Likes
- Plenty to love, if you want those big, hefty SUV vibes.
- Great driving experience.
- There’s a Grand Cherokee to suit nearly every budget (just be careful of the really cheap ones).
Used Jeep Grand Cherokee review
2011 - 2022
Dislikes
- Jeep don’t have a great track record for after sales service.
- Jeep don’t have a great track record with reliability, either.
- High chance of things going ‘bang’.
Stuff you should know
For over a decade the due-for-retirement WK Grand Cherokee pulled its weight in changing Aussie perception that Jeeps were antiquated, unreliable and old hat. Here was an SUV range offering big comfort, lots of room, with solid capabilities worthy of a proper Jeep and a lot of kit and goodies for less money than the European family haulers it would inevitably be compared with. I drew critical praise and won over a lot of fans in the ownership experience.
This fourth-generation Grand Cherokee was different kind of Jeep and felt as much in the experience. The secret sauce was that it was twinned off a platform shared with the Mercedes- Benz ML-Class, with quality core DNA and riding on fully independent suspension. This generation would spawn buck-banging V6 rear-drive petrols, all-purpose diesel versions and some thumping high-performance wagons such as the thunderous, supercharged SRT Trackhawk.
The WK first lobbed in 2011 in no fewer than ten guises, from the cheapy 3.6L petrol V6 Laredo ($45k) to high-spec Limited in six ($55k) and 5.7-litre V8 ($60k) power, to the flagship Overland ($70k) as well as a number of 3.0L turbodiesel variants at all variant tiers. All were five-speed autos with constant all-wheel drive. The first proper muscle version, the SRT8, lobbed in 2012, powered by a 344kW/624Nm 6.4L naturally aspirated V8, its stunning sub-five-second 0-100km/h matched with extraordinary 14.1L/100km claimed thirst that was worse in practice. But for its $76k ask there was nothing else on sale quite like it. Not that regular guises lacked poke. Outputs are 259kW/590Nm for the 5.7 petrol and 177kW/550Nm for the 3.0 diesel. In late 2012, some variants migrated to six-speed autos. The Overland’s Quadra-trak II four-wheel drive also proved quite capable across a variety of terrains and off-road chops remained a Grand Cherokee hallmark, though serious 4×4 punters could option eLSD-functional Quadra-Drive II on some examples. The Quadra-Lift air suspension package could even be optioned (for $2500) on the base Laredo.
The Trailhawk badge arrived for MY13, essentially a more off-road oriented diesel spin, at $68k and featuring similar features to the Limited long considered the sweet spot in the range. For MY14, eight-speed autos became he staple transmission choice and the Laredo could now be had as a buck-banging rear-driver for $45k driveaway. Around here, the diesel choice upped outputs to 184kW and 570Nm, which is rated for 3500kg of braked towing. Sporadic special editions, such as the Summit ($75k), Blackhawk ($50k-$55k) and SRT8 Alpine ($82k) expanded what had become a dizzying choice of variations offered throughout the WK’s lifecycle. MY18 brought a mild revision to front end styling, new wheels and measures to make the breed quieter in cabin, though the wider range continued to mix familiar badge tiers and powertrains, though features did get pusher as the lifecycle drew on. Then the SRT Trackhawk arrived, oh so quickly…
With a ludicrous 522kW and 868Nm of 6.2-litres of supercharged V8 stonk, the SRT Trackhawk’s wild 3.7sec 0-100km/h prowess made it one of the quickest vehicles on sale in Oz when it lobbed in 2017 for MY18. And at $135k-$140k, it remained the pinnacle of the breed, for sheer excess, through to 2021.
The WK survives in its final days – as a slimmed-down three-variant range – in Jeep showrooms alongside a new, fifth-generation ‘WL’ Grand Cherokee L seven-seater, to be finally phased out when five-seat versions of the newbie arrives later this year.
