Cherokee versus Grand Cherokee
The Jeep Cherokee and Jeep Grand Cherokee share unmistakable Jeep DNA, but they approach the SUV formula from different directions. Cherokee combines a standard hybrid powertrain with standard 4x4 and excellent fuel economy, while Grand Cherokee offers substantially more power, greater towing capability, additional cargo room and a wider range of available luxury and off-road equipment.
At Cole Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram FIAT in San Luis Obispo, we created this side-by-side comparison to make it easier to determine which Jeep SUV fits your driving needs.
Jeep Cherokee vs. Grand Cherokee: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Jeep Cherokee | Jeep Grand Cherokee |
|---|---|---|
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers | 5 passengers |
| Powertrain | 1.6L Turbo Hybrid | 3.6L Pentastar® V6 or available 2.0L Hurricane 4 Turbo |
| Horsepower | 210 hp | 293 hp V6 / 324 hp Hurricane |
| Torque | 230 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft V6 / 332 lb-ft Hurricane |
| Transmission | Electronically controlled continuously variable transmission | 8-speed automatic / Gen IV automatic with Hurricane |
| Drivetrain | Jeep Active Drive I 4x4 standard | 4x2 or available 4x4 |
| Fuel Economy | 39 city / 35 highway / 37 combined mpg | Up to 21 city / 27 highway mpg |
| Estimated Driving Range | More than 500 miles | Up to 529 miles with Hurricane |
| Maximum Towing Capacity | 3,500 lbs | 6,200 lbs |
| Ground Clearance | 8.0 inches | 8.4 inches standard / up to 10.9 inches with Quadra-Lift® |
| Cargo Space Behind Rear Seat | 33.6 cu. ft. | 37.7 cu. ft. |
| Maximum Cargo Space | 68.3 cu. ft. | 70.8 cu. ft. |
| Center Touchscreen | 12.3-inch Uconnect® | 12.3-inch Uconnect® 5 NAV |
| Digital Gauge Cluster | 10.25 inches | 10.25 inches |
| Best Suited For | Hybrid efficiency, commuting, maneuverability and standard 4x4 | Power, towing, cargo space, luxury and expanded off-road capability |
The comparison reveals two very different strengths. Cherokee delivers substantially better fuel economy while making 4x4 standard. Grand Cherokee provides considerably more horsepower and torque, nearly doubles Cherokee's maximum towing capacity, offers more cargo room and can be equipped with a more advanced off-road suspension and 4x4 system.
Cherokee vs. Grand Cherokee Size and Cargo Space
Grand Cherokee is the larger of the two SUVs, but the difference is moderate enough that both remain practical five-passenger vehicles.
| Dimension | Jeep Cherokee | Jeep Grand Cherokee |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Length | 188.1 inches | 193.5 inches |
| Wheelbase | 113.0 inches | 116.7 inches |
| Ground Clearance | 8.0 inches | 8.4 inches standard / up to 10.9 inches available |
| Cargo Behind Second Row | 33.6 cu. ft. | 37.7 cu. ft. |
| Maximum Cargo Volume | 68.3 cu. ft. | 70.8 cu. ft. |
Grand Cherokee gives you approximately 4.1 additional cubic feet of cargo room behind the second row. Fold the rear seats and the difference becomes smaller, with Grand Cherokee offering 70.8 cubic feet compared with 68.3 cubic feet in Cherokee.
When Cherokee's Smaller Size Is an Advantage
Cherokee is about five inches shorter than Grand Cherokee. That can make it easier to maneuver through parking lots, garages and downtown streets while still offering nearly as much maximum cargo space with the rear seats folded.
For someone who doesn't need Grand Cherokee's additional towing capability or passenger room, Cherokee packages a substantial amount of usable space into a smaller footprint.
