2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The trim structure of the 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee remains the same as earlier with four models to choose from; the Laredo, Limited, Overland, and SRT8. Apart from the regular trim structure though, you get plenty of optional packages to pick from as well. Starting at $27,695 and going up to $62,790, the Grand Cherokee provides plenty of choices at different price points with various optional configurations, multiple drivetrain options, and three engine choices. 

Thankfully, the Grand Cherokee comes aptly loaded with goodies, and even the base Laredo offers 17-inch alloys, automatic headlights, fog lamps, cruise control, and more. The Limited trim starts at $37,095 and features bi-xenon headlights, dual-pane panoramic sunroof, driver memory functions, and more. At the higher end of the trim spectrum lies the SRT8 at $60,295 which ropes in premium luxury features and an exclusive V8 engine with 20-inch forged aluminum wheels, Brembo brakes, paddle shifters, and carbon-fiber cabin accent.

We Recommend

With the vast amount of choice, there is a model of the Grand Cherokee for everyone. If you require high performance with off-road capabilities the most expensive SRT trim is the way to go. For the average driver, the Overland Summit is the way to go. The Overland Summit trim combines the luxury and safety features the Cherokee has to offer at a more reasonable price providing better value for money. 

The 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee is available in three engine options, a 3.6-liter V6, 5.7-liter V8, and a 6.4-liter V8 engine. The V6 engine is available on all trims except the high-performance SRT trim. The V6 engine produces 290 hp power and 260 lb.-ft torque which is moderate for an average user. The engine comes mated to a five-speed automatic transmission as standard. The optional 5.7-liter V8 produces 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque and is coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission. 

The more powerful V8 engine on the SRT trim has a higher power output of 470 hp and produces a torque of 465 lb.-ft. It comes mated to a more refined 5-speed automatic as standard. This engine is targeted at high-performance and off-road enthusiasts who require instant power. Unless you intend on towing more at full capacity the V8 engine's power is excess for an everyday user. Also, there is a major difference between the fuel efficiency offered by both engines. The bigger V8 engine is not necessarily built with fuel efficiency in mind. 

As expected from an off-road-oriented machine, the Grand Cherokee doesn’t promise much on the performance front. Rivals like the 2013 Ford Explorer and the Toyota 4Runner are much better performers than the Grand Cherokee and take 7.6 seconds to the 60mph mark. If you require higher performance, the SRT trim is the way to go but it is more expensive and less fuel-efficient.

The fuel efficiency of the 2013 Grand Cherokee is not that great as you would generally expect from something os its size, class, and character. Well, it has improved a lot from its previous generations but still falls behind other five-seater vehicles.

The V6 engine coupled with the five-speed automatic gearbox provides an efficiency of 17 and 23 MPG in city and highways respectively. The combined fuel economy stands at 19 mpg. The 5.7-liter V8 sibling drops the fuel efficiency even more. The 6.4-liter V8 engine on the other hand provides an efficiency of 12 and 18 MPG under city and highway conditions respectively.

Among the lot here, the Grand Cherokee has the lowest mileage in city conditions. However, on the highway, it performs at par with the Ford Explorer and is marginally better than the Toyota 4Runner. Not to forget though that the Jeep and Toyota here are more off-road focused than the other two. The Honda Pilot has the highest efficiency of 21 MPG, but it is nowhere close to the Jeep that averages a range of 565 highway miles.

The 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee has a longer wheelbase than its previous generations. The larger wheelbase smoothened the ride quality and also brought more area to the cabin which is effectively utilized. Also, the materials used in cabin construction are of higher quality than before which is more appealing and adds value to the price. The Grand Cherokee brings top-shelf materials like Nappa Leather inside the cabin. 

On the inside, we can find heated and ventilated front seats and heated second-row seats as well. The leather-trimmed seats feel supple and have wider cushioning which provides a good seating position for the driver and passengers. The longer wheelbase brings more legroom to both front and rear seats and wider doors that make entry and exit from the Grand Cherokee easier.

It is visible that the seven and eight-seaters in the competition offer more cabin space. Compared to the five-seater rival the Jeep Grand Cherokee is more spacious on both rows of seats. However, the Jeep falls behind the 2013 Toyota 4Runner in terms of cargo capacity; the latter offers a whooping 47.2 cu ft of standard cargo space as compared to the Jeep’s 35.1 cu.-ft of space.

Standout interior features:

• Wider Cushion seats with leather trim
• Leather-wrapped wooden steering wheel
• Heated and Ventilated front seats
• Heated rear seats
• Eight-way power-adjustable front and rear seats with Driver seat memory
• Dual-Zone Climate control

How intuitive is the 2013 Grand Cherokee’s Infotainment system?

The 2013 Grand Cherokee is so feature-packed that it blurs the line with traditional luxury SUVs. It is one of the most digitally advanced vehicles on the market. Proving justice to the rest of the features; the infotainment system on the Grand Cherokee is excellent. It comes with a 6.5-inch color touch screen display and an Alpine premium audio system. 

On the technology front, the system includes Uconnect Web adding wireless connectivity and in-car wi-fi hotspots. The system also featured GARMIN Navigation as well as SiriusXM travel links and can also be controlled by voice commands. 

Standout Infotainment features:

• 6.5-inch Touchscreen infotainment
• Uconnect Web with Garmin Nav and SiriusXM travel link
• Alpine Premium audio system
• Park view assist system
• Rear Entertainment system

Something is appealing about the 2013 Grand Cherokee’s blocky looks and the key design features all seem to work well together. The headlights, grille, and lower bumper hide the considerable height from the ground and helps the overall sense of size. The Grand Cherokee has a clean-cut, tightly muscular design without showing off. 

The flagship Jeep comes with its combination of shapes and textures showcasing another successful effort from the brand. The Grand Cherokee is not so small in terms of dimensions with an overall length of 190 inches and a width of 76.5 inches. The fourth-generation model also benefits from a longer wheelbase at 114.8 inches providing a smooth ride and a bigger cabin while simultaneously adding to its exterior appeal.

Among the pack here, the five-seater Jeep Grand Cherokee has a larger wheelbase than its seven-seater counterparts providing bigger doors for entry and exit. The vehicle is also on the heavier side at almost 5000 pounds. Compared to the five-seater Toyota 4Runner the Grand Cherokee is longer and wider too. The Honda and Ford, on the other hand, are the tallest and widest options in the segment.

Standout exterior features:

• Independent suspension
• Auto high beam headlamps
• 17-inch alloy wheels
• Fog Lamps
• Air suspension
• Kevlar-reinforced tires

The 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee proves to be a safe performer, scoring well in crash test and reliability. The NHTSA awarded the 2013 Grand Cherokee an overall four stars with a five-star rating for side-impact protection. All airbags and stability control are standard in the vehicle, so are the trailer-sway control, hill descent control, and hill start assistance, anti-lock braking system with EBD. The Grand Cherokee provides great visibility; the hood's shape gives a good sense of corners and the pillars are thin. 

Standout safety features:

• Adaptive cruise control
• Park view and ParkSense park assist system
• Trailer Sway Control
• Electronic Roll Mitigation
• Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-path detection system
• Forward collision warning
• Sentry Key Engine Immobilizer

The 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee is the first to feel better on the roads than off the pavement. The ride is yet capable of climbing over logs and boulders. With smooth ride quality and steering the Grand Cherokee has the soft touch sophistication of a crossover and the four-wheel-drive hits the sweet spot of usability for drivers. It may not offer third-row seating or the interior of big crossovers but it covers things well with its elegant appeal and off-roading skills. Furthermore, it also offers you multiple engines and several options to pick from.