Is the Jeep Grand Cherokee a Good Off Road Vehicle?

You may know that the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee has ruggedly handsome, offers a bunch of safety tech as standard, and has a refined cabin. But you may be wondering, is the Jeep Grand Cherokee a good off-road vehicle? It sure is — but read on for more.

Jeep Grand Cherokee

This newest iteration of Jeep’s Grand Cherokee, all new for the model year, provides a better on-road experience, first-rate design, and a bounty of safety and technology bells and whistles

Now able to seat seven, the Grand Cherokee offers multiple 4×4 systems, more off-road ground clearance, better water-fording capability, and a Selec-Terrain traction management system that has five modes.

Constructed on an all-new architecture, the GC offers a markedly improved on-road experience, helped by independent front and rear suspensions in addition to Quadra-Lift Air Suspension with electronic adaptive damping. More about that later.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee L offers two robust, torque-y, and tow-facilitating powerplant choices: the standard 3.6-liter V6 and the 5.7-liter V8.

Exterior-wise, spanking-new aesthetics still say “Jeep,” what with that vaunted seven-slot grille, aggressive front angles, and trapezoidal arches over 21-inch wheels. It’s a versatile design that is as suitable for adventure as it is for a parent-teacher conference.

Meanwhile, the GC’s interior is airy, classy, and uncluttered, and features a ton of niceties including 10-inch display screens, a touchscreen radio, new LED ambient lighting, separate climate zones for the front passenger and driver, and front-row seat massage. You also get a sweet McIntosh sounds system, wireless connectivity, and head-up display.

Regarding safety and security, we’re talking 110 features including 360-degree surround view, night vision cameras, and a host of driver-assist systems. If your interest is piqued, check out these Jeep Grand Cherokee lease deals.

So, How Does the Grand Cherokee Fare Off Road?

The SUV comports itself extremely well in the wild. After all, Jeep knows that many enthusiasts will want to take the Grand Cherokee off road, or at least expect it to be able to. Now, having said that, the GC is not quite a Wrangler, but that’s perhaps the highest bar of all. Still, the Grand Cherokee can handle most any kind of terrain, and in fact has better off-road prowess than most other midsize SUVs. So, nope, no worries in that department.

The ride’s off-road performance chops are helped by rock-crawling goodies such as a limited-slip differential, integrated off-road camera, skid plates, and an adaptive air suspension. 

You can also opt for the Selec-Terrain system, which has Rock, Sand/Mud, Snow, Sport, and Auto modes that can help you out on a muddy or snowy off-road trail, in addition to any other terrain on or off the open road.

The Grand Cherokee has five trim levels including the Laredo, Limited, Trailhawk, Overland, and Summit. Of them, the Trailhawk offers unique off-road improvements that aren’t available on other models. Indeed, the off-road-oriented Trailhawk, which is four-wheel drive only, adds Goodyear Wrangler Territory all-terrain tires, electronic rear limited-slip differential, adaptive air suspension with varying ride height settings, and an electronically disconnecting stabilizer bar.

Trailhawk also includes hill ascent and descent control, front tow hooks, and a front-facing camera that helps circumvent obstacles while off-roading. Then there’s the auto-dimming rearview mirror, gloss black roof, ventilated front seats, nav system, leather upholstery, and nine-speaker Alpine audio system.

If you get the optional and terrific Quadra-Lift air suspension, you’ll have improved off-road capability as well as on-road comfort. Offered on Overland and Summit models with four-wheel drive, the suspension drops the ride height, enhancing comfort and aerodynamics. It also provides more right height for even more off-road capabilities. 

So, is the Jeep Grand Cherokee a good off-road vehicle? Ah, no. In fact, the GC has excellent rugged off-road capabilities. Jeep knew you were counting on it – and it delivered.