The 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland is a midsize SUV that stands out for its mix of luxury, off-road ability, and everyday comfort. This model year brought several updates, making it a top pick for those who want both style and substance.
Whether you’re drawn by its reputation or curious about how it drives, this review covers what really matters if you’re considering the Overland.
Design And Interior Comfort
The 2014 Grand Cherokee Overland makes a strong first impression. The exterior features sleek lines, chrome details, and 20-inch wheels. These touches give it a premium look, setting it apart from basic trims.
Inside, the Overland feels more like a luxury car than an SUV. The leather-trimmed seats are both heated and ventilated in the front, and heated in the rear—a comfort not always found in this class. Real wood accents and a panoramic sunroof add to the upscale feel. The driver’s seat has memory settings, making it easy to share the car without constantly readjusting.
Space is generous for five adults. Rear legroom is 38.
6 inches, and the cargo area offers 36. 3 cubic feet behind the back seats.
Folding the seats opens up over 68 cubic feet roomy enough for most needs.
Technology And Features
The Overland trim is loaded with tech. A standout is the 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen. It’s simple to use, with clear menus and fast responses. Navigation, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and a premium 9-speaker audio system with subwoofer come standard.
Other key features include:
- Remote start
- Power liftgate
- Adaptive cruise control
- Forward collision warning
- Blind spot monitoring
One detail many miss: the adaptive air suspension. This system lets you raise or lower the SUV for better off-road clearance or easier entry. Few rivals offer this at the price point.
Engine Performance And Handling
The 2014 Overland offers three engine choices, but most come with the 3.6L Pentastar V6. It makes 290 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, enough for city and highway driving. For more power, there’s a 5.7L HEMI V8 with 360 horsepower, and a 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 that delivers 240 horsepower and impressive torque for towing.
A new 8-speed automatic transmission was added in 2014. It shifts smoothly and helps with fuel economy.
The V6 gets 17 mpg city/24 mpg highway (2WD), while the diesel can reach up to 30 mpg on the highway.
Here’s how the engines compare:
| Engine | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | MPG (City/Hwy) | Towing Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.6L V6 | 290 | 260 | 17/24 | 6,200 lbs |
| 5.7L V8 | 360 | 390 | 14/22 | 7,200 lbs |
| 3.0L Diesel | 240 | 420 | 21/30 | 7,200 lbs |
While the Overland is smooth on pavement, it still shines off-road. The Quadra-Drive II 4WD system and Selec-Terrain dial let you handle snow, mud, sand, and rocks with confidence. The air suspension means you can clear tough obstacles without scraping the underbody.
Safety And Reliability
The Grand Cherokee Overland scores well in safety. It earned four out of five stars from the NHTSA in overall crash tests. Standard features include seven airbags, stability control, and advanced brake assist.
Driver aids like blind spot monitoring and forward collision warning help prevent accidents. The Overland also has rear cross-traffic alert, which is useful in parking lots.
Reliability is average for the class. Some owners report issues with electronics, especially the infotainment system.
Regular updates and recalls have addressed many problems, but a pre-purchase inspection is smart if buying used.
Real-world Driving And Ownership
On the road, the Overland feels solid and quiet, even at highway speeds. The adaptive suspension soaks up bumps, and the cabin remains hushed thanks to double-pane glass.
Steering is light but precise, making city driving easy.
A detail many overlook: the Overland’s towing ability. With the right package, it can tow up to 7,200 lbs—enough for boats or small campers. The diesel engine, in particular, is popular among owners who need to tow often.
Maintenance costs are above average due to the advanced systems and premium parts. Expect higher brake and tire costs compared to standard SUVs.
However, the Overland holds its value well, especially when equipped with diesel or V8 engines.
2014 Overland Vs. The Competition
How does the Overland compare to rivals like the Ford Explorer or Toyota 4Runner? Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| Model | Base Price (2014) | Max Towing | Off-Road Features | Luxury Touches |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Cherokee Overland | $45,995 | 7,200 lbs | Quadra-Drive II, Air Suspension | Heated/Cooled Leather, Wood Trim |
| Ford Explorer Limited | $39,995 | 5,000 lbs | Terrain Management | Leather, Sony Audio |
| Toyota 4Runner Limited | $42,155 | 4,700 lbs | Crawl Control | Leather, Sunroof |
The Overland offers more towing, better off-road tools, and more luxury features for the price. It’s one of the few SUVs in this range to blend all three strengths.
Ownership Tips And Common Mistakes
- Check for recalls before buying used. The 2014 model had several, mainly for electronics and the transmission.
- Test all electronics, especially the Uconnect system. Reboots or glitches are a known issue.
- If you plan to tow, look for models with the factory tow package and air suspension.
- Avoid skipping scheduled maintenance. The adaptive suspension and diesel engine need regular checks.
- Don’t overlook tire quality. The Overland’s weight and power can wear tires faster than expected.
Many buyers forget to budget for higher insurance and registration costs due to the Overland’s luxury status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Good For Off-roading?
Yes. With Quadra-Drive II 4WD and Selec-Terrain, the Overland handles tough trails easily. The air suspension gives extra ground clearance when needed.
What Is The Real-world Fuel Economy?
Expect around 17 mpg city and 24 mpg highway with the V6. The diesel can reach 30 mpg highway if driven gently.
How Reliable Is The 2014 Overland?
It’s average. Electronics can be a weak spot, but the engines and drivetrain are strong with regular care.
How Much Can The Overland Tow?
With the right setup, the Overland can tow up to 7,200 lbs. This covers most boats, trailers, and campers.
Where Can I Find More Detailed Specs?
Visit the official Jeep site for full specifications and technical details.
The 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland is a smart choice for buyers who need comfort, capability, and style in one package. It’s not the cheapest to maintain, but few rivals match its blend of luxury and true off-road ability.
Consider your needs, check features carefully, and you’ll see why the Overland is still a favorite in the midsize SUV world.
