As the lineup continued to grow in popularity, the base Cherokee was put on hold for over a decade while the Grand Cherokee continued to thrive. Although the base Cherokee would eventually find its way back into the market and hold its spot prominently, the Grand Cherokee continued to fill the limelight through four generations. The most recent generation of Grand Cherokee is known as WK. This latest generation has been around for quite some time now, with the latest full redesign taking place almost a decade ago.

Those looking for a used model are in luck as purchasing a used Grand Cherokee between 2011 and 2020 grants the same generation of the lineup, albeit with varying specs. For a lineup that has taken no breaks during its long tenure on the market, the Grand Cherokee continues to impress. Not only does it impress on a technical level, but it continues to display how versatile SUVs can be and how willing manufacturers are to push SUVs to their limits.

Five Generations of the Grand Cherokee

The growing popularity of SUVs in the 1990s sparked healthy competition in the automotive industry as automakers like Ford, Jeep, and Chevy competed to lead the segment. Ford gained the advantage in 1990 with the debut of its best-selling Ford Explorer, which inspired Jeep to return to the drawing board to design an SUV better than its current Cherokee. Cherokee sales were still going strong, but Jeep was desperate to take the lead over Ford, and that led to the debut of the more luxurious Grand Cherokee in 1992.

First Generation (1993-1998)

Although the Grand Cherokee was effectively an improved Cherokee, Jeep kept both models in the lineup to give drivers the option between the Cherokee and its larger, more luxurious, and grander sibling. The first-generation Grand Cherokee makes its debut at the 1992 Detroit Auto Show to jaw-dropping acclaim as it was driven up a staircase and through a glass door to make its way onto the stage. The crowd went wild as Jeep proved that luxury and capability were no longer mutually exclusive.

Second Generation (1999-2004)

The second-generation, which is codenamed the WJ, saw several updates to its exterior styling as it sits taller, wider, and longer with a more rounded design. Continuing to pair capability with comfort, the Grand Cherokee saw a vast improvement to its four-wheel-drive system with the introduction of the all-new Quadra-Drive as well as several improvements to its powertrain lineup. Other updates throughout the generation include the addition of the 60th Anniversary Edition, Special Edition, Laredo Sport, Freedom Edition, Columbia Edition, and Rocky Mountain Edition.

Third Generation (2005-2010)

In keeping with Grand Cherokee tradition, the third-generation SUV made its debut under the WK codename. This generation has even more power and capability courtesy of an all-new HEMI V8 engine and the new 3.7-liter V6 that replaced the second generation's 4.0-liter inline-6 engine. Jeep also added an independent front suspension, rack-and-pinion steering, and three unique four-wheel-drive systems that boost the Grand Cherokee's capability and performance both on and off the pavement. These changes sent sales skyrocketing, along with the addition of the SRT8 performance trim with its 6.1-liter HEMI V8.

Fourth Generation (2011-2020)

Chrysler's financial distress trickled down to the Jeep lineup in 2010, which meant the pressure was on Jeep to design a Grand Cherokee that would help pull the company out of its financial black hole. Aptly named the WK2, the fourth-generation Grand Cherokee came to the rescue as Jeep unleashed every inch of innovation and cutting-edge technology available. This Grand Cherokee was more luxurious, more capable, and more attractive than ever before. It offers a wide range of capable engines that extend from the tried and true 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 to the supercharged Hellcat V8 that powers the performance-focused Trackhawk trim.

Fifth Generation (2021-Present)

With the incredible success of the fourth-generation Grand Cherokee, Jeep waited nearly a decade before unveiling an all-new fifth-generation model. Fortunately, the new Grand Cherokee proved to be worth the wait. On top of a redesigned version of the standard Grand Cherokee, the fifth generation introduced a larger Grand Cherokee L as the biggest Grand Cherokee in history. The stunning SUV boasts three rows of seating that offer exceptional head and legroom, as well as ample cargo space and a suite of intuitive technology that's designed to keep you connected and safe on every adventure.

