2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Review
The 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5 passenger midsize SUV is offered in 4 trims: Laredo, Limited, Overland and Overland Summit. 2WD is standard and there are three different/optional 4WD systems. Properly equipped the Grand Cherokee can tow up to 7,400lbs. Just a few of the many standard features on the base Laredo include dual-zone A/C, cruise control, tilt/telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel and much more. The Laredo also has numerous luxury and high-tech/entertainment options packages and upper trims include the Laredo’s options and add even more features.
The BuyingAdvice Team Says:
If you’re in the market for a midsized SUV that combines traditional off-road capabilities with on-road refinement and a well-trimmed cabin, the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee should be a top consideration.
What’s New For 2012:
For 2012 the Jeep Grand Cherokee added a couple of trim levels that included the upscale Overland Summit, slightly improved fuel economy and the return of the high-performance SRT8.
What is the Predicted Reliability:
The 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee scored in the “Excellent” range in its category earning a 71. Noteworthy high marks are for its supple and controlled ride, agile handling, quiet and well-trimmed cabin, transmission and impressive crash test results. In a recent survey of current Jeep Grand Cherokee owners an impressive 77% responded that if they had it to do all over again they would definitely buy the Grand Cherokee.
Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a 2012 IIHS Top Safety Pick and during government crash testing the NHTSA awarded the Grand Cherokee with an overall safety rating of 4 Stars out of a possible 5, with 5 Stars for side crash protection. The Grand Cherokee is equipped with standard 4-wheel antilock disc brakes, front side/side curtain airbags, stability/traction control, active front head restraints.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
+ Engine options with a V6 & V8’s
+ Quiet, high-end cabin with numerous luxury features
+ Strong off-road capabilities
Cons
– Navigational system not quite as user friendly as others
– Cargo space is somewhat limited
Head-To-Head Competition:
The Jeep Grand Cherokee has a higher starting price than the Ford Escape but is several thousands of dollars less than the GMC Acadia. The Grand Cherokee’s V6 is also more powerful at 290hp compared to the Escape’s Inline 4 rated at 171hp and the Acadia’s V6 at 288hp. The Grand Cherokee has the larger gas tank at 24.6 gallons compared to the 17.5 gallon tank in the Escape and the Acadia’s 22 gallon tank. The Jeep’s V6 has a max towing capacity of 5000lbs while the V6 in the Acadia is only rated slightly higher at 5200lbs; the Ford brings up the rear with max towing capacities of 1500lbs. All three offer a 3year/36,000 mile basic warranty.
What Others Are Saying:
"It’s a good feeling, not having to worry about slipping or sliding into misery in those environments. Descending from the mountain is made easier, in weather fair and foul, with hill-descent control – a technology found on other up-level SUVs – which electronically controls acceleration and braking moving downhill." – The Washington Post
"The good stuff happens when you leg the throttle and toggle the too-small left shift paddle to drop a gear or three. The Hemi hurtles the SRT8 forward like a shot put. The run to 60 takes 4.7 seconds while the quarter-mile blitz lasts for 13.4, yielding a trap speed of 104 mph." – Car and Driver
"The interior materials are top notch. The deep-bolstered SRT8 front buckets are excellent. The interior quiet and cabin timbre belong to a European executive saloon. If this isn’t the best-built American vehicle, you’ll have to show me one better." – The Wall Street Journal
Read more about the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee at the Jeep manufacturer site.
