2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee review
Jeep Grand Cherokee highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Well equipped from the base model upward
- Good both on- and off-road
Cons
- Diesel engine is a bit noisy at idle and low speeds
- Trunk space isn't as generous as in key rivals
Mileage (EPA estimate)
13 city, 19 highway, 15 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
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From a fuel-efficient diesel to mighty V8s, the 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee has it all
With its Jeep badge, off-road ability is a key selling point of the Grand Cherokee, but plenty of buyers never go near an off-road trail. And for them, Jeep's midsize SUV has a lot to offer. The upscale interior is nicely finished, and even the entry-level Laredo trim comes with a good stock of standard equipment. There are also plenty of choices to increase the luxury and convenience. The 2017 Grand Cherokee offers six trim levels, including a pair of models that appeal to the ends of the buying spectrum. The Trailhawk is one, and, as its name suggests, it's suited for off-road trails and comes with the most off-road-focused equipment in a single trim. Elsewhere in the Grand Cherokee lineup, you'd need to option off-road packages and four-wheel drive and suspension systems. At the opposite end is the SRT, a thundering 475-hp V8-powered Grand Cherokee whose performance focus makes it desirable for road and possibly even track use.
Elsewhere in the range, the power isn't quite so outrageous, but with three available engines there's a powertrain for any buyer. There are two V6s, one the base 295-hp 3.6-liter gasoline unit and the other a 240-hp 3.0-liter turbodiesel. The turbodiesel is the EPA fuel economy champion in the lineup. Topping the regular engine lineup is a 5.7-liter V8, which makes 360 hp, and like the diesel gives the Grand Cherokee serious towing capability. All engines use a standard eight-speed automatic transmission. With many choices and desirable qualities, the 2017 Grand Cherokee is impressive even six years after this model debuted. If you're in the market for a midsize SUV, chances are there's a Grand Cherokee to suit you.
All Jeep Grand Cherokee years
What is new for the 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
- The Grand Cherokee is available in a variety of new trims, including the Altitude, Laredo E, and Trailhawk.
- The High Altitude and SRT Night trims have been discontinued for 2017.
- Grand Cherokee trims have been upgraded with Automated Parking, Lane Departure Warning, and Alpine Sound System as standard equipment this year.
- SiriusXM Trial Available features are now available as options on select trims.
- The Limited trim now comes with Bluetooth Technology and Satellite Radio Ready as standard equipment.
- The Overland trim now comes with Bluetooth Technology as standard equipment.
- The Summit trim now comes with Automated Cruise Control and Bluetooth Technology as standard equipment.
- The SRT trim now comes with Bluetooth Technology and Satellite Radio Ready as standard equipment.
- The 75TH Anniversary Edition trim now comes with Cloth Seats and Remote Start as standard equipment.
- The Laredo trim now comes with Parking Sensors, Power Seat(s), Rear View Camera, and Bluetooth Technology as standard equipment.
2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee trims
Laredo:
Comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, heated mirrors, leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, five-inch touchscreen, and more.
Limited:
Adds 18-inch wheels, power liftgate, remote start, heated front and rear seats, leather upholstery, driver-seat memory settings.
Trailhawk:
Includes four-wheel drive with low-range gearing, adjustable air suspension, 8.4-inch touchscreen, electronic limited-slip rear differential.
Overland:
Adds xenon headlights, dual-pane panoramic sunroof, 20-inch wheels, navigation system, power-adjustable steering wheel, and much more.
Summit:
Includes front parking sensors, active noise-canceling, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and more.
Jeep Grand Cherokee photos
5 reasons to buy the 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee
1. Utility
Undoubtedly one of the greatest things about the 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee is how truly utilitarian it is. Above all, it's very strong and has a high towing capacity. The base Grand Cherokee powered by a 295-horsepower 3.6L V6 engine and rear-wheel drive can tow up to an estimated 6,200 lbs when properly equipped, so you'll have no problems hauling a boat, jet ski, or trailer.
2. Refined interior
The 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee has a high-end interior that gives passengers a sense of luxury and refinement during each ride. The cabin is lined with soft-touch materials and various surfaces are covered in leather, such as the armrests, parts of the dashboard, and the upper door panels. Almost all controls for various vehicle systems are within reach, and the Uconnect® infotainment system is very user-friendly and intuitive, which makes it easy to use while driving and doesn't cause any distractions.
3. Off-road capability
Another thing that sets the Grand Cherokee apart is its off-road prowess. This off-road-ready SUV comes standard with rear-wheel drive with all-wheel drive available on all trims. The 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee owes its ability to conquer various rough terrains to a locking differential in the middle and 50/50 power split between the front and the rear, in addition to the special traction control system and the available hill ascent and descent control. With these off-road features, the 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee is able to overcome pretty much every obstacle and all kinds of road surfaces with ease.
4. Lots of cargo space
Having plenty of room for cargo is one of the greatest benefits of owning an SUV. The 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee delivers greatly in this department, with a huge trunk and lots of small-item cargo options throughout the cabin. It offers 36.3 cu-ft of space behind the rear seat, and a maximum volume of 68.3 cu-ft when the rear seats are folded down. This means that it has enough room to carry all your belongings on your family vacations, haul any sporting equipment around town, several days' worth of groceries, or other large items you might need to transport without a hassle.
