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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Overview

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2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 7.7

It's not much of a stretch to declare the 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee the finest version ever to wear the storied nameplate. Designed during the reign of Mercedes-Benz over Chrysler, the 2013 Grand Cherokee enjoys the benefits of this short-lived marriage by borrowing parts of the M-Class platform. The result is a vehicle so rigid and tight that it makes older Grand Cherokees feel like centuries-old rickshaws. A stunning interior bolstered by cutting-edge infotainment and electronics systems awaits the lucky occupants while, underneath, Jeep's legendary 4-wheel-drive (4WD) systems prove the Grand Cherokee hasn't gone weak when it comes to its off-road capabilities. Along with the Laredo, Limited and Overland trims, there is a new Trailhawk model, as well as the performance-oriented, 4WD-only SRT8.

You'll Like This Car If...

Whether you require the tenacious traction afforded by the Grand Cherokee's three available 4WD systems, or just the controlled balance and handling of the 2WD version, both come wrapped in a solid package with the highest quality materials yet placed in a Jeep.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If room for seven or fuel economy better than 23 mpg top your demands, the 2013 Grand Cherokee won't pass muster. Those looking to keep the price south of $30K may be in for sticker shock once more desirable options are added.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

7.7
Driving Dynamics

7.7
Comfort & Convenience

7.9
Design: Interior & Exterior

7.7
Value

6.3
Safety

7.9

How It Ranks

#33

out of 36

MPG

#2

out of 37

Horsepower

View all rankings

Consumer Rating

8.9 out of 10

View all
consumer ratings

2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee Low/wide front photo

What's New for 2013

For 2013, the Overland Summit models gain Front Park Assist, power-folding mirrors, headlamp washers and a new black Nappa leather interior option. Also new is the Trailhawk model that includes the Select-Terrain system, Quadra-Lift air suspension, Goodyear Silent Armor off-road tires and rock-rail body protection.

Driving the Grand Cherokee

2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee Front angle view photo

Driving Impressions The Jeep Grand Cherokee's impressive on- and off-road driving dynamics come courtesy of its all-independent suspension. This setup allows a smooth on-road driving experience, yet possesses enough travel to make...

quick work of difficult off-road obstacles. Add to the mix Jeep's Quadra-Lift air suspension (4WD models only) and the performance only gets better. Quadra-Lift gives a greater ability to overtake large objects (like rocks) or to ride lower at high speeds, creating more stable handling. As for power, all three of the Grand Cherokee's available engines don't disappoint, from the fuel-efficient yet powerful Pentastar V6, to the stump-pulling 5.7-liter HEMI V8, to the SRT8's audacious 470-horsepower HEMI V8. The Grand Cherokee's power-assisted steering feels better connected to the wheels and, with careful attention to springs and shock absorbers, the wheels feel better connected to the road.

Favorite Features

QUADRA-LIFT AIR SUSPENSION
Available on 4WD models only, the Quadra-Lift option allows Jeep enthusiasts an adjustable ride height fully compatible with virtually any on- or off-road condition. If you're venturing off-road, you can adjust the clearance upward by either 1.3 or 2.6 inches while, if parked, you can lower the vehicle 1.5 inches.

OVERLAND SUMMIT SADDLE LEATHER INTERIOR
The leather for the Overland Summit seemingly covers everything in the interior of this grandest Grand Cherokee except the windshield. While wishing the designers hadn't spelled out the model designation on the seat itself, buyers choosing the top trim level will be rewarded on each and every drive.

2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee Details

2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

In designing the Grand Cherokee for 2013, Jeep has executed what can only be called a seismic shift in both design and material selection from previous models. Gone are the cheap fabrics and hard plastics in Grand Cherokees of old, as is the smallish rear seat that provided little in the way of head- or legroom. With a longer wheelbase the rear seat is made much more accessible and passengers will enjoy expanded use of soft materials, real wood trim (in upscale versions) and a much more concentrated effort to make the driver and passenger experience everything they might want in a luxury SUV.

Exterior

There's a unity to the 2013 Grand Cherokee's sheet metal that we haven't seen since its initial launch two decades ago. To be sure, the familiar 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 2013 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 $28,000 with 2-wheel drive, the 2013 Grand Cherokee comes with dual-zone air conditioning, 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 safety will appreciate standard ESC (electronic stability control), electronic roll mitigation and front, front-side and side-curtain airbags.

Optional Equipment

For those wanting to keep the price low and the appearance of their new Grand Cherokee up(scale), the Laredo X provides a number of cosmetic and functional enhancements not available on the base Laredo. And for those wanting to improve 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, which is Jeep's electronic system for delivering all-season capability by providing for five traction-control settings: Automatic, Sport, Snow, Sand/Mud and Rock.

Under the Hood

For 2013, the Jeep Grand Cherokee's standard 3.6 liter approaches V8-like horsepower and torque levels, yet 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 (Laredo, Limited, Overland, Trialhawk)
290 horsepower @ 6,400 rpm
260 lb-ft of torque @ 4,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/23 mpg (2WD), 16/23 mpg (4WD)

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

6.4-liter V8 (SRT8)
470 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
465 lb-ft of torque @ 4,300 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 12/18 mpg

Pricing Notes

The 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 2WD has a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starting just over $28,000, while the better-equipped Laredo X starts closer to $34,000. Four-wheel drive adds another $2,000 to the bottom line. A nicely-equipped 4x4 Overland Summit is fairly close to the $50,000 mark, while the performance-oriented SRT8 tops the group at just over $60,000. In most parts of the country you can lease a base Laredo for around $300 per month. Before heading to the dealership, 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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2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.9

Out of 10

Based on 175 Ratings for the 2011 - 2014 models.

