#12

in Affordable Midsize SUVs

Based on analysis of 59 Grand-Cherokee reviews and test drives.

MSRP: $30,710 - $43,325
Invoice: $29,234 - $40,658
MPG: 16 City / 21 Hwy
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U.S.News Scores

Overall:8.1
Performance:8.4
Exterior:8.8
Interior:7.7
Safety:9.9
Reliability:6.0

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Interior - What the Auto Press Says

The 2010 Grand Cherokee's interior pleases most reviewers with a high-quality cabin that surpasses those of both previous models and class competitors. Still, the rear seats are uncomfortable and the cargo area is on the small side for a midsize SUV.

  • "The interior has few padded soft-touch surfaces, but materials have a rich grain and low-gloss finish." -- Consumer Guide
  • "The interior features a rich two-tone cabin and an LED-illuminated instrument cluster." -- Cars.com
  • "Cabin refinement is up thanks to two-tone decor and an upscale soft-touch dash pad." -- Autobytel
  • "When I climbed in, I was quite surprised at how cramped I felt. The Grand Cherokee doesn't look small on the outside -- it doesn't even look small on the inside. But it does feel small for an SUV." -- About.com

Seating

Reviewers appreciate the Grand Cherokee's spacious front seat space, but still find the rear seat cramped. The Limited and SRT8 come with leather-trimmed seats. For more spacious rear seats in a midsize SUV, consider the Ford Explorer, which boasts a comfortable second row and even an optional third row -- all at a slightly lower base price.

  • "While the Grand Cherokee offers a comfortable interior, many find the rear seats too firm for long-term comfort. In addition, many complain about tight legroom in the back seat, especially when occupied by three adults. Many also find headroom tight for taller adults." -- Car Gurus
  • "The rear bench is quite firm and not contoured for best comfort. Three adults fit, but none have much foot space. Outboard legroom is tight with the front seats moved far back. Headroom is just OK for six-footers." -- Consumer Guide
  • "Initially, I thought the seats were uncomfortable, too firm for my liking. But after a few hours behind the wheel, the hardness felt appropriate and the seat's bolsters provide additional support on tight turns without making me feel crammed or crowded." -- Detroit News
  • "We can say with confidence this is one of the worst backseats in any midsize SUV. The seat bottom is short, low and hard, such that anyone over 5 feet in height will find himself sitting with splayed legs and zero thigh support." -- Edmunds

Interior Features

The Grand Cherokee's interior features are well-reviewed, especially the simple controls. The base Laredo is well equipped and comes standard with an audio input jack, remote keyless entry, a tilt and telescoping steering column, heated exterior mirrors, steering wheel-mounted audio controls and SIRIUS satellite radio.

  • "Easy-read gauges with simple, logically placed switchgear. Most climate controls are rotary knobs -- a plus -- but the optional navigation system absorbs too many audio functions and takes time to learn and adjust." -- Consumer Guide
  • "Compared with other cars I've tested recently, the 2009 Grand Cherokee seemed almost barren on the inside. It's not that the variety of accoutrements isn't sufficient, it's just that they aren't presented in a flashy way. Your eyes aren't immediately blinded by a large and glowing nav/entertainment system, which gives you the freedom to look elsewhere -- like the road, for instance. What a novel idea." -- Mother Proof

Stereo and Entertainment

The most talked-about option for the Grand Cherokee is SIRIUS Backseat TV, which is the first-ever in-vehicle streaming video technology. The system receives a video feed via an in-vehicle satellite receiver and roof-mounted antennae.

Another unique feature, standard on SRT8 models, is a 30-gigabyte hard drive with the capacity to hold 6,700 songs. SIRIUS Traffic and Uconnect hands-free phone capability are also standard on SRT8 models. While pricey, many of these options are available even on the base Laredo trim. The $995 Popular Equipment Group adds such features as a premium sound system, heated front seats and remote start. The $2,995 Sun/Sound Group adds a 30-gigabyte hard drive, GPS navigation, SIRIUS Traffic, and more.

  • "Exclusive to Chrysler, the optional Sirius Backseat TV feature will entertain the kids with Nickelodeon, Disney Channel, and Cartoon Network programming captured by an in-vehicle satellite receiver and two roof antennas." -- Autobytel

Cargo

Reviewers are disappointed by the cargo space in the 2010 Grand Cherokee, and say it falls below midsize SUV standards. It provides 34.5 cubic feet of space with all seats in use and 68.5 cubic feet with the second row folded down. That's much less than both the Ford Explorer and Toyota 4Runner, which provide 85.8 and 88.8 cubic feet of space respectively with only the first row in use. Unique cargo features inside the Grand Cherokee include liftgate flipper glass and a reversible/waterproof cargo storage area.

  • "Total space is ample by absolute standards but subpar for the class. Still, Grand Cherokee has good suitcase room behind split rear seat, which folds easily but doesn't make a fully flat deck. Rear-floor panel/tire cover reverses from carpet to plastic for messy loads and has a small built-in storage bin. Up-front cabin storage is good." -- Consumer Guide
  • "Jeep is a bit confused about what constitutes a full-size SUV, mentioning several times in its press release that the Grand Cherokee qualifies as one when, with a maximum cargo volume of 67.4 cu.-ft., this is clearly a small SUV." -- Autobytel

 

Review Last Updated: 11/18/09