Road Test: 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit
Story Jordan Allan, photos courtesy of FCA Canada
Specifications:
Price: $39,179 (MSRP)
Price as tested: $58,007
Engine: 3.6L DOHC 24-valve Pentastar V6
Trans: 8-speed auto
Power: 295 hp@ 6,400 rpm
Torque: 260 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
Curb Weight: 5,000 lbs./ 2,268 kg
Fuel Consumption: (L/100km – City/Hwy) 9.6/12.7
New for 2020: Not a whole lot changes for the Grand Cherokee in 2020 save for some new options and standard equipment available on different models.
Segment Competitors: Ford Explorer, Dodge Durango, Ford Edge, Toyota Highlander, Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, Toyota Highlander, Nissan Pathfinder, Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento, Honda Passport, Mazda CX-9, Volkswagen Atlas
The Skinny: One of Jeep’s biggest selling points is the versatility and capability each and every one of their vehicles have, and the 2020 version of the Grand Cherokee is no exception. Still sticking to the same generation that was introduced back in 2011, the Grand Cherokee enters 2020 perhaps a little long in the tooth, but if you’ve driven one you can clearly see Jeep is sticking with the ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ mantra as it continues to perform as good or better than its competitors.
The Grand Cherokee’s looks have aged extremely well and it remains one of the best looking mid-size SUVs out there despite constant upgrades to its competition. Sure some will say that the interior could use some upgrades, but it still has all the most recent amenities you’d expect and offers a functional design that is easy to figure out.
The Grand Cherokee is offered in a wide variety of trims so it has the ability to appeal to just about everyone evidenced perfectly by the contrast between the Trailhawk off-road oriented model and the fire-breathing 707 horsepower Trackhawk model. Somewhere in between that fell my Summit tester model, which is perhaps the most luxurious and upscale offering in the Grand Cherokee lineup.
The Grand Cherokee drives as good as ever and even offers different engine options within the different trims which allows customers to find the one that suits them the best. The diesel option is no longer available, but there are two available HEMI V8 engines, the aforementioned 707 horsepower 6.2L Supercharged V8 and the base 3.6L Pentastar V6 option found in my test model. Though it obviously lacks that V8 power, the V6 provides nearly 300 horsepower which is more than enough and will even save you some money at the gas pump.
Visibility from the captain’s chair is great and the Grand Cherokee is truly one of those vehicles that feel bigger than they actually are. The back seat has ample room for both children and adults while the large cargo area should be more than enough for a family camping trip or to provide shuttle service to beer league hockey with room for all the gear.
Pros: I know it’s been relatively the same since 2011, but there is just something about the exterior design of the Grand Cherokee that has always done it for me. When it comes time to introduce a new model, the FCA designs have a high standard to live up to.
Cons: If I have to ride something here, I guess it would be that some may find the ride a bit harsh when compared to some of its competitors, however this didn’t bother me one bit.
The Verdict: The Grand Cherokee can truly consider itself one of the first popular SUVs and has done more than enough to keep itself relevant ever since its introduction back in 1993. Today it is one of the most versatile SUVs out there with a trim level that would suit just about everyone’s needs and preferences. Though it can get a bit pricey when you start selecting multiple options (which vehicle can’t) it remains a good value and would be at or near the top of my list of SUVs to buy.
