OVERVIEW
A multi-functional SUV at the nexus of machismo and beauty is the 2023 Grand Cherokee. The midrange and high-end trims are stuffed with luxury features and posh materials that position the Grand as a player in the upmarket segment, while the base model Grand continues to offer an entirely mainstream package—that is, not very fancy.
The Grand Cherokee maintains its trail-busting off-road ability despite its upward mobility—after all, it is a Jeep. Three different powertrains are available, including V-6 and V-8 engines and the 4xe plug-in hybrid system. A two-row SUV is the Grand Cherokee.
It is equally at home in the suburbs with a family as it is trudging through the woods, and it has plenty of room within its spacious cabin for both passengers and luggage. However, the three-row Grand Cherokee L (reviewed separately) might be more accommodating if your family has more than a few children.
What Has Changed For 2023?
Few changes are made to the 2023 Grand Cherokee after completing the 2022 model year redesign. The most notable of these is the fact that Jeep's 4xe plug-in hybrid powerplant is now the only one available for the off-road-oriented Trailhawk variant.
A 10.1-inch infotainment screen with navigation is now standard on Limited and Overland grades in the middle of the range. On the Limited, a nine-speaker Alpine audio system is now a stand-alone option, while a 19-speaker McIntosh stereo can be selected for the Overland and Summit variants.
2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee: Engine And Performance
The 2023 Grand Cherokee has a choice of two engines: a 357-hp, 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 or a 293-hp, 3.6-liter V-6. Jeep also offers its plug-in-hybrid 4xe powertrain, which combines an electric traction motor and a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four to provide 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque.
A 14.0-kWh battery pack powers the hybrid's motor. With the base V-6, rear-wheel drive is standard; however, Grand Cherokees with the V-8 or plug-in hybrid engine come standard with all-wheel drive. A limited-slip differential with an electronically locking feature is one of the many all-wheel-drive systems that are offered.
A Trailhawk model with more capable off-road equipment includes an adjustable air suspension that offers up to 11.3 inches of ground clearance and a detachable sway bar that allows for better wheel movement for conquering challenging terrain.
During our initial test drive, we were thrilled by the Grand Cherokee's controlled, comfortable ride, and we discovered that both the V-6 and V-8 engines had plenty of peps. Our Summit test car with a V-6 engine accomplished a decent 7.4-second sprint to 60 mph at our test track.
2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee: Interior And Comfort
The rather old interior of the departing Grand Cherokee is replaced by a completely renovated cabin. While entry-level Laredo models come standard with the necessities, more expensive Summit and Overland trims come with extras like quilted leather upholstery, open-pore wood trim, and cutting-edge digital displays.
Grand Cherokee buyers who want the third row can upgrade to the Grand Cherokee L, which we review separately. Although we haven't had a chance to test the new Grand Cherokee, we anticipate that it will hold more of our carry-on bags than the model from the previous generation.
Connectivity
Either an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio comes standard on the Grand Cherokee's dashboard. Higher-end vehicles can be ordered with a digital gauge cluster, a 10.0-inch head-up display, and another 10.3-inch monitor built into the dashboard for use by the front-seat passenger.
In-dash navigation with real-time traffic and weather updates is optional. While the Laredo and Limited models come with a standard six-speaker radio, customers can choose to upgrade to a high-end 19-speaker McIntosh or nine-speaker Alpine audio system.
2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee: Pricing
The Grand Cherokee is one of the more expensive models in the midsize SUV market for 2023. Starting at $39,000 is the base Laredo variant with rear-wheel drive. The Altitude model's price for midrange trims is $44,105; the Overland model's price is $55,910. The opulent Summit and Summit Reserve versions are priced at $59,675 and $66,155, respectively.
Which One To Purchase?
Consider it the Jeep brand tax, but the Grand Cherokee starts out thousands of dollars more expensive than competitors like the Kia Telluride and the Hyundai Palisade. Its upper grades are priced similarly to certain luxury SUVs. Having said that, we believe the Limited model offers the best combination of features, outperforming the standard Laredo with additional gear to appease luxury shoppers.
Leather upholstery, a power-operated rear liftgate, heated front, and rear seats, power-adjustable front seats, ambient interior lighting, auto-on high-beam headlamps, remote start, and other features are all standard on the Limited.
We would invest in the Lux Tech Group II package, which includes front and rear parking sensors, a 360-degree exterior camera system, front and rear parking sensors, a collision-avoidance feature that aids when driving through intersections, perforated leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, a power-adjustable steering column, a digital rearview mirror, second-row sun shades, and a wireless phone charger.