
Less a crossover than some of its five-seat ute competitors, the Grand Cherokee has real off-road capability baked into its rugged body shell.
Priced well below the Mercedes M-Class that's a distant relative, the Jeep competes with the Ford Explorer, though the Explorer is now a crossover, with everything from an optional turbo four engine to voice controls for its infotainment system.
The Honda Pilot and Chevy Traverse are seven-seat crossovers, inexpensive enough to be considered as alternatives for those who use their Jeeps that way.
For more adventurous drivers, the VW Touareg has some trail-riding talent and a very upscale interior, while the Land Rover LR4 seats seven and truly can trundle through messy terrain with skill.
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Quick Specs | |||||
The 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee only gets better this year with the addition of the SRT8's thundering HEMI V-8. |
One of the best big crossovers for families needing seven-passenger capability, the 2012 Chevy Traverse is spacious and safe, though unexciting. |
It's a rifle shot at the heart of the crossover market: the 2012 Ford Explorer gives any SUV loyalist a reason to leap off their very high horse. |
Don't let the macho-boxy look intimidate you; the Honda Pilot makes a lot of sense for large families—especially with improved mileage and a most tasteful front-end design for 2012. |
The 2012 Land Rover LR4 is a burly off-roader with a luxurious, high-class interior; just don't expect it to handle or perform like a car or crossover. |
The 2012 Volkswagen Touareg offers refined powertrains, excellent interior comfort, as well as a luxurious feel--although it carries a luxury-class price tag for a mainstream brand. |
MSRP From | |||||
$27,195 | $29,660 | $28,280 | $28,620 | $48,900 | $43,375 |
Gas Mileage | |||||
12 MPG City / 23 MPG Hwy | 16 MPG City / 24 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 25 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 25 MPG Hwy | 12 MPG City / 17 MPG Hwy | 16 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy |
Engine | |||||
Gas/Ethanol V6 | Gas V6 | Gas V6 | Gas V6 | Gas V8 | Gas V6 |
EPA Class | |||||
2WD Sport Utility Vehicle | 2WD Sport Utility Vehicle | Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD | 2WD Sport Utility Vehicle | 4WD Sport Utility Vehicle | 4WD Sport Utility Vehicle |
Style Name | |||||
RWD 4-Door Laredo | FWD 4-Door LS | FWD 4-Door Base | 2WD 4-Door LX | 4WD 4-Door | 4-Door VR6 Sport |
Drivetrain | |||||
Rear Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive | Four Wheel Drive |
Passenger Capacity | |||||
5 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 5 | 5 |
Passenger Doors | |||||
4 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Body Style | |||||
Sport Utility Vehicle | 4 Door | Sport Utility Vehicle | 4 Door Sport Utility | 4 Door | 4 Door |
Transmission | |||||
Automatic | Automatic | Automatic w/manual shift | Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/Manual Shift |
Detailed Spec Comparison | |||||
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. 2012 Chevrolet Traverse | 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. 2012 Ford Explorer | 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. 2012 Honda Pilot | 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. 2012 Land Rover LR4 | 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. 2012 Volkswagen Touareg |