The midsize SUV segment is rough territory for models that aren’t properly prepared, and there are plenty of competitors waiting to surpass the weakest links. Consistently reliable models, like the Honda Pilot and Toyota RAV4, have remained popular for a reason after all. Jeep and Stellantis, in general, have had a rough go of it over the past few years, but there are still some solid offerings available.
Among these solid offerings is the 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee. While it’s no Wrangler when it comes to heading off the unpaved path, the Grand Cherokee comes with plenty of standard amenities and a spacious interior to boot.
The 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee comes in a two-row configuration and starts at $36,495, a lower MSRP than the 2024 model’s base trim. Other than that, there are no other changes on the docket for the 2025 model year. If you want a third row, you’ll have to upgrade to the Jeep Grand Cherokee L, which starts at $39,035.
Available in nine trim levels, the 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee comes with a vast range of features. It also comes in a plug-in hybrid variant with six trim levels, but considering the base Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe will cost you $60,490, we won’t be taking it into consideration for now.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a cushy SUV capable of hitting the trails
Available from $36,495, the 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo A is one of the more affordable offerings in its class. It doesn’t come with any changes other than a price reduction for the 2025 model year, so that’s a plus in my book.
The 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee rolls out with a 3.6-liter V6 engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission that makes 293 horsepower and 257 lb-ft of torque. Rear-wheel drive comes standard, but you’ll have to upgrade to the Laredo trim to get four-wheel drive. If you opt to upgrade to the 4×4 Laredo, you’ll be looking at a price tag of $39,035.
In terms of fuel economy, the 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee equipped with two-wheel drive earns up to 19 city mpg, 26 highway mpg, and 22 combined mpg. The base model is also capable of towing up to 6,200 lbs. and hauling 1,280 lbs. when properly equipped. Unfortunately, the Jeep Grand Cherokee has plenty of competition when it comes to the off-road capability that the Jeep brand is known for.
The 2025 Honda Passport starts at $42,400 and is powered by a 280-horsepower engine that earns 21 combined mpg. The 2025 Ford Bronco four-door starts at $37,995 and features a 300-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The 2025 Toyota 4Runner is available from $40,770 and is stocked with a 278-horsepower hybrid turbocharged four-cylinder engine rated for 22 combined mpg.
Who is the Grand Cherokee’s closest rival?
The 2025 Ford Bronco four-door model starts at $37,995 and offers the off-road capability one would expect of a Jeep. While it’s still more expensive than the Jeep Grand Cherokee, both models have name recognition going for them.
When it comes to price, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is the clear winner, but the Ford Bronco pushes past it in plenty of other areas. The Bronco is designed to take on unpaved terrain of all sorts, whereas the Grand Cherokee is a cushier model designed for trails rather than rocky outcrops.
The Ford Bronco and Jeep Grand Cherokee are competitive in terms of performance. The former’s 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine delivers 275 horsepower and 315 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with a seven-speed manual transmission, but a 10-speed automatic is available.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee’s standard V6 engine produces 293 horsepower and 257 lb-ft of torque, which is channeled through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Grand Cherokee has a clear advantage with a 6,200-lb. towing capacity, topping the Bronco’s 3,500 lbs.
The EPA has yet to rate the 2025 Ford Bronco, but since it arrives largely unchanged, it’s probably safe to expect the 2024 Bronco’s 20 city mpg and 21 highway mpg to carry over. The 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee is rated for an EPA-estimated 19 city mpg and 26 highway mpg. Notably, four-wheel drive comes standard in the Bronco whereas it’ll cost you $2,000 to upgrade trims in the Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Ford Motor Company
The Jeep Grand Cherokee and four-door Ford Bronco are also close competitors when it comes to size. The Grand Cherokee has a wheelbase of 116.7 inches, whereas the Ford Bronco is slightly smaller at 116.1 inches.
While the two are close in size, the Jeep Grand Cherokee wins when it comes to passenger space. Passenger volume sits at a comfortable 145 cu. ft., while the Bronco tops out at 108.2 cu. ft. when equipped with a soft top. Cargo space is a different story, with the Grand Cherokee maxing out at 70.8 cu. ft., while the Bronco offers up to 83 cu. ft. with the rear seats folded down.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ford Bronco are fairly close competitors in most categories, but it’s the former who is more versatile. While the Grand Cherokee can hit the trails or travel the open road, the Ford Bronco offers a more rugged take on the modern midsize SUV.
Final thoughts
The midsize SUV segment is extremely competitive, and while some are designed for passenger comfort, others are built for the great outdoors. The 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee swings for the best of both worlds, but it leans towards the cushier side of life. While the two-row SUV is a solid choice, there are plenty of alternatives to choose from.
The base Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo A starts at $36,495 and features a spacious interior along with great standard equipment. Its performance and list of amenities don’t stand out among competitors, making the Grand Cherokee a solid middle-of-the-road option.
It’s important to note, however, that Stellantis has had a rocky few years, and recalls aren’t exactly out of the norm. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the 2023 and 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee have 14 and 11 open recalls, respectively. On paper, the 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee is worth its $36,495 MSRP, but make sure to do your due diligence before you buy.
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About the author
Joseph Pudlewski
Contributing Writer, Autoblog