What goes wrong
- There are a few reports that some fuel fillers are either incredibly sensitive to the Grand Cherokees inlet design and just constantly want to shut off, or the complete opposite happens and they can overflow. This is as much an issue with the actual fuel fillers as it is the Jeep, but bloody annoying either way.
- Oh also, the actual fuel door can apparently break off really easily.
- There are loads of reports that really anything electronic can glitch out or fail. Make sure you check that all the windows work, the power mirrors work, that the powered tailgate works, that the sunroof works, check all the lights, if it has electricity running to it, does it work.
- Also, if the Grand Cherokee you’re looking at is fitted with any aftermarket gear, is it high quality stuff, has it been fitted professionally and does it all work?
- There are some reports of rust and corrosion forming but mainly around coastal areas or in cold climates when roads are covered in salt.
- There are more and more stories of the seal around the windscreen wearing out and then leaking.
- Inside, there are loads of reports that leather interiors are not ageing at all well. Leather dashboards are commonly known to crack, peel, wrinkle or fade and especially if not garaged regularly.
- The U-Connect infotainment screen can glitch out or go blank, sometimes showing different colours like blue or green and it can happen when reversing so the camera is pointless.
- The “keyless go” system can fail, this is usually due to a faulty receiver antenna that needs replacing.
- There are many reports of air conditioning problems, specifically the air condenser just failing after a certain amount of time. Fixing this in some circumstances can require the entire dashboard coming out of the car and that will be very expensive.
- Certain speakers have been known to fail which need replacing, in some instances it’s been the same speaker more than once. Speakers fitted in the door liner can apparently get quite rattly too.
- And again like the exterior, there are seemingly endless reports of a vast array of electronic gremlins occurring, some just annoying but others being downright terrifying.
- The 3.0 V6 Turbo diesel by the Italian manufacturer VM motori, has an interesting reputation. There are 2 distinct camps here the ones that have towed a caravan all around the country and never had a problem, and the other whose definition of an off-road vehicle has meant their vehicle has been off the road in a workshop for months on end.
- But if you stick to the facts and look at the statistics, there’s a good reason they’re at the lower
- There are a few reports that some fuel fillers are either incredibly sensitive to the Grand Cherokees inlet design and just constantly want to shut off, or the complete opposite happens and they can overflow. This is as much an issue with the actual fuel fillers as it is the Jeep, but bloody annoying either way.
- Oh also, the actual fuel door can apparently break off really easily.
- There are loads of reports that really anything electronic can glitch out or fail. Make sure you check that all the windows work, the power mirrors work, that the powered tailgate works, that the sunroof works, check all the lights, if it has electricity running to it, does it work.
- Also, if the Grand Cherokee you’re looking at is fitted with any aftermarket gear, is it high quality stuff, has it been fitted professionally and does it all work?
- There are some reports of rust and corrosion forming but mainly around coastal areas or in cold climates when roads are covered in salt.
- There are more and more stories of the seal around the windscreen wearing out and then leaking.
- Inside, there are loads of reports that leather interiors are not ageing at all well. Leather dashboards are commonly known to crack, peel, wrinkle or fade and especially if not garaged regularly.
- The U-Connect infotainment screen can glitch out or go blank, sometimes showing different colours like blue or green and it can happen when reversing so the camera is pointless.
- The “keyless go” system can fail, this is usually due to a faulty receiver antenna that needs replacing.
- There are many reports of air conditioning problems, specifically the air condenser just failing after a certain amount of time. Fixing this in some circumstances can require the entire dashboard coming out of the car and that will be very expensive.
- Certain speakers have been known to fail which need replacing, in some instances it’s been the same speaker more than once. Speakers fitted in the door liner can apparently get quite rattly too.
- And again like the exterior, there are seemingly endless reports of a vast array of electronic gremlins occurring, some just annoying but others being downright terrifying.
- The 3.0 V6 Turbo diesel by the Italian manufacturer VM motori, has an interesting reputation. There are 2 distinct camps here the ones that have towed a caravan all around the country and never had a problem, and the other whose definition of an off-road vehicle has meant their vehicle has been off the road in a workshop for months on end.
