2017 Jeep Cherokee vs Grand Cherokee
When looking at the 2017 Jeep Cherokee and the 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee, many Penn Yan, Geneva, Watkins Glen, and Hammondsport drivers ask us what the difference is. After all, these two SUVs do look very similar.
Nevertheless, the Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee vary in many ways. In this comparison, our team at Friendly Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram will show you how.
Jeep Cherokee vs Grand Cherokee: Performance Specs
Perhaps the major difference between these two SUVs is the powertrain. These Jeeps are roughly the same size. However, the Grand Cherokee houses a bigger, more powerful engine.
To be exact, the Grand Cherokee is equipped with a 3.6L V6 engine capable of generating 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. You might assume this power would cut down fuel efficiency, but since it comes with efficient engine start-stop technology, the Grand Cherokee can still maintain 25 MPG highway and 18 MPG city.1
Things are just a bit smaller in the Cherokee. With its 2.4L inline four-cylinder MultiAir® engine, the Cherokee produces 184 horsepower and 171 lb-ft of torque. With its nine-speed automatic transmission, it’s just a bit more efficient than the Grand Cherokee, maintaining 28 MPG highway and 21 MPG city.1
Jeep Towing & Off-Road Capabilities
Naturally, those differences in engine size are going to cause some noticeable differences in towing capacities as well. The brawnier 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee can haul up to 6,200 pounds when properly equipped, while the Cherokee can only haul up to 4,500 pounds.
Both these SUVs are then fixed with a 4×4 drivetrain. However, each is bolstered by a different set of off-road systems, the Selec-Terrain™ system being their one major through-line.
The 2017 Jeep Cherokee is equipped with Jeep Active Drive I. While this feature does greatly improve traction and stability, it is fairly basic.
The Quadra-Trac I® 4WD system in the Grand Cherokee is undoubtedly more advanced, allowing your vehicle to crawl through a multitude of terrains with relative ease.
Jeep Cherokee vs Grand Cherokee: Interior Comforts
From the exterior, the Cherokee and Grand Cherokee do appear to be almost the same size. However, the Grand Cherokee is slightly bigger. In total, it offers 105.4 cubic feet of space and 36.3 cubic feet of cargo room. The Cherokee, on the other hand, offers 104.4 cubic feet of passenger room and 24.6 cubic feet of cargo space.
Many of the amenities in these two vehicles are the same, but the Grand Cherokee does add a few extra, like the leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, and dual-zone automatic temperature.
Nevertheless, their base entertainment arrays are exactly the same, including features like the SD card reader and Uconnect® 5.0.
Choosing Between The 2017 Jeep Cherokee & Grand Cherokee
With so many notable features between both of these cars, Penn Yan, Geneva, Watkins Glen, and Hammondsport drivers might have a hard time choosing between them. However, if you know how much horsepower and interior space you’re looking for, it shouldn’t be too hard.
If you want to get behind the wheel of either the 2017 Jeep Cherokee or the 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee, just give us a call at Friendly Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram. Schedule your test drive today.
[1] Actual mileage may vary. For more information, please visit: https://www.jeep.com/en/jeep-capabilities/fuel/.
