The Grand Cherokee is Jeep’s most awarded SUV ever. Key additions to the 2018 model include a track-focused version and interior refinements. A good all-around SUV for any budget.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee: A Quick Overview
- Jeep’s 2018 Grand Cherokee comes in seven trims, from the base Laredo to the Trackhawk, which was designed for the racetrack.
- A used 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo costs from $29,000 to $31,500, with upper trims going for $35,000 to $43,000, and a used Trackhawk hitting around $70,000.
- Five available engines range from a naturally-aspirated V6 to a 700-horsepower 6.2L Hemi. The 3.6L V6, 3.0L EcoDiesel, and 5.7L V8 are offered across more trim levels. The potent Hemis are reserved for the SRT and Trackhawk.
- As for fuel economy, the 4×2 EcoDiesel delivers a combined 25 mpg, and the 6.2L supercharged Hemi comes in at 13 mpg.
- The 2018 Grand Cherokee scored a near-perfect, four-star (out of five stars) rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Combine the safety rating with a good average cost of ownership and updated tech, and it’s a good choice in the SUV market. The only drawback is limited passenger room, seating only five.
2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee’s Seven Trim Levels
The 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee was the 25th anniversary model for the marquee and consisted of seven trim levels, four engine choices, new on-road safety features, improved off-road technologies, and several special editions that included the Altitude, High Altitude, Upland, and 25th Anniversary Sterling Edition.
Below, we’ll review the differences between each of the seven trims:
Laredo
Despite being the entry-level trim, the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo is not sparse or basic by any means. With more standard features than most of its competition from Ford, Toyota, or Chevrolet, the Laredo sets the bar for entry-level SUVs. The Laredo trim comes with conveniences such as remote keyless entry with passive entry and push-button start, a rearview camera, power windows with driver and front passenger one-touch up/down, and cloth seating for five, with four-way manual adjustments for the driver and front passenger.
Limited
The 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited really begins to step up the luxury features. With a long list of standard features added to the Laredo’s already capable offerings, the Limited really dials up the luxury of the Grand Cherokee. Standard features on the Limited include a power liftgate, heated leather seats, a heated steering wheel, remote vehicle start, an 8.4-inch Uconnect infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and 18-inch tech gray aluminum wheels with 265/60R18 all-season tires. You could also add the 5.7L Hemi V8 engine or 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 if the standard Pentastar 3.6L isn’t potent enough.
Trailhawk
The 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk was built for taking you on adventures after the pavement ends. Available only in 4×4 configuration, the Trailhawk was designed to compete off-road with the likes of the legendary Toyota 4Runner.
With locking differentials, adjustable ride height, and available rock sliders, the Trailhawk model was ready to conquer the Rubicon Trail straight from the showroom floor. Taking the luxury of the Limited trim to the Trailhawk means adding four underbody skid plates, red tow hooks, Quadra-Trac II 4WD system, four-corner, auto-leveling air suspension, hill descent control, and Trailhawk leather/suede seats. Jeep also includes a full-size spare tire.
Overland
The 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland trim harkens back to the original days of the Willys-Overland company that made the famous 4x4s from World War II and led to the Jeep brand name. The Overland trim really starts adding luxury touches to the already upscale Limited trim. If you’re looking for a luxurious SUV, you could cross-shop the Overland trim with the likes of the Lexus GX and walk away happy. Upgrades include 20-inch aluminum wheels with 265/50R20 all-season tires, Quadra-Trac II 4WD system, four-corner, auto-leveling air suspension, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a panoramic sunroof with power sunshade, heated front seats, and Nappa leather seats.
2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit
The 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit trim, as its name suggests, is the top trim in terms of luxurious appointments. Buyers of the Grand Cherokee Summit trim could easily come from comparison shopping brands like Mercedes and BMW. The Summit adds to the already luxurious features found in the Overland trim with 20-inch, fully-polished aluminum wheels with 265/50R20 performance all-season tires, genuine wood instrument panel inserts, aluminum interior accents, and perforated Natura Plus leather seating surfaces with optional premium Laguna leather seats and leather-wrapped interior package.
SRT
The performance-minded 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT was designed to stay on the pavement and has an improved suspension for tackling corners at speed. Under the hood is a powerful 6.4L Hemi V8 engine that produces 475 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque. Helping put that power to the ground is some interesting technology, including launch control, five dynamic drive modes, and full-time 4WD.
