2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. Its Competition

2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8
Martin Padgett Martin Padgett Editorial Director

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.

2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT82012 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Browse Used Listings		2012 Chevrolet Traverse2012 Chevrolet Traverse
Browse Used Listings		2012 Ford Explorer2012 Ford Explorer
Browse Used Listings		2012 Honda Pilot 2WD 4-door EX-L Angular Front Exterior View2012 Honda Pilot
Browse Used Listings		2011 Land Rover LR4 4WD 4-door V8 Angular Front Exterior View2012 Land Rover LR4
Browse Used Listings		2012 Volkswagen Touareg 4-door TDI Lux *Ltd Avail* Side Exterior View2012 Volkswagen Touareg
Browse Used Listings
Quick Specs
8.6
The 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee only gets better this year with the addition of the SRT8's thundering HEMI V-8.
8.0
One of the best big crossovers for families needing seven-passenger capability, the 2012 Chevy Traverse is spacious and safe, though unexciting.
8.6
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.
7.6
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.
7.8
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.
8.0
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 Hwy16 MPG City / 24 MPG Hwy17 MPG City / 25 MPG Hwy17 MPG City / 25 MPG Hwy12 MPG City / 17 MPG Hwy16 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy
Engine     
Gas/Ethanol V6Gas V6Gas V6Gas V6Gas V8Gas V6
EPA Class     
2WD Sport Utility Vehicle2WD Sport Utility VehicleSport Utility Vehicle - 2WD2WD Sport Utility Vehicle4WD Sport Utility Vehicle4WD Sport Utility Vehicle
Style Name     
RWD 4-Door LaredoFWD 4-Door LSFWD 4-Door Base2WD 4-Door LX4WD 4-Door4-Door VR6 Sport
Drivetrain     
Rear Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveAll Wheel DriveFour Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity     
587855
Passenger Doors     
4N/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
Body Style     
Sport Utility Vehicle4 DoorSport Utility Vehicle4 Door Sport Utility4 Door4 Door
Transmission     
AutomaticAutomaticAutomatic w/manual shiftAutomatic w/ODAutomatic w/ODAutomatic w/Manual Shift
Detailed Spec Comparison
 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. 2012 Chevrolet Traverse2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. 2012 Ford Explorer2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. 2012 Honda Pilot2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. 2012 Land Rover LR42012 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. 2012 Volkswagen Touareg