- But if you stick to the facts and look at the statistics, there’s a good reason they’re at the lower end of the reliability ranks. Some of the less serious problems they have are the usual EGR and DPF complications that all modern diesels have. A slightly more serious problem though is engine oil cooler failure where the engine oil and coolant get cross contaminated. Which isn’t good for engines or cooling systems.
- There’s also occasions where the oil pump and bypass valves have failed causing loss of oil pressure and subsequent engine failure.
- Reports of catastrophic engine failures from camshaft gears slipping on the camshafts. It’s not uncommon in modern engines to have this style of tapered press fit instead of a key. And there’s no preventative maintenance you can do to avoid this problem occurring. It’s just unlucky if it happens.
- Aside from the long list of potential engine problems, there are transmission complications and plenty of software glitches and electrical gremlins. If you absolutely have to have one (because of the advertised towing capacity or for any other reason) or you already have one, I just really hope you’re one of the lucky ones that tows your caravan all around the country and never has a problem.
- No start due to brake pedal position switch fault
- Service interval reminder glitch
- Weird rattling sound under car when idling from SCR (selective catalyst reduction) system where the heat shields rubs on the supply pipe.
- There are a few reports that some fuel fillers are either incredibly sensitive to the Grand Cherokees inlet design and just constantly want to shut off, or the complete opposite happens and they can overflow. This is as much an issue with the actual fuel fillers as it is the Jeep, but bloody annoying either way.
- Oh also, the actual fuel door can apparently break off really easily.
- There are loads of reports that really anything electronic can glitch out or fail. Make sure you check that all the windows work, the power mirrors work, that the powered tailgate works, that the sunroof works, check all the lights, if it has electricity running to it, does it work.
- Also, if the Grand Cherokee you’re looking at is fitted with any aftermarket gear, is it high quality stuff, has it been fitted professionally and does it all work?
- There are some reports of rust and corrosion forming but mainly around coastal areas or in cold climates when roads are covered in salt.
- There are more and more stories of the seal around the windscreen wearing out and then leaking.
- Inside, there are loads of reports that leather interiors are not ageing at all well. Leather dashboards are commonly known to crack, peel, wrinkle or fade and especially if not garaged regularly.
- The U-Connect infotainment screen can glitch out or go blank, sometimes showing different colours like blue or green and it can happen when reversing so the camera is pointless.
- The “keyless go” system can fail, this is usually due to a faulty receiver antenna that needs replacing.
- There are many reports of air conditioning problems, specifically the air condenser just failing after a certain amount of time. Fixing this in some circumstances can require the entire dashboard coming out of the car and that will be very expensive.
- Certain speakers have been known to fail which need replacing, in some instances it’s been the same speaker more than once. Speakers fitted in the door liner can apparently get quite rattly too.
- And again like the exterior, there are seemingly endless reports of a vast array of electronic gremlins occurring, some just annoying but others being downright terrifying.
- The 3.0 V6 Turbo diesel by the Italian manufacturer VM motori, has an interesting reputation. There are 2 distinct camps here the ones that have towed a caravan all around the country and never had a problem, and the other whose definition of an off-road vehicle has meant their vehicle has been off the road in a workshop for months on end.
- But if you stick to the facts and look at the statistics, there’s a good reason they’re at the lower end of the reliability ranks. Some of the less serious problems they have are the usual EGR and DPF complications that all modern diesels have. A slightly more serious problem though is engine oil cooler failure where the engine oil and coolant get cross contaminated. Which isn’t good for engines or cooling systems.
- There’s also occasions where the oil pump and bypass valves have failed causing loss of oil pressure and subsequent engine failure.
- Reports of catastrophic engine failures from camshaft gears slipping on the camshafts. It’s not uncommon in modern engines to have this style of tapered press fit instead of a key. And there’s no preventative maintenance you can do to avoid this problem occurring. It’s just unlucky if it happens.