Major Grand Cherokee Updates

Since its debut in 1992, the Grand Cherokee has seen several major updates that revolutionized its position in the segment of ruggedly capable and luxurious SUVs. These updates are better appreciated when you know exactly how the Grand Cherokee started, which takes us to the first-generation model in 1993. Available in either the base, Laredo, or Limited trim, the Grand Cherokee came equipped with rear-wheel drive and a standard, 190-horsepower 4.0-liter engine. The SUV also offered two four-wheel-drive systems: the full-time Selec-Trac system that boosted its capability on and off-road or the part-time Command-Trac system.

Previous Powertrain Options

The Grand Cherokee's original powertrain options consisted of a 4.0-liter straight-six producing 190 horsepower and a 5.2-liter V8 generation 220 horsepower. The final model year of the first generation saw the introduction of the Grand Cherokee's first high-performance - a 5.9-liter V8 with 245 horsepower that improved the SUV's launch from 0 to 60 mph in 7.3 seconds.

The new millennium and new generation called for several updates to the Grand Cherokee's powertrain lineup. Jeep's 3.7-liter V6 engine replaced the 4.0-liter straight-six. Jeep also replaced the old 5.2-liter V8 engine with the all-new 235-horsepower 4.7-liter V8 that boosted the Grand Cherokee's torque rating to 295 lb-ft. An optional high-output version of the 4.7-liter introduced in 2002 bumped things up a notch to 265 horsepower.

A 325-horsepower HEMI V8 joined the Grand Cherokee engine lineup in 2005. A year later, the SRT8 trim joined the fleet and took the SUV's power to the next level with a 6.1-liter HEMI V8 that delivered 420 horsepower, 420 lb-ft of torque, and a 0 to 60 mph launch in under five seconds. Even today, over a decade later, the SRT8 is still a respectable performer.

While the Grand Cherokee had offered a diesel engine in overseas markets ever since 1995, it wasn't until 2007 that a diesel version of this popular SUV went on sale here in the United States. Unfortunately, the 3.0-liter Mercedes-Benz V6 diesel was only available as an option for three years, making a diesel Grand Cherokee a rare find on the used market.

Fourth-Generation Grand Cherokee Engines

Jeep offers shoppers a wide range of available powertrains, but what engines are found in the Grand Cherokee? The Grand Cherokee model has engines ranging from a standard 3.6L V6 to a powerful 6.2L supercharged V8, and there is even a 3.0L diesel option in some models. Every engine comes paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission that allows for a smooth ride. With a range of engines to power the Grand Cherokee, drivers are sure to have fun seeing what they can find under the hood of a used model.

A 3.6L V6 engine has been the standard offering as far back as 2011, with models between 2011 and 2015 receiving an engine that produces 290 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. Although not a significant change, models between 2016 and the current day produce 295 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. Even as the base engine, it can assist a properly equipped Grand Cherokee in towing upwards of 6,200 lbs. This base engine is also one of the more fuel-efficient offerings within the lineup.

The next available engine for the Grand Cherokee is a 5.7L V8 engine that produces 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. With this engine equipped, the Grand Cherokee can tow upwards of 7,200 lbs depending on the model year and equipment. This engine has been a part of the lineup as far back as 2011 and still performs amply to this day.

Those who purchase the SRT trim will have a 6.4L V8 engine that produces 475 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. According to Jeep, a Grand Cherokee equipped with this engine can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds. However, as powerful as this engine is, it’s swiftly outpaced by the engine found in the Trackhawk.

Inside the Trackhawk is a 6.2L supercharged V8 that can produce an incredible 707 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque. With this engine equipped, the Grand Cherokee can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 3.5 seconds. Those looking for the utmost performance should look no further as this is the perfect engine to pair the Grand Cherokee.

A turbo-diesel powered engine was introduced to the lineup in 2014 and was later discontinued in 2019, but they remain in many used models. Buying a used Grand Cherokee between these years could grant drivers a 3.0L Turbocharged V6 that produces 240 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque.

You are sure to be happy no matter which engine you find under the hood of a used Grad Cherokee. However, if you are looking for the option with the most power, keep your eyes peeled for a Trackhawk trim Cherokee with the supercharged engine. If you are a diesel fan, then you're going to have to keep a lookout for models released between 2014 to 2019.

