The 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee stands as a popular choice in America’s bustling SUV market, and for good reason. This mid-size marvel boasts impressive versatility, seamlessly transitioning from a rugged off-road adventurer to a refined luxury cruiser, a capable towing machine, or a spacious family hauler, particularly in its three-row Grand Cherokee L configuration. With engine options ranging from an efficient V6 to a powerful V8, and even a fuel-conscious plug-in hybrid (4xe), the Grand Cherokee caters to a broad spectrum of needs and budgets, spanning from a starting price of $36,495 to well over $80,000 for fully equipped models. The Grand Cherokee L starts at $42,630, while the 4xe variant enters the market at $59,865.
However, the very “jack-of-all-trades” nature of the Grand Cherokee means that some drivers might find more focused alternatives that excel in specific areas. If you’re considering a Grand Cherokee, exploring its competitors is a wise step to ensure you find the perfect SUV to match your priorities. This article highlights ten compelling SUVs comparable to the Jeep Grand Cherokee, showcasing the diverse reasons why you might be drawn to the Jeep in the first place. From mainstream crossovers to luxury off-road vehicles, we’ll introduce you to a range of options to help you determine the best Grand Cherokee alternative for your needs.
Kia Telluride
The 2024 Kia Telluride emerges as a formidable three-row crossover SUV, offering exceptional value and well-rounded performance. Even at a competitive base price of $35,990, the Telluride surpasses the Grand Cherokee in several key areas. It boasts a more generous suite of standard features, a more spacious and comfortable cabin, a more refined and upscale interior ambiance, and a smoother, more composed ride quality. Furthermore, its bold, boxy styling, reminiscent of Land Rover designs, ensures it stands out from the crowd of typical crossovers. Whether your priority is maximizing passenger comfort for up to eight occupants or seeking luxury features without breaking the bank, the Telluride delivers impressively.
However, the Telluride diverges from the Grand Cherokee in two significant aspects. Firstly, it operates as a light-duty crossover, lacking the Grand Cherokee’s exceptional off-road prowess and robust towing capabilities. While the Telluride offers X-Line and X-Pro trims for enhanced visual appeal, it remains primarily designed for on-road use, unlike the Jeep, which is engineered for genuine off-road adventures. In terms of towing, the Telluride can handle a respectable 5,500 pounds, but the Grand Cherokee, equipped with its optional V8 engine, can tow up to 7,200 pounds. Secondly, the Telluride exclusively employs a V6 engine, achieving an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 21 to 23 mpg in combined driving conditions. Notably, it lacks a hybrid powertrain option, which the Grand Cherokee offers with its 4xe plug-in hybrid.
Mazda CX-90
The 2024 Mazda CX-90 represents another compelling three-row crossover from a mainstream brand, but its strengths lie in its exceptional driving dynamics and premium feel. Unlike the Telluride, the CX-90 excels in delivering a refined and engaging driving experience. Its confident and poised handling, coupled with a smooth and potent V6 engine, positions it as a worthy competitor to German luxury brands in terms of on-road performance. Despite its robust power output, the CX-90 achieves an EPA-estimated 25 mpg in combined driving. Adding to its appeal, a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant surpasses the Grand Cherokee 4xe with an impressive 25-mile all-electric driving range, followed by 25 mpg when operating on gasoline power. Crucially, while Jeep limits the 4xe powertrain to two-row Grand Cherokee models, the CX-90 PHEV accommodates up to eight passengers, further enhancing its family-friendly credentials.
However, Mazda’s focus on driving dynamics means that the CX-90 prioritizes handling over outright spaciousness. While the CX-90 provides a generous cargo area and a usable third-row seat, some competitors, including the extended Grand Cherokee L, offer even more interior room. Similar to the Telluride, the CX-90 is not designed for heavy-duty towing or serious off-road excursions. Additionally, the infotainment system in the CX-90 has drawn some criticism. Nevertheless, if your interest in the Grand Cherokee leans towards its on-road luxury and driving experience, the Mazda CX-90 presents a compelling alternative, often at a more accessible price point, starting at $39,595 for a well-equipped model.
