2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo vs. Limited
1. Overview
Jeep has created an irresistible package by promoting the large size where comfort and luxury are never second place in the minds of American buyers. It already competes with America's best-selling truck-like vehicles, such as the Ford Explorer and Chevy Trailblazer, with high sales year to year. The simple recipe keeps the customers satisfied. Reason? The Japanese have created smaller and much more efficient replicas in SUVs such as the Honda CRV, Toyota RAV4, and Suzuki Grand Vitara, almost pushing the market into a segment catered towards suburban housewives and small families. But where do the people go that need space and utility, but refuse to pilot a "mom-mobile"? Step right this way to the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo and Limited models. At first glance, the slightly rusting compact pickup you have always used for skiing trips or moving apartments seems to pale in comparison. But underneath that slightly unattractive façade and within grasp of those significantly less expensive 2-year-old imports is something to be desired. Let's face it, many of us have been the "young guy" in the office or the new recruit who immediately gets pegged as the group pack mule because of your truck. Well, if you are that guy, or even if you're not and just need a lot of carry space for whatever reason, this may be your ticket out of stacking everybody's stuff in the back of a Durango at the next group camping trip. With 4 available trim levels: The Laredo, Limited, Overland, and the outrageously luxurious Summit, it would seem that we are only scratching the surface of Wrangler money here. But for the topic, we will just stick to the casual recommendations.
1.1. Exterior Design
The Limited model comes with Quadra-Trac II - this is a full-time four-wheel drive system. This system is always in four-wheel with no driver intervention; it also has 100% power to the rear driveshaft until slip is detected. Once slip is detected, the 2wd/4wd on-demand four-wheel drive mode will be initiated, and torque will be transferred to the front wheels. The Quadra-Trac II system is equipped with a transfer case and front/rear axle differentials. It also includes the select-terrain system. This system gives the driver a choice of the five terrain settings (auto, sand, mud, snow, and rock); the system will then adjust the transfer case and the brake traction control system for the chosen terrain. This will all provide the driver with the best possible traction and driving experience on any given terrain.
The Laredo comes with Quadra-Trac I - it is a full-time four-wheel drive system. This system provides smooth operation with no driver intervention and provides 100% of the power to the rear wheels until slip is detected. Once slip is detected, the transfer case will send as much as 50% of the power to the front wheels. The Quadra-Trac I system also features the Brake Traction Control System, which will control the slippage of the driven wheel within 0.5 RPM. If the wheels spin faster or slower than they are given, the brake system will adjust the torque at the wheels until traction is.
The new 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo and Limited models were released last week. Both models have some really neat features; they also are similar in many ways. The Laredo and Limited models are similar in five different ways. Some of the ways they are similar are the 4x4 systems, 5-speed automatic transmission, quadra-link front and rear suspension, Hill Descent Control, and skid plates. With a closer look, the Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo and Limited are more alike than different. The new 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo and Limited models are similar in the 4x4 systems.
1.2. Interior Features
The Jeep Cherokee Laredo model comes standard with cloth seat trim and a power driver's seat. It has an option for leather seat trim. The Limited version provides standard, leather-trimmed seats with a power and heated, 8-way adjustable front seat and 4-way power lumbar seat for the driver and passenger. The Laredo offers a 2-row seating configuration, while the Limited comes standard with three rows. The interior length of the is 2 inches longer than the previous model, and the width is increased by 6 inches. Both models come standard with a fold-flat front passenger seat and 60/40 split rear seats to provide optimal cargo room and fuel efficiency. The Limited version also offers heated second-row seats and second-row child boosters. Audio-wise, the Laredo comes standard with a 6-speaker sound system, optional Sirius XM radio, and basic control audio controls on the steering wheel. The Limited version comes standard with an Alpine 9 amplified speaker system with subwoofer and steering wheel control of audio, air conditioning, and the EVIC system. Both the Laredo and Limited models offer an optional rear DVD player with Sirius Backseat TV provided through uConnect Web. All uConnect Web systems come standard with 1 year of Sirius Backseat TV.