The SRT rides on 20-inch wheels wrapped in 295/45ZR20 all-season performance rubber. The front bumper has been updated for additional engine cooling. Inside, drivers are treated to aluminum and carbon fiber accents and a leather-upholstered dashboard. Seats are upgraded and wrapped in leather and suede with additional bolstering to hold passengers in place while pulling serious g-forces in the corners.
Trackhawk
All new for 2018, the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is the ultimate performance-minded Grand Cherokee, as well as the most powerful Jeep ever. This was also the first Jeep that could be configured with an MSRP over $100,000 when it was brand new with all available options.
Jeep engineers dropped in the 6.2L Hemi V8, with its massive 2.4L supercharger from Dodge’s Hellcat performance cars. It produces an astonishing 707 horsepower and 645 lb.-ft. of torque. Acceleration runs from 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds, with quarter-mile drag race times of 11.6 seconds, on the way to the vehicle’s top speed of 180 mph. Improved Brembo brakes, featuring Trackhawk-exclusive yellow calipers, allow this SUV to stop from 60 mph in a short 114 feet.
Prices for Used 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokees
How much should you expect to pay for a new-to-you 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee? Kelley Blue Book listings show this popular SUV starting as low as $27,000 for an entry-level Laredo trim, and climbing well above $75,000 for a performance Trackhawk model.
Below are the Kelley Blue Book fair market price ranges that can be found right here at Vehicle History for each trim and special edition of the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee lineup:
- Laredo: $26,943 – $31,580
- Limited: $34,869 – $39,932
- Trailhawk: $35,680 – $41,041
- Overland: $36,467 – $42,204
- Summit: $36,895 – $43,066
- SRT: $50,076 – $58,131
- Trackhawk: $67,784 – $76,195
Certified Pre-owned Options
With the iconic Wrangler leading the way, premium and Trail Rated Jeep models hold their value well. According to Car Edge, buying a three-year-old Jeep Grand Cherokee could save you $17,010 compared to buying a similarly spec’d brand new model — meaning the 2018 is one of the best years to buy versus brand new.
If you are considering purchasing a certified pre-owned (CPO) 2018 Grand Cherokee, Jeep offers CPO vehicles through its Certified Pre-owned Vehicle program; each must pass a 125-point inspection.
A three-month/3,000-mile maximum care warranty, seven-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, along with available 24-hour roadside assistance are all perks of purchasing one of the CPO vehicles directly from Jeep.
When shopping outside the CPO program, always take the time to review the VIN of your new-to-you car through Vehicle History to check for any potential red flags.
2018 Grand Cherokee’s Engine Choices
Five different engines were available in the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee, with only the two V6 engines made available on the 2WD Grand Cherokees, and all five engines optional on the 4WD-equipped Grand Cherokee models.
3.6L Pentastar V6
The base engine is the 3.6L Pentastar V6, which is found in many Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram vehicles. The V6 features an aluminum block, dual overhead cams, variable valve intake manifold, fuel injectors, and ignition coils for increased power and efficiency.
For 2018, the 3.6L produced 295 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque in the Grand Cherokee. For mpg, the Pentastar is rated at 19 city, 26 highway, and 21 combined in 2WD, and 18 city, 25 highway, and 21 combined in 4WD configurations.
The 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine is standard in all trims of the 2018 Grand Cherokee (except the SRT and Trackhawk editions).
3.0L EcoDiesel V6
Available since 2014 in the Jeep Grand Cherokee, the 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 delivered on its two main tasks, offering the Grand Cherokee its highest towing capacity at 7,400 pounds, and best fuel economy at an EPA-rated mpg of 22 city, 30 highway, and 25 combined.
The EcoDiesel is available in both 2WD and 4WD configurations of the Limited, Overland, and Summit trims and their special editions.
5.7L Hemi V8
The 5.7L Hemi V8 is the starting point for Grand Cherokee buyers who want a little more power or muscular sound from their SUV. Available since 2005 under the hood of a Jeep Grand Cherokee, the 5.7L Hemi received some mechanical updates in 2009 to improve efficiencies and address some issues.
Offering 360 horsepower and 390 lb.-ft. of torque, the Hemi is available only on 4WD versions of the Limited, Trailhawk, Overland, and Summit trims and special editions. The engine also hits the second-highest towing rating for the Grand Cherokee at 7,200 pounds.
6.4L SRT Hemi V8
Following up the first act of the original SRT-badged Jeep Grand Cherokee of 2006, the 6.4L SRT Hemi V8 offers 475 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque. Available exclusively as standard in the SRT trim, this same engine is found in other performance vehicles, like Dodge’s Charger and Challenger muscle cars.