Four-Wheel-Drive Systems

Jeep's legendary four-wheel-drive systems clearly evolved alongside the Grand Cherokee, with the first model offering both the Command-Trac or the Selec-Trac system. The first significant update to the SUV's capability came in 1995 when Jeep added the QuadraTrac four-wheel-drive system. A year later, Jeep dropped the part-time Command-Trac system and, in 1999, introduced the Quadra-Drive four-wheel-drive system that truly set the Grand Cherokee apart from the competition. By 2005, the Grand Cherokee only offered three full-time systems: the Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, and Quadra-Drive II, all of which are readily available on the latest models.

The Three-Row Grand Cherokee L

The biggest update to the Grand Cherokee lineup is the addition of the Grand Cherokee L, which is the first Grand Cherokee to offer three rows of seating for up to seven passengers. The Grand Cherokee L marks the debut of the fifth-generation Grand Cherokee and is more astonishing than ever thanks to its new suite of luxury, connectivity, and safety features that truly distinguish it from every other Jeep in the lineup. What's even better is that these luxuries aren't mutually exclusive with capability as the Grand Cherokee L continues to offer Jeep's legendary four-wheel-drive systems and the class-leading Selec-Terrain traction management system that makes it ready for every adventure both on and off the pavement.

The Grand Cherokee L builds on the Grand Cherokee's design by improving the SUV's best features to deliver a new body style that is built around Jeep's iconic seven-slot grille. The interior is loaded with intuitive technology, from ambient LED lighting to personalized climate zones and touchscreen displays. There's also no shortage of comfort and convenience with leather seating, an in-seat massage feature, a leather steering wheel, and an entire suite of safety, security, and connectivity tools that keep drivers connected, informed, and protected when behind the wheel.

The Trackhawk Trim

A white 2020 Used Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is driving on a race track.

Throughout the Grand Cherokee’s history, there’s yet to be another trim that outpaces the Trackhawk. But what is the Trackhawk trim? The Trackhawk trim is the current top-of-the-line trim available for the Grand Cherokee. It was created to amplify the already highly performant foundation that the previous trims had provided. It wasn’t until the 2018 model year when the Trackhawk would be added to the Grand Cherokee lineup, and it remains in the lineup to this day. This ultimately means aspiring shoppers can find used Trackhawks from either 2018, 2019, or 2020 model years.

The Trackhawk was inspired by the Trailhawk trim, which offers a few similarities. The Trackhawk means business with its 6.2L V8 engine that produces an immense amount of horsepower and torque output. Additionally, the Trackhawk swaps the standard brake system and suspension, as seen on the other Grand Cherokee trims. These upgrades, in particular, are more performance-oriented than their standard counterparts and help the Trackhawk stand out amongst the rest of the lineup.

Along with this, the Trackhawk has a robust interior that’s not only comfortable for long road trips but it also includes many of the latest and greatest features. Among these features is an infotainment center that sports an 8.4-inch screen where drivers can access their favorite media. Listening to music in the Trackhawk is further enhanced by the standard arrangement of ten speakers surrounding the cabin. However, drivers looking to take their music to the next level can opt for an incredible 19-speaker audio setup.

Connectivity in the Trackhawk is taken further by the standard integration of both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless smartphone integration. This, in addition to a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, grants the Trackhawk an additional layer of versatility with an emphasis on entertainment and communication. This trim is a combination of all the best things the Grand Cherokee line has to offer.

Find Your Dream Jeep Today

We here at Dan Cummins Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Paris are proud to serve the greater area of Lexington, Kentucky, with high-quality vehicles at competitive prices. With our vast selection of Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram vehicles, both new and used, we’ve got something for everyone, including an inventory of used Jeep SUVs.

In addition to an extensive lot of vehicles sold by our knowledgeable sales representatives, we offer an on-site Jeep service center for those who require any service or maintenance. Whether it’s a smaller job such as an oil or tire change or even a more intensive repair, our certified mechanics are ready to get the job done on time. We also allow our customers to order genuine Jeep parts and accessories directly from us for use in their vehicles servicing jobs or even DIY projects at home.

Customers can also visit our finance center for help with vehicle trade-in or vehicle financing options. Our team is ready to help you find the best deal for purchasing or leasing your new car, and we can even buy your old vehicle from you. If you are a resident of the Lexington area looking for a new car or car service, visit us at 2021 Alverson Dr in Paris today!