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Jeep Grand Cherokee: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a midsize family SUV that blends everyday comfort with genuine Jeep capability. It is known for its upscale cabin, strong towing ability, and two-row or longer three-row Grand Cherokee L layouts.
The Grand Cherokee has long aimed to be both a comfortable daily driver and a capable Jeep. Across its generations, it has grown roomier, quieter, more polished, and more technology-focused without giving up its towing and off-road character. Its range has also stretched from practical family versions to luxury-focused, trail-ready, and high-performance models.
Strengths
- It balances a comfortable, polished road feel with real off-road hardware on trail-focused versions.
- Its cabin has moved steadily upscale while remaining practical for everyday family use.
- The two-row model and longer three-row Grand Cherokee L cover different passenger-carrying needs.
- It is well suited to towing, with the 2027 lineup rated to pull up to 6,200 pounds when properly equipped.
- The lineup has offered a broad spread of personalities, from practical Laredo models to luxurious Summit and trail-ready Trailhawk versions.
Who it's for
It suits shoppers who want one SUV for commuting, family trips, towing, and rough-weather travel. The two-row model fits buyers who do not need a third row, while the longer Grand Cherokee L makes more sense for families who regularly carry additional passengers.
Jeep Grand Cherokee lineup
Laredo is the straightforward starting point, while Laredo X adds a little more presence without moving far up the range. Altitude models have traditionally emphasized darker, sportier-looking trim, and Limited is the step up for buyers seeking a richer everyday experience. Summit sits at the luxury-focused end of the family. Trailhawk has been the off-road specialist at various points in the model’s history, and since 2023 it has been tied to the 4xe plug-in-hybrid model.
Jeep Grand Cherokee generations
From 2009 to 2026, the Grand Cherokee spans three generations. The current 5th Generation — WL arrived for 2021, following the 4th Generation — WK2 (2011–2021).
5th Generation — WL (2021–2026)
The WL generation rolled out in stages. The three-row Grand Cherokee L arrived for 2021, followed by the redesigned two-row model and the first 4xe plug-in hybrid for 2022. A 2026 refresh brought revised front styling, larger screens and a new turbo four-cylinder engine for most trims.
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2026Mid-cycle update
Refreshed front styling, redesigned LED headlights and a 12.3-inch touchscreen arrive. Most trims switch to a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder, and an 85th Anniversary Edition joins the range.
2025Trim changes
The two-row model, three-row L and 4xe plug-in hybrid carry over with the same basic hardware and trim structure.
2024Trim changes
Mostly carryover, with small wheel changes on Limited and 4xe Trailhawk.
2023Trim changes
Trailhawk shifts to plug-in-hybrid-only 4xe power, and a 30th Anniversary 4xe special edition joins the range. Limited gains a standard 10.1-inch touchscreen with navigation.
2022New generation
The redesigned two-row WL model and first 4xe plug-in hybrid join the three-row Grand Cherokee L. A limited number of outgoing WK models continue as the Grand Cherokee WK.
2021New generation
The new WL-based Grand Cherokee L introduces the model's first third row, a new platform and a more modern cabin. The older two-row WK2 remains on sale alongside it.
4th Generation — WK2 (2011–2021)
The WK2 redesign brought a more upscale cabin, more passenger and cargo room, independent front and rear suspension and a new standard 3.6-liter V6. Its major 2014 refresh added revised styling, newer screens and a standard eight-speed automatic. The two-row WK2 overlapped with the new WL-based Grand Cherokee L in 2021.
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2020Trim changes
Advanced driver-assistance features reach the base Laredo, while Limited and Trailhawk gain standard single-pane sunroofs.
2019Trim changes
Limited X joins the lineup. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert become standard on every trim, and Limited and higher trims gain a standard 8.4-inch navigation touchscreen.
2018Trim changes
Trackhawk and Limited Sterling Edition join the range, while High Altitude returns. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and newer touchscreens spread across the lineup.
2017Trim changes
Trailhawk returns as the off-road-focused model. A rearview camera and rear parking sensors become standard across the range, and Summit receives updated styling and added driver-assistance equipment.
2016Trim changes
75th Anniversary and SRT Night editions join the range. The 3.6-liter V6 gains more power and automatic stop/start, along with electric power steering and lighter suspension parts.
2015Trim changes
High Altitude appears late in the year, and SRT adds a Red Vapor special edition. Summit gains a quieter cabin and additional standard comfort features.