The SRT Grand Cherokee has an advantage over those muscle cars courtesy of the sophisticated Quadra-Trac Active On-Demand 4WD and Selec-Trac traction management system that allows the Jeep to put the power down to all four wheels and maintain traction.
6.2L Supercharged Hemi Hellcat V8
Rated at 707 horsepower and 645 lb.-ft. of torque, this is the most powerful engine Jeep has ever placed in one of their vehicles. It was the most powerful SUV at the time of launch in 2018 (a title that now resides with the 2021-only SRT Durango powered by a retuned version of the same engine).
This engine is also available in the most potent versions of the Charger and Challenger muscle cars.
While Dodge has kept the Hellcat branding to itself, leaving Jeep to call their version the Trackhawk, the Hellcat logo is still prominently featured on the top of the 2.4L supercharger fixed atop the Hemi engine.
This engine features many design and engineering elements built for strength and durability. From the cast-iron block, forged-steel crankshaft, and forged-alloy pistons, this engine is built to withstand virtually anything that owners will dish out.
Fuel Economy
The fuel economy numbers will vary based on which engine and drivetrain is selected. Overall, the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee has a combined 25 mpg, besting rivals like the Toyota 4Runner, but falling behind the mainstream pack.
The 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine is the most common engine choice in Grand Cherokee models. The 2WD versions are the most fuel-efficient selection with this engine, saving approximately one mpg versus the 4WD equivalent.
The most fuel-efficient 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee is the 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 with 2WD at 25 combined mpg. See the list below for the EPA mpg ratings city/highway/combined for all engine/drive options:
- 3.6L Pentastar V6: 4×2: 19/26/21; 4×4: 18/25/21
- 3.0L EcoDiesel V6: 4×2: 20/30/25; 4×4: 21/28/24
- 5.7L Hemi V8: 4×4: 14/22/17
- 6.4L Hemi V8: 4×4: 13/19/15
- 6.2L Supercharged Hemi V8: 4×4: 11/17/13
Driving Performance
The performance of the Grand Cherokee depends on how it is optioned and what intended purpose it will serve.
Neither the 3.6L Pentastar nor the 5.7L Hemi was placed in the Grand Cherokee for stellar racing dynamics, but rather to move families around in comfort while carrying all the gear they needed. The 3.6L Pentastar V6 and its 295 horsepower are more than enough for the average commute.
If you need to load the Grand Cherokee with gear or a trailer, it would be best to look for the optional 6.4L Hemi V8 or 3.0L EcoDiesel. Towing maxes out at 6,200 lbs. with the Pentastar, but increases to 7,200 lbs. with the Hemi and 7,400 lbs. with the EcoDiesel.
Onboard technology also aides drivers when the pavement ended. Quadra-Drive II, with a rear electronic limited-slip differential, delivers excellent traction. The system instantly detects tire slip and distributes engine torque to tires with traction. In some cases, the vehicle will anticipate low traction and adjust to proactively limit or eliminate slip.
Cargo Space & Dimensions
As a midsize SUV, the Grand Cherokee offered standard seating for five, and was built for families and hauling people and gear. However, the fourth-generation Grand Cherokee lacked the third row buyers began seeking.
The Grand Cherokee includes storage capacity behind the rear seats that is able to accommodate 36.3 cubic feet of cargo. Fold the rear bench seat down, and discover 68.3 cubic feet.
Passenger space was a selling point for these Grand Cherokees over past models. Front passengers were treated to 40.3 inches of legroom and 39.9 inches of headroom.
Rear seat passengers had nearly the same amount of space, with 38.6 inches of legroom and 39.2 inches of headroom. The middle passenger did have to contend with a slightly stiffer seating surface, the backside of the center console, as well as the higher floor due to the drivetrain tunnel.
2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Safety Features & Ratings
The NHTSA gave the 2018 Grand Cherokee an overall four-star safety rating. In the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) crashworthiness testing, the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee scored mostly “Good” ratings, with only the small overlap front crashes scoring “Marginal” for the driver’s side and “Poor” for the passenger side of the vehicle.
The headlights, which vary by trim level, were rated “Poor” to “Average,” but the crash avoidance safety technology helped the Grand Cherokee score a “Superior” rating. This was thanks to more than 70 safety and security features, including driver and front passenger airbags, vehicle stability control, ABS, and a rear backup camera with ParkSense.