1.3. Performance and Engine Options
The engine sizes for the two models vary. The Laredo 4×2 and 4×4 models are powered by a 3.7-liter SOHC V-6 engine that produces 210 hp @ 5200 rpm and 235 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4000 rpm with a towing capacity of 3500 pounds. The 4×2 and 4×4 Limited models are standard equipped with a 4.7-liter SOHC V-8 engine that delivers 235 hp @ 4800 rpm and 305 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3600 rpm with a towing capacity of 6500 pounds. And the Hemi engine available in the Limited model (305 horsepower and 34 lb-ft of torque) has a tow capacity of 7200 pounds. Both the V6 and V8 engines come equipped with auto-leveling high-intensity discharge headlamps. Transmission choices for the Laredo and Limited models are a multi-speed automatic overdrive. The 3.7-liter SOHC V-6 Power Tech engine comes with the 5-45RFE model, while the 4.7-liter and 5.7-liter V8 engines are matched to the 545RFE.
In the performance and engine options section of the comparison between the 2023 model Laredo and Limited Grand Cherokees, the only difference between the two models is the availability of a Hemi engine in the Limited model. With the Laredo model, the standard engine is a 3.7-liter V6 Power Tech, while the Limited offers three different engines: the 3.7-liter V6 Power Tech, a 4.7-liter V8 Magnum, and a 5.7-liter Hemi. While the 4.7-liter V8 has more horsepower and torque than the V6 models, consumers interested in four-wheel drive may be interested to know that the higher-powered engines are the only way to get the Quadra-Drive or Quadra-Drive II systems. All models come equipped with a 5-speed automatic transmission. This is a change because in previous years, the Grand Cherokee came standard with a V8 while the V6 was an engine option. Four-wheel drive is also an add-on feature for an additional $2250.
2. Safety and Technology
One notable omission from the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee is any form of emergency autonomous braking. This technology is now available on many cars, even some in small SUV price brackets. This is where owners of the Laredo model may feel a little shortchanged given that the technology was bundled with features that only the Limited, Overland, and SRT models have, such as forward collision mitigation and crash warning. Evidently, this is for marketing and fleet differentiation of higher-priced models, but we feel that the safety gains of emergency autonomous braking should be available as a standalone feature across all models.
Adaptive cruise control is another feature found on both models. This one is more of a safety technology rather than just a convenience feature. Adaptive cruise control uses radar technology to provide a pre-set time gap that can be set to the driver in front and adjusts your speed to maintain it. It will then accelerate and brake automatically to adapt to the driver in front up to the pre-set speed. Evidently, this feature can reduce a large amount of driver errors when driving in traffic and at higher speeds.
An area of contrast is the parking assistant feature. The Overland model has self-parking for both parallel and parking into a bay. This can be a very handy feature for many drivers who aren't confident in parking and can potentially minimize dents on your new car. Self-parking technology is still rather new to modern cars and can be seen as a feature that's not yet essential but very nice to have.
Advanced safety features can be found on both models, and these features elevate the driving experience and make the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee safer for the occupants and everyone else on the road. These features include adaptive cruise control, night vision, parking assistant, and lane departure warning.
2.1. Advanced Safety Features
The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee features a range of advanced safety features that keep the driver and passengers safe from a variety of hazards. These safety features are offered as options or come standard on the Laredo and Limited models of this vehicle. Advanced multistage airbags, offered as standard for both models, provide an added layer of protection that adjusts each airbag's inflation based on the severity of impact. Side airbags can also provide added protection and are available on both models. Side curtain airbags provide the best protection for all vehicle occupants in side impacts and are also available on both models. All-speed traction control is an added safety feature that automatically adjusts torque to a driven wheel while the vehicle is in motion and provides superior traction on slippery surfaces. This safety feature comes standard on both the Laredo and Limited models. One key safety feature for the Limited model is the electronic stability program that is designed to assist drivers in maintaining control of their vehicle during adverse conditions. By applying the selective pressure and individual wheel braking this feature can correct oversteer or understeer if necessary. Overall the 2023 Grand Cherokee models have an abundance of advanced safety features that rate the overall protection and driver safety of this vehicle very high.