Cherokee vs. Grand Cherokee Engines and Performance
The powertrains represent one of the biggest differences between these two Jeep SUVs.
| Powertrain | Horsepower | Torque | Primary Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cherokee 1.6L Turbo Hybrid | 210 hp | 230 lb-ft | Fuel efficiency |
| Grand Cherokee 3.6L Pentastar® V6 | 293 hp | 260 lb-ft | Proven naturally aspirated power |
| Grand Cherokee 2.0L Hurricane 4 Turbo | 324 hp | 332 lb-ft | Power, torque and improved efficiency |
Cherokee 1.6L Turbo Hybrid
Every Cherokee uses a 1.6-liter turbocharged hybrid powertrain producing 210 horsepower and 230 lb-ft of torque.
Rather than maximizing horsepower, the Cherokee powertrain is designed to combine useful torque with excellent fuel economy. Because it is a conventional hybrid, you don't need to plug it in.
Grand Cherokee 3.6L Pentastar® V6
The Grand Cherokee's 3.6-liter Pentastar® V6 produces 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque.
The V6 is standard on Laredo and Laredo X and can tow up to 6,200 pounds when properly equipped.
Grand Cherokee 2.0L Hurricane 4 Turbo
The available 2.0-liter Hurricane 4 Turbo increases output to 324 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque.
That gives the Hurricane-powered Grand Cherokee 114 more horsepower and 102 more lb-ft of torque than Cherokee's hybrid system.
The Hurricane also retains the Grand Cherokee's maximum available 6,200-pound towing capacity.
Cherokee Has a Significant Fuel-Economy Advantage
If fuel economy is a major consideration, Cherokee makes a compelling case.
| Powertrain | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cherokee 1.6L Turbo Hybrid 4x4 | 39 mpg | 35 mpg | 37 mpg |
| Grand Cherokee 3.6L V6 | Up to 19 mpg | Up to 26 mpg | Approximately 22 mpg |
| Grand Cherokee 2.0L Hurricane | Up to 21 mpg | Up to 27 mpg | Up to 23 mpg |
Cherokee's estimated 37 mpg combined is roughly 61 percent higher than the Grand Cherokee Hurricane's 23 mpg combined figure.
For someone driving 15,000 miles per year, that difference can represent a meaningful reduction in annual fuel consumption.
This is particularly relevant for Central Coast drivers who regularly commute between San Luis Obispo, Arroyo Grande, Atascadero, Paso Robles, Morro Bay and surrounding communities.
Interesting Difference: Fuel Economy vs. Driving Range
Cherokee is much more fuel efficient, but Grand Cherokee's larger 23-gallon fuel tank allows the Hurricane-powered model to reach an estimated 529 miles of driving range.
Cherokee offers more than 500 miles of estimated range while using considerably less fuel to cover the distance.
Grand Cherokee Nearly Doubles Cherokee's Towing Capacity
| Model | Maximum Towing Capacity* |
|---|---|
| Jeep Cherokee | 3,500 lbs |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.6L V6 | 6,200 lbs |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee 2.0L Hurricane | 6,200 lbs |
Cherokee's 3,500-pound maximum towing capacity can accommodate many small utility trailers, lightweight campers, motorcycles, personal watercraft and other recreational equipment.
Grand Cherokee raises the ceiling to 6,200 pounds with either available engine when properly equipped.
That's a 2,700-pound increase in maximum towing capacity over Cherokee and makes Grand Cherokee substantially better suited to larger boats, travel trailers and recreational equipment.
Which Towing Rating Do You Actually Need?
If everything you expect to tow fits comfortably within Cherokee's 3,500-pound limit, the additional towing capacity of Grand Cherokee may not provide much practical benefit to you.
If your trailer is heavier—or you expect your towing needs to increase— Grand Cherokee provides considerably more capability and additional headroom.
Cherokee vs. Grand Cherokee 4x4 Capability
Both SUVs offer genuine Jeep capability, but they approach it differently.
Cherokee: Standard 4x4 on Every Model
Every Cherokee comes standard with Jeep Active Drive I 4x4 with rear-axle disconnect.
Cherokee also includes the Select-Terrain® Traction Management System with four driving modes:
- Auto
- Sport
- Snow
- Sand/Mud
Cherokee provides 8.0 inches of ground clearance, a 19.6-degree approach angle, 18.8-degree breakover angle and 29.4-degree departure angle.
