The 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee stands as a popular choice for drivers who want an SUV that blends rugged power with city comfort. It offers a mix of off-road capability, refined interior features, and multiple trims.
Whether you're planning a mountain trip or just daily commuting, the Grand Cherokee from this year promises a well-rounded driving experience.
For many, it strikes a sweet spot between performance and luxury let’s see why.
Performance And Engine Options
Buyers in 2017 could pick from several engines. The base V6 delivers 295 horsepower, offering enough strength for most needs and a towing capacity up to 6,200 pounds. For those who want more power, the available 5.7-liter V8 boosts performance to 360 horsepower and ups the towing maximum to 7,400 pounds.
The real standout, though, is the EcoDiesel V6—a 3.0-liter engine offering both muscle and efficiency. It delivers 240 horsepower but, more importantly, 420 lb-ft of torque. This means strong pulling power and better fuel economy, with up to 30 mpg on the highway. The SRT model, with its 475-horsepower V8, is another highlight, turning the Grand Cherokee into a real performance SUV.
All models come with an 8-speed automatic transmission, known for smooth shifts and good fuel economy. Rear-wheel drive is standard, but most buyers opt for one of Jeep’s four-wheel-drive systems. These include Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, and the advanced Quadra-Drive II, which offers superior grip in tough conditions.
Interior And Features
Step inside, and the 2017 Grand Cherokee surprises with a high-quality cabin. Materials feel soft and premium, especially in higher trims like the Overland and Summit. Even the base Laredo trim offers a comfortable, functional layout.
Jeep’s Uconnect system is a highlight. The 8.4-inch touchscreen is easy to use and supports navigation, Bluetooth, and smartphone integration. Dual-zone climate control, a rearview camera, and keyless entry are standard in most trims.
For families, there’s plenty of space. Cargo capacity is about 36 cubic feet behind the rear seats—expandable to 68.3 cubic feet with seats folded. Two adults fit easily in the back, with good head- and legroom.
Here’s a quick comparison of key interior features across trims:
| Trim | Screen Size | Leather Seats | Heated Seats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laredo | 5 in | No | No |
| Limited | 8.4 in | Yes | Front |
| Overland | 8.4 in | Yes | Front & Rear |
| Summit | 8.4 in | Yes | Front & Rear |
Off-road And Towing Capabilities
The 2017 Grand Cherokee is known for its off-road prowess. Models like the Trailhawk come with extra features such as skid plates, all-terrain tires, and adjustable air suspension. The Selec-Terrain system lets drivers switch between settings for sand, mud, snow, and rocks—making it easy to adapt to changing conditions.
If you plan to tow, here’s what you can expect:
| Engine | Max Towing (lbs) | Fuel Economy (mpg, hwy) |
|---|---|---|
| 3.6L V6 | 6,200 | 26 |
| 5.7L V8 | 7,400 | 22 |
| 3.0L Diesel | 7,400 | 30 |
| 6.4L SRT V8 | 7,200 | 19 |
A key insight: the air suspension not only boosts off-road ability but also improves ride comfort in the city. This feature, rare in mainstream SUVs, gives the Grand Cherokee a flexible feel—something many buyers overlook when comparing options.
Safety And Reliability
In government crash tests, the 2017 Grand Cherokee earned five stars for side impact and four stars overall. Standard features include multiple airbags, stability control, and anti-lock brakes. Advanced safety tech like blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and lane departure warning are available on higher trims.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the Grand Cherokee “Good” scores in most areas but noted only “Marginal” for the small-overlap front test a point to consider if crash safety is your top priority.
On reliability, the Grand Cherokee rates as average. According to J.D. Power, it scores 3 out of 5 for reliability. Owners report the V6 and diesel engines as generally solid, but some had issues with infotainment glitches and electronic sensors. Regular maintenance is important to avoid common problems.
Trim Levels And Pricing
There are several trims for the 2017 Grand Cherokee:
- Laredo – The entry-level model, starting around $31,000 new. It includes basics like dual-zone climate and a rearview camera.
