Best Jeep Grand Cherokee Model Years (Ranked)

The Jeep Grand Cherokee has been America's best-selling Jeep for decades, blending genuine off-road ability with on-road comfort few rivals match. But across four generations of V6, HEMI V8, EcoDiesel, supercharged Trackhawk, and the newest 4xe plug-in hybrid, reliability and value swing wildly year to year.

This ranking covers the WK2 (2011-2021) and WL (2022-2027) generations plus a standout earlier year, weighing real engines, real trims, real pricing, and the documented trouble spots so you choose wisely.

Direct Answer

The best overall Jeep Grand Cherokee model year is the 2020 Grand Cherokee — it represents the most refined and reliable version of the long-running WK2 platform, with the proven 3.6L Pentastar V6 or 5.7L HEMI V8, the excellent Uconnect 4C system, and most early-WK2 bugs fully resolved.

For best value, the 2018 Grand Cherokee offers nearly identical hardware and the desirable trims for a much lower used price. Be cautious with the first-year 2011 and the first-year 2022 WL, both of which carried launch-year quality complaints.

1. 2020 Grand Cherokee 🏆 BEST OVERALL

The 2020 Grand Cherokee is the high point of the WK2 generation. After nine years of refinement, the platform was thoroughly sorted: the 295-hp 3.6L Pentastar V6 and 360-hp 5.7L HEMI V8 were both mature and dependable, the 8-speed ZF automatic shifted cleanly, and the 8.4-inch Uconnect 4C infotainment had Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard.

Trim choices ran from Laredo to the luxurious Summit and trail-rated Trailhawk. Used examples sell around $24,000-$32,000 depending on trim and engine. It is the smart buy for anyone who wants a proven, comfortable, capable Grand Cherokee with no asterisks attached.

2. 2021 Grand Cherokee (final WK2)

The 2021 Grand Cherokee was the last year of the WK2 and sold alongside the new WL as Jeep transitioned. Mechanically it mirrors the excellent 2020 with the same Pentastar V6, HEMI V8, 8-speed automatic, and Uconnect 4C. Because it was the run-out year, deals were common and the trucks were fully debugged.

Used pricing sits at $25,000-$34,000. It ranks just behind 2020 only because the marketplace had already shifted attention to the redesigned WL, but as a used buy it is every bit as good and sometimes cheaper.

3. 2018 Grand Cherokee 💎 BEST VALUE

The 2018 Grand Cherokee is the value champion. It carried the 3.6L Pentastar V6 and 5.7L HEMI V8, the same 8-speed automatic, and modern Uconnect, plus the high-performance 475-hp 6.4L SRT and the wild 707-hp supercharged 6.2L Trackhawk debuted this year. Mainstream Limited and Overland trims trade for just $18,000-$26,000 used, the lowest entry cost for a fully modern WK2.

The drivetrains are well-understood and parts are cheap. For a buyer who wants maximum Grand Cherokee for minimum money, this is the year to target.

4. 2024 Grand Cherokee (WL, sorted)

The 2024 Grand Cherokee is the most refined version of the current WL generation. The early WL software and electrical complaints had largely been addressed, and the lineup offered the 293-hp 3.6L Pentastar V6, the 357-hp 5.7L HEMI V8 (in the larger L model), and the 375-hp 4xe plug-in hybrid with around 25 miles of electric range.

The interior is a major step up with available McIntosh audio and a passenger-side display. MSRP runs from the high-$30,000s to over $70,000 for a loaded Summit Reserve. The best new-ish buy if you want the latest tech and design.

5. 2019 Grand Cherokee

The 2019 Grand Cherokee is a near-twin of the 2018 with minor trim updates. The Pentastar V6 and HEMI V8 carry over, as do the SRT and Trackhawk performance models. Reliability is good and the Uconnect system remains one of the best in the segment.

Used pricing runs $20,000-$28,000. It ranks just behind 2018 on value math — it costs a bit more for essentially the same truck — but it is an equally sound choice with slightly fewer miles on average and the same proven mechanicals underneath.

6. 2025 Grand Cherokee (WL)

The 2025 Grand Cherokee continues the WL with the Pentastar V6 and 4xe plug-in hybrid powertrains (the HEMI V8 phased down across the range) plus refined trims. As the newest model it carries the longest remaining warranty and the latest infotainment, which appeals to buyers wanting a worry-free truck.

Used premiums keep it mid-pack on value, with pricing starting in the low-$40,000s and climbing past $75,000. The underlying vehicle is excellent; it simply costs the most relative to what an equivalent older year delivers.

7. 2017 Grand Cherokee

The 2017 Grand Cherokee brought a light styling refresh and kept the strong 3.6L Pentastar V6 and 5.7L HEMI V8 lineup. The Trailhawk trim with its air suspension, locking rear diff, and skid plates makes it the off-road pick of this era. Used pricing is attractive at $16,000-$24,000.

It ranks here because the early-2010s WK2 trucks, while good, had slightly more reported issues with the older Uconnect, the air suspension on Quadra-Lift cars, and occasional electrical faults than the later 2018-2021 models.

