Ah, one of the most-asked questions when it comes to Jeep's lineup. Is the Grand Cherokee just more luxurious? Are they the same size? Is the Grand Cherokee the same as the Cherokee? If you've been asking about the difference between the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Cherokee, you're not alone. That's why we're here to break down the differences between these two popular Jeep SUVs.

What's The Main Difference Between The Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Jeep Cherokee?

A very simplified answer would be: The Jeep Grand Cherokee is larger and more powerful than the Cherokee, and has more luxury and off-roading options. 

But there's a lot more to it than that. So if you're interested to know what the other major differences there are between the Grand Cherokee and Cherokee, and want to know which of these great Jeep SUVs would best fit your needs, read on to see our comparison.

Major Differences Between Jeep Grand Cherokee & Jeep Cherokee

Size

As mentioned above, the first difference that most Greer, SC shoppers will notice between the Cherokee and Grand Cherokee is their size. The Grand Cherokee is a larger midsize SUV, and normally comes with more powerful engines to match. Meanwhile, the Jeep Cherokee is a compact crossover designed to combine the efficiency of a smaller vehicle with much of the utility of larger SUVs.

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Benson Chrysler Dodge Jeep

415 W Wade Hampton Blvd
Directions Greer, SC 29650-1538

  • Sales: 864-877-0161
  • Service: (864) 877-1291
  • Parts: (864) 877-0791

Engines

When it comes to engines, the Jeep Grand Cherokee offers everything from the practical & powerful, to absolute peak of V8 performance. The base engine on the Grand Cherokee is a 3.6l V6 at 295 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, which can be upgraded to three different V8 options. The 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee also has an available 3.0l turbodiesel engine. At the very top of the range is the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk, powered by a screaming 707-horsepower turbo V8.


Meanwhile, the Jeep Cherokee has more efficient, sporty options. But that's not to say it lacks power. The base engine is a 2.4l four-cylinder that produces 180 horsepower and 171 lb-ft of torque, and there are two upgrades available. One is a 3.2l V6 at 271 horsepower and 239 lb-ft of torque, while the newly released engine for 2019 is a 2.0l turbo producing 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. This new turbo engine has been very popular on the Jeep Cherokee, as it nearly matches the power of the V6, while adding torque and using less fuel.

Engine Winner: Jeep Grand Cherokee

As you can see, the Jeep Grand Cherokee offers more powerful engines across the range. So if you're looking for greater power and performance, in addition to a larger interior, the Grand Cherokee would be the better option for you. But for Greer, SC residents shopping for a more compact SUV that still has a strong engine lineup, the Jeep Cherokee is one of the leaders in its class.

Now, let's take a look at some of the key features that have made South Carolina owners fall in love with the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Cherokee.


Grand Cherokee vs Cherokee - Interior Luxury & Off-Road Performance

Jeep has long been synonymous with unparalleled off-road performance, but their current lineup of SUVs are some of the best-driving vehicles on the road. That's due to refinement of their ride quality, as well as long feature lists on both the Grand Cherokee and Cherokee.

Interior Aesthetics and Technology

The Grand Cherokee offers a larger, more luxurious interior than the smaller Cherokee, but they both have plenty of comfort features inside. Both come standard with Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, and Jeep's praised Uconnect system. As you move up in trim levels, the Jeep Grand Cherokee will offer additional features included in each trim compared to the Cherokee. This culminates in the Grand Cherokee Summit, which has 20-inch polished wheels, upgraded leather, Harmon Kardon sound system, self-parking, active noise cancellation, and plenty of advanced safety features.

Meanwhile, the Jeep Cherokee offers many of the same features as the Grand Cherokee, but some are only options on the top trim. Greer, SC shoppers looking for the ultimate in luxury from Jeep will love the sumptuous interior of the Grand Cherokee. However, the Jeep Cherokee's interior is also much more luxurious than many competitors. Speaking of comparisons, let's look at the Cherokee & Grand Cherokee's off-road capabilities.

Jeep Grand Cherokee vs Cherokee - Trailhawk Features

The Trailhawk trim is an iconic Jeep feature, bringing advanced off-road equipment to their entire lineup (for Wrangler it's the Rubicon trim). However, the Grand Cherokee Trailhawk has some different features from the Cherokee Trailhawk. As you might guess from the Grand Cherokee being larger and more powerful, its version of the Trailhawk offers some more rugged features for the peak of off-road performance.


The Grand Cherokee Trailhawk's off-road features include off-road tires, 4WD, and Jeep's Quadra-Trac II & Quadra-Drive II systems. These combine low-range gearing, an electronically locking rear differential, and terrain-selectable traction control. Greer owners also get an adjustable air suspension with off-road tuning, hill ascent & descent control, skid plates, tow hooks, and an upgraded driver display with off-road specific information.

When it comes to off-roading, this is the complete package. Plus, you get all the luxury features of the Grand Cherokee Limited, including leather interior, remote start, auto-dimming mirrors, power liftgate, power front seats with driver memory, household-style outlet, and heated steering wheel, front, & rear seats.


While that's hard to beat, the Jeep Cherokee also offers a trail-rated Trailhawk trim. Standard equipment includes an advanced AWD system called Active Drive II with Active Drive Lock, all-terrain tires, increased ground clearance, off-road suspension tuning, locking rear differential, hill ascent & descent control, skid plates, tow hooks, and cloth & leather seats. Compared to any other SUV or crossover in its class, there's no competition. The Cherokee is supremely capable off-road, and Greer, SC owners headed to camp will almost surely be satisfied with the Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk's performance.


Compare Jeep Grand Cherokee vs Jeep Cherokee in Greer, SC

If you came here wondering about the difference between the Jeep Grand Cherokee vs Jeep Cherokee, we hope this overview has helped highlight some of the differences and similarities between the two popular SUVs. While the larger, more powerful Grand Cherokee has long been the flagship of Jeep's SUV lineup, the popular Cherokee has helped define the crossover segment and pushed the bounds of what's possible for a compact SUV.

If you are considering either the Grand Cherokee or Jeep Cherokee, or just want to compare the two side by side, there's no better place to do it than at Benson CDJ in Greer, SC. We have dozens of each model available at our local dealership, offering folks near Greer a wide selection of trim levels, features, colors, and more. Come to Benson CDJ in Greer, SC, and experience two of the most iconic SUVs for yourself. Our friendly staff is here to answer your questions at Google's #1-rated Jeep dealer.

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Hours

  • Monday 09:00AM - 08:00PM
  • Tuesday 09:00AM - 08:00PM
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  • Thursday 09:00AM - 08:00PM
  • Friday 09:00AM - 08:00PM
  • Saturday 09:00AM - 07:00PM
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