Dodge Durango
Before the advent of the three-row Grand Cherokee L, the Dodge Durango served as the closest alternative within the Stellantis family. Sharing its fundamental underpinnings, including the availability of powerful V8 engines for impressive towing capacity, with the previous-generation Grand Cherokee, the Durango offers a familiar yet distinct proposition. Dodge has diligently updated the Durango with contemporary infotainment technology, and many drivers find the Durango’s on-road ride and handling characteristics more appealing than the off-road-oriented Grand Cherokee. Furthermore, while the 2024 Dodge Durango starts at $41,670, accessing desirable features like a V8 engine is generally more cost-effective compared to the Jeep.
Despite its strengths, the Durango’s age becomes apparent in certain aspects. It lags behind the newer-generation Grand Cherokee in crash-test performance, and its dashboard design lacks the opulent feel of the Jeep’s interior. Moreover, like many crossovers, the Durango is not engineered for serious off-roading adventures.
Subaru Outback
The 2024 Subaru Outback occupies a unique space as a five-passenger crossover, or arguably a station wagon in a more traditional sense. However, for those considering the two-row Grand Cherokee, the Outback presents itself as an excellent and value-driven alternative, particularly for the right buyer. With a starting price of just $28,895, the Outback stands out for its affordability and fuel efficiency, achieving an EPA-estimated 23 to 28 mpg in combined driving, depending on the selected engine and trim level. Impressively, despite its car-like origins, the Outback boasts 8.7 inches of standard ground clearance, increasing to a remarkable 9.5 inches in the Wilderness trim level (pictured), making it surprisingly capable in rougher terrain compared to many crossovers.
The Outback does not position itself as a luxury vehicle and lacks the Grand Cherokee’s opulent features and refined ride. Furthermore, the Grand Cherokee surpasses the Outback in extreme off-road capabilities. However, if your priorities center around a roomy, comfortable, and highly capable vehicle for reaching remote campsites or navigating challenging weather conditions, the Outback offers exceptional value and practicality.
Toyota 4Runner
For drivers drawn to Jeeps primarily for their inherent “Jeep” character and off-road pedigree, the Toyota 4Runner emerges as a compelling alternative that stays true to its rugged roots. While many SUVs comparable to the Grand Cherokee lean towards on-road comfort and crossover design, the 4Runner firmly maintains its body-on-frame construction and off-road focus.
Historically, both the Grand Cherokee and 4Runner occupied a similar niche in the luxury-oriented off-road SUV segment until around 2010. However, with the 2010 model year, the Grand Cherokee shifted towards greater luxury and refinement, while Toyota doubled down on the 4Runner’s utilitarian and rugged nature, a direction it has largely maintained since. The 4Runner prioritizes ruggedness and reliability over luxury appointments, presenting itself as a robust truck rather than a plush, leather-lined off-road cocoon. It has cultivated a legendary reputation for unwavering reliability, a key factor for many off-road enthusiasts. If you prioritize the Grand Cherokee’s luxury features, the 4Runner’s louder, slower, less agile, and less fuel-efficient nature might not appeal. However, if you seek a vehicle that blends the Grand Cherokee’s spaciousness with the raw, go-anywhere character of a Jeep Wrangler and the legendary reliability of a Toyota pickup, the 4Runner warrants serious consideration.
Hyundai Santa Fe
A subtle appeal of the Grand Cherokee for some buyers lies in its understated design, not overtly shouting “off-road vehicle.” If you appreciate a more truck-like aesthetic but without the need for extreme off-road capability, the fully redesigned 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe presents an intriguing option.
The new Santa Fe showcases a boxy, utilitarian design language, enhanced by prominent fender flares, creating a bolder and more rugged visual presence. Hyundai emphasizes the Santa Fe’s wide cargo opening, highlighting its practicality. Continuing the tradition, the Santa Fe will offer an off-road-themed XRT model, though its capabilities will remain within the typical crossover realm – suitable for snow, dirt roads, and light mud, but not intended for serious off-roading like the Grand Cherokee Trailhawk. However, the Santa Fe is expected to surpass the Grand Cherokee in on-road ride and handling refinement, while offering superior value and fuel efficiency, particularly with its gas-electric hybrid variant. While details on the return of the Santa Fe PHEV version are pending at the time of writing, it remains a possibility. The new Santa Fe is anticipated to start in the low to mid $30,000s when it becomes available in Spring 2024.
