Are you in the market for a midsized SUV? With so many different options out there, it can be hard to pick. Let's compare two of the most popular models in their class: the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Chevrolet Traverse.
Let's take a closer look at each car and assess the strengths and weaknesses in several areas. Let's use fuel economy as an easy place to start.
Both the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Chevy Traverse come with a 3.6L V6 engine. The Traverse engine is paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission and offers 310 horsepower and 266 lb.-ft of torque. The Grand Cherokee is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and offers 293 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft of torque.
The Jeep comes standard with rear-wheel drive. Rear-wheel drive offers better traction and steering control than front-wheel drive (FWD). Optional four-wheel drive systems are available for all models.
The Chevrolet Traverse offers standard FWD (no rear-wheel drive), and 4WD is optional only in the higher-priced models.
The Grand Cherokee gets 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway, 22 mpg combined.
The Traverse gets 18 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, 21 mpg combined. The Jeep has a slight edge on fuel economy.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee has a larger standard fuel tank at 23 gallons. That will give you a range of 506 miles per tank at the combined 22 mpg.
Compare that to the Chevrolet Traverse at a standard 19.4 gallons, for 407 miles per tank at 21 mpg. So on long trips, the Jeep Grand Cherokee has the advantage in this comparison.
Neither the Grand Cherokee or the Traverse boast impressive towing, but each can hold their own when properly upgraded. For Jeep, the Grand Cherokee has a max towing of 6,200 pounds on base models. For drivers that need a little more towing, it can be upgraded to 7,200 pounds with the optional towing package.
For the Chevy Traverse, the standard baseline model does not have a towing capacity rating without an upgrade. Going for a more expensive model upgraded for towing will give you a max towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.
The Chevrolet Traverse is one of the larger SUVs on the market. It is 12" longer (205.9") than the Grand Cherokee (193.5") with the standard two rows of seating, and the Traverse is wider (78.6" vs 77.5"). However, the difference is eliminated with the three-row Grand Cherokee.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee shines when you look at the standard finishing touches. Things like heated power exterior mirrors make this car feel like quality matters.
The Chevrolet Traverse includes a standard rear backup camera. This is optional in the Altitude model and above for the Jeep, which includes standard rear parking assistance, which is not available in the Chevrolet Traverse.
The Chevrolet Traverse has slightly more standard shoulder room than the Jeep Grand Cherokee, especially in the rear seating.
The Chevrolet Traverse holds eight people comfortably, while the Jeep Grand Cherokee can seat seven with the third row added. The Grand Cherokee comes with standard power driver seat adjustment and power mirrors.
In the Jeep Grand Cherokee with the standard two-row configuration, the second row is a 60/40 split. In the optional three-row configuration, the second row is bucket seats, and the rear third row is a smaller 50/50 split.
The standard rear seats all fold completely flat, so you can slide larger items along the floor to maximize cargo space. Power rear folding seats are optional with higher-end models like the Jeep Grand Cherokee L.
The Grand Cherokee comes standard with a power sunroof and has available heated and ventilated front seats. The Chevy Traverse comes standard with a tri-zone climate control, heated front seats, and heated steering wheel.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is smaller overall, leading to slightly less cargo space than the Chevrolet Traverse. With three rows, the Jeep has 17.2 cubic feet of cargo space, compared to 23 cubic feet in the Traverse.
With both rear seats folded down, the Cherokee has 84.6 cubic feet compared to the Traverse's 98.2. And with optional rear access through the Power Liftgate (found in the Altitude model above), loading it up is a dream.
Both cars have ample cargo capacity, with optional arrangements to fit whatever you need to move in your car. For those that need the power to move, don't worry. The Jeep Grand Cherokee offers a payload of 1266 lbs. The Chevrolet traverse tops that with 1850 lbs of payload capacity.
To compare these cars, it helps to set your priorities. The Chevrolet Traverse has slightly more shoulder room and is a little more powerful. However, the handling and size make the car less comfortable to drive on a busy city street.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee feels like a much higher quality SUV. It offers many upgrades as standard items on the base model. The Chevrolet Traverse makes these things optional, to be purchased as upgrades. That sets the experience driving these SUVs worlds apart.
Looking for service? Landmark Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram's service center is here to help. It can keep your Jeep in top shape with regular oil changes, MOPAR parts, tire rotation, and regular maintenance.
Call 816-521-2699 today to talk to our helpful and knowledgeable sales team. Let Landmark help get you into your next dream car, truck, or SUV today!