5. Attractive engine lineup
On top of being extremely utilitarian and practical, the 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee provides a great driving experience as well. It's offered with an attractive engine lineup that can meet various preferences and driving styles. The base model is powered by a 3.6L V6 engine combined with an eight-speed automatic transmission, which generates 295 hp. Available engines include a 5.7L V8 delivering 360 hp, and a turbocharged 240-hp 3.0L diesel V6.
Similar vehicles
If you're interested in the 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.
The Toyota 4Runner is a midsize body-on-frame SUV with competent off-road abilities and a comfortable cabin that features an optional third row to seat seven passengers. 2017-2021 models use a 270-hp 4.0L V6 engine that can tow an estimated 5,000 lbs., when properly equipped.
Standard features on the 2017-2020 Toyota 4Runner Limited include:
20-inch alloy wheels
Power tilt/slide moonroof with sunshade
Dual-zone automatic climate control and second-row vents
One of the Jeep Wrangler's key selling points is its exceptional off-roading ability, making it ideal for road trips and camping on uneven terrain. Acceleration is brisk and there's plenty of room inside—essential for a rugged adventure vehicle. 2017-present Wranglers offer 41.2 inches of legroom in the front and 35.7 inches in the back, making this SUV great for anyone along for the ride. The standard 3.6L V6 engine—with the option of turbocharging—ensures there's plenty of power under the hood.
Other standard features of the 2017-present Jeep Wrangler include:
Rollover protection system
Traction control
Easy-to-use infotainment system
The Kia Telluride is a three-row SUV that was introduced in 2020. With seating for up to eight, the 2020–2021 Kia Telluride comes with a refined cabin that has a luxurious feel to it, and offers a smooth ride with lots of entertainment and convenience features for all passengers. It's powered by a standard 3.8L six-cylinder engine generating 291 hp and has both off-road abilities and ample cargo space, measuring 46 cu-ft behind the rear seats, going up to 87 cu-ft with those seats folded.
Standard features on 2020–2021 Kia Telluride models include:
Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ smartphone integration
Infotainment system with an eight-inch touchscreen
Blind-spot monitoring
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Ratings & reliability
Customer ratings
4.8 out of 5
17 customer reviews| 5 Stars | 13 |
|---|---|
| 4 Stars | 4 |
| 3 Stars | 0 |
| 2 Stars | 0 |
| 1 Star | 0 |
RepairPal gave the Jeep Grand Cherokee an overall reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Jeep Grand Cherokee 32nd out of 32 among Midsize SUVs.
View RepairPal's full rating of the Jeep Grand CherokeeJeep Grand Cherokee features and specs
Summit 2WD 4D Sport Utility
Standard Features
- 20 Inch Plus Wheels
- A/C Seat(s)
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Automated Cruise Control
- Automated Parking
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Bluetooth Technology
- Front Seat Heaters
- Harman Kardon Sound
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Lane Departure Warning
- Leather Seats
- Memory Seat(s)
- Navigation System
- Overhead Airbags
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Parking Sensors
- Power Hatch/Deck Lid
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear Seat Heaters
- Rear View Camera
- Remote Start
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Traction Control
- CD Audio
- Rear Entertainment System
- Tow Hitch
Drive Wheels
Rear Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
3.6L
Horsepower
295
Torque (ft-lbs)
260
Engine type
Gas
Fuel capacity
24.6
Wheelbase
114.8"
Overall length
189.8"
Width
76.5"
Height
69.3"
Leg room
F 40.3"/R 38.6"
Head room
F 39.9"/R 39.2"
Front tires
P265/50TR20
Rear tires
P265/50TR20
Seating capacity
5
Max towing capacity
350/3500 lbs.
Transmission
Automatic
2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee FAQ
The 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee has an eight-speed automatic transmission.
As an option, the 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited has a turbocharged 3.0L diesel V6 with 240 hp.
The top-level Summit trim is the most luxurious Jeep Grand Cherokee.
The 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Altitude package includes transmission with driver-selectable mode and sequential shift controls, front and rear anti-roll bars, gas-pressurized shock absorbers, multi-link rear suspension with coil springs.
More about the 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Exterior colors:
Billet Silver Metallic
Bright White
Diamond Black Crystal
Granite Crystal Metallic
Recon Green
Rhino
True Blue
Velvet Red
Walnut Brown Metallic
Interior colors:
Black
Light Frost Beige/Black
Child seat details
Two sets of lower LATCH connectors are standard in the 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee. They are located on the outboard seats, and there is one upper tether connection on the middle seat. You can install a rear-facing infant seat, as well as a rear-facing convertible, in addition to a high-back booster seat.
NHTSA Safety Ratings
The 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee received overall 4/5 (2WD) and 5/5 (AWD) by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Find out more about this rating and how NHTSA’s 5-Star Safety Ratings program evaluates the crash protection and rollover safety of new vehicles.
Keep in mind that certain vehicles may have unrepaired safety recalls. Click here to look up a specific vehicle.
Frontal Barrier Crash Rating Test: A head-on collision between two similar vehicles traveling at 35 mph.
Overall: 5/5
Side Barrier Crash Rating Test: A vehicle standing in an intersection sustains driver-side impact from a vehicle moving at 38.5 mph.
Overall: 5/5
Side Pole Crash Rating Test: A vehicle slides sideways at 20 mph and impacts a tree or telephone pole.
Overall: 5/5
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