2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Review

With its premium interior, technology features and great performance on and off-road add to this best-in-class towing and the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee should be a popular choice for those looking in the midsize SUV category.  With the number of trim levels and special editions offered – there is sure to be one right for your needs.

For 2016 the Cherokee sees a bump in horsepower for its V6 engine, better fuel economy across the V6 and 5.7L V8 engines.

2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trims and Prices

The 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee comes in five trim levels – the Laredo, Limited, Overland, Summit and SRT. On top of the five trims there are three limited edition models – the High Altitude, 75th Anniversary Edition and Limited 75th Anniversary Edition.
With the exception of the SRT model (only available in 4x4) the other trims are all available in either 4x2 or 4x4 drivetrain layouts.

The Laredo (MSRP from $29,995) would be considered the base model of the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee, it comes with the 3.6-Liter V6 engine, 17-inch aluminum wheels and 8-speed paddle shift automatic transmission. There is a Laredo E variant of this trim that you will need if you want the power driver seat and access to several of the option packages such as the Trailer Tow Group IV package. The 4x4 version runs on the Quadra-Trac I 4WD and Base Select Terrain Systems.

The Limited trim (MSRP from $37,365) sits on 18-inch polished chrome wheels and comes with 8-way power front row seats with power lumbar adjust and memory they are leather trimmed and both front and rear seats are heated as well as Uconnect 5.0, remote start system and security alarm. On 4x4 versions there is an option to upgrade to the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 and it comes with Quadra Trac II 4WD System.

The Overland (MSRP from $44,195) has 20-inch aluminum wheels, a wood and leather wrapped sterring wheel with audio controls, luxury door trim panel, leather-trimmed ventilated, heated front seats with under seat lighting, a media hub (SD, USB, Aux), and Uconnect with navigation and 8.4-inch display. It also comes with automatic systems for headlamp leveling and high beam control. The 4x4 version gets Quadra-Trac II 4WD system.

The Summit (MSRP from $49,595) adds 20-inch aluminum polished wheels, body-colored grill with chrome inserts and Advance Brake Assist. Inside you’ll find a sound system with 825-watt amplifier and 19 Harman Kardon speakers with subwoofer, an active noise control system, and an exclusive interior color combination – Dark Sienna Brown / Black. The 4x4 version comes with Quadra-Trac II 4wd System.

The SRT (MSRP from $62,495) is a combination of luxury and pure street power. It comes with the SRT 6.4-liter HEMI v8 engine, 20-inch polished 5-spoke wheels and , Slec-Trac system and Quadra-Trac On Demand 4WD – normally torque is distributed even to all wheels, but when there is slippage the transmission will automatically transfer the torque to the wheels that have traction. The interior gets heated and vented leather seating with perforated ultra-suede and heated rear seats.  For the technology lover it comes with an instrument cluster with performance display screen and Uconnect with 8.4-inch navigation touch screen.

The 75th Anniversary Edition (MSRP from $34,775) is based off the Laredo trim – it offers distinct appearance features such as a new headlamp design, new front grille with 75th Anniverasy edition mesh, an exclusive Recon Green color with bronze accents and badges. Inside you’ll find modified-cloth seats with the front being heated, heated steering wheel and more bronze accents throughout. Tech features include Uconnect 8.4 and an instrument cluster with off-road display pages. The 4x4 version has Base Selec-Terrain and Quadra-Trac I 4WD systems.

The Limited 75th Anniversary Edition (MSRP from $40,875) is based off the Limited trim it offers the same features found in the Limited trim plus the 75th Anniversary Edition upgrades to appearance and tech. 20-inch bronze low-gloss wheels and Uconnect with an 8.4-inch touch screen. The 4x4 version comes with Quadra-Trac II 4WD system.

The High Altitude (MSRP from $46,690) is based off the Overland trim level it – you get everything that is included on the Overland as well as the Advanced Technology Group which features adaptive cruise control, Blind-spot monitoring (BSM), lane departure warning, Forward Collision Warning (FCW) with Crash Mitigation and advanced brake assist.  Visually you’ll notice the exterior gloss black and dark chrome finishes – the HID headlights have gloss black detailing around them, the Jeep and Grand Cherokee badges are gloss black as are the 20-inch wheels. It also gives a sportier ride due to its sports-tuned suspension. Inside you’ll find black Nappa leather seats, and silver accents.

2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee MSRP Pricing From:
Laredo 4x2	$29,995
Laredo 4x4	$32,295
75th Anniversary Edition 4x2	$34,775
75th Anniversary Edition 4x4	$36,775
Limited 4x2	$37,365
Limited 4x4	$39,365
Limited 75th Anniversary Edition 4x2	$40,875
Limited 75th Anniversary Edition 4x4	$42,875
Overland 4x2	$44,195
Overland 4x4	$47,195
High Altitude 4x2	$46,690
High Altitude 4x4	$49,690
Summit 4x2	$49,595
Summit 4x4	$52,595
SRT 4x4	$65,495
Get a Price Quote with Internet Pricing

Interior Features
The interior of the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee is extremely well crafted and features various materials depending on trim level varying from cloth seats to leather to Nappa leather; wood trims can be found on the Overland and Summit.

