Jeep Grand Cherokee

The current Jeep Grand Cherokee blends genuine trail capability with a quieter, more upscale cabin than any version before it. Buyers get a familiar V6, a punchy turbo-four, and a plug-in hybrid 4xe that can run on battery alone for short commutes. Available air suspension and several four-wheel-drive systems mean it still earns its badge, while a roomy interior and modern tech make it equally at home on the school run as the back roads.

On the road, the Grand Cherokee feels composed and grown-up. The 3.6-liter V6 is smooth if unremarkable, the 2.0-liter turbo-four trades a little refinement for stronger low-end pull, and the 4xe plug-in hybrid is the quickest of the bunch with around 25 miles of electric range. Optional adjustable air suspension soaks up rough pavement well, and wind and road noise are kept impressively low at highway speeds for the class.

Where the Jeep separates itself from car-based rivals is off the pavement. Quadra-Trac and Quadra-Drive four-wheel-drive systems, a two-speed transfer case on higher trims, and up to 11.3 inches of ground clearance give it real backcountry ability that most competitors can't touch. Most owners will never use that capability, but it's there, and it comes without the harsh ride such hardware usually brings.

Inside, the cabin is a clear step up, with soft materials, a crisp 10.1-inch touchscreen, and an available passenger-side display. Front-seat comfort is excellent and visibility is good. The trade-offs are familiar: fuel economy is only average, the standard V6 needs revving to feel quick, and a fully loaded Summit Reserve climbs into luxury-SUV pricing where the badge carries less weight.

Reliability and resale have historically trailed the segment leaders, so a thorough test drive and a look at warranty coverage are worth the time. Even so, the breadth of this SUV — comfortable commuter, capable trail rig, and efficient plug-in hybrid — is hard to match at the price.