The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee lasts around 200,000 miles with some stereo system and battery issues reported. At $31,100 to $89,780, it’s expensive, but worth the money if you want a nice mix of luxury and off-road performance.
Is the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2021 is a good year for the Jeep Grand Cherokee since it offers decent off-road performance paired with an upscale cabin. Owner reviews praise the powerful engines, stereo system, along with the responsive steering.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are nice for a midsize SUV, the seats are supportive on longer trips, cargo space is a bit lower than the competition.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are not any widespread problems on the 2021 Grand Cherokee. Stay away from models from 2014–2015 which have serious engine issues, while 2016–2021 are more reliable as they age.
- Performance 9/10 – All of the engines are reasonably powerful for a midsize SUV, while the Trackhawk is one of the fastest SUVs on the market.
- Safety 8/10 – The 2021 Grand Cherokee is safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. It comes standard with a rearview camera, while automatic braking along with lane keep assist are available as optional upgrades.
- Gas Mileage 6/10 – Fuel economy is poor at up to 21 MPG, giving 516 miles of range out of the 24.6 gallon tank. Gas costs are $27 higher than average at $277 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a good value since it has improved reliability and a nice cabin for the price.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Jeep Grand Cherokee?
- Consumer Reports says the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a very versatile, well-rounded midsize SUV with good owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the Grand Cherokee at 3.7/5, praising the very nice interior for the money, but doesn’t like the firm suspension.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Grand Cherokee a 4.3/5, enjoying the relatively high 7,200-pound towing capacity, but owners don’t like the lack of a third row.
What Common Problems Does the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Have?
Common problems found on the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee include the stereo system freezing, excessive battery drain, along with some more rare power steering issues. Overall, these problems are similar to other midsize SUVs, leading to average repair bills as a Grand Cherokee ages.
The stereo system freezing is the most widespread complaint on the 2021 Grand Cherokee. Uconnect software simply freezes up while the stereo system is being used and the system has to be reset. There are software updates available for the stereo which improve its reliability. Most dealers will install the updates for free, while some charge around $50.
Excessive battery drain is another complaint from some Grand Cherokee owners in the first 5,000 miles. The problem is usually caused by an electrical accessory being left on while the SUV is off. Diagnosing the problem usually costs under $50, and fixing the issue can cost $20 to $200, depending on the source.
Power steering issues are a more rare, but serious issue reported on the 2021 Grand Cherokee at around 10,000 miles. Owners report the steering becoming very heavy and noises from the steering rack. Replacing the steering rack fixes the problem and is often covered under warranty when the SUV is so new. When the SUV is out of warranty, it should cost around $2,000.
There are seven recalls on the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee, which is more than some other midsize SUVs from the same year. The most serious recall covers the EGR valve which can lead to a loss of power. Jeep will replace the valves on affected models for free. Other recalls cover tail lights as well as air bags, which are not as mechanically serious.
How Long Will the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Last?
A well-maintained 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee can last around 200,000 miles, which is shorter than other midsize SUVs like the Toyota 4Runner. Regular annual maintenance costs are slightly higher than many competitors, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $616 per year.
As a used 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee reaches 100,000 miles and depending on the vehicle history owners should be prepared to replace the window switch for $350, engine mounts costing $400, along with the A/C evaporator which costs $975.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is very good, offering a standard 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Optional upgrades include a larger 8.4-inch touchscreen as well as more powerful stereo systems.
Standard safety technology is pretty good, offering:
- Rearview camera
- Blind spot monitoring
- Rear parking sensors
- Rear cross path detection
Optional driver assistance features include:
- Forward collision warning
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane keep assist
- Automatic high-beam headlights
- Hands-free park assist
- Lane departure warning
- Automatic emergency braking
Is the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee a Good Value?
Yes, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a good value since it’s reasonably luxurious with improved reliability from earlier years. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $31,100 to $89,780, making it more than a Honda Pilot or Kia Telluride. When new, the price range was $33,885 to $90,070. Depreciation is similar to other SUVs losing about 5% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Jeep Grand Cherokee?
There are seven main models of the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered from the base Grand Cherokee Laredo to the very high-performance Trackhawk. The Grand Cherokee comes standard with rear-wheel drive, while four-wheel drive is available as an optional upgrade.