For the tech junkies there is a 7-inch color instrument display that shows vehicle information and in the center of the dashboard is either a 5-inch or 8.4 inch touchscreen for Uconnect which has also been upgraded this year. New features to Uconnect are a Drag and Drop menu bar to allow customization of the touchscreen, a vehicle user guide that can be viewed on the 8.4-inch display and Siri Eyes Free which allows voice commands to send text messages, place phone calls or play music.

Standard on all trims is air conditioning with automatic dual zone temperature control and air filtering.

The Rear Dual DVD Entertainment Center Package is available on the SRT, Summit, Limited and Overland trims - it includes two 9-inch screens in the back of the front row headrest and a Blu-ray DVD rear-seat entertainment system. The screens have RCA and HDMI inputs so game systems can be hooked up and even played online when combined with Jeep’s available WiFi technology. This feature alone should cut down the number of people yelling out “shotgun” and increase people saying “rear seat” before those long road trips.

A CommandView dual-pane sunroof is standard on the Overland and Summit and available on the SRT and Limited models while a single-pane sunroof is available for the Laredo as well as the Limited.

See all Grand Cherokee interior specifications.

Exterior Features
The 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee has classy, premium looks across all models and features unique front and rear lower fascias for each trim level. While the looks are modern they still pay homage to the classic Jeep look with the seven-slot grille and trapezoidal wheel arches.

Signature LED tail lamps are standard while signature LED dayltime running lamps are standard on the Overland, Summit and SRT.

The Laredo come with body-color, heated folding mirrors, while the Limited has folding chrome power heated memory multi-functioning mirrors and the other models have approach lamps on their chrome folding mirrors.

The Laredo and Limited trim come with single exhaust while double exhaust is standard across the Overland, Summit, SRT and available on the Limited.

More Grand Cherokee exterior specs.

Performance
There are four engines available across the trim:

The 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine and eight-speed transmission comes standard on all trims (except SRT) it puts out 295 horsepower and provides a capable driving experience.

The 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine is available on all 4x4 versions (except the Laredo and SRT) it puts out 360 horsepower and 390 lb.-ft. of torque and when properly equipped has a towing capacity up to 7,200 lbs.

The 3.0-liter V6 EcoDiesel engine is available for the Limited, Limited 75th Anniversary Edition, Overland, High Altitude and Summit in either 4x2 or 4x4 versions. It produces 240 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque. When properly equipped it has a towing capacity of up to 7,400 lbs.

The 6.4-liter HEMI V8 engine is exclusive to the SRT model and is a powerhouse of high performance cranking out 475 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque and when equipped properly has a towing capacity of up to 7,200 lbs.

See Grand Cherokee towing capacity

All the engines are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

There are four available 4x4 systems for the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, Quadra Drive II and Selec-Track.

Quadra-Trac I 4WD system which comes standard on Laredo and 75th Anniversary Edition trims is a single speed 4x4 system that is always engaged for all-weather capability.

Quadra-Trac II 4WD System which comes standard on all other 4x4 trims (except SRT) uses sensors to detect when tire slippage occurs and then instantly transfers as much as 100% available torque to the axle with the most traction. It has five selectable modes – Auto for every day driving as well as Snow, Sand, Mud or Rock that can be dialed in as needed.

Quadra-Drive II 4WD System is optional on the Overland 4x4 trim.

Quadra-Trac Active On Demand 4WD is exclusive to the SRT trim it operates on its own without driver interaction. When slippage occurs the traction control system transfers torque to the wheels with traction.

Trims equipped with the option packages Off-Road Adventure I (available on 4x4 Laredo E and 75th Anniversary Edition trims) or Off-Road Adventure II (available on 4x4 versions of the Limited, Limited 75th Anniversary Edition and Overland trims) are Jeep Trail Rated and receive the special badge to show it.

Safety and Security
With over 70 advanced safety and security features the Cherokee is one of the safest midsize SUVs on the market.

Standard across all Grand Cherokee models are Electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), energy-absorbing steering column, Enhanced Accident Response System (EARS) and All-speed traction control system (TCS). For air bags standard are advanced multi-stage driver and front-passenger, front and rear side curtain and driver and front passenger seat-mounted side air bags.

The Security and Convenience Group is available on the Laredo and standard on the other trims that offers not only several convenience features such as remote start, universal garage door opener, heated front seats and steering wheel but a power liftgate, security alarm as well as ParkSense / ParkView.

The 4x4 Grand Cherokee received a 5-star overall crash test rating while the 4x2 versions received an overall 4-star rating from NTHSA with 5-star ratings in the frontal and side crash tests for both 4x4 and 4x2 and a 4x4 4-star rating and 4x2 3-star rating in rollover.

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