Review this car

Value

9.0/10

Quality

9.0/10
Reliability

9.1/10

Performance

9.0/10
Comfort

9.2/10

Styling

9.3/10

Fair value, don't buy first year

By Doublediamond43 (FL) on Thursday, July 25, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 4,300

10 7.0

overall rating 7 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Pros: "Quiet for a SUV"

Cons: "rear seat USB ports only for power"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 7

"Why has my original review been removed? Why mix the review's of 2014 GC with the other years? its a completely different animal. I think the 1st gear is too low for normal driving, normal start in 2nd would be better, without having to select it with the paddles, use only 1st for towing. Had problems with UCONNECT intermittently freezing up and losing the radio presets, also the voice activation is very poor. Had problems with the memory seats, not resetting correctly."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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This is a DO NOT BUY!

By A-man (AL) on Thursday, July 25, 2013

I owned and sold this car
Reason: Kept going back to dealership - My approximate mileage is 6,000

10 1.0

overall rating 1 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Pros: "Inside looks nice"

Cons: "Reliability, gas mileage, quality"

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

"My GC has had electrical problems since the week after I bought it. The touchscreen shut off, steering wheel locked up, and Jeep has refused to fix it even though I hear about other complaints of the same issue. This is my first AND LAST Jeep."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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Dont like the new 8 speed tranny

By Robs review (NY) on Thursday, July 18, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 4,000

10 7.0

overall rating 7 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 7/10
Value: 7/10
Reliability: 7/10
Quality: 7/10
Performance: 4/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Nice features, good ride, nice layout inside and o"

Cons: "The 8 speed tranny has problems"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 5

"Overall this is a very good vehicle. It has a lot of good features. The gas mileage is excellent. I just got rid of my Ram 1500 with the Hemi due to bad gas mileage and this is far better, I did get the 6 cylinder. The new gear shifter takes a lot to get used to. After two months of driving it I still sometimes shift into neutral when going into drive or reverse. Poor design. Also the 8 speed tranny has problems. Not sure if it is just mine or they all have this problem. It shifts quickly through the first few gears and it feels like it gets sluggish when trying to accelerate. I have tried the sport selector but it still is the same. Mine also slips a lot when shifting from first to second and second to third gear. I also feel a rumble from the rear when it shifts between those gears. The second thing I am not crazy about when slowing down the tranny downshifts very hard and you can feel the truck pulling back when the tranny downshifts. This is very annoying. A couple of time when I let off the brake when I am going around the corner the tranny is still slowing the truck down pulling it back when it should be speeding up from taking my foot off the brake. I had such high hopes when I bought this truck but am quite disappointed in it. I am going to take my truck back to the dealer and see what they say about the tranny but I am fully expecting them to say that nothing is wrong. I hope I am wrong about this though"

8 people out of 8 found this review helpful

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In the shop since the second week I've owned it

By Angry Owner (NV) on Tuesday, July 16, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 1,800

10 3.0

overall rating 3 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 3/10
Value: 1/10
Reliability: 1/10
Quality: 1/10
Performance: 7/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Looks good, In and Out"

Cons: "Warning lights going off No one knows why!"

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

"I want potential buyers to be advised. I've had "air suspension cooling down please wait" warning message go off constantly. "Air suspension needs to be serviced immediately, 4x4 disabled Please stop" go off a few other times. The service technicians are baffled, since the car is not actual doing what these warning lights say they are doing. They've been trying to contact "Chrysler Engineers" who have not been returning their calls or emails. It's still sitting in the shop. Whether it gets fixed or not, I no longer feel comfortable driving this car, nor should I be dealing with this after spending $46k!!"

11 people out of 12 found this review helpful

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The Grand Cherokee has been kicked up a notch!

By Michael (NY) on Tuesday, July 16, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 3,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Pros: "Dollar for Dollar a great value, fun to drive"

Cons: "Electronic Transmission Selector tricky."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 5

"This car replaced my 2009 Grand Cherokee. The difference in comfort and performance is amazing. I loved my 2009 Jeep, but this card far exceeds my expectations on all levels. 20 mpg every day and a consistent 26-27 mpg on the highway. My 2009 with the V6 engine 21 mpg highway on a good day."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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Love the styling

By Lynn (NC) on Thursday, July 11, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 2,100

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Pros: "luxury styling, look and feel, comfort"

Cons: "reliability yet to be determined"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 7

"I fell in love with this vehicle the first time I looked at it. The test drive confirmed it - I had to have it. I have the 2014 Limited edition. You get the style, comfort and technology of a luxury brand (i.e. - BMW, Mercedes, Lexus) for a much better price. I find the interior roomy and luxurious, I love the Uconnect, the back-up camera and bluetooth connection to my Iphone. I have read the reviews about the electrical problems and am hoping that they don't show up in my vehicle. I have had it for almost two months, taken it on two longer trips, total mileage now over 2000. Only issues I sometimes notice - satellite radio hangs sometimes, gets stuck on a station and won't move, the keyless entry can sometimes by a bit touchy and I have on occasion, usually with the air on full blast, noticed the lag in the transmission getting out of first gear, or jumping gears. Hoping that does not end up being a major problem for me."

5 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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See all 175 reviews