Grand Cherokee: More Available Off-Road Hardware
Grand Cherokee can be configured with one of two advanced available 4x4 systems: Quadra-Trac I® or Quadra-Drive® II with a rear electronic limited-slip differential.
Its available Select-Terrain® system provides five drive modes:
- Auto
- Sport
- Rock
- Snow
- Mud/Sand
With its standard suspension, Grand Cherokee provides 8.4 inches of ground clearance.
The available Quadra-Lift® Air Suspension can increase ground clearance to 10.9 inches.
| Off-Road Specification | Cherokee | Grand Cherokee |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Ground Clearance | 8.0 in. | 8.4 in. |
| Maximum Available Ground Clearance | 8.0 in. | 10.9 in. |
| Standard Approach Angle | 19.6° | 20.5° |
| Available Approach Angle | 19.6° | 28.2° with Quadra-Lift® |
| Standard Breakover Angle | 18.8° | 19.1° |
| Available Breakover Angle | 18.8° | 24.0° with Quadra-Lift® |
| Departure Angle | 29.4° | 26.6° |
The Key 4x4 Difference
Cherokee's advantage is that 4x4 comes standard and doesn't require moving to a more expensive drivetrain configuration.
Grand Cherokee's advantage is its higher capability ceiling. Its available advanced 4x4 hardware and Quadra-Lift® suspension can provide significantly more ground clearance for drivers who intend to tackle more demanding terrain.
Cherokee vs. Grand Cherokee Technology
Both SUVs now provide a 12.3-inch Uconnect® center touchscreen and 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, so neither requires sacrificing screen size simply because you choose one vehicle over the other.
| Technology | Cherokee | Grand Cherokee |
|---|---|---|
| Center Touchscreen | 12.3-inch Uconnect® | 12.3-inch Uconnect® 5 NAV |
| Digital Instrument Cluster | 10.25 inches | 10.25 inches |
| Apple CarPlay® | Wireless support | Supported |
| Android Autoâ„¢ | Wireless compatibility | Supported |
| Head-Up Display | — | Available 10-inch full-color display |
| Front Passenger Interactive Display | — | Available |
| Digital Rearview Mirror | Available | Available |
| Wireless Phone Charging | Available | Available |
Cherokee's strength is how much technology is included as standard equipment. Every Cherokee receives its 12.3-inch touchscreen and 10.25-inch digital cluster.
Grand Cherokee adds a higher technology ceiling with available features such as a 10-inch Head-Up Display and Front Passenger Interactive Display.
Grand Cherokee Offers More Available Luxury
Cherokee can be equipped as a very comfortable SUV, including available ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, premium audio, hands-free power liftgate and 360-degree Surround View Camera.
Grand Cherokee takes the luxury side of the Jeep lineup further. Available equipment includes16-way power-adjustable front seats with memory and massage functionality , premium materials, advanced display technology and other upscale features.
For drivers who spend significant time on the highway or simply want their SUV to provide a more premium experience, this is one of Grand Cherokee's strongest advantages.
Need a Third Row? Consider Grand Cherokee L
Both Cherokee and the standard Grand Cherokee seat up to five passengers. If you need more seating, theGrand Cherokee L extends the Grand Cherokee platform to three rows.
Grand Cherokee L offers seating forup to seven passengers and as much as84.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the second and third rows folded.
| Jeep SUV | Seating | Primary Strength |
|---|---|---|
| Cherokee | Up to 5 | Hybrid efficiency and standard 4x4 |
| Grand Cherokee | Up to 5 | Power, towing, cargo space and luxury |
| Grand Cherokee L | Up to 7 | Three-row passenger capacity |
Should I Buy a Jeep Cherokee or Grand Cherokee?