- Aside from the long list of potential engine problems, there are transmission complications and plenty of software glitches and electrical gremlins. If you absolutely have to have one (because of the advertised towing capacity or for any other reason) or you already have one, I just really hope you’re one of the lucky ones that tows your caravan all around the country and never has a problem.
- No start due to brake pedal position switch fault
- Service interval reminder glitch
- Weird rattling sound under car when idling from SCR (selective catalyst reduction) system where the heat shields rubs on the supply pipe.
Should you buy it?
Well you know what, for all of the Jeep horror stories and for as much criticism as the Grand Cherokee receives, there are these almost unicorn examples out there and owners that genuinely have never had an issue, but.
Buying a Grand Cherokee comes with an enormous warning, you absolutely must make sure any Grand Cherokee you’re looking at has a full and thorough service history, has had every factory recall taken care of and it is imperative to have it thoroughly checked over for a pre-purchase inspection before you buy.
Even then, stick with the best condition, lowest possible kilometre and most recent examples that you can afford. and we’d be opting for the petrol engines over the diesels as the money you save in fuel cost may get eaten up in repairs and maintenance.
The problem with the Grand Cherokee is that it seems that no two examples are ever the same, buying one is genuinely a gamble.
Should you buy one? Look, I personally wouldn’t because I’m not a gambling man and these just don’t grab me enough to warrant the levels of stress I’d feel waiting for something to go bang,
But like my mate that bought this one, if you love the Grand Cherokee and you’ve found an incredibly well cared for example like this one, I get it, ok buy it but you’ve been warned.
Well you know what, for all of the Jeep horror stories and for as much criticism as the Grand Cherokee receives, there are these almost unicorn examples out there and owners that genuinely have never had an issue, but.
Buying a Grand Cherokee comes with an enormous warning, you absolutely must make sure any Grand Cherokee you’re looking at has a full and thorough service history, has had every factory recall taken care of and it is imperative to have it thoroughly checked over for a pre-purchase inspection before you buy.
Even then, stick with the best condition, lowest possible kilometre and most recent examples that you can afford. and we’d be opting for the petrol engines over the diesels as the money you save in fuel cost may get eaten up in repairs and maintenance.
The problem with the Grand Cherokee is that it seems that no two examples are ever the same, buying one is genuinely a gamble.
Should you buy one? Look, I personally wouldn’t because I’m not a gambling man and these just don’t grab me enough to warrant the levels of stress I’d feel waiting for something to go bang,
But like my mate that bought this one, if you love the Grand Cherokee and you’ve found an incredibly well cared for example like this one, I get it, ok buy it but you’ve been warned.
Should you buy it?
Well you know what, for all of the Jeep horror stories and for as much criticism as the Grand Cherokee receives, there are these almost unicorn examples out there and owners that genuinely have never had an issue, but.
Buying a Grand Cherokee comes with an enormous warning, you absolutely must make sure any Grand Cherokee you’re looking at has a full and thorough service history, has had every factory recall taken care of and it is imperative to have it thoroughly checked over for a pre-purchase inspection before you buy.
Even then, stick with the best condition, lowest possible kilometre and most recent examples that you can afford. and we’d be opting for the petrol engines over the diesels as the money you save in fuel cost may get eaten up in repairs and maintenance.
The problem with the Grand Cherokee is that it seems that no two examples are ever the same, buying one is genuinely a gamble.
Should you buy one? Look, I personally wouldn’t because I’m not a gambling man and these just don’t grab me enough to warrant the levels of stress I’d feel waiting for something to go bang,
But like my mate that bought this one, if you love the Grand Cherokee and you’ve found an incredibly well cared for example like this one, I get it, ok buy it but you’ve been warned.
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Disclaimer
Please note that pricing information is subject to fluctuations in the automotive market.
Information correct as of May 27, 2024.
The advice provided on this website is general advice only. It has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this advice, you should consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs.
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