2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trim Levels: The Best SUV Experience?
If you're looking for a powerful SUV experience that offers versatility, ruggedness, and style, the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee stands out as a top-notch choice. Jeep has built a reputation for off-road capability and comfort, and the 2018 Grand Cherokee delivers on both fronts, offering a range of trim levels that suit various preferences and budgets.
In this comprehensive guide, we will dive deep into the various trims, their features, and the pros and cons of each. Whether you’re aiming for affordable luxury or an all-out performance beast, there is a Grand Cherokee trim tailored to your needs.
Overview of the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee
The 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee offers seven main trim levels:
- Laredo
- Limited
- Trailhawk
- Overland
- Summit
- SRT
- Trackhawk
Each trim is well-equipped and serves a unique purpose, catering to different types of drivers. From the practical Laredo to the high-performance SRT and Trackhawk models, you can find a Grand Cherokee for every adventure.
Before we break down each trim, let's talk briefly about what makes the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee such a popular choice among SUV enthusiasts.
Why Choose the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
The 2018 Grand Cherokee stands out for its solid build quality, powerful engines, and off-road capability. It strikes a balance between luxury and practicality, making it a great option for those who want to enjoy comfort on the road without sacrificing performance. Additionally, it features top-tier safety technology, user-friendly infotainment, and multiple engine options ranging from a 3.6-liter V6 to a supercharged V8.
Laredo: The Base Model with Essential Features
The Basics
The Laredo is the entry-level trim for the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee, providing a strong foundation for the lineup. It comes standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine that produces 295 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. Equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission, the Laredo offers a smooth driving experience. The Laredo is available in both rear-wheel drive (RWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD).
Key Features
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- Uconnect infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen
- Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
- Dual-zone climate control
- Keyless entry and ignition
Potential Drawbacks
While the Laredo provides the essentials, some may find its interior less upscale compared to higher trims. The standard cloth upholstery lacks the luxurious feel that Jeep enthusiasts expect from the Grand Cherokee lineup.
Alex Collantes, an automotive enthusiast, says, "The Laredo trim is great for those who want the Grand Cherokee experience without the luxury price tag. But you might want to add some aftermarket touches if you’re looking for a more premium feel."
Limited: A Step-Up in Comfort & Style
The Basics
The Limited trim adds a touch of luxury to the Grand Cherokee lineup, offering additional comfort and convenience features that make it a popular choice for those looking to enhance their SUV experience without breaking the bank.
Key Features
- Leather upholstery
- Heated front seats and steering wheel
- Power liftgate
- 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen
- Remote start system
Performance Options
The Limited trim also provides an option to upgrade to a 3.0-liter V6 EcoDiesel engine with 240 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque, giving drivers who prioritize fuel efficiency an alternative. Additionally, a 4WD option with Selec-Terrain system is available, enhancing the vehicle's off-road capability.
Potential Drawbacks
The Limited offers a noticeable upgrade in comfort and tech, but for those wanting an off-road-ready SUV, it still lacks some of the more advanced features and upgrades of the higher trims like the Trailhawk.
Trailhawk: For the Off-Road Enthusiast
The Basics
If you love off-roading and adventure, the Trailhawk trim is tailored for you. Equipped with serious off-road hardware, it comes with a Quadra-Drive II 4WD system and an electronic limited-slip rear differential to conquer rough terrains effortlessly.
Key Features
- 18-inch off-road wheels with all-terrain tires
- Quadra-Lift air suspension system
- Skid plates and tow hooks
- Hill descent control
- Unique exterior accents and Trailhawk badging
Interior and Tech
The Trailhawk’s cabin also gets some unique touches like black leather and suede upholstery, along with red stitching for a more rugged look.
Potential Drawbacks
With a focus on off-road performance, the Trailhawk might not be the best option for those looking for a more luxury-oriented SUV. Its firmer ride may not appeal to drivers who primarily want a smooth, city-focused driving experience.
“The Trailhawk’s off-road prowess is fantastic, but unless you’re planning to hit trails every weekend, the slightly stiffer ride can be a drawback for daily use,” says Alex Collantes.
