This week we are taking a look at the 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4x4. The Grand Cherokee has been around since 1992, and this is the 4th generation of the popular SUV.
My review vehicle has the Summit package, which is the top-of-the-line model before you get into the performance editions like the Trackhawk.
Powertrain
You can get 5 different engines in this vehicle, but this one has the tried-and-true 5.7-liter V8 Hemi that puts out 360-horses and 390 pound-feet of torque. It is hooked to an 8-speed automatic with shift paddles.
Exterior
The exterior of the Summit has unique aluminum wheels, the classic Jeep 7-slot grill, a rear spoiler, and square dual exhaust.
Interior
As you enter the cabin of this 5-passenger SUV, it is well laid out with Laguna leather seats that are slightly bolstered and feature quilting and some piping. The quilting also adorns the door panels, and glossy wood extends from the door panels all the way across the dash.
The gauges are bright and easy to see, and there is comprehensive driver info readout between them that supplies the driver with all sorts of information.
On the center console is the heart of this Jeep where you change the 4-wheel drive system to match your driving conditions. You can choose snow, sand, mud, rock, or the default is auto. You can raise or lower the Jeep, shift into 4-wheel low, or utilize the hill descent control.
Technology
Above the center stack is an 8.4” color screen that houses the U-Connect system, which I always say is the best system around. You operate the sound system, Bluetooth, navigation system, heated and cooled seats, heated steering wheel, voice activation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You can also activate the Wi-Fi hotspot, or go through multiple pages of apps, including the fantastic off-road pages that even give you longitude and latitude coordinates and your altitude.
Below the screen is the automatic air conditioning system, which is simple and the radio operates with large round knobs. Just below that are buttons for the park assist that will parallel or perpendicular park the Jeep by itself. You can turn off the parking sensors, turn on and off the Lane sense feature, and choose Eco or Sport modes.
Utility
All occupants will enjoy good legroom and headroom, and with the back seat down, you have 67.5 cubic-feet of cargo area.
Standard Features
The Grand Cherokee Summit comes loaded with a lot of standard features including steering wheel controls, keyless entry, backup camera, power seats, power liftgate, blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and collision warning.
Also standard is remote start, keyless start, a 19-speaker Harmon Karden sound system, a panoramic dual pane moonroof, and heated and cooled seats.
Finally, it comes with a power tilt and heated steering wheel, LED headlamps, fog lights, and taillights. It also comes with memory seats that work with your key fob, and the second row seat is heated. There are air vents for back seat occupants.
Options
My tester has almost $11,800 in options, including a dual screen Blu-Ray DVD player built into the front headrests, a leather upgraded interior, and the 5.7 Hemi and 4-wheel drive system.
The Grand Cherokee Summit has a very nice ride, it handles well, has good acceleration, and it is quiet inside.
If you tow a boat or trailer, this SUV is very capable and will actually drag 7200 pounds behind it.
Fuel Economy and What You’ll Pay
Fuel economy is 14 city, 22 highway, and 17 overall. MSRP as equipped is $67,720 which is right in line with other ultra-loaded SUVS of this size.
Verdict
This is a very capable off-roader and a very nice family SUV. Jeep claims the Grand Cherokee is the most awarded SUV in history, and I don’t doubt it for a moment.
2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit
- What I liked most: Driving characteristics and U-Connect system.
- What I would change: Not much, but there is a little too much plastic inside for the price.
- MSRP: Base price $54,445 as equipped $67,720 with transportation.
- Fuel Economy: 14 city/22 highway/17 combined.
- Official Color: Granite Crystal Metallic Clearcoat.
- Odometer reading when tested: 2900 miles.
- Weight: 5000 pounds.
- Spare Tire: Full-sized spare and steel wheel.
- Length-Width-Height: 189.0” long/76.5” wide/69.3” high.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 24.6 gallons with the filler on the driver’s side.
- Towing Capacity: 7200 pounds.
- 2019 Grand Cherokee in a few words: Exceptional initial quality, very comfortable in all situations, and a joy to drive.
- Warranty: 3-year/36,000 mile bumper-to-bumper, 5-year/60,000 power train warranty with roadside assistance.
- Final Assembly Location: Detroit, MI.
- Manufacturers website: www.JEEP.com
- Up Next: 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS 450.
Photo Credit: Jeep
