The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee lasts around 200,000 miles with some stereo system and engine sensor issues reported. At $27,300 to $70,275, it’s expensive, but worth taking a look at if you want a luxurious SUV that’s also capable off-road.
Is the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2020 is a good year for the Jeep Grand Cherokee since it offers a lot of upscale materials paired with improved reliability. Owner reviews praise the strong engines, responsive steering, along with the off-road capabilities.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are luxurious for a midsize SUV, the seats offer great support on long drives, although cargo space is lower than average.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are no widespread mechanical issues on the 2020 Grand Cherokee. Avoid models from 2014–2015 which have engine problems while 2016–2021 are more dependable.
- Performance 9/10 – The base engines are reasonably strong while the Trackhawk model is one of the fastest SUVs on the market.
- Safety 8/10 – The 2020 Grand Cherokee is safe, earning a perfect 5-star safety rating in government crash tests. It comes standard with a rearview camera, while adaptive cruise control along with automatic emergency braking are optional upgrades.
- Gas Mileage 6/10 – Fuel economy is poor at up to 21 MPG, giving 516 miles of range from the 24.6 gallon tank. Gas costs are $10 higher than average, at $210 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee is reasonably priced for the luxury and technology features it has.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Jeep Grand Cherokee?
- Consumer Reports says the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a versatile and well-rounded SUV with good owner satisfaction scores as it ages.
- Edmunds rates the Grand Cherokee at 4.5/5, praising the off-road capabilities for its size, but doesn’t like the firm suspension.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the 2020 Grand Cherokee a 4.3/5, enjoying the luxurious interior for the money, but owner’s don’t like the poor fuel economy.
What Common Problems Does the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee Have?
Common problems found on the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee include the stereo system freezing, a check engine light, along with trouble shifting out of park into drive. Overall, some of these problems are worse than other midsize SUVs, since they can lead to more expensive repair bills as it ages.
The stereo system freezing is the most widespread complaint on the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee, showing up in the first 1,000 miles. There are software updates available for the stereo system which improve its reliability. Most dealerships will install this software for free, while some charge around $50.
A check engine light is another complaint from 2020 Grand Cherokee owners in the first 5,000 miles. Usually, the problem is simply caused by a loose connection at a sensor, although there are many reasons a check engine light may turn on. The only way to figure out the source of the problem is by using an OBD-II scan tool.
Trouble shifting out of park are a rare, yet serious, complaint on the 2020 Grand Cherokee in the first 5,000 miles. Usually the problem is caused by damage inside the transmission. Usually the transmission is replaced under warranty, although if transmission problems show up outside the warranty period then they are roughly $4,000 to change.
There are two recalls on the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee, which is similar to other midsize SUVs. The first recall covers the high pressure fuel pump which is known to fail, and Jeep will replace it on affected models for free. The second recall covers the rearview camera image getting stuck on the screen. This is fixed via a software update, which Jeep will also do for free.
How Long Will the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee Last?
A well-maintained 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee can last around 200,000 miles, which is over 100,000 miles less than the ultra-long-lasting Toyota 4Runner. Regular annual maintenance costs are slightly higher than some competitors, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $605 per year.
As a used 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history, owners should be prepared to replace the air bag clock spring for $780, the steering gearbox costing $870, along with the wheel hubs which cost $450
We haven't had any issues with reliability but the jeep is less than a month old so I would think it would be very reliable.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is very good in the 2020 Grand Cherokee with a standard 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Optional upgrades include a larger 8.4-inch touchscreen, along with more powerful stereo options.
Standard safety features are average for a midsize SUV, offering:
- Backup camera
- Blind spot monitoring
- Rear parking sensors
- Cross-traffic alert
Optional driver assistance features include:
- Parallel park assist
- Adaptive cruise control
- Forward automatic emergency braking
- Lane departure warning
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers
- Forward collision warning
- Lane keep assist
Is the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee a Good Value?
Yes, the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a good value since it’s a reasonably reliable midsize SUV with improved reliability from earlier years. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $27,300 to $70,275, making it more than a Honda Pilot or Kia Telluride. When new, the price range was $32,150 to $87,400. Depreciation is similar to other SUVs, losing about 10% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Jeep Grand Cherokee?
There are seven models of the Jeep Grand Cherokee available from the base Laredo, all the way up to the high-performance Grand Cherokee Trackhawk. The Grand Cherokee is also offered with either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.