Lexus GX
Considering that the 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee can reach price points exceeding $80,000 in higher trims, exploring luxury-brand SUV alternatives becomes relevant for buyers considering these top-tier models. The remaining SUVs comparable to the Jeep Grand Cherokee in this article fall into the luxury category. While they command higher starting prices, they align with the opulently equipped versions of the Grand Cherokee.
Starting with the Lexus GX, the outgoing 2023 GX model can be viewed as a V8-powered, more refined version of the Toyota 4Runner, offering a quieter ride and more premium interior materials while retaining its robust and reliable character. As of this writing, the completely redesigned GX is poised to arrive at dealerships. The all-new 2024 Lexus GX maintains its identity as an off-road-capable luxury SUV, sharing its boxy silhouette and durable mechanical components with the latest Toyota Land Cruiser. However, its new engine and suspension are expected to deliver improved ride quality, handling, and fuel economy, complemented by an all-new interior promising even greater levels of refinement. The 2023 Lexus GX 460 starts at $58,875, and the new 2024 GX 550 is projected to have a starting price a few thousand dollars higher.
Land Rover Defender
The 2024 Land Rover Defender stands as another iconic and boxy luxury off-roader, embodying the brand’s heritage while incorporating modern technology and refinement. Land Rover reimagined this classic vehicle a few years ago, successfully preserving its legendary off-road capability while enhancing on-road handling agility and incorporating a contemporary, sophisticated interior. The Defender delivers a unique blend of character and capability without compromising daily driving comfort.
The Defender offers a range of body styles, including a two-door short-wheelbase version (Defender 90), a standard four-door (Defender 110), and an extended-length four-door (Defender 130). Powertrain options include four-cylinder, six-cylinder, and eight-cylinder engines, although fuel economy is not a strong point across the range, and a hybrid option is not currently available. Prices start at $56,400 for the two-door Defender 90, $60,600 for the four-door Defender 110, and $69,100 for the extended-length Defender 130.
BMW X5
For those seeking a world-class mid-size SUV with a focus on on-road performance and luxury, and less emphasis on off-road adventures, the 2024 BMW X5 emerges as a top contender. Renowned for its exceptional driving dynamics, the X5 boasts a standard 375-horsepower six-cylinder engine that achieves a remarkable 25 mpg in combined driving, coupled with poised handling and a refined ride. Its newly updated interior features cutting-edge technology presented in a user-friendly and sophisticated manner. An available plug-in hybrid model extends its efficiency with an impressive 39 miles of electric driving range per charge. Remarkably, the X5 can even match the V8-powered Grand Cherokee’s 7,200-pound towing capacity, further enhancing its versatility.
The X5 is not designed as a dedicated family hauler, offering only a small, optional third-row seat. Its starting price of $65,200 and up positions it in the luxury segment. However, if your driving needs primarily involve on-road driving and occasional encounters with snow or light off-road conditions, the X5 presents a compelling alternative to a fully loaded Grand Cherokee, prioritizing driving pleasure and refined luxury.
Lincoln Nautilus
When defining luxury as ultimate comfort and effortless relaxation, the 2023 Lincoln Nautilus (pictured) surpasses the Grand Cherokee with its exceptionally smooth ride, composed handling, and effortless acceleration. Its opulent dashboard design incorporates user-friendly controls, and it offers more cargo space than the five-passenger Grand Cherokee model. Despite its impressive luxury credentials, the Nautilus is priced competitively with equivalently equipped Grand Cherokees, starting at $44,825.
A redesigned 2024 Nautilus model is anticipated to arrive soon, promising even more advanced technology at a slightly higher price point (starting around $50,000, likely accompanied by additional standard features). While the 2024 model is expected to be a strong offering, the outgoing 2023 Nautilus remains a standout gem in the mid-size luxury SUV segment, often overlooked. Like other crossovers in this comparison, the Nautilus prioritizes on-road comfort and is not a leader in towing or off-roading capabilities.