2.2. Infotainment System
Infotainment systems are meant to be intuitive and functional. The 2023 Cherokee inherited the Uconnect system directly from past models but greatly improved upon it. It comes standard with an 8.4-inch touchscreen or with the customer's choice of upgrading to a 10.1-inch touchscreen. This system is an Android-based interface, and the menus are organized similarly to a smartphone's layout. The algorithm for touch inputs is excellent, making it user-friendly. Response time is quick, and there are physical shortcut buttons on the side of the screen. This system features over-the-air updates, meaning the vehicle will automatically update itself through the internet, requiring no action from the user. This will provide future improvements and bug fixes. Uconnect 5 has a new personal assistant feature that better simulates real interactions by utilizing natural language understanding. Additionally, new graphic themes and live wallpapers make the interface much more visually appealing. This system also supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Wireless charging is standard on all models. Music comes through a 6-speaker system, with optional 9 speakers and subwoofer, or 19 speakers and subwoofer. Dual-zone automatic climate control with front and rear outlets and LED ambient lighting are also standard on all models. An impressive 10-inch full-color heads-up display is also included on Limited models.
2.3. Connectivity Options
The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo and 2023 Limited models employ different systems for connecting passengers to the internet while on the go. The Laredo comes with an optional UConnect Web system. It requires a USB mobile broadband modem (which is not included) and links via Wi-Fi to deliver continuous internet to the vehicle. A one-year service is included in the purchase of the hardware and can be renewed on a month-to-month basis. The USB stick must remain plugged into the system, and it can be a bit obtrusive in the front seat area. The data is actually drawn from the owner's existing wireless data plan and is added on as an extra cost. Data costs for mobile broadband can be steep and can quickly add up. This is an important factor to consider when using the UConnect Web. The advantage of this system is the continuous and strong connection. If internet in the vehicle is a top priority, this system with an unlimited data plan is a feasible option. However, given that most buyers are unlikely to be interested in continuously paying for internet data in the vehicle, the cost of the system plus the USB data could be a deterrent. Although the system itself is beneficial and will be essential in future years, its high potential cost may detract many buyers away from this option.
3. Comfort and Convenience
The Laredo model comes with cloth seats that are somewhat firm and may not be the most comfortable for long trips, as well as a 2-way lumbar for the driver and 4-way lumbar for the passenger. The Limited model comes standard with leather-trimmed seats and the option of upgrading to leather ventilated seating. The front seats received an upgrade to 8-way power adjustable with 4-way lumbar for both driver and passenger. The second-row seats also come with a power feature allowing seats to fold and tumble at the touch of a button. Both models come with an option to add a dual-pane panoramic sunroof. In terms of cargo space, the only difference between the two models is a standard-issue compact spare tire that comes with the Laredo while the Limited model comes with a standard size. Plugins are available in both models for consumers' convenience. Each model comes with a standard Dual Zone automatic temperature control, including the humidity sensor and premium cabin filter. In addition, the Limited model offers a Tri Zone control as an available option that allows the driver, front passenger, and rear passengers to control their own temperature independently. Both models come with AC power outlets for the second-row seats which are part of the towing package. The patented Keyless Enter 'n Go™ feature allows entry to the car, and once inside with the press of the brake and push of the button, the car will start. This feature is a standard option on the Limited model but not available for the Laredo.
3.1. Seating and Cargo Space
The Laredo delivers 2nd row flexibility with a fore/aft feature, and with 7 seats, Grand Cherokee L offers a 3rd row - a first for a Jeep SUV. It can be operated via levers in the rear cargo, comfortably seating passengers of up to 6'2". Limited has the option of swapping the bench seats for captain's chairs, reducing numbers to 6 but with a substantial increase in comfort for passengers in seats 2 and 6. A number of different seating configurations can be conveniently selected via a remote release in the 2nd row, and entry to the 3rd row is very easy thanks to a feature allowing the 2nd row to tip and slide forward at the touch of a button. Both models have a one-touch folding feature for the 2nd row seats, aiding access to the 3rd row. An added bonus with Limited is a 2nd row mini console which can be removed for 4 variations in interior design. High adjustment for power driver and passenger seats add extra comfort for front seat occupants. As for the cargo area, Laredo has 17.2 cubic feet behind the 3rd row, which can extend to 46.9 with the seats stowed. Limited has a similar set-up but can increase to 84.6 with all rear seats folded, boasting a useful added storage compartment beneath the 2nd row seats and a 12V auxiliary power outlet.