The 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVs could be optioned with additional safety features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and forward-collision warning with automatic braking.
2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Technology
The 2018 Grand Cherokee came well equipped, even in the entry-level Laredo trim. All Grand Cherokee models received Jeep’s keyless entry with proximity key.
For 2018, Jeep replaced the five-inch base Uconnect infotainment screen in favor of a larger seven-inch unit. Upgrading to the higher-resolution 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen brought standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The optional nine-speaker Alpine audio system included active noise cancellation to help drown out the sounds of the road.
Additional technologies like adaptive cruise control, active lane-keeping, and self-parking functionality could be optioned on mid-level trims and were standard on higher trims.
2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Exterior & Interior Color Options
The 2018 Grand Cherokee models came in a choice of 11 different exterior colors, though not all color choices were available on all models. The exterior color options include:
The 2018 model featured new color choices inside the Grand Cherokee, though not all were available on all models. The eight interior color options include:
- Black
- Black/Light Frost Beige
- Black/Ruby Red (Trailhawk and Trackhawk)
- Brown
- Brown/Light Gray (Overland)
- Indigo Blue/Brown (Overland)
- Dark Sienna Brown/Black
- Indigo/Ski Gray (Summit)
2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Reviews: What Critics Said in 2018 and Now
What Critics Say
When the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee debuted, it won plenty of positive reviews, including from Auto Guide, which reviewed a 25th Anniversary Sterling Edition. The auto site noted that the vehicle’s interior storage space fell short of third-row competitors like the Ford Explorer or Toyota Highlander, but noted it should be, “plenty for most people.”
“The interior is all soft-touch material, it’s got a nine-speaker Alpine audio system, which sounds pretty good,” says Auto Guide. “And it’s got active noise cancellation, which doesn’t do a good job of drowning out the V6.”
“What isn’t quite as nice is the transmission,” they add. “This is an eight-speed automatic, but it doesn’t really feel like an automatic. It feels like there’s a robot somewhere deep down trying to learn how to use a clutch — it’s really rough off the line.”
Current Reviews Indicate that the Grand Cherokee has Aged Well
How does the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee hold up today, after almost three years on the roads of America? Here’s what recent auto critics and owners have to say.
In a 2020 video review by the YouTube channel Prodigal Overland, host Brad Kresge provides a real-world review of his personal 2018 Grand Cherokee Trailhawk with the 5.7L Hemi V8.
“It’s comfortable on the road, got great luxury options, it’s great off-road … [and] if you’ve got a family, it seats five comfortably,” says Kresge.
“We’ve actually done quite a bit of towing with it in windy weather, normal weather … it’s got plenty of horsepower to pull,” he says. “But because it is a shorter wheelbase vehicle … and we’re kind of pushing its towing capacity, it gets a little squirrely sometimes. So, that would be the only downside.”
“I would highly recommend getting a model that’s a year or two older with low miles,” concludes Kresge. “You can pick these up … for easily $10,000 or $15,000 less than what you would pay for one brand new.”
We Drive the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Stepping into the most expensive and powerful Jeep ever, I (and auto influencer Matt Thorson, pictured left) reviewed a Trackhawk model in July 2021 for our GT: Garage Talk channel on YouTube.
When compared to the other Hellcat-powered V8 vehicles from FCA/Stellantis, the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk quickly became my favorite of the bunch. With the built-in practicality of an SUV, AWD traction, and 707 horsepower on tap, this is a seriously quick vehicle. Plus, the built-in launch control makes insane acceleration runs as simple as pressing a button, mashing the brake, revving the engine, and releasing the brakes.
Interior appointments and technology have aged well in this three-year-old example, with the only major demerit given to the resolution of the reverse camera. The 8.4-inch Uconnect system was snappy and responsive.
Heated and ventilated seats make driving the Trackhawk comfortable no matter the season, though we wish there were dedicated buttons versus having to hunt for the toggles in the Uconnect system.
The premium leather-wrapped interior of this example held up over the years, and made this a far cry from the cracked plastic dashboards of ’90s model American cars.
2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Maintenance & Reliability
The 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee holds an above average 3.5 out of five stars in the Repair Pal reliability score, landing in 15th place out of 26 other midsize SUV competitors. The site estimates the average annual repair cost to be $666, noting that you should expect infrequent trips to the mechanic, with a 13% chance the issue will be severe.
