The 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Altitude stands out in the midsize SUV market. It combines rugged off-road ability with a stylish urban design.
Whether you drive on city streets or rough trails, this model promises both comfort and capability. Many buyers want an SUV that’s versatile, and the Altitude trim delivers on that promise with special features and good value for money.
Exterior Design And Styling
Jeep gives the Grand Cherokee Altitude a bold look. The black grille accents, 20-inch gloss black wheels, and unique badges give this SUV a sleek, modern appearance. The body is streamlined but muscular, showing off Jeep’s classic style. LED headlights and fog lamps are standard, making nighttime driving safer and more stylish.
One detail many buyers miss is how the black trim helps hide dirt and scratches, which is helpful for people who drive in tough conditions. The Altitude also includes a power liftgate, making it easier to load groceries or gear.
Interior Comfort And Features
Inside, the Altitude offers high-quality materials and smart technology. The seats are covered in black leather with suede inserts. They’re comfortable for long drives and easy to clean. The cabin is spacious, fitting five adults with good legroom.
The 8.4-inch touchscreen runs Jeep’s Uconnect system. It supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so you can connect your smartphone easily. Dual-zone climate control keeps everyone comfortable. The Altitude also adds heated front seats—a small touch, but very useful in cold climates.
Many don’t realize the Altitude has a 115-volt power outlet, perfect for charging laptops or other devices on the go. Storage is flexible, with a folding rear seat for carrying larger items.
Performance And Handling
Under the hood, the Altitude uses a 3.6L V6 engine. It produces 295 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. That’s enough power for city driving, highway cruising, and light off-roading. The eight-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly, helping with both performance and fuel efficiency.
Here’s a quick comparison of the Altitude’s engine versus other Grand Cherokee trims:
| Trim | Engine | Horsepower | Torque |
|---|---|---|---|
| Altitude | 3.6L V6 | 295 hp | 260 lb-ft |
| Laredo | 3.6L V6 | 295 hp | 260 lb-ft |
| Limited | 3.6L V6 | 295 hp | 260 lb-ft |
| Overland | 5.7L V8 | 360 hp | 390 lb-ft |
The Altitude’s suspension is tuned for comfort, making it easy to drive in the city. However, it still handles rough roads well, thanks to Jeep’s engineering. Most buyers overlook the hill-start assist feature, which prevents rolling back on steep slopes.
Safety And Technology
Safety is important for families and solo drivers alike. The Altitude has seven airbags, rear parking sensors, and a backup camera. It also includes blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-path detection. These help prevent accidents when changing lanes or backing out of parking spots.
The Uconnect system has an easy interface, but some users miss the voice command feature, which lets you control music and navigation hands-free. Jeep also offers optional advanced safety tech like adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning.
Here’s a quick look at the Altitude’s standard safety features compared to some rivals:
| Model | Airbags | Backup Camera | Blind Spot Monitoring |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Cherokee Altitude | 7 | Yes | Yes |
| Ford Edge SEL | 6 | Yes | Optional |
| Toyota Highlander LE | 8 | Yes | No |
Fuel Economy And Costs
The Altitude’s EPA rating is 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. For its size and power, this is average. It uses regular gasoline, so you won’t need to pay extra for premium. The SUV’s maintenance costs are reasonable, with oil changes and regular service costing less than some European rivals.
Insurance costs are also moderate for this model. One detail: the Altitude trim holds its resale value better than many competitors, thanks to its popularity and strong build. This can help you save money if you sell or trade it in later.
Driving Experience
On the road, the Grand Cherokee Altitude feels confident. The steering is responsive, and the brakes are strong. The cabin is quiet, even at highway speeds. Many drivers notice the high seating position, which offers a good view of the road.
The Altitude is not a full off-roader, but it does well on dirt roads and snowy streets. The four-wheel drive system is available, making it a solid choice for those who live in areas with tough weather.
Here’s how the Altitude compares to other SUVs in terms of ride quality:
| Model | Ride Comfort | Noise Level | Handling |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Cherokee Altitude | Excellent | Low | Good |
| Honda Pilot EX | Good | Medium | Average |
| Nissan Murano SL | Good | Low | Good |
Value For Money
The 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Altitude starts at about $38,000. For this price, you get premium features, strong performance, and good safety. It competes well against models like the Ford Edge and Honda Pilot. The Altitude is a smart choice if you want a mix of luxury and toughness.
One insight: buyers often forget that the Altitude’s features, like the large touchscreen and heated seats, are usually found only in higher trims or luxury SUVs. Jeep offers them at a more affordable price.
If you’re looking for an SUV with style, comfort, and capability, the Altitude is worth considering. You can find more details and specs on the official Jeep site: Jeep Official.
Frequently Asked Questions
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“,”visible”:true},{“id”:”faq-question-3606853324e4″,”title”:”Does The Altitude Have Apple Carplay?”,”content”:”Yes, the Uconnect system supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You can connect your phone for music, calls, and navigation.
“,”visible”:true},{“id”:”faq-question-be269baee268″,”title”:”How Much Cargo Space Does It Offer?”,”content”:”With the rear seats up, you get 36.3 cubic feet of cargo space. Folding the seats increases it to 68.3 cubic feet, enough for luggage or sports gear.
“,”visible”:true},{“id”:”faq-question-bb0451f4e930″,”title”:”What Is The Towing Capacity?”,”content”:”The Altitude can tow up to 6,200 pounds with the V6 engine. This is enough for small trailers, boats, or campers.
“,”visible”:true},{“id”:”faq-question-e8a67a164acc”,”title”:”Is The Altitude Worth The Price?”,”content”:”For its features, style, and comfort, the Altitude offers good value. It’s less expensive than luxury SUVs but includes many premium options.
The 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Altitude is a strong choice for buyers who want a mix of comfort, style, and capability. Its features and performance make it stand out among midsize SUVs, and it’s a model that can handle daily life with ease.
“,”visible”:true}]} –>Is The Grand Cherokee Altitude Good For Off-road Driving?
The Altitude handles light off-roading well, especially with the available four-wheel drive. However, it is not as rugged as the Trailhawk trim.
Does The Altitude Have Apple Carplay?
Yes, the Uconnect system supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You can connect your phone for music, calls, and navigation.
How Much Cargo Space Does It Offer?
With the rear seats up, you get 36.3 cubic feet of cargo space. Folding the seats increases it to 68.3 cubic feet, enough for luggage or sports gear.
What Is The Towing Capacity?
The Altitude can tow up to 6,200 pounds with the V6 engine. This is enough for small trailers, boats, or campers.
Is The Altitude Worth The Price?
For its features, style, and comfort, the Altitude offers good value. It’s less expensive than luxury SUVs but includes many premium options.
The 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Altitude is a strong choice for buyers who want a mix of comfort, style, and capability. Its features and performance make it stand out among midsize SUVs, and it’s a model that can handle daily life with ease.
