The Jeep Grand Cherokee perfectly blends elegance, comfort, and capability to secure a spot among the best midsize SUVs in the market. While it serves perfectly as a family SUV, the car also enjoys Jeep’s typical ruggedness in build and performance. As a result, it is durable and reliable for off-road conditions and adapts to daily in-city driving. The car has great driving dynamics and is praised for its smoothness and refinement on paved roads, yet it may not be perfect for every driver. Fortunately, the midsize SUV market features some fantastic cars similar to Jeep Grand Cherokee for drivers seeking an alternative.
The Best Cars Similar to Jeep Grand Cherokee
We have highlighted ten superb cars similar to Jeep Grand Cherokee. This is to help buyers select the best alternatives and not miss out on the compelling features that make the Jeep stand out. Also, we outlined the features that make each car a compelling alternative. Let’s get to it.
1. Toyota 4Runner
The Toyota 4Runner is excellent for you if you prioritize off-roading and outdoor adventure in your quest for cars like the Jeep Grand Cherokee. The car sports an old-school outfit and is among the cheapest SUVs to maintain and repair. Many drivers appreciate its on-road adaptation in addition to its budget-friendly price tag. Inside, the latest models are roomy and accommodate five seaters across two rows. You can opt for a third row, but it is not suitable for tall passengers. The cargo space at the rear is decent, even with the third row of seats opened.
An 8.0-inch infotainment display is standard for all 4runners and offers Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a SiriusXM trial subscription, and a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot. As an upgrade, you get a built-in navigation system. The latest model year features seven 4runner trims running on the same 4.0-liter V6 engine that makes 270 horsepower. This engine pairs with a standard five-speed automatic transmission and a rear-wheel drive system in the base trims. You can get either full- or part-time four-wheel drive systems in off-road-capable TRD trims.
With a top speed of 113 mph, this engine accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 7.7 seconds. It is good for 16 MPG in the city and 19 on the highway, according to the EPA. The optional off-road enhancements include an electronically locking rear differential for maximum traction in slippery or muddy conditions and a Kinetic Dynamic Suspension, which allows improved wheel articulation during off-road action. Top trims also feature selectable drive modes (called Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control) that can alter the SUV’s powertrain behavior to accommodate various driving scenarios. The most recent Toyota 4Runner ranges between $41,655 and $56,620, depending on the trim and optional features.
2. BMW X5
If you are willing to splurge on luxury, the BMW X5 is worth considering. The latest model is a top-class performer but will not thrive in off-road conditions. It is more suited for city driving conditions and long family road trips. Meanwhile, the exterior enjoys an updated front grille and bumper, new headlamps and taillamps, and attractive wheel designs. The cabin boasts high-end tech features and is fitted with comfort-focused materials. You get ample leg- and head-room with a suite of standard features like power-adjustable driver seats and steering column, heated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power rear liftgate, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and customizable ambient lighting.
A 12.3-inch digital gauge display sits behind the steering wheel, while a larger 14.9-inch touchscreen provides access to BMW’s iDrive infotainment interface from the center of the dash. The base sDrive40i and xDrive40i trims (rear- and all-wheel drive, respectively) run on the same turbocharged inline-six that puts out 375 horsepower. Eco-conscious drivers can get a plug-in hybrid xDrive50e that combines a turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine and an electric motor to deliver 483 horsepower. Meanwhile, driving enthusiasts will always favor the Motorsport M60i trim that boasts a twin-turbocharged V8 engine, good for 523 horsepower.
An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard for all X5s with AWD or RWD systems. You get a max tow rate of 7,200 pounds and a top speed of 151 mph. The base setup smashes 60 mph in 4.8 seconds, while the M60i does it in 3.9. The xDrive50e packs a 25.7-kWh battery pack good for up to 38 miles of electric-only driving and charges on 110-volt or 220-volt outlets. Furthermore, the base V6 earns 23 and 27 MPG for city and highway driving conditions. There are tons of fantastic standard and optional features to enjoy in this car. You can get a new BMW X5 for between $66,195 and $90,295, depending on your preferences.
3. Dodge Durango
The Durango shares many properties with Jeep’s Grand Cherokee in terms of performance and looks. They both have a commanding road presence and off-road practicality. Like most cars similar to Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Durango has dedicated performance SRT trims that thrive in the harshest off-road conditions. The base Durango setup comprises a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine that makes 290 horsepower, with an eight-speed automatic transmission that facilitates a 7.4-second boost from zero to 60 mph.
A more powerful 4.7-liter V8 engine that is good for 360 horsepower is available. It uses the same transmission pairing with 4WD or RWD systems. This setup steps the 0-to-60 mph acceleration time down to 6.2 seconds. While the base V6 can tow 6,200 pounds worth of payload, the V8 has a maximum payload rating of 8,700 pounds.