Meanwhile, the team at U.S. News & World Report ranked the Grand Cherokee 12 out of 18 vehicles in their affordable midsize SUV classification, citing its above average expected five-year cost of ownership of $5,307.
When it comes to repairs, the Jeep has its sales volume in its favor. The popularity not only of the Grand Cherokee line, but the Pentastar V6 under most hoods, means that parts are plentiful. Most shops will have no issues working on a Grand Cherokee, leaving room for owners to compare repair facilities.
2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Known Issues & Recalls
As of the writing of this article, the 2018 Grand Cherokee holds seven NHTSA recalls. These recalls cover a variety of components on the vehicle. The first recall only relates to 1,200 units of the Trackhawk model, and states that a fuel line could become separated and cause a fire, or disrupt fuel reaching the engine, which would lead to a stall and potential crash. Jeep’s fix for the recalled fuel lines is a full replacement.
There are two recalls associated with a Trackhawk-only problem with the floor mats. The recalls state that insufficient clearance between the accelerator and floor mat could cause the accelerator pedal to stick and potentially lead to a crash. Jeep will replace the floor mats free of charge.
The next major recall, impacting over 4,000,000 Grand Cherokee models, relates to the cruise control. The recall states that in certain models, the cruise control remains engaged and could lead to a crash due to uncontrolled speed. The fix is as simple as a software update at the dealership.
Nearly 30,000 EcoDiesel-equipped Grand Cherokee models were recalled in late 2020 for an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) cooler that may crack and allow preheated coolant to enter the system and cause a fire. Replacing the EGR cooler is all that is needed to resolve the potential issue.
Other recalls involved a voltage regulator failing and causing the car to stall, which could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, the incorrect transmission park rods were installed on some Jeep Grand Cherokees, causing a problem shifting the vehicle into park. All of the repairs necessary for these recalls are covered by the manufacturer.
While not an official recall by Jeep, the number one complaint on Repair Pal claims an issue with the refueling process causing the fuel pump to prematurely shut off. Owners state that the fuel tank is hard to fill, and the fuel pump may shut off repeatedly while refueling. Repair Pal technicians suggest the issue is caused by the fuel tank, vapor recirculation tube, fuel fill tube, or the EVAP system canister control valve. A technician should investigate any vehicle experiencing this issue. Without a recall, owners would be responsible for repair costs associated with this reported issue.
It is always worth a free VIN report at Vehicle History to ensure the model you are considering is free of any outstanding recall or repetitious service issue.
2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. the Competition
The Grand Cherokee sells in the very competitive midsize SUV segment. Jeep’s own marketing team acknowledges that buyers in this segment are overwhelmingly seeking a third row, meaning most of its competitors will have it beaten in that regard.
However, not every buyer needs three rows. Some buyers are looking to venture off the beaten path, or cruise down the road at speed, and the Grand Cherokee delivers in those areas. Let’s compare four different vehicles that are competitors to the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
2018 Toyota 4Runner
Perhaps the only affordable midsize SUV to rival the off-road chops of the Grand Cherokee is the Toyota 4Runner. The strength of construction and solid rear axle of the 4Runner make it a fan favorite off-road, too.
The 2018 model scored 4.8 out of five stars in Vehicle History’s owner reviews. For 2018, you could find a 4Runner in six trim levels: SR5, SR5 Premium, TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, TRD Pro, and Limited.
Engine choices are limited to one: Toyota’s 4.0L DOHC V6 engine mated to a five-speed automatic. This combination could leave drivers wanting more power, as it is an outdated gearbox for the segment. The V6’s power output is rated at 270 horsepower and 278 lb.-ft. torque.
It has an EPA-estimated 17/21/18 mpg city/highway/combined in rear-wheel-drive models, and 17/20/18 mpg city/highway/combined in 4×4 equipped 4Runners.
It is worth noting that the 4Runner can be had with seven-passenger seating, compared to the Grand Cherokee’s five.
The 4Runner has a max towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, far short of the 7,400-pound max of the Grand Cherokee.
Pricing ranges from $32,048 to $43,060 for the 2018 Toyota 4Runner. You can compare these two SUVs further using Vehicle History’s compare tool.
2018 Ford Explorer
Domestic midsize competition comes from longtime segment leader, the 2018 Explorer. Owners are equally as happy with the Explorer as they are with the Grand Cherokee, with both scoring 4.7 out of five stars in Vehicle History’s owner reviews.
For the 2018 model year, you could find an Explorer in five trim levels: Base, XLT, Limited, Sport, and Platinum.