Laredo is the entry-level model with:
- Cloth Seats
- Alloy Wheels
- Rear Parking Sensors
- Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control
- 7-Inch Touchscreen With Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Six-Speaker Sound System
Limited is a step up, adding:
- Remote Start
- Power Liftgate
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Power-Adjustable Front Seats
- Satellite Radio
- Leather Seats
- Heated Seats
- 4-Inch Touchscreen Navigation System
- Heated Rear Seats
Trailhawk focuses on off-road performance with:
- Unique Front and Rear Bumpers
- Off-Road Tires
- Quadra-Trac II Low Range Gearing
- Electronic Locking Rear Differential
- Terrain-Selectable Traction Control System
- Adjustable Air Suspension
- Underbody Skid Plates
Overland adds features such as:
- More Luxurious Interior
- Normal Suspension
- On-Road Tires
Summit is a luxurious model with:
- Self-Parking System
- Active Noise Cancellation Technology
- Upgraded Leather Upholstery
- 19-Speaker Harman Kardon Stereo System
SRT offers good performance with:
- Specialized All-Wheel Drive System
- Summer Performance Tires
- Adaptive Sport-Tuned Suspension
- Improved Steering
- Larger Brakes
- Sport Body Kit
- Limited-Slip Rear Differential
Trackhawk is the sportiest model which has:
- Premium Adaptive Suspension
- Brembo Brakes
- Lightweight 20-Inch Wheels
- High Performance Tires
- Upgraded Eight-Speed Automatic Transmission
- Suede and Leather Seating
What Engines Come In the Jeep Grand Cherokee?
- The base engine is an average 3.6L V6 which makes 295 horsepower at up to 21 MPG. All engines come standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
- An available upgrade is the more powerful 5.7L V8, which produces 360 horsepower while getting up to 17 MPG.
- The SRT model comes with a stronger 6.4L V8 which generates 475 horsepower, which gets 15 MPG. Performance is great, taking 5.1 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
- The Trackhawk model offers a high-performance supercharged 6.2L V8 which makes 707 horsepower at up to 13 MPG. Performance is outstanding, taking only 3.5 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Jeep Grand Cherokee Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Jeep Grand Cherokee?
The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee offers a comfortable and spacious interior that can accommodate up to five passengers with easy access. The front seats are well-cushioned and provide ample support, while the available power-adjustable seats make it easy to find a comfortable driving position. The rear seats offer plenty of legroom and headroom, making them suitable for long drives or carpooling.
The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee also comes with a variety of sound-deadening materials, which help to reduce road and wind noise, resulting in a quieter and more relaxing ride. The suspension system is also tuned to provide a comfortable ride over uneven surfaces, absorbing most bumps and potholes with ease.
How Much Storage Space Does the Jeep Grand Cherokee Have?
Regarding cargo space, the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee provides up to 36.3 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats. When the rear seats are folded down, the cargo space expands to 68.3 cubic feet.
Regarding interior storage, the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee offers several compartments, including a center console with a storage bin, cupholders, and a covered storage area. Additionally, the front door pockets have ample storage space for personal items, and the glovebox is also spacious.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The fourth generation of the Jeep Grand Cherokee came out for the 2011 model year, and was replaced by the fifth generation in 2022.
2015: More powerful engine in SRT model, improved interior in Summit model.
2016: Stop-start added to the 3.6L V6, electronic power steering is standard on all models aside from the SRT.
2017: Trailhawk model introduced, more safety technology features available.
2018: High-performance Trackhawk model added to the lineup, standard 7-inch touchscreen on all models.
2019: No major changes.
2020: Diesel engine removed from the lineup.
2021: Optional 80th anniversary package on the Limited model.
How Does the Jeep Grand Cherokee Compare to the Competition?
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a very nice midsize SUV, although you do trade in some of the long-term reliability for a more luxurious interior than the competition.
The Ford Explorer is a slightly larger SUV which costs around $2,500 less. Passenger room is better in the Ford Explorer, while the Jeep Grand Cherokee has a more upscale interior for the money. We recommend the Jeep Grand Cherokee, although both are decent SUVs, for the 2020 model year, making it worth a test drive to see which you prefer.
The Toyota Highlander is another midsize SUV which costs about $2,000 more. Standard safety technology is more advanced in the Toyota Highlander, while the Jeep Grand Cherokee has a higher-quality interior. We recommend the Toyota Highlander since it lasts longer with lower long-term ownership costs.
Do Owners Recommend the Jeep Grand Cherokee?
Yes so far. I have had it less than a month so still getting used to, it. I like the way it looks. It is comfortable and the ride is smooth and quiet. I like being able to adjust my seat heights to see out the windshield.