All Durangos are off-road experts and can adapt to deliver comfortable rides. Driving enthusiasts seeking more road excitement can opt for the SRT trims, making 475 and 710 horsepower. According to the EPA, the base trim is good for 19 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway, while the V8 earns 14 and 22 MPG, respectively. Dodge Durangos are also top-rated in terms of safety and driver-assistance technology. A new Dodge Durango ranges between $41,265 and $55,700 for the regular models. The SRT trims can get as high as $108,795.
4. Kia Telluride
The Kia Telluride has made a name for itself in the family SUV segment. If you love cars like Jeep Grand Cherokee but want to save some bucks at the pump, this Kia is your best bet. In addition to fuel efficiency, you get a near-luxury interior with comfortable sitting spaces for front and rear-seat passengers. You are set to enjoy niceties like Nappa leather upholstery, a memory driver’s seat, a head-up display, heated seats, and ventilated rear seats if you can afford the top trims. Two 12.3-inch screens for gauge display and infotainment spread across the dash in all Tellurides.
A naturally aspirated 3.8-liter V6 engine makes 291 horsepower under the hood. This engine pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission to power the front wheels in the standard FWD trims and four wheels when you opt for the available AWD setup. Tellurides has a top speed of 132 mph and accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds. Its maximum towing capacity is 5,500 pounds. While the car is not ideal for hardcore off-roading, 8.4 inches of ground clearance means it can survive minor harsh conditions.
Thanks to its excellent brakes and precise steering, the Telluride delivers impressive handling. An optional self-leveling rear air suspension is also available to boost scalability. The base FWD trims earn 20 MPG and 26 MPG for city and highway driving conditions, respectively. AWD options shed 1 MPG each for the added flare. A new Kia Telluride will set you back between $37,585 and $54,780, depending on the trim and options.
5. Mazda CX-90
The CX-90 is Mazda’s replacement for the discontinued CX-9 crossover. It is known for its high-end cabin and exciting handling. The cabin is a comfortable eight-seater with three rows of seats. All Occupants get to enjoy ample headroom but legroom may be a problem for tall occupants. You also get tangible cargo space behind under a tailgate. A standard 10.3-inch intuitive display is standard but you can opt for a 12.3-inch one. You also get a 12.3-inch digital gauge display behind the steering wheel.
The car runs on a hybrid powertrain comprising a turbocharged 3.3-liter inline six-cylinder engine with a 48-volt hybrid system. This setup puts out 280 horsepower in non-S trims and 340 in S-trims. All CX-90s employ the same eight-speed automatic transmission and AWD system. The car delivers a remarkably smooth ride with a top speed of 130 mph. Also, the base setup accelerates from zero to 60 mph in merely 6.8 seconds, but the Turbo S trim is a lot zippier.
The S models pack many interior niceties and optional performance enhancements. They are not ideal for heavy-duty applications, as their maximum towing capacity is 5,000 pounds. The EPA estimates that this car gets 24 MPG in the city and 28 on the highway. Depending on the trim and extras, you can get a new Mazda CX-90 for between $39,220 and $57,325.
6. Hyundai Palisade
If you’re looking for cars similar to Jeep Grand Cherokee that give you more control and comfort, you cannot go wrong with the Palisade. Inside, you get a roomy, comfortable eight-seater with a foldable third row of seats. You can go for second-row captain chairs, but that reduces the capacity to seven seats. Some standard interior features are reclining third-row seats, leather upholstery, heated seats and steering wheel, aluminum pedal covers, and adaptive cruise control. A 12.0-inch infotainment display is standard, with optional Hyundai Blue Link service.
This car runs on a turbocharged 3.8-liter six-cylinder engine tuned to deliver up to 291 horsepower. This engine relies on a standard eight-speed automatic transmission to power the standard front-wheel drive system. The transmission shifts smoothly on its own, but you can use the steering-mounted paddles to select gears manually. Acceleration from zero to 60 mph takes only 6.4 seconds for this car, with a top speed of 144 mph. Furthermore, its maximum tow rate is 5,000 pounds.
In terms of fuel economy, the car earns 19 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. The AWD system sheds 2 MPG on the highway. Lastly, the standard adaptive cruise control system features a semi-autonomous driving mode. A new Hyundai Palisade ranges between $38,045 and goes up to $55,245, depending on the trim and optional features.
7. Ford Explorer
Ford’s Explorer is another top-class American midsize SUV similar to the Grand Cherokee. They both wear the same unibody traditional SUV exterior. Inside, the Explorer offers ample passenger room and cargo space. While the base trims have an 8.0-inch infotainment screen, high-end trims get a vertical-oriented 10.1-inch display with optional smartphone wireless charging pads and a 12-speaker B&O stereo system.
A turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine makes 300 horsepower in the Base, XLT, and Limited trims. This engine shares the general top speed of 140 mph and accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 6.0 seconds. It earns 21 MPG in the city and 28 on the highway with a max tow rate of 4,500 pounds. The more powerful trims use a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine that makes 400 horsepower. This setup requires only 5.4 seconds to accelerate from zero to 60 mph and can tow up to 5,600 pounds of payload. According to the EPA, it is good for 18 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway.
A ten-speed automatic transmission is standard for all Explorer trims. It is smooth and switches seamlessly. You can get stiffer suspensions on the more athletic ST trim. All Ford Explorers have great driving dynamics and perform decently in off-road conditions. Depending on your preferred trim and optional features, you can get a new Ford Explorer for between $38,455 and $57,310. The more expensive trims add 20-inch wheels, a heated and power-adjustable steering wheel, leather upholstery, a power-folding third row, and upgraded driver assists such as adaptive cruise control
8. GMC Acadia
The GMC Acadia is another top player in the midsize SUV segment. Like most cars, similar to the Jeep Grand Cherokee, it has a seven—or eight-seater interior, providing enough room for seniors going on trips with friends or family. The interior is spacious and offers good leg and head space. It is sophisticated, with decent materials and above-average driver assistance technology. The Denali trim steps the comfortable interior to Luxury status.
GMC rolls every Acadia with a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine that generates 328 horsepower. It pairs with a standard eight-speed automatic transmission. Buyers get to choose between a FWD and AWD configuration. Moreover, the AT4 trim comes standard with an AWD configuration. This requires only 6.5 seconds to accelerate from zero to 60 MPH, while the FWD model does so in 6.7 seconds. Furthermore, its top speed is 131 mph, and its maximum payload rating is 5,000 pounds. The EPA-estimated gas mileage for the Acadia is 20 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway.
The car boasts a 15.0-inch infotainment screen with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. It is customizable and uses Google built-in software with voice activation. Standard safety features are automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The latest GMC Acadia ranges between $43,995 and $54,695, depending on the trim and optional features you opt for.
9. Honda Pilot
The Pilot is a reliable midsize SUV with a roomy, comfortable interior. It is ideal for minimalists because it offers all you want with no drama. You can also take it for off-road adventures, but the Trailsport trim is best suited for this. This trim adds an extra inch of ground clearance, skid plates, and all-terrain tires. The base model has two 7.0-inch displays for infotainment and digital gauge clusters. Meanwhile, higher-end trims get a 9.0-inch infotainment system and a 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster.
All recent Pilots run on the same 3.5-liter V6 engine that is good for 285 horsepower. A ten-speed automatic transmission and a front-wheel drive layout are standard. You can also opt for an AWD for better off-road adaptability. Aside from the Trailsport trim, which does it in 0.3 seconds less, every Honda Pilot accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds. The general top speed is 130 mph, and a maximum tow rate of 5,000 pounds. However, the FWDs can only tow 3,500 pounds of payload.
Regarding fuel efficiency, this car delivers 19 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway, according to the EPA. Safety and driver-assistance features like automated emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control are standard across all trims. A new Honda Pilot will set you back between $41,295 and $55,675, depending on the trim and extra features you opt for.
10. Chevrolet Traverse
If you’re in the market for cars like the Jeep Grand Cherokee, you do not have to look outside America to find one. The Traverse has a modern interior packed with lots of tech features. It offers ample head and leg room even for third-row occupants. The dash sports a giant 11.0-inch digital gauge cluster and a 17.7-inch display for infotainment. Additionally, you can opt for second-row captain’s chairs, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, a wireless smartphone charging pad, a power rear liftgate, and roof rails for carrying additional cargo.
Every Traverse packs the same turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine under its hood. This engine makes 315 horsepower and pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission. AWD driveline is standard for all Traverses. Thanks to its twin-clutch all-wheel drive system, different suspension damping, all-terrain tires, and terrain-specific driving modes, the Z71 trim can handle off-road situations better.
Performance-wise, it has a top speed of 130 mph and accelerates from zero to 60 mph in only 6.5 seconds. Also, you can tow a payload of up to 2,000 pounds with this car. Regarding gas mileage, the EPA estimates that the Traverse is good for 20 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. The latest Chevrolet Traverse ranges between $39,495 and $55,595, depending on your preferred trim and options.
Let’s Wrap it Up…
Despite the Grand Cherokee’s fantastic performance, some drivers may prefer a similar option that probably costs less to maintain or offers a specific feature. The good news is that the midsize SUV segment is packed with lots of goodies. You can pick any option among the ten best cars similar to Jeep Grand Cherokee we listed and be sure to enjoy the same blend of elegance, comfort, and capability the Jeep offers. Additionally, if you love the Jeep for its ruggedness and off-road abilities, over half the cars on this list can facilitate your thrilling adventures.