| If Your Priority Is... | Start With... | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy | Cherokee | 37 mpg combined |
| Standard 4x4 | Cherokee | Jeep Active Drive I is standard |
| Smaller exterior dimensions | Cherokee | Approximately 5 inches shorter |
| Daily commuting | Cherokee | Hybrid efficiency and smaller footprint |
| Maximum horsepower | Grand Cherokee | Up to 324 hp |
| Maximum torque | Grand Cherokee | Up to 332 lb-ft |
| Maximum towing | Grand Cherokee | Up to 6,200 lbs |
| Cargo space | Grand Cherokee | 37.7 cu. ft. behind second row / 70.8 cu. ft. maximum |
| Maximum ground clearance | Grand Cherokee | Up to 10.9 inches with Quadra-Lift® |
| Premium features | Grand Cherokee | Higher available luxury and technology ceiling |
| Three-row seating | Grand Cherokee L | Available seating for up to 7 |
The Simplest Way to Choose
Choose Cherokee if your priorities center around fuel economy, standard 4x4, a smaller footprint and everyday practicality.
Choose Grand Cherokee if you place more importance on horsepower, torque, towing capacity, cargo space, available off-road hardware or luxury.
If you need seating for more than five people, the Grand Cherokee L adds a third row and seating for up to seven.
Compare Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee in San Luis Obispo, CA
The specifications show the differences, but sitting in and driving both vehicles is one of the easiest ways to decide which size and driving experience you prefer.
At Cole Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram FIAT in San Luis Obispo, we serve Jeep shoppers throughout California's Central Coast, includingSan Luis Obispo, Arroyo Grande, Pismo Beach, Grover Beach, Morro Bay, Atascadero and Paso Robles .
Compare Cherokee and Grand Cherokee at Cole Jeep
Explore our current Jeep inventory or contact our team to arrange a test drive. If both models are available, driving them back-to-back can make the differences in size, power and maneuverability much easier to appreciate.
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Jeep Cherokee vs. Grand Cherokee FAQs
What is the main difference between Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee?
Cherokee is a smaller five-passenger SUV with a standard hybrid powertrain and standard 4x4. Grand Cherokee is larger and offers more horsepower, torque, towing capacity, cargo space and available luxury and off-road equipment.
Which is bigger: Cherokee or Grand Cherokee?
Grand Cherokee is larger. It measures approximately 193.5 inches long compared with 188.1 inches for Cherokee and provides 37.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row compared with 33.6 cubic feet in Cherokee.
Which has more horsepower?
Grand Cherokee has substantially more available horsepower. Cherokee produces 210 horsepower, while Grand Cherokee produces 293 horsepower with the 3.6L Pentastar V6 or up to 324 horsepower with the 2.0L Hurricane 4 Turbo.
Which has more torque?
Cherokee produces 230 lb-ft of torque. Grand Cherokee produces 260 lb-ft with the 3.6L V6 or 332 lb-ft with the available 2.0L Hurricane 4 Turbo.
Which gets better gas mileage?
Cherokee has a substantial fuel-economy advantage. Its hybrid powertrain is estimated at 39 mpg city, 35 mpg highway and 37 mpg combined. Grand Cherokee reaches up to approximately 23 mpg combined with the available Hurricane engine.
Is Jeep Cherokee a hybrid?
Yes. Cherokee uses a 1.6-liter turbocharged hybrid powertrain producing 210 horsepower and 230 lb-ft of torque. It is a conventional hybrid and does not need to be plugged in.
Does Jeep Cherokee come standard with 4x4?
Yes. Jeep Active Drive I 4x4 is standard across the Cherokee lineup.
Which can tow more?
Grand Cherokee can tow up to 6,200 pounds when properly equipped. Cherokee can tow up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped.
Which has more cargo space?
Grand Cherokee provides 37.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and up to 70.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Cherokee provides 33.6 cubic feet behind the second row and up to 68.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.
Which has more ground clearance?
Cherokee provides 8.0 inches of ground clearance. Grand Cherokee provides 8.4 inches with its standard suspension and up to 10.9 inches when equipped with the available Quadra-Lift Air Suspension.
Does Grand Cherokee have three rows?
The standard Grand Cherokee is a two-row, five-passenger SUV. Grand Cherokee L adds a third row and offers seating for up to seven passengers.
Where can I compare Cherokee and Grand Cherokee in San Luis Obispo?
Cole Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram FIAT in San Luis Obispo offers new Jeep SUVs and serves shoppers throughout San Luis Obispo County and California's Central Coast. View current Jeep inventory.