2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026

The 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a light, trim-focused update rather than a redesign. The headline change is the new Trailhawk, which adds factory-installed hardware for more demanding off-road driving.
About the 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee
4th generation WK2 (2011-2021), third model year and final year before the 2014 mid-cycle refresh
Jeep positioned the Grand Cherokee as a five-passenger SUV combining genuine trail capability with a quiet, well-finished cabin and comfortable road manners. Its key distinction was breadth: the same model range covered everyday V6 transportation, luxury-focused trims, serious 4WD hardware, V8 towing power, and an SRT performance model. Compared with typical crossovers, it emphasized low-range 4WD systems, adjustable ride height on selected trims, and a more upscale interior without giving up Jeep’s off-road identity.
Jeep positioned the 2013 range from the straightforward V6 Laredo through leather-lined Limited, Overland, and Overland Summit models with features such as a panoramic roof, navigation, ventilated seats, and driver-assistance systems. Trailhawk handles the trail-focused role, while the SRT8 sits at the opposite end with a 470-horsepower 6.4-liter V8, adaptive suspension, and large Brembo brakes.
What changed, by category
2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V8, HEMI, 6.4 Liter | V6, Flex Fuel, 3.6 Liter | V6, Flex Fuel, 3.6 Liter / V8, 5.7 Liter | V6, Flex Fuel, 3.6 Liter / V8, 5.7 Liter | V6, Flex Fuel, 3.6 Liter / V8, 5.7 Liter | V6, Flex Fuel, 3.6 Liter / V8, 5.7 Liter | V6, Flex Fuel, 3.6 Liter / V8, 5.7 Liter | V8, HEMI, 6.4 Liter | V8, HEMI, 6.4 Liter | V6, Flex Fuel, 3.6 Liter / V8, 5.7 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 5-Spd | Automatic, 5-Spd | Automatic, 5-Spd / Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 5-Spd / Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 5-Spd / Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 5-Spd / Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 5-Spd / Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 5-Spd | Automatic, 5-Spd | Automatic, 5-Spd / Automatic, 6-Spd |
| Drivetrain | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD / 2WD | 4WD / 2WD | 2WD / 4WD | 4WD / 2WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD | 2WD / 4WD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Flexible Fuel | Flexible Fuel / Gas | Flexible Fuel / Gas | Flexible Fuel / Gas | Flexible Fuel / Gas | Flexible Fuel / Gas | Gas | Gas | Flexible Fuel / Gas |
| MPG City | 12 mpg | 17 mpg | 14–16 mpg | 14–16 mpg | 13–17 mpg | 14–16 mpg | 13–16 mpg | 12 mpg | 12 mpg | 13–17 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 18 mpg | 23 mpg | 20–23 mpg | 20–23 mpg | 20–23 mpg | 20–23 mpg | 20–23 mpg | 18 mpg | 18 mpg | 20–23 mpg |
| Horsepower | 470 hp | 290 hp | 290–360 hp | 290–360 hp | 290–360 hp | 290–360 hp | 290–360 hp | 470 hp | 470 hp | 290–360 hp |
| Torque | 465 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft | 260–390 lb-ft | 260–390 lb-ft | 260–390 lb-ft | 260–390 lb-ft | 260–390 lb-ft | 465 lb-ft | 465 lb-ft | 260–390 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 5000 lb | 7200 lb | 7200 lb | 7000 lb | 7200 lb | 7200 lb | 7200 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 7200 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 68.3 cu-ft | 68.3 cu-ft | 68.3 cu-ft | 68.3 cu-ft | 68.3 cu-ft | 68.3 cu-ft | 68.3 cu-ft | 68.3 cu-ft | 68.3 cu-ft | 68.3 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 38.6 in | 38.6 in | 38.6 in | 38.6 in | 38.6 in | 38.6 in | 38.6 in | 38.6 in | 38.6 in | 38.6 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||||||||
| Alarm System | ||||||||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||||||||
| Automatic Leveling Headlights | ||||||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||||||
| Cruise Control | ||||||||||
| Hill Descent Control | ||||||||||
| Park Assist | ||||||||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | ||||||||||
| Rear Parking Sensors | ||||||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | ||||||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||||||
| HID Headlights | ||||||||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||||||||
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ||||||||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||||||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||||||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||||||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||||||||||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||||||||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||||||||
| Roof Rails | ||||||||||
| Side Steps | ||||||||||
| Tow Hooks | ||||||||||
| Trailer Hitch Receiver | ||||||||||
| Bluetooth | ||||||||||
| Built-In Hard Drive | ||||||||||
| Front DVD Entertainment System | ||||||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||||||||
| Subwoofer | ||||||||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||||||||
| USB Ports | ||||||||||
| 115V Power Outlet | ||||||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||||||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||||||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||||||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||||||||
| Memory Steering Wheel | ||||||||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||||||||
| Remote Start | ||||||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||||||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
The biggest change is the new Trailhawk model. It combines adjustable air suspension, low-range 4WD, selectable terrain settings, hill-descent control, rock rails, and underbody protection for more demanding trail use.
Was the 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee redesigned?
No, the 2013 Grand Cherokee was not redesigned. It received trim and equipment updates, while its basic design and most engines and transmissions carried over from 2012.
Is the 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee worth considering over the 2012 model?
The 2013 is most compelling if you want the Trailhawk, an Altitude or Laredo X, one of the SRT8 appearance editions, or the year's revised standard equipment. Otherwise, the core vehicle is very similar to the 2012 model.
What changed on the 2013 Grand Cherokee SRT8?
The 2013 SRT8 made adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring standard, and the Alpine and Vapor limited-edition appearance models joined the range. Its core setup remained a 470-horsepower 6.4-liter V8, performance 4WD, adaptive suspension, and Brembo brakes.
Is 2013 the last Grand Cherokee before the refresh?
Yes, 2013 is the final model year before the substantial 2014 mid-cycle update. That makes it the last version of the earlier fourth-generation design and equipment layout.