You don’t have to be looking for an off-road beast to hit the trails with an awesome used vehicle.
The Jeep
Grand Cherokee is a comfortable SUV with modern luxury. But not all model years are created equal. Jerry
, the car ownership super app
, spills the tea about the best year for Jeep Grand Cherokee.Best year for Jeep Grand Cherokee: Used
While it may seem like a good idea to buy a first- or second-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee, the inevitable repairs can cost you more than you’d ever save by buying a used SUV.
“If you are going to buy a Jeep Grand Cherokee, consider buying model years 2005 and newer,” MotorBiscuit
tells us. The fourth-generation Cherokees offer the most luxury out of all the model years and have undergone numerous updates since 2011. The Cherokee makes an awesome off-roading vehicle as its trail-rated and its high ground clearance allows drivers to tackle any rough terrain. The SUV also stands up to competition like the Nissan Xterra and the Toyota Highlander.
Unfortunately, each generation has been issued a recall from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, so make sure to fully investigate the model year you’re interested in.
If you see a 2011 model, just walk away…slowly. The SUV has the most complaints by far and is known for issues with its electrical systems, engine, and interior accessories. We also don’t recommend
the 2014 or 2015 model year. The most reliable models tend to be from 2016 or later. According to MotorBiscuit, “Though most model years only earned a three out of five reliability rating, model years prior to 2016 earned much lower ratings from Consumer Reports.”
The Cherokee may not be as reliable as a rough and rugged Toyota 4Runner, but it’s still an awesome choice for those seeking upscale vibes on their off-road adventures. Other drivers prefer the Land Rover Discovery with its lavish standard features and off-road prowess, but it too has reliability issues.
An overall best year for Jeep Grand Cherokee: 2010
Marking the last of the third generation of WK Grand Cherokees, the 2010 model year outshines the rest. The second generation’s 4.0-liter straight-6 engine was replaced by a 3.7-liter V6 engine to meet strict emissions standards. According to HotCars
, “While the 4WD system was improved in this generation, the third generation was marketed as more of an on-road vehicle.” An independent double-wishbone layout was added, which allowed the Jeep to take bumps in stride. The 2010 Grand Cherokee isn’t made to be a track warrior, but since it features fewer electrics, it has fewer problems. By opting for the 2010 model instead of 2011, you’ll avoid electrical issues involving fuel pumps, lights, ETC, and power windows.
The 2010 model also benefited from common problems having already been fixed from the 2005 to 2009 models. We’d take five recalls and 106 complaints about the thousands from the 2011 and 2014 model years any day.
While looking for used cars with low mileage makes sense, it’s never been much of an issue with the 2010 Grand Cherokee. Built to last, “with basic maintenance and maybe a little mechanical know-how, the last of the third generation Grand Cherokees can easily pass 200,000 miles,” HotCars notes.
But don’t get it twisted. While the 2010 Jeep Cherokee may not be as luxurious or as rugged as later generations, it’s not under-equipped by any means. Did we mention the rear seat has a DVD player?
If you’re on a budget and don’t want excessive technology to get in the way of your adventurous ride, you can easily find an awesome 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee for under $10,000.
Insuring your Jeep Grand Cherokee
Even if you choose the very best year for Jeep Grand Cherokee, your off-roader will need protection out on the open road. Did you know most Americans overpay for their monthly policy and don’t even know it?
If you’d rather leave the hard work of gathering quotes to someone else, download the Jerry
super app. Jerry collects quotes from 50+ top insurance companies, like Allstate, Nationwide, and Progressive. Jerry will even help cancel your old policy once you’ve made your pick. The average Jerry driver saves over $800 a year. 
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