal caused by the Ready Alert Braking System driver-assistance feature. The 2012 model was finally recalled for connecting rod failure, which increased the risk of a crash.

From 2014 onward, things got even tougher for Jeep. The 2014 model was recalled a total of 17 times. 2014 to 2019 diesel models were recalled for an EGR cooler that may crack, while 2014 to 2016 diesels were recalled for a crankshaft position sensor tone wheel that may delaminate.

2014 to 2018 models were recalled for cruise control that would not cancel. 2014 and 2015 models did not warn the driver that the car was not in park when they got out, increasing the risk of getting run over by your own car. Several deaths occurred due to this problem, including the highly publicized one of Star Trek actor Anton Yeltsin when his Jeep rolled away and pinned him against a wall. 2014 models' airbags may be disabled by seatbelt pretensioners, not to mention the steering software disabling the stability control.

2014年和2015年为无线电softw模型被召回are security vulnerabilities of the Uconnect infotainment system with the 8.4-inch screen. 2014 models also suffered from the sudden loss of ABS and electronic stability control and poor quality parking lamps. 2015 to 2016 models were recalled for a front left brake caliper that was made from the incorrect material. Around 100,000 2014 - 2016 vehicles using the diesel engine were recalled because they contained a defeat device to cheat on emissions tests, similar to the VW Dieselgate scandal. The Grand Cherokee was affected too and these cars had to get updated software to reduce exhaust emissions.

Only 2015 models were recalled for incorrectly heat-treated lower control arms. 100 Grand Cherokee models produced in 2017 were recalled for a possibly loose tow hook bracket. 2018 models were recalled for floor mats that may trap the accelerator and a voltage regulator that may fail and cause a stall. All 2018 models were also recalled for incorrectly installed transmission park rods, and fuel line separation that may cause a fire. The latter was only a Trackhawk recall. 2019 to 2020 models were recalled for backup camera problems - the rearview camera display won't go away - while 2019 models were recalled for front differential pinion gears that may wear quickly due to insufficient hardening. Even during its final year on sale, the Jeep was recalled four times. In addition to the rearview camera image mentioned earlier, the Grand Cherokee was recalled for having high beams that were difficult to activate, an occupant restraint controller that may incorrectly deactivate airbags, and inoperable headlights.

These are the error codes you'll most likely encounter when shopping for a 4th-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee:

• Code P258B is for a faulty electric vacuum pump, which is part of the braking system.
• Code B1D4A is for an incorrect signal between the door sensor and the seat memory function.

Even during its final year on sale, Jeep flogged more than 200,000 Grand Cherokees in the USA. The problems mentioned above are the most severe, but owners also complained about other smaller problems. We're talking about no more than five complaints about a certain issue per year, which is nowhere near enough to count as a common problem. In this category, there are the usual problems that come with age. These include starting, headlight, and battery problems. These are general wear and tear problems that are easily solved.

While not nearly as prevalent as in the Wrangler, the dreaded Jeep "death wobble" has also been reported in the WK2 Grand Cherokee. It is an oscillation or wobble at speed that causes the whole car to shake, making it harder to control. It is mostly the result of unbalanced wheels, out-of-whack wheel alignment or, more likely, worn components such as suspension ball joints or steering stabilizer bars.

A few 2011-2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee climate-control, air-conditioning, and heater-core problems were reported from around 72,000 miles, often only requiring the core or actuator gear to be replaced. Beware that replacing the whole system can cost $900. And, as always with sophisticated infotainment systems, the Uconnect system can be buggy and freeze or crash on occasion. Make sure that it is updated with the latest software and security patches.

There are two interesting things you need to be aware of, though. Some owners complained about how difficult it is to fill a Grand Cherokee with fuel. Apparently, the shut-off mechanism keeps on interfering, leading to gas-filling problems. It's not widely reported, so it doesn't count as a common problem per se. There are also a total of three complaints about oil leak problems. These issues range from oil drain plug problems to a leaky rear main seal.

We'd keep away from 2011 to 2014 models, as they have the most problems. These model years have both the TIMP and gearbox problems. The eight-speed was introduced in 2014, but even then, Jeep had some calibration issues and both 2014 and 2015 model years registered many transmission complaints. The years with the most problems overall are the first two after launch - 2011 and 2012 - and the first two after the facelift - 2014 and 2015. In terms of models, there isn't really a dud in the range, although the Laredo did tend to lag behind the rest a bit in terms of safety features.

It depends on your budget and what you want to do with the car. The 3.6L V6 is a tad underpowered, though it is much easier to live with when it's mated to the eight-speed gearbox. We'd look for a model with the optional 5.7-liter V8 with the Quadra-Drive II drivetrain because it offers the best performance. Most Jeep owners tend to really enjoy their cars off-road, which is why we'd go for the Trailhawk package as well. If you don't need that sort of off-road talent, the Limited trim with a basic AWD system is perfectly fine. In terms of pre-facelifted models, the 2013 model year is the most trouble-free. The facelifted models are very good from 2016 onwards, with 2018-2021 being the most trouble-free years of the entire WK2 production run.

大规模improvemen第4代大切诺基t over previous generations. Having said that, Jeep obviously had some teething problems at the beginning. To be fair, the automaker eventually found its feet with this car, and during its final four years on sale, it reached peak refinement. The Grand Cherokee remains a bit of an anomaly in its segment. Most SUV manufacturers don't bother equipping their luxury SUVs with real off-road components, but in the right setup, a Grand Cherokee can easily do roughly 80% of what a Wrangler is capable of.

It's a great family SUV, but stay well clear of the early models.