If you're a driver looking for a high-performance SUV, then a Jeep may be the ideal vehicle for you. For decades, Jeep has been the top SUV manufacturer in America and around the world. The 2023 model year has several promising models in production. Learn more about these models, impressive advanced features, and more before you drop by a dealership for a test drive.
Jeep has a long, celebrated history as a premier SUV manufacturer. In 1941, the Jeep brand was founded to build military vehicles, specifically four-door cars that were strong, rugged, and reliable. For this reason, the Jeep brand is known as the founder of the modern SUV.
In 1945, the first Jeep vehicle for civilians was produced. This civilian model was known as the Willys MB Jeep and was designed to phase out workhorses on farms. Obviously, the popularity of this model grew, as did America's deep-rooted love and appreciation for SUVs. In fact, one of the most popular Jeep models was the Jeep Liberty, which was discontinued in 2012 and only had two generations.
Jeep introduced the Jeep Liberty in 2002 with the first generation KJ model that ran from 2002 to 2007. The second generation Jeep Liberty, the KK model, was released from 2008 to 2012. Jeep discontinued the Jeep Liberty in August 2012 as new models such as the Jeep Cherokee, Jeep Compass, and Jeep Patriot were released.
The Jeep Liberty received accolades from car critics and car owners alike. The Jeep Liberty was special for a few reasons, such as its smaller size and eye-catching exterior, as well as the specially designed tachometer on the gauge cluster for the dash. Jeep introduced the lifetime powertrain warranty for the Jeep Liberty in 2009. The Jeep Liberty was also the first Jeep vehicle designed with a unique rack-and-pinion steering system and independent front suspension.
In the models that replaced the Jeep Liberty, it's easy to see where echoes of the Jeep Liberty can be found. Sometimes, this is in the trim levels of contemporary Jeep vehicles that may be named after the original Jeep Liberty trims, such as the Limited trim level, Renegade trim level, and Sport trim level.
Current Jeep models also borrow from some of the best-loved features from the Jeep Liberty KK model, such as rain-sensing wipers, navigation systems, and connectivity to satellite radio. The 2012 Jeep Liberty, although discontinued, still holds strong sway over some of the design choices that are made for today's smaller Jeep vehicles. Specifically, many of today's Jeep models take after the economy-mindful design of the original Jeep Liberty.
While the Jeep Liberty has been discontinued, drivers looking for a durable, high-performance Jeep with excellent towing capacity and all-around quality will be excited by the current Jeep line-up. Let's check out some of the most popular models this year.
The Jeep Wrangler has one of the most recognizable profiles in the Jeep line-up with a boxy, distinctly rugged appearance. This year's Wrangler Sahara model features a four-wheel drive system, eight-speed automatic PHEV transmission, and an inter-cooled turbo engine that generates 270 horsepower with 470 lb-ft of torque.
The max seating capacity for the Wrangler is five. The interior space includes front bucket seats, heated front seats, folding rear seats, and leather upholstery. The maximum interior cargo volume is 67 cubic feet.
The main difference between the Jeep Cherokee and the Jeep Grand Cherokee is the overall size of the SUV. The Jeep Cherokee Altitude Lux has a nine-speed automatic transmission with a four-wheel drive train and a 2.4L I4 Zero Evap MultiAir engine. This SUV has a fuel economy of 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.
The interior seat upholstery is leather with a split folding rear seat and power two-way driver lumbar support for the front bucket seat. The cargo volume for this SUV is 55 cubic feet, with a max passenger volume of 128 cubic feet.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a lovely five-seat SUV option, particularly for drivers who may want to take the vehicle off-road. This SUV features an eight-speed automatic transmission with a four-wheel drivetrain and a 3.6L V6 24V engine. The fuel economy for this vehicle is 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.
Some of the key features on the Laredo trim include proximity doors, push-button start, telescoping steering wheel, and wireless phone connectivity with Uconnect®. The cargo volume for this vehicle is 71 cubic feet.
For drivers looking for a pick-up style vehicle, the Jeep Gladiator Mojave is one of the most unique vehicles in the Jeep line-up. The Gladiator has a four-wheel drive system, eight-speed automatic transmission, and a 3.6L V6 engine. The crew cab seats up to five passengers and has a passenger volume of 103 cubic feet.
Compared to other Jeep vehicles, the Gladiator has one of the most impressive towing capabilities. This vehicle has a towing capacity of 6,000 lbs, as well as 260 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm and 285 horsepower.