2014Mid-cycle update
Refreshed styling, a revised cabin and newer screens arrive, along with a standard eight-speed automatic. A diesel engine and the Summit top trim also join the range.
2013Trim changes
Trailhawk joins as a factory off-road model, while Alpine and Vapor limited editions join the SRT8 range. Engines and transmissions otherwise carry over.
2012Trim changes
SRT8 returns with a 6.4-liter V8 and road-focused performance tuning. The more richly equipped Overland Summit also joins the range.
2011New generation
The redesigned WK2 debuts with a new body, a more upscale and spacious cabin, independent suspension and a standard 3.6-liter V6.
3rd Generation — WK (2005–2010)
The WK generation ran from 2005 through 2010. Its final two years kept the same basic body and core off-road and towing focus, with an updated HEMI V8 for 2009 and a simplified lineup for 2010.
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2010Trim changes
Overland leaves the lineup, and the 4.7-liter V8 is dropped. Laredo, Limited and SRT8 remain for the WK generation's final year.
2009
The 5.7-liter HEMI V8 gains power and improved fuel economy. Limited, Overland and navigation-equipped models receive small cabin and connectivity updates.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Jeep Grand Cherokee have two or three rows?
It comes in both forms. The regular Grand Cherokee is a two-row SUV, while the longer Grand Cherokee L has three rows. Depending on the version, seating ranges from five to seven people.
What is the Jeep Grand Cherokee known for?
It is known for mixing everyday comfort with real towing and off-road ability. Compared with many family SUVs, it also puts more emphasis on an upscale cabin, useful technology and rough-weather capability.
Does the Jeep Grand Cherokee come as a hybrid?
Yes. The Grand Cherokee 4xe is a plug-in hybrid that joined the family for 2022. It appeared in several trim levels, and Trailhawk became a 4xe-only trim starting with the 2023 model year.
Does every Jeep Grand Cherokee have four-wheel drive?
No. Grand Cherokees have been sold with two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, depending on the year and trim. Some versions, including newer Overland and Trailhawk models, make four-wheel drive part of their core equipment.
Is the Jeep Grand Cherokee a good family SUV?
Yes, especially for families that also tow, take road trips or travel in rough weather. The regular body suits five-person households, while the longer Grand Cherokee L adds a third row for larger families.
How do the newer and older Jeep Grand Cherokee generations differ?
The 2011–2021 WK2 generation is a two-row SUV with a wide range of V6 and V8 models. The newer WL family began with the three-row Grand Cherokee L for 2021, followed by a redesigned two-row model and the 4xe plug-in hybrid for 2022.
How much can a Jeep Grand Cherokee tow?
Newer gas models are rated to tow up to 6,200 pounds. The actual limit varies by model year, engine, drivetrain and equipment, so the rating for the exact used vehicle matters.
Jeep Grand Cherokee Reviews
What owners are saying about the Jeep Grand Cherokee.
“It handles very well in bad weather. It will carry 4 adults and their luggage very comfortably. It gets reasonable fuel economy.”
“This is our 5 Jeep all bodies stayed in great shape little to no rust all engine over 150,000 miles great for Michigan winters living out in the country where our roads are last to be plowed. Great towing power. It's a Jeep thing!!!”
“Had I known about the diesel offering for the Grand Cherokee, I probably would have bought that model. Just didn't realize till after the fact”
“I've owned 5 vehicles prior to the Jeep and the Jeep is my favorite! It rides so smoothly and tows our 27 foot camper beautifully!”
“love the way it drives, it's very smooth and fast. Feels like I'm driving a sedan and not a SUV”
Sources
- jeep.com — 2026 / Grand Cherokee
- jeep.com — News / Preview 2026 Grand Cherokee
- jeep.com — 2026 / Grand Cherokee / Design
- jeep.com — 2026 / Grand Cherokee / Technology
- jeep.com — 2026 / Grand Cherokee / Specs.Summit
- jeep.com — 2026 / Grand Cherokee / Specs.Limited
- jeep.com — 2026 / Grand Cherokee / Specs.Limited Reserve
- jeep.com — 2026 / Grand Cherokee / Specs.Laredo Altitude
- jeep.com — 2025 / Grand Cherokee
- jeep.com — 2025 / Grand Cherokee / Grand Cherokee 4Xe
- jeep.com — 2025 / Grand Cherokee / Specs.Laredo A
- jeep.com — 2025 / Grand Cherokee / Specs.Laredo X