Laredo is the entry-level model:
- 18-Inch Wheels
- Cloth Upholstery
- Keyless Ignition and Entry
- Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control
- 7-Inch Touchscreen
- Six-Speaker Audio System
Limited is a step-up adding:
- Leather Seats
- Power Liftgate
- Heated Front Seats
- Power-Adjustable Front Seats
- Auto-Dimming Mirrors
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Sunroof
- 4-Inch Infotainment Screen
- 4G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot
Trailhawk focuses on off-road performance with:
- Unique 18-Inch Wheels
- All-Terrain Tires
- Electronically Controlled Limited-Slip Differential
- Underbody Skid Plates
- Heavy-Duty Engine Cooling
- Off-Road Suspension
- Upgraded 4WD System
- All-Terrain Drive Modes
- Ventilated Front Seats
Overland offers upgrades including:
- 20-Inch Wheels
- Xenon Headlights
- Premium Leather Seating
- Power-Adjustable Steering Column
- Wood and Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel
Summit is the most luxurious model which has:
- Chrome Exterior Trim
- Upgraded Safety Technology
- Unique Leather Interior
- 19-Speaker Audio System
SRT is a sportier model with:
- Unique 20-Inch Aluminum Wheels
- Sport Front Seats
- High-Performance Tires
- Sport-Tuned Suspension
Trackhawk is the high-performance version which adds:
- 20-Inch Black Wheels
- Black Exterior Trim
- Ultra-High-Performance Brakes
- Sport Exhaust System
- Upgraded Suspension
- Stronger Eight-Speed Transmission
What Engines Come In the Jeep Grand Cherokee?
- The base engine is an average 3.6L V6 which makes 295 horsepower at up to 21 MPG. All of the engines come paired with a standard eight-speed automatic transmission.
- An available upgrade is the stronger 5.7L V8, which produces 360 horsepower and gets up to 17 MPG.
- The SRT model comes with a more powerful 6.4L V8 which is good for up to 475 horsepower and gets 15 MPG.
- The Trackhawk model has the extremely powerful 6.2L supercharged V8 which generates 707 horsepower at up to 13 MPG. Performance is fantastic, taking only 3.5 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Jeep Grand Cherokee Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Jeep Grand Cherokee?
The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee is designed with comfort in mind, providing a pleasant driving experience for both the driver and passengers. The cabin is spacious, offering ample headroom and legroom for all occupants. High-quality materials, including soft-touch surfaces and available leather upholstery, give the interior a luxurious feel.
The seats are well-cushioned and supportive, with available power adjustments, heating, and ventilation options for added convenience. The suspension system provides a smooth and composed ride, effectively absorbing road imperfections. Furthermore, the Grand Cherokee boasts a quiet cabin, thanks to its impressive sound insulation. Overall, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a comfortable SUV, making it ideal for long road trips and daily commutes alike.
How Much Storage Space Does the Jeep Grand Cherokee Have?
The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee offers impressive storage space to accommodate all your adventure gear and essentials. With the rear seats in place, it provides a generous 36.3 cubic feet of cargo room.
When the rear seats are folded down, the cargo capacity expands to a spacious 68.3 cubic feet. This versatile SUV can easily fit a variety of items, such as suitcases, outdoor equipment, and even small furniture pieces. The Jeep Grand Cherokee’s storage capabilities make it an excellent choice for families, outdoor enthusiasts, or anyone in need of a reliable and roomy vehicle.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The fourth generation of the Jeep Grand Cherokee was introduced for the 2011 model year, and will be replaced by the fifth generation next year for 2022.
2015: Upgraded engine in the SRT model, higher-quality interior in the Summit model.
2016: Stop-start available on the 3.6L V6 engine, standard electric power steering on all models aside from the SRT.
2017: Trailhawk off-road focused model introduced, more safety technology offered.
2018: Trackhawk model added to the lineup, the 7-inch touchscreen is now standard on all models.
2019: No major changes from earlier years.
2020: Diesel engine discontinued.
2021: Limited model has an optional 80th anniversary package.
How Does the Jeep Grand Cherokee Compare to the Competition?
The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a very nice midsize SUV which is capable both on and off the road, although you do trade some of the long-term reliability for a more upscale cabin than some competitors.
The Ford Explorer is another popular SUV which is available for about $2,000 less. Passenger room is better in the Ford Explorer, while the Jeep Grand Cherokee offers a more luxurious interior. We recommend the Jeep Grand Cherokee, although both are similar in long-term reliability, for the 2021 model year.
The Toyota Highlander is another competitor, which costs around $1,500 more. Standard safety technology is more advanced in the Toyota Highlander, while the Jeep Grand Cherokee offers better off-road performance. We recommend the Toyota Highlander since it lasts longer with lower ownership costs as it ages.