As one of the replacement models for the Jeep Liberty, the Jeep Compass is a smart, slightly smaller SUV ideal for suburban drivers. The Jeep Compass has a few important upgrades this year, such as the new 2.0L turbo engine, which generates 200 horsepower, 221 lb-ft of torque, and a towing capacity of 2,000 lbs.
One of the most impressive specs for this five-seat SUV is the fuel economy, which clocks in at 24 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. The maximum interior cargo volume is 60 cubic feet. There are also a few fun convenience features, such as the overhead power moonroof.
The Jeep Renegade Latitude is one of the best-performance SUVs this year. Starting with the 1.3L I4 turbo diesel engine with stop/start abilities, a four-wheel drivetrain, and an impressive nine-speed auto transmission, everything about this SUV has been designed with performance in mind.
The fuel economy of this vehicle is also top-rated for a diesel engine, with 23 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. Jeep added a few standard features to the base Renegade trim level, such as adaptive cruise control. Other Renegade trim levels include the Limited trim and the Trailhawk® trim.
For drivers who want to upgrade to a larger SUV, the Jeep Grand Wagoneer is the best option. As one of the most sophisticated trims among Grand Wagoneer models, this Jeep has a Hurricane twin-turbo engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission and 510 horsepower with 500 lb-ft of torque.
This impressive SUV can seat up to seven passengers and has a max interior cargo volume of 94 cubic feet. The telescoping steering wheel has a wheelbase of 123 inches. There are also power windows, a distinct grille design, and memory seating.
The Jeep brand is well-known for incorporating several features into each SUV, such as fog lights, side moldings, fender flares, and much more. In 2023, many of the Jeep sport utility vehicles will have advanced features that come standard on each of the cars.
One of the signature safety features of each Jeep is the tire pressure monitoring system. This system works by installing a sensor on each wheel that registers the ongoing pressure of each tire and then alerts the driver if tire pressure is too low. This system ensures your car is safe on the road at all times.
As for technology-based driver-assistance tools, the ParkSense® parking sensors with active park assist are quickly becoming a standard option for most 2023 model-year SUVs in stock. These sensors help you park your Jeep expertly, which may be important if you have a larger SUV or you're trying to squeeze into a tight parking space.
Likewise, the Jeep brake assist is designed to assist drivers during emergency braking situations. This technology works by sensing when emergency braking maneuvers are being performed by the driver, which then engages the technology that activates individual brakes. This technology is different from automatic emergency braking since the sensors are only active when the brakes are being used.
Jeep is also famous for the open-air philosophy of each of its vehicle designs. This model year, most Jeep SUVs come equipped with a moonroof, although some SUVs may have a sunroof option.
There are a few key differences between a sunroof and a moonroof. A sunroof is crafted with glass or metal that slides open completely, while a moonroof is usually made from glass and a separate headliner, which can then be tilted to allow air into the cabin of the car.
Whether you ask your certified Jeep dealer to install MOPAR® parts for you at the service center or body shop or you search for MOPAR parts in stock online, it may be a good idea to add a few parts to the exterior and interior of your SUV. MOPAR parts are specifically designed for your make and model, so you can be sure these parts will match your SUV regardless of trim levels.
Some of the best MOPAR parts for Jeep sport utility vehicles include the Jeep Performance Parts Tube Door Kit, the Jeep Performance Parts Snorkel Kit, and the Jeep Performance Parts Lift Kit.
The basic warranty for a new Jeep is three years or up to 36,000 miles, with five years of coverage for the powertrain. Sometimes, Jeep warranties are different for different models. The Jeep Gladiator powertrain warranty lasts for 100,000 miles, while the Jeep Grand Cherokee powertrain warranty lasts for 60,000 miles.
For some drivers, it may make more sense to buy a Jeep from previous model years. There are a few reasons why buying a used Jeep is a good idea, especially if you're conscious about your wallet and your budget. Buying a used vehicle will generally knock a chunk off the sticker price since used vehicles don't automatically depreciate.
Buying a used Jeep can also be a smart decision if you want to make a deal or negotiate a good price for a vehicle with a dealer. The financing department at a dealership will have several deals and auto loan options for used car buyers. You can even use the trade-in value of your old vehicle to lower the cost of your new car purchase.
Although models such as the 2012 Jeep Liberty have been discontinued, there are several vehicles that have replaced the Jeep Liberty in the current Jeep production line-up. From smaller SUVs designed for off-roading to SUVs perfect for suburban driving, today's Jeep models offer higher-quality materials and excellent performance. Get in touch with Landmark DCJR at 816-836-0100 today.
