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2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a light update led by the new Trailhawk, a factory-built off-road trim with dedicated trail hardware. The rest of the lineup sees targeted styling, safety, and equipment changes rather than a full redesign.
About the 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee
4th generation WK2 (2011-2021), late-cycle update year with the new Trailhawk and a refreshed Summit.
Jeep positions the Grand Cherokee as the midsize SUV that does more jobs than most rivals. It blends real Jeep off-road ability, strong towing, a broad spread of trim personalities, and a cabin that can range from practical to genuinely upscale. That mix is the model’s main draw: one Grand Cherokee can be a family SUV, another a trail machine, and another a luxury cruiser or V8 performance model.
The lineup spans the straightforward Laredo, style-focused Altitude, upscale Overland and Summit, and the 475-hp V8-powered SRT. The new Trailhawk stands out with low-range four-wheel drive, an off-road-tuned air suspension, skid plates, and terrain controls, while Summit emphasizes comfort and driver assistance with leather, navigation, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assistance.
What changed, by category
Trim lineup
Trailhawk joins as the off-road-focused model, the SRT Night Package is dropped, and High Altitude continues under the Altitude name.
Styling
Laredo, Laredo E, Limited, and Overland adopt the newer front-end look previously used on the 75th Anniversary model. SRT receives a revised front end and fog-lamp treatment, while Summit gets a more upscale grille, front end, and fog-lamp design.
Safety
A rearview camera and rear parking sensors become standard across the lineup. Summit also gains more standard driver-assistance equipment, including lane-keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning with braking, and automated parking assistance.
Tech
Smartphone integration changes from standard to optional on Laredo E and Limited.
2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V8, HEMI, 6.4 Liter | V6, VVT, 3.6 Liter | V6, EcoDiesel, 3.0T / V6, VVT, 3.6 Liter / V8, VVT, 5.7 Liter | V6, EcoDiesel, 3.0T / V6, VVT, 3.6 Liter / V8, VVT, 5.7 Liter | V6, VVT, 3.6 Liter | V6, VVT, 3.6 Liter | V6, EcoDiesel, 3.0T / V6, VVT, 3.6 Liter / V8, VVT, 5.7 Liter | V6, EcoDiesel, 3.0T / V6, VVT, 3.6 Liter / V8, VVT, 5.7 Liter | V6, VVT, 3.6 Liter | V6, EcoDiesel, 3.0T / V6, VVT, 3.6 Liter / V8, VVT, 5.7 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd |
| Drivetrain | 4WD | 4WD | 2WD / 4WD | 2WD / 4WD | 4WD | 2WD | 2WD / 4WD | 4WD | 4WD | 2WD / 4WD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Diesel / Gas | Diesel / Gas | Gas | Gas | Diesel / Gas | Diesel / Gas | Gas | Diesel / Gas |
| MPG City | 13 mpg | 19 mpg | 14–22 mpg | 14–22 mpg | 19 mpg | 19 mpg | 14–22 mpg | 14–21 mpg | 19 mpg | 14–22 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 19 mpg | 26 mpg | 22–30 mpg | 22–30 mpg | 26 mpg | 26 mpg | 22–30 mpg | 22–28 mpg | 26 mpg | 22–30 mpg |
| Horsepower | 475 hp | 295 hp | 240–360 hp | 240–360 hp | 295 hp | 295 hp | 240–360 hp | 240–360 hp | 295 hp | 240–360 hp |
| Torque | 470 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft | 260–420 lb-ft | 260–420 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft | 260–420 lb-ft | 260–420 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft | 260–420 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 7200 lb | 6200 lb | 7200 lb | 7200 lb | 6200 lb | 6200 lb | 7200 lb | 7200 lb | 6200 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 | ||||||||||
| Adaptive Headlights | ||||||||||
| Alarm System | ||||||||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||||||||
| Automatic Leveling Headlights | ||||||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||||||
| Cruise Control | ||||||||||
| Hill Descent Control | ||||||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||||||||
| Park Assist | ||||||||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | ||||||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | ||||||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||||||
| HID Headlights | ||||||||||
| 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 | ||||||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||||||
| Rear DVD Entertainment System | ||||||||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||||||
| 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 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
The biggest change is the arrival of the Trailhawk. It is the lineup’s factory-built off-road specialist, with low-range four-wheel drive, an off-road-tuned air suspension, skid plates, red tow hooks, and controls for steep climbs and descents.
Did every 2017 Grand Cherokee gain new safety equipment?
Yes. Every 2017 Grand Cherokee comes standard with a rearview camera and rear parking sensors. Summit also adds more standard driver-assistance equipment, including lane-keeping assistance and adaptive cruise control with forward-collision warning and braking.
Is the 2017 Grand Cherokee a full redesign?
No. The 2017 Grand Cherokee remains part of the fourth generation and receives a light late-cycle update. The new Trailhawk, revised front-end styling, and added standard safety equipment are the main differences from 2016.
What changed on the 2017 Grand Cherokee Summit?
The 2017 Summit gets a more upscale front end with revised grille and fog-lamp details, plus more standard driver-assistance technology. Its equipment includes lane-keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning with braking, and automated parking assistance.
What happened to the Grand Cherokee High Altitude for 2017?
High Altitude continues under the Altitude name for 2017. Altitude remains the dark-appearance model, with gloss-black exterior trim, an 8.4-inch touchscreen, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, remote start, and a power liftgate.
2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
4.3
2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee
(596 reviews)
“Smooth and quiet ride, great acceleration, great sound system. Heated seats and steering wheel are fabulous.”
“I had always wanted a Grand Cherokee, rode in them several times before and I liked the look, roominess, stylish interior. I love the interior and exterior look of this model, mechanically sound, and I feel safe driving it. You have to pay for the Jeep brand app to use some of the menu and map features but when I Bluetooth my phone it works just how I need it to.”