The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a popular full-sized SUV that has been in production since 1992. When deciding whether the Grand Cherokee is a good first car, there are many options to consider.
This article will discuss the benefits and drawbacks of owning the Jeep Grand Cherokee as a first car to help you decide if it is the right car for you.
Is A Jeep Grand Cherokee A Good First Car?
Whether a Jeep Grand Cherokee is a good first car will vary between individuals. Although some new drivers will be comfortable driving a larger vehicle, the Grand Cherokee can be more difficult to maneuver and park, which can make a smaller vehicle better for a first car for some people.
Risks Of Driving A Grand Cherokee As A First Car
Although the Grand Cherokee is a great SUV, that doesn’t mean it makes a good first car for all people.
Below are some risks and drawbacks of owning this vehicle as a first car that should be considered:
Rolling Over
Taller vehicles like SUVs have a higher risk of rolling over when turned too sharply. A new driver will need to learn how to navigate turns in a manner that prevents this risk.
Parking Difficulties
Taller and larger vehicles can be more difficult to park than smaller vehicles. Although full-size SUVs can usually be parked in most places, parking lots with smaller or shorter spaces can be trickier to park with the Grand Cherokee due to its size.
Additionally, if you live in a densely populated city and need to parallel park on a regular basis, you will need more room to be left between cars to be able to fit. It can definitely be easier to have a smaller car in these situations especially for a new driver.
Gas Mileage
Larger vehicles typically have worse fuel economy. Consequently, they usually cost more in gas on a regular basis due to more trips to the gas station being required than a vehicle with better fuel economy.
If the new driver is on a tight budget, the cost of gas and the frequency of filling up is something that should be considered.
For reference below is the gas mileage for each Grand Cherokee model:
| Grand Cherokee Model | Miles Per Gallon |
|---|---|
| Laredo E 4x2 | 19 city / 26 highway |
| Freedom 4x2 | 19 city / 26 highway |
| Laredo X 4x2 | 19 city / 26 highway |
| Limited 4x2 | 19 city / 26 highway |
| 80th Anniversary 4x2 | 19 city / 26 highway |
| Limited X 4x2 | 19 city / 26 highway |
| Trailhawk 4x4 | 18 city / 25 highway |
| Overland 4x2 | 19 city / 26 highway |
| High Altitude 4x2 | 19 city / 26 highway |
| Summit 4x2 | 19 city / 26 highway |
| SRT 4x4 | 13 city / 19 highway |
| Trackhawk 4x4 | 11 city / 17 highway |
Powerful Engine
The Jeep Grand Cherokee comes in both 6-cylinder and 8-cylinder options. The 8-cylinder engine option, in particular, may not be the best for newer drivers.
New drivers who drive at higher rates of speed are more likely to get into an accident or not have enough experience to see a bad situation coming and react in time if they are speeding.
A new Grand Cherokee driver would need to understand the power of the car and be responsible enough to drive in a prudent manner.
Price
The Grand Cherokee has a large price range. It has trim levels ranging from a starting price from a low of $34,970 to a high of $88,690.
On the low end, the price point isn’t horrible for a new driver. However, for a first car, you would want to consider how much money to put into a vehicle for someone who is just learning how to drive.
New drivers are more likely to have fender benders and dings, thus spending close to $100,000 for a first car isn’t reasonable for most families.
To keep the price point lower, you can also consider a slightly used Jeep Cherokee for a first car.
Benefits Of Driving A Grand Cherokee As A First Car
Depending on the person, the downsides may not outweigh the benefits the Jeep Grand Cherokee has to offer.
Consider the following benefits:
Inside Space
One benefit to owning the Jeep Grand Cherokee as a first car is the interior space. For someone who is larger or taller, they will be able to fit in this SUV and be comfortable on longer trips.
Additionally, for someone who needs the cargo space to haul larger items or someone who may have a lot of passengers on a regular basis, the Jeep allows for sufficient storage and passenger space.
The Grand Cherokee could be a good first car for individuals who need this extra space regularly.
Durability/ Safety
The Grand Cherokee is considered to be a tough and safe vehicle which is great for a first car.
Reliability wise it is rated as 83/100 by usnews.com which is considered to be above average.
Also, this Jeep is also equipped with a number of safety features. Some of the safety features that come on the Grand Cherokee are as follows:
- Blind spot monitoring
- Rear cross path detection
- Rear park assist
- Rear back up camera
- High strength steel construction
- Anti-lock 4-wheel brakes
- Rain brake support
- Ready alert braking
- Lane departure warning
- Electronic stability control
4×4 Technology
Jeeps are known for their off-roading capabilities and as such some models are equipped with 4×4 technology. One benefit to having 4×4 technology is that the Grand Cherokee will be capable of handling all kinds of weather conditions.
This is great for a first car owner that lives in an area with inclement weather as they will have better traction in bad weather events.
This technology is also good for someone who is interested in camping or off-roading, as the Grand Cherokee is capable of driving over rocks, sand, and mud for the adventurous types.
Visibility
Visibility is important especially for new drivers. Taller vehicles like SUVs provide better visibility of the road because their height allows for the driver to see over many other smaller vehicles to better be able to see dangerous situations on the road ahead.
Final Thoughts
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a popular SUV that can be a good option for a first car for some people. If the benefits overshadow the downsides that come with driving this vehicle then it may be the right car for you.
Examining each of the listed factors will allow you to decide whether the Grand Cherokee should be your first car.