8. 2023 Grand Cherokee (WL)

The 2023 Grand Cherokee is a strong WL year that shares the 2024's hardware but at a lower used price. It offered the Pentastar V6, HEMI V8 in the L, and the 4xe hybrid, along with the full luxury trim walk. Early WL teething issues with the infotainment and a few electrical recalls were mostly resolved by this point.

Used examples run $33,000-$45,000. It is a sensible buy for someone who wants the new-generation design and three-row availability without paying 2024-2025 prices, provided recalls have been completed.

9. 2022 Grand Cherokee (WL launch, check recalls)

The 2022 Grand Cherokee launched the WL generation with a sharp new design, available three-row L model, and the 4xe plug-in hybrid debut. But as a first-year vehicle it carried the most WL complaints — infotainment glitches, a handful of electrical recalls, and some build-quality inconsistencies.

The powertrains (Pentastar V6, HEMI V8, 4xe) are sound. Used pricing runs $30,000-$42,000. Buy only after confirming all open recalls have been performed; a well-maintained 2022 with recalls done is fine, but it requires more diligence than a later WL.

10. 2011 Grand Cherokee (WK2 debut, avoid early bugs)

The 2011 Grand Cherokee launched the acclaimed WK2 platform and was a massive leap over the prior generation, introducing the 3.6L Pentastar V6 and the independent front suspension. It was a genuinely great truck for its time. However, the earliest 2011-2013 cars had the most reported problems — TIPM electrical faults, early Pentastar cylinder-head issues, and air-suspension failures on Quadra-Lift models.

Used pricing is low at $7,000-$13,000, but budget for repairs. Buy only with strong service records, or step up to a 2018 or newer for far fewer headaches.

How to Choose

Start by choosing a generation. The WK2 (2011-2021) is the proven, affordable choice with cheap parts and a deep service knowledge base; the best examples are the 2018-2021 trucks. The WL (2022-2027) is the newer, more luxurious design with three-row availability and the 4xe plug-in hybrid, but the 2022 launch year needs careful recall verification.

Across both, the 3.6L Pentastar V6 is the value and economy pick, the 5.7L HEMI V8 adds towing muscle and a better tow rating, and the 4xe suits buyers who want short electric commutes plus full off-road ability.

On reliability, favor the 2018-2021 WK2 or the 2024-2025 WL, both of which sit past their generation's debugging period. Inspect any Quadra-Lift air suspension carefully — failed air struts are a known and costly WK2 weak point. On WL trucks, confirm all electrical and software recalls are complete.

Avoid the earliest 2011-2013 WK2 cars unless the TIPM and cylinder-head history is documented. For off-road buyers, the Trailhawk trim on either generation is the one to seek, with its locking diff, skid plates, and trail-tuned hardware.

FAQ

Which Jeep Grand Cherokee year is the most reliable? The 2018-2021 Grand Cherokee (WK2) trucks are the most reliable, with fully mature Pentastar V6 and HEMI V8 drivetrains and the early platform bugs resolved. Among the newer WL generation, the 2024-2025 models are the most sorted after the 2022 launch issues were addressed.

What is the best Grand Cherokee model year for the money? The 2018 Grand Cherokee is the best value. It has modern Uconnect, the proven V6 and HEMI engines, and trades for just $18,000-$26,000 used in mainstream trims — the lowest entry cost for a fully modern, fully debugged WK2.

Should I avoid the 2022 Grand Cherokee? Be cautious. The 2022 Grand Cherokee launched the WL generation and had the most infotainment glitches and electrical recalls. A 2022 with all recalls completed and good maintenance is fine, but a later 2023-2024 WL is the safer choice if you want the new design.

Is the air suspension a problem on the Grand Cherokee? The Quadra-Lift air suspension is a known weak point, especially on older WK2 trucks. Failed air struts are expensive to replace. Always test that the system raises and lowers correctly and check for sagging at rest before buying any air-suspension-equipped example.

Bottom Line

The Jeep Grand Cherokee remains one of the most capable and comfortable midsize SUVs you can buy, but model year selection separates a great ownership experience from a costly one. The 2020 Grand Cherokee is the best all-around WK2 — proven, refined, and trouble-free. The 2018 is the value champion.

Among the newer WL trucks, the 2024-2025 models are the most sorted, while the 2022 launch year demands careful recall checks. Steer around the early 2011-2013 cars unless they are documented, watch the air suspension on any used example, and you will land a Jeep that serves you for years.

Sources

• Jeep Grand Cherokee (WK2) — Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeep_Grand_Cherokee_(WK2)
• Jeep Grand Cherokee (WL) — Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeep_Grand_Cherokee_(WL)
• Jeep Grand Cherokee — Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeep_Grand_Cherokee
• Edmunds Jeep Grand Cherokee Review: https://www.edmunds.com/jeep/grand-cherokee/
• Car and Driver Jeep Grand Cherokee: https://www.caranddriver.com/jeep/grand-cherokee
• Kelley Blue Book Grand Cherokee Values: https://www.kbb.com/jeep/grand-cherokee/
• NHTSA Complaints — Jeep Grand Cherokee: https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls
• MotorTrend Jeep Grand Cherokee: https://www.motortrend.com/cars/jeep/grand-cherokee/