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2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee

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Overview

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2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 7.8

As Chrysler's 2011 Rookie of the Year, Jeep's 2012 Grand Cherokee enters its sophomore season with minor enhancements (improved fuel economy, revised automatic transmission for V8 models) added to what in 2011 was an all-new architecture. And this all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee did for the segment what many manufacturers have – with their redesigns – refused to do: retain real off-road capability while improving on-road dynamics, interior comfort and overall refinement. Helped in no small way by an all-new V6 as standard equipment, 2012 sees the bar raised an equal amount on the upper end of the Grand Cherokee ladder with an all-new SRT8, the brand's performance halo. This is the bigger/badder variant of what is already a very responsive platform.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you envision using your SUV for both "sport" and "utility," the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee is tough to beat. In the Snowbelt Jeep's three 4WD systems provide needed security through all four seasons, while the Grand Cherokee's 2WD system and its rear-wheel-drive (RWD) architecture provide a balance of handling and traction not (typically) available in front-wheel-drive crossovers.

You May Not Like This Car If...

To create a platform with both on- and off-road capability, there are inevitably some compromises of interior room and accommodation. And while the Grand Cherokee's wheelbase stretch for 2011 created significantly more room for rear-seat passengers, this remains a 2-row SUV, more tightly drawn than many car-based competitors in the same price category. In short, if "room" is more important than "roam," there may be better choices available to you.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

7.8
Driving Dynamics

7.8
Comfort & Convenience

8.0
Design: Interior & Exterior

7.8
Value

6.4
Safety

8.0

How It Ranks

#45

out of 52

MPG

#3

out of 52

Horsepower

View all rankings

Consumer Rating

9.0 out of 10

View all
consumer ratings

2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Low/wide front photo

What's New for 2012

Given the very big changes made in 2011, this is a year of tweaking a "still new" redesign. V6 models receive an electrohydraulic power steering system, while the V8's automatic transmission now provides six speeds when shifted in manual mode. And the HEMI-equipped SRT8 is revived, with 6.4 liters and 470 horsepower of urge.

Driving the Grand Cherokee

2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Front angle view photo

Driving Impressions At its price point the new-for-2011 Grand Cherokee was one of the most capable on- and off-roaders available. The key is adaptation of an all-independent suspension for enhanced on-road composure...

and comfort, while not compromising its prowess when the pavement becomes unpaved. And for those with a real penchant for the "road less traveled," Jeep's available Quadra-Lift air suspension (4x4 only) impresses with its ability to clear large objects off-road, while hunkering down beneath the turbulent air at higher on-road speeds. Of course, while giving the chassis and suspension its appropriate due, we shouldn't forget powertrains. The new V6 (2011) is a huge improvement over the previous 3.8-liter lump, the HEMI has recently gained improved efficiency with its fuel-saving, multi-displacement technology, and the SRT8's 6.4 liter can give Porsche's Cayenne a credible run for its money. Finally, the Grand Cherokee's power-assisted steering feels better connected to the wheels, and the wheels – via careful attention to spring and shock rates – feel better connected to the road.

Favorite Features

Quadra-Lift Air Suspension
Available on 4WD models only, the Quadra-Lift option allows Jeep enthusiasts to join the rarefied "air" of Land Rover and Range Rover customers with adjustable ride height fully compatible with virtually any road or off-road condition. What is described as "normal ride height" provides just over eight inches of clearance for improved fuel economy via enhanced aerodynamics. If you're venturing off-road, you can adjust the clearance upward by 1.3 or 2.6 inches, while, if parked you can lower the vehicle 1.5 inches. The lower figure, of course, eases passenger loading and unloading.

Overland Summit New Saddle leather
In between tax hikes, the design team at Jeep has thrown a bone to the nation's off-roading affluent with the best reason yet to opt for "natural" hide. The leather for the Overland Summit seemingly covers everything in the interior of this grandest Grand Cherokee except the windshield. While wishing they wouldn't spell the model designation out on the seat itself, those popping for the top trim will be rewarded with each and every drive.

2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Details

2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

In its redesign of the Grand Cherokee for 2011, the Chrysler design team executed what can only be called a seismic shift in both design and material selection. In its previous generation (2006 through 2010) the Grand Cherokee was notable for hard plastics and, to a lesser extent, hard seating. Further, the rear seat was short on legroom and difficult to access. With a longer wheelbase the rear seat is made much more accessible, and once inside you'll enjoy expanded use of soft materials, real wood trim (in upscale variants) and a much more concerted effort to make the driver and passenger experience everything you'd want in a luxury SUV. This is without – of course – the penalty of a luxury price. Today's Grand Cherokee can now credibly play on a global stage, regardless of whether that stage is asphalt or rock.