Three engines are offered in the 2018 Explorer, from the base 3.5L V6 with 290 hp to the 3.5L turbocharged EcoBoost V6 engine with 365 hp. All are mated to a six-speed automatic.
Fuel economy numbers are 19/27/22 mpg city/highway/combined for a 2WD 2.3L, 17/24/20 mpg city/highway/combined for a 2WD naturally-aspirated V6, and 16/22/19 mpg city/highway/combined for an AWD EcoBoost V6.
The Explorer has six- and seven-passenger seating capacities, compared to the Grand Cherokee’s five.
The SUV has a max towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, far short of the 7,400-pound max of the Grand Cherokee.
Interior cargo volume of the Explorer is 21 cubic feet behind the third row of seats, 43.9 cubic feet with the third row folded flat, and a large 81.7 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. This outshines the Grand Cherokee’s capacity of 36.3 cubic feet behind the second row, and 68.3 cubic feet with the second row folded flat.
Pricing ranges from $26,441 to $40,453 for the 2018 Ford Explorer. You can compare these two SUVs further using Vehicle History’s compare tool.
2018 Honda Pilot
Comfortable and reliable, the Honda Pilot maintains a very different demeanor than the Grand Cherokee. The Pilot scored a 4.6 stars out of five in Vehicle History‘s owner reviews. For 2018, you could find a Pilot in five trim levels: LX, EX, EX-L, Touring, and Elite.
Engine offerings are limited to Honda’s 3.5L direct injected i-VTEC V6 engine, which is mated to a six-speed automatic on lower trims or a nine-speed automatic on Touring and Elite trims. The V6’s power output is rated at 280 horsepower and 262 lb.-ft. torque. It has an EPA-estimated 19/27/22 mpg city/highway/combined in front-wheel-drive models, and 19/26/22 mpg city/highway/combined in AWD-equipped Pilot models.
It is worth noting that the Pilot can seat up to eight, compared to the Grand Cherokee’s max of five.
The Pilot has a max towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, far short of the 7,400-pound max of the Grand Cherokee.
Interior cargo volume of the Pilot is 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row of seats, 46.8 cubic feet with the third row folded flat, and a large 83.9 cubic feet with both rows folded. This outshines the Grand Cherokee’s capacity of 36.3 cubic feet behind the second row, and 68.3 cubic feet with the second row folded.
Pricing ranges from $24,864 to $38,869 for the 2018 Honda Pilot. You can compare these two SUVs further using Vehicle History’s compare tool.
2018 Mercedes GLE Class
Built on the same platform and engineered alongside of each other dating back to the days of DaimlerChrysler, the GLE and Grand Cherokee are very distant relatives. For the 2018 model year, you could find a GLE in five trim levels: GLE350, GLE550e, AMG GLE 43, AMG GLE 63, and AMG GLE 63 S.
Each trim has its own unique powertrain, ranging from a 3.5L V6 producing 302 horsepower, to a tuned 5.5L Biturbo V8 gasoline engine that produces 577 horsepower.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland and Summit trims compare nicely on the luxury side with the GLE350, while the SRT and Trackhawk match up nicely against the AMG-powered offerings.
Pricing ranges from $41,135 to $72,847 for the 2018 Mercedes GLE. You can compare these two SUVs further using Vehicle History’s compare tool.
Is a Used 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee a Good Buy?
It is clear to see that the engineers at Jeep wanted to give something to everyone with the 2018 Grand Cherokee. From the everyday living qualities of the Laredo and Limited, to the luxury of the Overland and Summit, the off-road capability of the Trailhawk, or the brute power of the SRT and Trackhawk, there sits a Grand Cherokee to fit all tastes and budgets.
Sharing a platform with a premium SUV such as the Mercedes GLE, but with proven off-road capability and on-road performance, it would be worth it to compare the Grand Cherokee against both mainstream and premium midsize SUVs.
Technology makes this very capable off-road, especially in the Trailhawk. The SRT and Trackhawk models speed in with power to rival or exceed the more upscale competition, and the Grand Cherokee looks like a bargain in the performance department. Jeep calls the Grand Cherokee the most awarded SUV ever, and we can see why.
Average cost of ownership, good crash test ratings, and up-to-date technology makes the 2018 Grand Cherokee a convincing buy, unless you need more than five seats. Perhaps its only major demerit is the maximum five-person seating, an issue Jeep sought the need to address for 2021 with the Grand Cherokee L.
Photos: Jeep, Ford, Toyota, Honda, and Mercedes
