Are you in the market for a mid-sized SUV? Let's compare two of the most popular models in their class: the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Chevrolet Traverse.
Let's take a closer look at each car and assess the strengths and weaknesses in several areas. Let's use fuel economy as an easy place to start.
Both the Chevrolet Traverse and the Jeep Grand Cherokee run a standard 3.6L V6 engine using gasoline fuel. The Grand Cherokee gets 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway, 22 mpg combined.
The Traverse gets 18 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, 21 mpg combined. The Jeep has a slight edge on fuel economy.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee has a larger standard fuel tank at 23 gallons. That will give you a range of 506 miles per tank at the combined 22 mpg.
Compare that to the Chevrolet Traverse at a standard 19.4 gallons, for 407 miles per tank at 21 mpg. So on long trips, the Jeep Grand Cherokee has the advantage in this comparison.
The larger Traverse has slightly more horsepower at 310 hp/6800 rpm. Compare that to the Grand Cherokee at 293 hp/6400 rpm.
Both cars offer standard keyless start.
The Grand Cherokee is rated to tow up to 6200 lbs max with the standard package (with optional upgrades, it can get up to 7200 lbs max).
To pull with the Chevrolet, you will need to upgrade to a more expensive optional model, to tow 5000 lbs max. The standard baseline model is not rated to tow without the optional upgrade.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee offers a standard 8-speed automatic transmission, in comparison to the Chevrolet Traverse's standard 9-speed automatic transmission. The 8-speed transmission includes Dual Shift Mode(cont) for smoother acceleration at lower rpm.
The Jeep comes standard with rear-wheel drive. Rear-wheel drive offers better traction and steering control than front-wheel drive (FWD). Optional 4-wheel drive configurations are available for all models.
The Chevrolet Traverse offers standard FWD (no rear-wheel drive), and 4WD is optional only in the higher-priced models.
Both cars come standard with 4-wheel disc brake systems. The Grand Cherokee also offers peace of mind with standard Active Driving Assist to help you brake safely
The Chevrolet Traverse is one of the larger SUVs on the market. It is 12" longer (205.9") than the Grand Cherokee (193.5") with the standard two rows of seating, and the Traverse is wider (78.6" vs 77.5"). However, the difference is eliminated when the optional third row is added to the Chevrolet.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee shines when you look at the standard finishing touches. Things like heated power exterior mirrors make this car feel like quality matters.
The Chevrolet Traverse includes a standard rear backup camera. This is optional in the Altitude model and above for the Jeep, which includes standard rear parking assistance, which is not available in the Chevrolet Traverse.
The Chevrolet Traverse has slightly more standard shoulder room than the Jeep Grand Cherokee, especially in the rear seating.
The Chevrolet Traverse holds eight people comfortably, while the Jeep Grand Cherokee seats seven with the optional rear third row. The Grand Cherokee comes with standard power driver seat adjustment and power mirrors.
In the Jeep Grand Cherokee with the standard two-row configuration, the second row is a 60/40 split. In the optional three-row configuration, the second row is bucket seats, and the rear third row is a smaller 50/50 split.
The standard rear seats all fold completely flat, so you can slide larger items along the floor to maximize cargo space. Power rear folding seats are optional with higher-end models like the Jeep Grand Cherokee L.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is smaller overall, leading to slightly less cargo space than the Chevrolet Traverse. With three rows, the Jeep has 17.2 cubic feet of cargo space, compared to 23 cubic feet in the Traverse.
With both rear seats folded down, the Cherokee has 84.6 cubic feet compared to the Traverse's 98.2. And with optional rear access through the Power Liftgate (found in the Altitude model above), loading it up is a dream.
Both cars have ample cargo capacity, with optional arrangements to fit whatever you need to move in your car. With a payload of 1266 lbs for the Jeep Grand Cherokee and 1850 lbs for the Chevrolet Traverse, you have plenty of power to move your life.
Both the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Chevrolet Traverse come with a standard limited warranty that covers three years or 36,000 miles. The powertrain warranty covers six years and 60,000 miles.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee starts at the standard manufacturer's suggested price of about $41,000, compared to the Chevrolet Traverse at the price of just over $35,900. The base model Grand Cherokee comes with many more high-quality features that the more stripped-down Chevrolet sets aside to keep the price lower.
To compare these cars, it helps to set your priorities. The Chevrolet Traverse has slightly more shoulder room and is a little more powerful. However, the handling and size make the car less comfortable to drive on a busy city street.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee L feels like a much higher quality car, offering many upgrades as standard items on the base model. The Chevrolet Traverse makes these things optional, to be purchased as upgrades. That sets the experience driving these SUVs worlds apart.
At Landmark Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram, our Service Center can keep your Jeep Grand Cherokee L in top shape with regular oil changes, MOPAR parts, tire rotation, and regular maintenance. Call now to start a conversation with an agent, give us a call at Landmark Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram where you can reach us at this number: 816-836-0100 to discuss financing your 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee!
