“Love what the Grand Cherokee can do, love the look, love the hemi motor. Comfy to drive too. But was glad I bought the extended warranty. Needed a new compressor for the air suspension, and the radio died. But both were covered otherwise it would have cost me 4200 for both to be fixed..since then it's been great to drive.”
2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a late-cycle update led by a newer touchscreen system that brings Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across the lineup. It is a meaningful equipment update rather than a full redesign.
About the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee
WK2 / 4th generation (2011-2021), late-cycle update year after the 2017 Trailhawk and Summit expansion.
The 2018 Grand Cherokee is Jeep’s two-row midsize SUV for shoppers who want more towing strength, off-road credibility, and trim variety than most rivals offer. Jeep markets it as a rare mix of real trail ability, strong engine choices, and near-luxury comfort, with trims that stretch from practical family use to serious off-road hardware and very high performance. That wide spread is what makes the model stand out.
The lineup ranges from the straightforward Laredo and comfort-focused Limited to the off-road Trailhawk and leather-rich Summit. The new Trackhawk stands out with a 707-hp supercharged V8, while Trailhawk has an adjustable air suspension and dedicated traction hardware for rough terrain. Summit emphasizes comfort and technology with premium leather, a 19-speaker audio system, and driver-assist features.
What changed, by category
Tech
The newer Uconnect touchscreen system brings Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across the lineup. Lower trims receive a standard 7-inch screen, smartphone integration becomes standard on Laredo E and Limited, and Trailhawk navigation changes from optional to standard. Overland models with the Alpine audio system also gain active noise cancellation.
Powertrain
The new Trackhawk adds a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 with 707 hp, an 8-speed automatic, and specialized all-wheel drive. The EcoDiesel engine also returns to Limited later in the model year.
Styling
High Altitude, Limited Sterling Edition, and Upland join as new appearance-focused versions, while the two 75th Anniversary editions leave the lineup. Laredo receives new cloth seats and 17-inch wheels, and SRT and Summit gain Premium Metal cabin trim.
Safety
The new High Altitude includes adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning with automatic braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert as standard equipment. On Trailhawk, park assist changes from standard to optional.
2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V8, HEMI, 6.4 Liter | V6, VVT, 3.6 Liter | V6, VVT, 3.6 Liter / V8, VVT, 5.7 Liter / V6, Turbo Diesel, 3.0 Liter | V6, VVT, 3.6 Liter | V6, VVT, 3.6 Liter / V8, VVT, 5.7 Liter / V6, Turbo Diesel, 3.0 Liter | V6, VVT, 3.6 Liter | V6, VVT, 3.6 Liter | V6, VVT, 3.6 Liter / V8, VVT, 5.7 Liter / V6, Turbo Diesel, 3.0 Liter | V8, HEMI, Supercharged, 6.2 Liter | V8, VVT, 5.7 Liter / V6, VVT, 3.6 Liter / V6, Turbo Diesel, 3.0 Liter | V6, VVT, 3.6 Liter / V8, VVT, 5.7 Liter / V6, Turbo Diesel, 3.0 Liter | V6, VVT, 3.6 Liter / V8, VVT, 5.7 Liter / V6, Turbo Diesel, 3.0 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 | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd |
| Drivetrain | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD / 2WD | 4WD | 4WD / 2WD | 4WD | 2WD | 4WD / 2WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD / 2WD | 4WD / 2WD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas / Diesel | Gas | Gas / Diesel | Gas | Gas | Gas / Diesel | Gas | Gas / Diesel | Gas / Diesel | Gas / Diesel |
| MPG City | 13 mpg | 19 mpg | 14–22 mpg | 18 mpg | 14–22 mpg | 19 mpg | 19 mpg | 14–22 mpg | 11 mpg | 14–21 mpg | 14–22 mpg | 14–22 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 19 mpg | 26 mpg | 22–30 mpg | 25 mpg | 22–30 mpg | 26 mpg | 26 mpg | 22–30 mpg | 17 mpg | 22–28 mpg | 22–30 mpg | 22–30 mpg |
| Horsepower | 475 hp | 295 hp | 240–360 hp | 295 hp | 240–360 hp | 295 hp | 295 hp | 240–360 hp | 707 hp | 240–360 hp | 240–360 hp | 240–360 hp |
| Torque | 470 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft | 260–420 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft | 260–420 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft | 260–420 lb-ft | 645 lb-ft | 260–420 lb-ft | 260–420 lb-ft | 260–420 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 7200 lb | 6200 lb | 7200 lb | 6200 lb | 7200 lb | 6200 lb | 6200 lb | 7200 lb | 7200 lb | 7200 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 | 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 | 38.6 in | 38.6 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 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 | ||||||||||||
| 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 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
The biggest change is the updated touchscreen system, which brings Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across the 2018 Grand Cherokee lineup. Lower trims also move to a standard 7-inch screen.
Is the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk new for 2018?
Yes. The Trackhawk joins the Grand Cherokee lineup for 2018 with a 707-hp supercharged 6.2-liter V8, specialized all-wheel drive, an 8-speed automatic, and an adaptive suspension.
Which Jeep Grand Cherokee trims joined the lineup for 2018?
Four trims joined for 2018: High Altitude, Limited Sterling Edition, Trackhawk, and Upland. The 75th Anniversary Edition and Limited 75th Anniversary Edition left the lineup.
What changed on the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk?
The 2018 Trailhawk gains the newer 8.4-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and navigation changes from optional to standard. Park assist changes from standard to optional.
What is different about the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Upland?
The Upland is a new dark-themed 4WD special edition for 2018. It combines a 3.6-liter V6 with dark exterior details, a touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual-zone climate control, and a power driver seat.
2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
4.2
2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee
(610 reviews)
“It is the perfect SUV. Practical- it can tow and has 4WD and a good amount of cargo space. Comfortable, roomy, and luxurious interior. Mine has a V8 engine so it's fun to drive, too!”
“Excellent head rest and seat for tall people. Nice ride. Great towing capacity.. excellent engine and transmission and drive train. Fuel-efficiency exceeds the window sticker ratings.”