Exterior

There's a unity to the new Grand Cherokee sheet metal that we haven't seen since its initial launch two decades ago. To be sure, the familiar cues – 7-slot grille, hexagonal wheel arches and minimal front and rear overhangs – remain, but the whole now comprises various elements much better integrated than before. And visual upgrades in all trim levels, from base Laredo to Overland Summit, result in a 2012 Grand Cherokee family looking decidedly more upscale than previous generations. We especially like the wheel-and-tire fitments, in combination with shortened overhangs; even the Laredo's standard 17-inch alloys fill the wheel wells in a capable, off-road-worthy fashion.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

Despite a modest base price of around $28K (2WD), the 2012 Grand Cherokee comes with dual-zone A/C, rear liftgate "flipper" glass, remote key fobs, Jeep's Media Center 130 AM/FM/CD radio, leather-wrapped steering wheel and 17-inch alloy wheels. Those placing a premium on active safety will enjoy standard ESC (electronic stability control), electronic roll mitigation and ABS. And interested consumers should note that in combination with a slight decrease in base window sticker (for 2012) comes a realignment of standard equipment and optional extras.

Optional Equipment

For those wanting to keep the MSRP low and the appearance of their new Grand Cherokee up(scale), the Laredo X should check most boxes, as it provides a number of enhancements – cosmetic and functional – not available on the base Laredo. And for those wanting to enhance the Jeep experience even further, a number of chassis improvements will do just that, beginning with Quadra-Drive II (includes 2-speed transfer case and Hill Descent Control), Quadra-Lift Air Suspension (adjustable ride height for both off-road adventure and on-road composure) and Selec-Terrain. Selec-Terrain is Jeep's electronic take on all-season capability, allowing for five traction control settings: Automatic, Sport, Snow, Sand/Mud and Rock.

Under the Hood

With the reintroduction of the Grand Cherokee SRT8, the Jeep customer can enjoy a veritable "holy trinity" of exciting powertrains. The standard 3.6 liter approaches V8-like horsepower and torque levels, while admitting that even when connected to the 2WD platform it has a great deal of mass to motivate. The 5.7-liter HEMI benefits from multi-displacement technology; based on need, the HEMI will operate on all eight cylinders or with reduced demand, only four. And with the increased displacement, horsepower and torque of the HEMI, owners can enjoy an enhanced towing capability (7,400 pounds versus 5,000 pounds in the V6). The SRT8's 6.4 liters and 470 horsepower bring new life, and a nationwide network of dealers, to the hyper-performance SUV segment.

3.6-liter V6
290 horsepower @ 6,400 rpm
260 lb-ft of torque @ 4,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/23 (2WD), 16/23 (4WD)

5.7-liter V8
360 horsepower @ 5,150 rpm
390 lb-ft of torque @ 4,250 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/20 (2WD), 13/20 (4WD)

6.4-liter V8
470 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
465 lb-ft of torque @ 4,300 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 12/18 (4WD)

Pricing Notes

Like many vehicles in what is now broadly described as the SUV segment, a Grand Cherokee can command as much money as you're inclined to spend; the option sheet won't stop you. As noted earlier, a realignment of standard equipment on the base Laredo has resulted in an actual price reduction; it now starts at approximately $28K with destination. After that, the sky (BIG SKY) is the limit; the Laredo X 4x4 with typical amenities will run around $38K, the luxuriously outfitted Overland Summit 4x4 starts under $48K, and the reconfigured SRT8 will cost you over $60,000. In most parts of the country you can lease a base Laredo for around $300 per month. And if buying, be sure to check the KBB Fair Purchase Price to see what the Jeep Grand Cherokee is selling for in your area. While Jeep's Grand Cherokee is projected to hold higher resale value than previous generations, it remains an SUV whose resale values remain subject to fuel prices and availability. And Jeeps historically fall short in return on investment when compared to SUVs from Acura (at the high end), GMC or Honda.

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2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.0

Out of 10

Based on 159 Ratings for the 2011 - 2014 models.