- Limited – Adds leather, heated front seats, and power liftgate.
- Trailhawk – Designed for off-road, with unique styling, air suspension, and skid plates.
- Overland – Focuses on luxury, with ventilated seats, panoramic sunroof, and navigation.
- Summit – The most refined, adding premium audio, advanced safety, and leather-wrapped dash.
- SRT – Sports-focused, with a powerful V8 and upgraded brakes.
Used prices in 2024 range from about $18,000 to $36,000 depending on trim, mileage, and condition. A common mistake is buying a higher trim without needing its features review what you’ll actually use before paying extra.
Real-world Ownership And Fuel Economy
Owners consistently mention the Grand Cherokee’s quiet ride and comfortable seats. The V6 is efficient for its size, but the diesel stands out for both power and mpg—especially on long trips. The SRT is thirsty, but that’s expected for a performance SUV.
Another tip: the 2017 model’s Uconnect system is among the best for its year, but make sure to check for software updates if buying used. This can fix minor bugs and improve smartphone pairing.
How It Compares
The Grand Cherokee competes with SUVs like the Ford Edge, Toyota 4Runner, and Honda Passport. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Model | Max Towing | Highest mpg (hwy) | Off-road Trim |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jeep Grand Cherokee | 7,400 | 30 | Trailhawk |
| Ford Edge | 3,500 | 29 | Sport |
| Toyota 4Runner | 5,000 | 21 | TRD Pro |
The Grand Cherokee leads in towing and diesel fuel economy, while the 4Runner is a favorite for extreme off-roading. The Ford Edge is more of a city SUV.
Final Thoughts
For buyers wanting a mix of ruggedness and comfort, the 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee is hard to beat. It’s strong for towing, offers true off-road skills, and has plenty of tech and luxury options. Just remember to choose the trim and engine that fits your real needs—you’ll avoid extra cost and get the most from this capable SUV. For more details on specifications and history, see the official Jeep Grand Cherokee page.
Frequently Asked Questions
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“,”visible”:true},{“id”:”faq-question-ecc207e402da”,”title”:”How Reliable Is The 2017 Grand Cherokee?”,”content”:”It scores average reliability, with most problems related to electronics rather than major mechanical parts. Maintenance helps avoid common issues.
“,”visible”:true},{“id”:”faq-question-a9a9902fc8b0″,”title”:”Is The 2017 Grand Cherokee Good For Off-road?”,”content”:”Yes. Models like the Trailhawk have advanced four-wheel drive and off-road features, making them among the best in their class for off-road adventures.
“,”visible”:true},{“id”:”faq-question-c6812f3ade5e”,”title”:”What Safety Features Are Available?”,”content”:”Standard features include airbags, stability control, and a rearview camera. Higher trims add blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise, and collision warnings.
“,”visible”:true},{“id”:”faq-question-51379a841174″,”title”:”How Does The 2017 Grand Cherokee Compare To The Toyota 4runner?”,”content”:”The Grand Cherokee offers better towing, more engine options, and a more refined interior. The 4Runner is better for extreme off-road use but less comfortable for daily driving.
“,”visible”:true}]} –>What Is The Best Engine For The 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
The 3.6L V6 is the best all-around engine for most drivers, offering a good blend of power and fuel economy. The diesel is ideal for towing or long highway drives.
How Reliable Is The 2017 Grand Cherokee?
It scores average reliability, with most problems related to electronics rather than major mechanical parts. Maintenance helps avoid common issues.
Is The 2017 Grand Cherokee Good For Off-road?
Yes. Models like the Trailhawk have advanced four-wheel drive and off-road features, making them among the best in their class for off-road adventures.
What Safety Features Are Available?
Standard features include airbags, stability control, and a rearview camera. Higher trims add blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise, and collision warnings.
How Does The 2017 Grand Cherokee Compare To The Toyota 4runner?
The Grand Cherokee offers better towing, more engine options, and a more refined interior. The 4Runner is better for extreme off-road use but less comfortable for daily driving.