Overland: The Balance of Luxury & Off-Road Capability
The Basics
The Overland trim provides a balance of luxury features while still retaining some off-road capabilities. This trim focuses on providing drivers with a premium experience, offering upgraded leather upholstery, refined interior touches, and the Quadra-Lift air suspension for both on- and off-road comfort.
Key Features
- 20-inch polished aluminum wheels
- Premium leather interior with ventilated seats
- Panoramic sunroof
- Upgraded Uconnect 8.4-inch display with navigation
- HID headlamps and LED fog lights
Potential Drawbacks
The Overland trim’s biggest downside might be its price point, which starts to get closer to some luxury SUVs from other brands. For those not particularly interested in off-road performance, the Overland might not feel as valuable as other trims like the Limited or Summit.
Summit: The Pinnacle of Luxury
The Basics
The Summit trim is where luxury reaches its peak in the 2018 Grand Cherokee lineup. It comes fully loaded with top-tier features and focuses on providing a refined driving experience with all the comfort and style you’d expect in a premium SUV.
Key Features
- Nappa leather seating
- Active noise cancellation
- 19-speaker Harman Kardon sound system
- Automatic high beams
- Advanced safety features like Lane Departure Warning and Forward Collision Warning
Potential Drawbacks
While the Summit is luxurious, its starting price is higher compared to the other trims, which might make buyers look towards other luxury SUV competitors. The Summit also doesn't provide the sporty performance of the SRT or Trackhawk trims.
SRT: The Performance Beast
The Basics
If performance is what you're after, then the SRT trim is a beast on the road. Under the hood, it houses a 6.4-liter V8 engine that cranks out 475 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, allowing for a 0-60 mph time of 4.8 seconds. The SRT is designed for those who want their SUV to feel more like a sports car.
Key Features
- High-performance Brembo brakes
- Adaptive sport-tuned suspension
- 20-inch wheels with performance tires
- Unique exterior styling
- Sporty interior trim
Potential Drawbacks
The SRT’s fuel economy is a clear drawback, as it's a thirsty SUV. It's also worth mentioning that while it offers impressive speed and handling, the SRT is more suited for on-road performance rather than off-road adventures.
Trackhawk: The Ultimate Performance SUV
The Basics
Topping the lineup is the Trackhawk trim, which is essentially the SRT on steroids. Powered by a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine, the Trackhawk churns out a whopping 707 horsepower and 645 lb-ft of torque. This makes it one of the fastest production SUVs in the world.
Key Features
- 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds
- High-performance braking system
- Upgraded sport suspension
- Unique exterior styling with aggressive accents
- Premium Laguna leather interior
Potential Drawbacks
The Trackhawk is an expensive model, and with its high fuel consumption and sports car-like ride, it may not suit all drivers. It's also not the most practical option for those who prioritize a comfortable, relaxed driving experience over raw power.
“The Trackhawk is pure adrenaline. It’s not your typical family SUV, but if you want speed and power that’ll leave sports cars in the dust, this is your SUV,” adds Alex Collantes.
Summary: Finding the Right Trim for You
The 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee offers an impressive lineup of trims, catering to a diverse range of drivers. Here’s a quick recap to help you decide which trim fits your lifestyle:
- Laredo: Great for budget buyers who want a solid SUV.
- Limited: Adds comfort and tech without being too costly.
- Trailhawk: Perfect for off-road enthusiasts who want adventure-ready features.
- Overland: Offers a luxury feel with off-road capability.
- Summit: The most luxurious trim in the lineup with advanced tech and comfort.
- SRT: If you crave on-road performance and speed, this is the one.
- Trackhawk: The ultimate performance machine for those who want supercar speed in an SUV.
Final Thoughts
With its versatile lineup, the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee remains a top pick for SUV shoppers. It offers power, luxury, and capability, making it easy to find a trim that fits your needs. While each trim has its own unique set of advantages and drawbacks, you can’t go wrong with a Grand Cherokee—it’s built for both city streets and off-road trails, ensuring a reliable and enjoyable drive.
For more details, visit the official Jeep website or take a Grand Cherokee for a test drive at your local Jeep dealership.
References
- Jeep Official Website: Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Automotive News Articles: “2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trim Comparison”
- Alex Collantes, Automotive Enthusiast
Note: Information provided is based on publicly available data and expert opinions; it’s always best to consult with a dealer for the latest specifications.