Review this car

Value

9.0/10

Quality

9.1/10
Reliability

9.1/10

Performance

9.1/10
Comfort

9.3/10

Styling

9.3/10

Not a happy customer

By New2Jeep (TN) on Wednesday, May 22, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 500

10 1.0

overall rating 1 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 1/10
Value: 2/10
Reliability: 1/10
Quality: 1/10
Performance: 1/10
Styling: 1/10
Comfort: 2/10

Pros: "Stylish look interior and exterior"

Cons: "Not reliable, broken down, parts not on hand"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"Purchased a 2014 Jeep Overland end of April and didn't have it a full 30 days before it was in the shop. I loved the looks and the way the SUV drove when originally purchased. However the UConnect screen has locked up, blacked out and froze. One time it froze and wouldn't let me change the volume of the stereo even w/ the knob below screen. These glitches came and went but now Jeep is in the shop bc the whole panel touch screen as well as dash screen flashed errors. It also appears that the parts are not in stock and will take weeks to repair. I'm hoping their resolution will be a final fix but it doesn't sound like it will. All in all I'm not happy with my purchase. This is not reliable and with any new car you expect reliability. I think they rolled out the 2014's before they should have."

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Could be best vehicle ever

By New GC Jeep (AL) on Tuesday, May 14, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 575

10 1.0

overall rating 1 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 1/10
Value: 7/10
Reliability: 1/10
Quality: 1/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Loved the way the car drove"

Cons: "Can't drive it if it's broke. Too dangerous."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"After owning five Fords, decided to try a 2014 Jeep Overland. Bought on Friday and took it back on Monday. Got it back a week later and took it back a week later and haven't seen it again. Issues: GPS screen goes blank, GPS screen gets distorted, GPS nav doesn't talk, side car alarm sounds and won't shut off, radio won't turn down or up just stays at the same volume....and the list goes on. Now, if I pull over, cut car off and re-crank, it will sometimes reset everything and work sometimes. Jeep dealer did a USB software glitch update first time I brought it in. Second time they said they were going to have to replace entire system. They've had it this time almost two weeks. Told us today there isn't one sitting on a shelf that they can get and they can't tell us when it will ever be fixed. So it has sat in their garage more than mine. They say the 2013 models don't have this issue. It's only the 2014 models. What I don't understand is why they are still advertising and selling them I'f they know there is a computer glitch."

5 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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Could be best vehicle ever

By New GC Jeep (AL) on Tuesday, May 14, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 575

10 1.0

overall rating 1 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 1/10
Value: 7/10
Reliability: 1/10
Quality: 1/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Loved the way the car drove"

Cons: "Can't drive it if it's broke. Too dangerous."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

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Awesome vehicle until mechanical issues

By MIke (CT) on Monday, May 13, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 700

10 2.0

overall rating 2 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 2/10
Value: 5/10
Reliability: 1/10
Quality: 1/10
Performance: 2/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"I was so excited to get my 2014 Grand Cherokee limited. When I picked it up, it was great. It drove very well - I stayed with the V6 rather than upgrading. It was comfortable, and just all around everything I hoped. The Tech features are very cool, they take a little time to become familiar with all of the options though. After a few days of driving it, I was on the highway when it had an issue. First the instrument cluster stopped working, then it would not accelerate. The engine whined pretty loudly, then the whole car shut down, and I coasted for a few second. It came back on, and accelerated quickly. Luckily, there was nobody right in front of me. As of today, the Grand Cherokee is in the shop for the third time, all similar issues. The dealer has tried replacing the catalytic converter and the oxygen sensors... I'll see what they come up with this time. Chrysler's customer service so far has not been much help at all."

8 people out of 11 found this review helpful

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Not golfer friendly

By Die heart golfer (WI) on Monday, May 13, 2013

I want this car

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: Not Rated
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 6/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Comfi"

Cons: "Not golfer friendly"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"Golf clubs and golf bag are not flexible. We were able to lay the clubs sideway in ur older model.now,why don't u keep the trunk wide enough for golf clubs sideway? Glad it has only two rows of chairs. Not many drives need to haul more than foursome at a time."

6 people out of 8 found this review helpful

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Impressive, reassuring set of wheels!

By The Hookster (Canada) on Thursday, May 09, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 300

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 6/10
Reliability: Not Rated
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Truely amazing ride and performance."

Cons: "Sticker price is a tad high for base model"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I love the ride of this wonderful 2014 Grand Cherokee (8 speed trans is fantastic), and getting 500 clicks (300 miles for our friends down south) on half of the tank's first fill up, is nice to see. I'm really looking forward to experiencing it's "reason for being" come winter time, when Mr. Blizzard comes for yet another visit to southern Alberta. Folks, this is one sweet ride...and I only bought the basic version!($39,995.00 up here). It's my first Jeep and I would recommend this puppy to anyone. Nice work Jeep!!"

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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See all 159 reviews