The 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a top-selling vehicle in America, celebrated for its versatility as a mid-size SUV. It adeptly serves various roles, from an off-road adventurer to a luxurious ride, a capable towing vehicle, or a comfortable family car, especially in its three-row Grand Cherokee L configuration. Offering a range of powertrains, including an affordable V6, a powerful V8, and the fuel-efficient 4xe plug-in hybrid, the Grand Cherokee’s price spectrum is broad, starting from $36,495 and exceeding $80,000 with options. The Grand Cherokee L starts at $42,630, and the 4xe model begins at $59,865.
However, for those exploring the market, the Jeep Grand Cherokee Comparable Cars offer compelling choices, particularly if you’re prioritizing specific strengths in an SUV. This article highlights 10 Jeep Grand Cherokee competitors, exploring the diverse reasons one might consider the Grand Cherokee and presenting alternatives ranging from mainstream crossovers to luxury off-road SUVs. Discover if a superior Jeep Grand Cherokee alternative awaits you.
Kia Telluride
The 2024 Kia Telluride stands out as a well-rounded three-row crossover SUV. Starting at $35,990, it offers more standard features, a more spacious and comfortable interior, a more refined cabin, and a smoother ride compared to the Grand Cherokee. Its distinctive, boxy styling, reminiscent of Land Rover, sets it apart in the crossover segment. The Telluride excels in providing eight-passenger comfort and value-oriented luxury.
However, the Kia Telluride falls short of the Jeep in two key areas. Firstly, it’s a light-duty crossover not designed for serious off-roading or heavy towing, unlike the Grand Cherokee. While X-Line and X-Pro trims add visual appeal, they don’t equip the Telluride for true off-road adventures. The Telluride can tow 5,500 pounds, but the Grand Cherokee, with its optional V8, can handle up to 7,200 pounds. Secondly, the Telluride uses a V6 engine with an EPA-estimated 21-23 mpg combined; a hybrid option isn’t available.
Mazda CX-90
The 2024 Mazda CX-90 is another premium three-row crossover from a mainstream brand, but its strength lies in its driving dynamics. Its confident handling and potent, smooth V6 engine rival German luxury brands, achieving an EPA-estimated 25 mpg combined. A faster plug-in hybrid model surpasses the Grand Cherokee 4xe with a 25-mile electric range followed by 25 mpg on gas. Unlike Jeep, which offers the 4xe only on two-row models, the CX-90 PHEV accommodates up to eight passengers.
The Mazda CX-90 prioritizes driving experience over outright space. While it has ample cargo space and a usable third row, some competitors, including the Grand Cherokee L, offer more room. Like the Telluride, the CX-90 isn’t built for heavy towing or off-roading. Its infotainment system is also not a highlight. However, if you’re considering the Grand Cherokee primarily as an on-road luxury vehicle, the Mazda CX-90, starting at $39,595, is a compelling and more affordable alternative.
Dodge Durango
Before the three-row Grand Cherokee L was available, the Dodge Durango served as a close alternative. Sharing its foundation, including the powerful towing V8 engines, with the previous Grand Cherokee generation, the Durango has been updated with modern infotainment. Its on-road ride and handling are arguably more refined than the off-road-focused Grand Cherokee. The 2024 Dodge Durango starts at $41,670, and V8 engine options are more accessible than on the Jeep.
However, the Durango’s age is apparent in certain aspects. Its crash-test scores are lower than the newer Grand Cherokee, and its interior lacks the same level of luxury. It’s also not designed for off-road driving.
Subaru Outback
The 2024 Subaru Outback, a five-passenger crossover or station wagon, is a great alternative to the two-row Grand Cherokee for the right buyer. Affordable and economical, starting at $28,895 with EPA-estimated 23-28 mpg combined (depending on trim and engine), the Outback offers 8.7 inches of standard ground clearance, and 9.5 inches on the Wilderness trim shown here, making it more capable in rough conditions than many crossovers.
The Outback isn’t a luxury vehicle and lacks the Grand Cherokee’s sophistication and smoothness. The Jeep also surpasses the Outback in serious off-road capability. But for a roomy, comfortable vehicle capable of reaching remote campsites, the Outback is an excellent value proposition.