3.2. Climate Control
So what's the verdict here? Honestly, the only difference that the average buyer will notice on a day to day basis is the dual zone control. All other features may be nice for peace of mind, but are ones that you will never notice working. If the price difference was a few hundred dollars, I would say no big deal, it's worth the extra price for a few little features. But the base MSRP of the Limited is $7,505 over the Laredo, and for that much money, I would just go with the Laredo and invest in a heated steering wheel that I can use every winter.
First off, it is important to note that both the Laredo and the Limited have the same evaporator housing unit, where the temperature sensors and the servo motors are located. They also use the same heater, C-Pillar duct, plenum chamber, wiring, and temperature control, but that's as far as the similarities go. The Limited has an ATC Power Module which is essentially a secondary control unit for the climate system. It automatically adjusts the blower speed and air mix doors to keep the cabin temperature constant. This is not an option on the Laredo. The Limited also has the option for dual zone control. This is great for families where each parent can have control of their "zone", or to quickly heat the car using only one "zone". Though I currently have this feature in my BMW 3 series, I never use it because I am a single man and it takes about 15 minutes of fiddling to get both sides to the same temperature once I forget that I have the feature on. Nevertheless, it is a nice feature to have especially for the price difference that exists between the two trim levels. Finally, the Limited has an In Car Temperature Sensor and an Automatic Recirculation Control. Both of these are inactive at DodgeTalk.com.
It is interesting to note that real climate control is one of the few features that both the Laredo and the Limited have. Most other brands' "climate control" is simply a place to control the fan speed, and often to set the AC to come on at the next start up. Real climate control systems have two knobs which can be set to any temperature desired, and will then automatically adjust fan speed and vent position to achieve the desired temperature. Both trim levels of the Jeep Grand Cherokee contain these climate control systems. Moving to the specific areas of the climate control system is where many differences between the two trim levels lie.
3.3. Keyless Entry and Start
The Laredo model comes with a remote keyless entry key which you can use to lock and unlock the car as well as activate and deactivate the vehicle security alarm. The Limited model, however, comes with a more advanced keyless entry system that requires no key at all. As long as the key fob is in your possession (or within 5 feet of the car, for practical functions), the car can be locked or unlocked by pressing one of the front door handle buttons or the liftgate release button. If anyone with an invalid key fob (i.e. one programmed for another Grand Cherokee) attempts to enter the vehicle, the horn will sound and the lights will flash in alert. Both models have illuminated entry, it is worth noting. Both models use an equivalent keyless begin system that includes a push-button engine start feature. With the proper key fob in or around the vehicle, the motive force merely needs to press the brake and the engine will start with none quite key turning or key fob insertion. This feature is certain to be a part of a slow industry-wide transition from traditional keyed ignition, and a few day it's going to become standard on all vehicles.
3.4. Driver Assistance Features
When tired when driving and often falling asleep, with the advanced technology, Jeep has a feature called driver alert control. This feature is to prevent drowsiness while driving. The driver alert system works by detecting the condition of the vehicle. If the system senses that the driver is not focused or experiencing drowsiness while driving, the system will show a text that suggests not drinking and driving. If it still continues, there will be an alert sound and the driver has to immediately stop the vehicle and take a rest.
When we drive and overtake other vehicles, the driver needs to be really careful because who knows behind that vehicle is another vehicle passing. With lane departure warning, this feature alerts the driver when there might be a chance that the vehicle is out of its lane. The driver is notified through a vibration on the steering wheel, which is very useful to get back in the lane. Then, to minimize severe accidents, if an accident occurs, it would be nice if at the time of the accident the medical team could be directly contacted, and Jeep has a unique feature called UConnect System. This UConnect system, in difficult situations such as an accident, car theft, or stolen, can directly contact the driver to the customer care of Jeep, and if possible Jeep can send a team to help. This is of course very efficient.
The next feature is front and rear parking assistance. This system helps the driver to park the car. When the driver is parking, this feature provides information on the vehicle's position using sound signals and visual indicators. When the driver feels difficult to do parallel parking or perpendicular, the Jeep Grand Cherokee also provides a park assist which can automatically steer the wheel to the correct position when the driver needs to park. The automatic steering system is useful for perpendicular parking. This feature can work by noting the position of the vehicle with respect to another object. With this system, it can help reduce the probability of an accident when the driver is parking by collisions with other objects. This feature is very useful especially for novice drivers who are not good at parking, and really it can reduce the severity of the parking area on the vehicle.
Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 2023 has been designed to be equipped with high tech to ensure the safety of the driver and passenger. Recently, nowadays an accident has been increased. This happens because of the infrastructure of the road condition and the road sign is not clearly seen by the driver, even in the rainy season the driver is unable to focus well because of the limited sight caused by rain water that hit the window. To lessen the accident, Jeep provides an infrared camera that helps the driver to clearly see the road condition, whether it's rain, snow, or fog. This camera senses infrared light, including the heat emitted by objects. The system uses that data to help in identifying pedestrians and animals, and can warn the driver of their presence. In certain cases, it can apply the brakes to avoid or mitigate an accident. The same with the previous system, the infrared camera system is also very useful in the fog. Because in those conditions, it is very hard to see the road to check the condition of the road until we are close to the crossing. With this system, we can prevent unexpected things on the road.
4. Pricing and Trim Levels
Laredo trim starts at a price range of USD 44,995, which is quite competitive when compared to its rivals. It is more than USD 3000 less than the Toyota Prado GXL and importantly, is thousands less than the German rivals and noticeably less than the Ford Explorer XLT. Overland and Summit trims compare similarly against their rivals in the higher-end luxury market. The Limited trim starts at USD 49,995, which is slightly cheaper than its previous generation models and is similar in pricing to a Land Rover Discovery and Ford Explorer. This may help steal a few customers from those markets given the Jeep's competitive pricing compared to its rivals. It is cheaper than an Audi Q7 Premium but is significantly more than the Q7 Premium's price point. The Q7 offers a 2.0-liter, 252 hp, 273 lbf.ft and is priced at 49,000. This furthers the argument from previous generations that the Jeep Grand Cherokee is still expensive for what you get, particularly the smaller engined models. The difficulty now is conflicting what the Jeep already has to offer by making it cheaper and undercutting its new Laredo model. As previously mentioned, Jeep would feel the Laredo model is the staple of the entry price, but adjusting packages and price points on specific trims may need further adjusting in the future to iron out the kinks between the Laredo and Limited models.
4.1. Laredo Trim
The Laredo trim is the lowest option of the 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee, but it still comes in a couple of different packages with a base Laredo as an option for a special edition. The first option, the base Laredo, comes with nearly 30 standard features. Some of these features include the Sentry Key theft deterrent system that disables the ignition, fuel, and start systems without the original key, 16" Silverblade painted argent aluminum wheels, and a 6-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo system. There are also many optional features as well. Some standard and optional features in the Laredo trim include the Sentry Key theft deterrent system that disables the ignition, fuel, and start systems without the original key, the Upcountry suspension package, and the power sunroof. These features found in the Laredo model are great for regular driving and light off-road use.
4.2. Limited Trim
It's the Limited Trim that holds our attention to start. The Limited has a base price of $39,545, compared to the Laredo that's a price to upgrade. The Limited offers many of the Laredo’s optional features as standard. Some of these would include a Power Sunroof, a Security and Convenience Group, the Trailer Tow Group IV, and the Laredo E’s Altitude package. The Limited also has an Enhanced Accident Response System. Stepping up to the Limited gets you more creature comforts and some conveniences that are not available on Laredo's that have optional features. Some of these would include Dual Zone Climate Control. A really neat Jeep feature is memory setting for the driver's seat/mirrors/radio. This is great when 2 drivers share the same vehicle, and a Rear Back Up Camera. This is a very useful feature and surprised us it was not available on the Laredo. The Limited also has Remote Engine Start and an Automatic Tailgate, two features that are not present on the Laredo yet can be found on the Overland and the Summit. The Limited can offer 5 seating configurations as an option. This will replace the no charge option of the off-road group which is essentially the same thing but gives the consumers the choice to choose. This will up the price by $295 and still the same $295 is a no charge replacement for the standard Black or Light Frost Beige Interior with Black Seats to a Black. The Limited model's drivetrain will remain the same as the Laredo's. This will give the consumers a choice of 4x2 or 4x4, with the 4x2 being $2000 cheaper. The Limited will have the exact same option of engines without any changes. So, this is essentially where the Laredo and the Limited have the same powertrain and seating configurations besides the 5 seat option, which is just an optional replacement. This is great for 4x4 enthusiasts that were thinking about buying ORA I for the Offroad Group that was available on the Laredo but would rather take the luxury over the off-road package.