Fifty years ago, Jeep was known for the iconic CJ-5 and other off-road capable vehicles (the term Sport Utility Vehicle had not been invented yet), mostly for sportsmen. Today, Jeep has all that in addition to vehicles like the Grand Wagoneer that can reach six figures and compete directly with luxury models from Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, and others. If one asked how Jeep became a brand that could compete directly toe-to-toe with the world’s prominent luxury brands, the answer would contain two words: Grand Cherokee.

The Grand Cherokee didn’t start as a luxury model, but it turned out to be so good that luxury buyers bought it in place of luxury models. As Jeep added higher trim levels with more luxury features, luxury buyers continued to be at Jeep’s door, ready to drive out with a high-end Grand Cherokee.

What is it about the 2025 Grand Cherokee that brought such prestige to the Jeep brand in addition to being the most-awarded SUV ever? Read on.

Performance

The 2025 Grand Cherokee's standard engine on all trim levels is a 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 rated at 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The 60-degree cylinder bank angle makes it inherently smooth running. A seven-time winner of the Wards Auto 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems award, the Pentastar V-6 engine is compact, with features such as exhaust manifolds integrated into the cylinder heads. It is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, which sends power to either the rear or all four wheels. Either way, it delivers an EPA-estimated city/highway/combined mpg rating of 19/26/22. With this engine, the 2025 Grand Cherokee has a maximum towing capacity of 6,200 pounds.

The 2025 Grand Cherokee's four-wheel-drive systems consist of Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, and Quadra-Drive II with a rear electronic limited-slip differential (ELSD). Quadra-Trac I 4x4 has a single-speed transfer case and thus operates in what is called full-time high-range mode. The center differential has a 48/52 front/rear split, and the ABS system steps in when one rear wheel loses traction.

Quadra-Trac II uses a two-speed transfer case. Engaging 4-Low mode locks the front and rear driveshafts and has a 44.1:1 crawl ratio for low-speed power, rock crawling, and towing. The system includes Selec-Terrain traction management system, which coordinates the 4x4 torque split, braking, steering, suspension, throttle control, transmission shift logic, transfer case, traction control, stability control, anti-lock brake system (ABS), and steering feel to optimize each for the Auto, Sport, Snow, and Sand and Mud modes. The system can also be set to a Neutral mode which is convenient for being towed behind an RV. Adding the ELSD can send 100% of rear torque to the wheel that needs it the most for even greater sure-footedness off-road.

The suspension consists of multi-link geometry for both the front and rear. The available Quadra-Lift air suspension is a class-exclusive that automatically adjusts the shock tuning to changing road conditions for enhanced comfort, stability and control, or may be controlled manually with console controls. Among its five height settings, the system can raise the vehicle to 10.9 inches of ground clearance, which enables 24 inches of water fording.

Exterior

The 2025 Grand Cherokee displays pure refinement from bumper to bumper, clearly displaying how this model is the bridge to the luxury ranks. The iconic seven-slot grille is low-profile and nicely trimmed, which complements the low, wide headlights. Black window pillars give the side a clean, unbroken appearance. The main body is taut with minimal overhangs, mildly squared-off wheel fenders, and tasteful narrow cladding. The roof tapers only slightly for aerodynamic efficiency while maintaining ample cargo space. The long narrow tail lamps echo the headlamps.

Even the 2025 Laredo models provide surface contrast with chrome on the grille, upper window border, and front and rear trim. All wheels are styled aluminum alloy and range from 17 inches on the Laredo model to 21 inches on the 2025 Summit Reserve. Largely unseen are aerodynamic details such as active grille shutters, front wheel spats, air curtains, hood aero flick, lowered roof line (10-mm decrease), and rear vertical-pillar spoilers that improve both on-road performance and fuel efficiency.

Interior

The refinement is just as pronounced inside. The dash design is sweeping and uncomplicated. Be it the 8.4- or 10.1-inch center touchscreen, it is located at mid-height level where it is within easy reach. Above and below are attractively trimmed sets of physical controls for the climate and other systems. The low, wide HVAC vents echo the shape of the external lights. Below is a rotating knob for the transmission that is out of the way and easy to use.

The driver has access to the 10.25-inch Fully Digital Driver Information Cluster Display. It provides everything you need to keep tabs on your 2025 Grand Cherokee with customizable information. Higher trim models also add a head-up display for accessing essential information while keeping your eyes on the road.

As a two-row mid-size SUV, the cabin is quite spacious for five. To carry the luggage for such a trip, behind the rear seats is 37.7 cubic feet of cargo space. Folding down both sides of the 60/40-split rear seatbacks nearly doubles the cargo volume to 70.8 cubic feet.

To access the cargo, a power liftgate is available on 2025 Laredo and Laredo X models and standard from the 2025 Altitude trim up. The 2025 Overland and above models feature a hands-free power tailgate that will open with a simple contact-free kicking motion under the center of the rear bumper.

Technology

As mentioned, the center touchscreen starts out at 8.4 inches and grows to 10.1 inches on the Limited and above models. There are up to three 10.1-inch and two 10.25-inch digital displays in the cabin. Behind the screen is the Uconnect 5 system, which is critically acclaimed for its ease of use. The system features an easy-to-operate icon system for accessing various functions. Below are several fixed controls to get you to certain system controls no matter what is on the screen. Uconnect also features an effective and intuitive voice command system, which can be particularly useful when trying to locate a specific song from your phone.

Uconnect 5 also includes wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility for all models. A wireless charging pad is a package feature available on Altitude and above trim levels. The audio system starts with a six-speaker system, growing to a 506-watt nine-speaker system with a subwoofer that is available on the Limited and standard on the Overland and Summit. The spectacular 19-speaker system by renowned audiophile manufacturer McIntosh is available on the Summit and standard on the 2025 Summit Reserve.

Safety and Driver Assistance

The entire 2025 Grand Cherokee model line is fully equipped with safety and driver assistance technologies, including:

• Advance Brake-Assist
• Pedestrian/Cyclist Emergency Braking
• Rain-Brake Support
• Ready-Alert Braking
• Active Lane-Management System
• Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go
• Blind-Spot and Cross-Path Detection
• Hill start assist
• ParkSense® Rear Park-Assist with Stop

Higher-level versions of the assist packages also include additional items such as:

• Surround-view camera system
• Active driving assist system
• Drowsy driver detection
• Parallel and perpendicular park-assist with stop
• Side distance warning

The 2025 Grand Cherokee earned a Five-Star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), with 5-star ratings on all impact tests. It was also designated as a TOP SAFETY PICK by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). L2+ Hands-Free Active Driving Assist is available.