Toyota 4Runner
For those drawn to Jeeps because of their Jeep DNA and off-road prowess, the Toyota 4Runner is a strong contender. Until 2010, both the Grand Cherokee and 4Runner were positioned as luxury off-road SUVs. Since then, the Grand Cherokee leaned into luxury, while Toyota maintained the 4Runner’s rugged, utilitarian nature, with minimal changes. It’s a robust truck rather than a plush, leather-lined off-road vehicle, known for its exceptional reliability. If you prioritize luxury features of the Grand Cherokee, the 4Runner, known for being loud, slow, and less fuel-efficient, might not appeal. However, if you seek a blend of Grand Cherokee roominess, the ruggedness of a Jeep Wrangler, and Toyota’s legendary reliability, the 4Runner deserves consideration.
Hyundai Santa Fe
Some Grand Cherokee enthusiasts appreciate its understated style, not overtly screaming “off-road vehicle.” If you prefer a more truck-like aesthetic without needing extreme off-road capability, the redesigned 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe could be appealing.
The new Santa Fe features a boxy, utilitarian design with prominent fender flares. Hyundai highlights its wide cargo opening, emphasizing it in press releases. An off-road-themed XRT model will be available, but its off-road capabilities will remain within typical crossover limits – suitable for snow, dirt, and mud. However, it’s expected to offer superior on-road ride and handling compared to the Grand Cherokee, along with better value and fuel efficiency, particularly in its hybrid model. The return of a PHEV version is yet to be confirmed. The new Santa Fe is anticipated to start in the low to mid $30,000s when it launches in spring 2024.
Lexus GX
Considering that the 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee can reach prices over $80,000, luxury-brand SUVs become relevant alternatives, especially for higher trim levels. These SUVs have higher starting prices but align with the opulently equipped Grand Cherokees.
The Lexus GX is a prime example. The 2023 GX is akin to a V8-powered, more refined 4Runner – a durable and reliable SUV. The redesigned 2024 Lexus GX, the first major update since 2010, is arriving at dealerships. It remains an off-road luxury SUV, sharing its boxy shape and robust mechanics with the latest Toyota Land Cruiser. However, its new engine and suspension should enhance ride, handling, and fuel economy, while the all-new interior aims for even greater refinement. The 2023 GX 460 starts at $58,875, with the 2024 GX 550 likely to start slightly higher.
Land Rover Defender
The 2024 Land Rover Defender is another boxy luxury off-roader, reimagined recently, blending legendary off-road capability with surprisingly agile on-road handling and a modern, luxurious interior. It offers both character and capability seamlessly.
The Defender comes in various sizes: the two-door short-wheelbase 90, the standard four-door 110, and the extended four-door 130. Engine choices include four, six, and eight-cylinder options, though none are particularly fuel-efficient, and a hybrid version isn’t available. Prices begin at $56,400 for the two-door, $60,600 for the four-door, and $69,100 for the 130.
BMW X5
For a world-class mid-size SUV focused on on-road performance and luxury, the 2024 BMW X5 is a top choice. It delivers exceptional driving dynamics, with a standard 375-hp six-cylinder engine achieving 25 mpg combined, along with refined ride and handling. Its updated interior is high-tech yet user-friendly. The plug-in hybrid model offers a 39-mile electric range. The X5 can even match the V8 Grand Cherokee’s 7,200-pound towing capacity.
The X5 isn’t ideal as a large family vehicle, with only a small optional third row. Starting at $65,200, it’s not inexpensive. However, for those prioritizing on-road luxury and performance over serious off-roading, the X5 is a compelling alternative to a fully equipped Grand Cherokee.
Lincoln Nautilus
If luxury is defined by comfort and relaxation, the 2023 Lincoln Nautilus excels, surpassing the Grand Cherokee with its effortlessly smooth ride, handling, and acceleration. It features a plush interior with intuitive controls and more cargo space in the five-passenger configuration. Despite its luxury, it’s priced competitively with a similarly equipped Grand Cherokee, starting at $44,825.
A redesigned 2024 Nautilus model is forthcoming, promising advanced technology at a higher price (starting around $50,000, likely with more standard features). While the 2024 model is anticipated to be excellent, the outgoing 2023 model is a standout, often overlooked gem in the mid-size SUV segment. Like other crossovers here, it’s not a leader in towing or off-roading.
