As you compare the vast number of Jeep vehicles available, your eyes may turn to the stylish, good-sized 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo. You may want affordable but still need room, a good powertrain, and some off-terrain ability. Is this the right choice for your next buy?
What does the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo offer?
With a 4×2 and 4×4 model, the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo offers a 3.06L V6 engine getting 290 horsepower using a 5-speed automatic and auto-manual transmission. It has ample room for five passengers and all of your cargo needs.
Before you decide to buy, know that the Laredo has much more to offer owners. It’s best if we take a closer look at what’s under the hood and what makes this trim a solid buy. You can also get the full specs by checking out this make and model on Vehicle History.
Check out the Lineup and Features of the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a favorite for many Jeep lovers because of its size and solid features. The Laredo trim is the lowest of trim options. It’s followed by the Limited, Overland, and SRT8. When new, it has a starting price point of $27,195 for the 4×2 model and $29,195 for the 4×4 model.
Here’s a video that shows the overview of one Grand Cherokee Laredo, though some specs are upgraded from the base trim’s standard features.
If you’re in the market to buy this vehicle, you can expect it to have maintained its overall condition and value fairly well.
First, consider what’s under the hood. This vehicle has a 3.6-L V6 engine that produces a solid 290 horsepower. It gets 260 lbs-ft of torque. It comes with a 5-speed automatic and auto-manual transmission.
This 4-wheel drive vehicle has a strong engine capable of pulling up to 5000 pounds and a decent payload at 1840 pounds. This vehicle also has an option for flexible fuel.
There is a secondary engine option. It’s a 5.7L V8 engine that produces 360 horsepower – a significant upgrade. Buyers may also want to check out the available 6-speed automatic and auto-manual transmission option.
When it comes to fuel economy, well, it’s a big SUV. Don’t expect too much. The 3.6-L engine received an EPA-estimated 16 city and 23 highway or 19 combined miles per gallon rating. The bigger engine drops that to 12 combined miles per gallon.
There are also a few upgradable features on the powertrain. This includes an upgrade to the Quadra-Trac II automatic full-time 4-wheel drive or a move to the 220-amp heavy-duty alternator. When you’re after more power and performance, either of these features may be desirable.
The Grand Cherokee Laredo is an easy-to-drive SUV, even if it is slightly bigger than others. It has a solid suspension system and 17-inch standard tires to get you around. Optional 18-inch tires are available as well.
Also, check out the automatic height adjustable shocks with driver control and the QuadraLift off-road suspension. If you’re heading off-the-beaten trail, this could be a nice boost to driving quality.
Check out the Interior
The Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo’s interior is comfortable and offers ample head, leg, and shoulder room. You can move in here, and those in the backseat can as well. There’s room for five people.
The standard interior is a leather/metal-looking steering wheel with cloth front and rear seat upholstery. However, leather is an upgradable option even on this trim package.
A good number of the comfort features are optional on this vehicle rather than standard. Those include the 8-way driver and passenger seat adjustments, heated seatbacks, and power driver cushion tilt.
When it comes to entertainment, the 2012 Grand Cherokee Laredo features a standard 6-speaker setup with steering-wheel-mounted audio controls and a decent display.
You’ll need to upgrade to get the DVD/audio feature, a first-row LCD monitor, and the wireless phone connectivity. There is a standard CD player and graphic equalizer, with available voice-activated radio, an amplifier, and a 10-speaker setup.
There’s ample safety on board, though of course not to the level of technology for today’s Grand Cherokee. It does offer delay-off aero-composite halogen headlamps, deep-tinted windows, and ample warnings about engine performance.
There are a few worries with this vehicle. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gives it an overall four-star rating due to a slightly higher rollover risk and front passenger side concerns. As of October of 2012, it also has 11 recalls. Some of these are concerning because they relate to the engine and brakes.
Is the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo the Best Trim for You?
While the upgraded trim options definitely add more in the way of performance, tech, and interior feel, the engine on the base trim is substantial for most needs. With a few of the upgradable features, you may find this model trim to be just what you need and then some.
It’s important not to take our word for it alone. Instead, check out what owners are saying by getting the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo’s Vehicle History for more insights.
