Is a jeep cherokee smaller than a grand cherokee

When deciding between the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Jeep Cherokee, one of the first questions people ask is: “Is a Jeep Cherokee smaller than a Grand Cherokee?” This is an important factor when choosing which SUV is right for you. While both SUVs offer tough off-road capability and a comfortable ride, they differ significantly in size.

Understanding the size differences, both from the exterior measurements to the interior space, will enable you to make a better decision based on your needs.

Let’s get a better look at how these two popular Jeep models stack up when it comes to size.

2. An overview of the Jeep Cherokee

The Jeep Cherokee is a compact SUV ideal for anyone who desires a car that is nimble, fuel-efficient, and can also tackle off-road adventures. Being a versatile car, the Cherokee is ideal for anyone who requires a functional yet capable car for both urban driving and off-road adventures.

• Dimensions of the Cherokee: The Cherokee measures roughly 182 inches in length and 74.9 inches in width, making it easy to park and maneuver in close spaces.
• Engine Options and Performance: The Cherokee boasts multiple engine options, including a 2.4L 4-cylinder, a 3.2L V6, and a turbocharged 2.0L, that provide balanced power for both on-pavement daily driving and off-pavement adventures.
• Interior Space and Cargo Room: It boasts a spacious cabin with five-seat capacity, and offers a cargo room of about 25.8 cubic feet, with ample space to fit equipment.
• Features and Technology: Some of the standard and available features include Uconnect infotainment, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and advanced-level driver assistance systems like lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control.

3. Summary of the Jeep Grand Cherokee

The Jeep Grand Cherokee, a mid-size sport utility, is built for those who require a combination of comfort, luxury, and hardcore capability. Its larger proportions and refined features make it an excellent choice for families and long-distance commuters who won’t compromise on off-road capability.

• Grand Cherokee dimensions: The Grand Cherokee is larger, measuring approximately 189.8 inches in length, and 77.5 inches in width, offering more interior space.
• Engine Options and Performance: The Grand Cherokee has a variety of strong engine choices, starting with the standard 3.6L V6 to a 5.7L V8 and high-performance 6.4L V8, delivering excellent towing power and capability.
• Interior Space and Cargo Capacity: The Grand Cherokee has a spacious interior with five seats and a cargo area of about 36.3 cubic feet, providing more room for passengers and gear.
• Features and Technology: It boasts high-end features such as a larger Uconnect touchscreen, a Harman Kardon sound system, and available semi-autonomous driving features, including adaptive cruise control and active lane management.

4. Size Comparison: Jeep Cherokee vs. Grand Cherokee

In comparing the Jeep Grand Cherokee vs Cherokee, size is one of the most obvious differences, both in exterior and interior space. Understanding how these vehicles compare in some areas can help you determine which vehicle is better suited for you.

• Exterior Length: The Jeep Cherokee is about 182 inches long, while the Grand Cherokee is 189.8 inches, making the Grand Cherokee significantly longer.
• Width and Height: The Cherokee stands 74.9 inches wide, but the Grand Cherokee is slightly wider at 77.5 inches. The Grand Cherokee also stands taller, with additional headroom available inside.
• Wheelbase: The Cherokee has a 106.5-inch wheelbase, and the Grand Cherokee’s wheelbase measures 114.8 inches, which contributes to its smoother ride and spacious interior.
• Ground Clearance: The Grand Cherokee has higher ground clearance than the Cherokee in general, which readies it for rougher terrains.
• Cargo Capacity and Interior Space: The Grand Cherokee has more cargo space, with 36.3 cubic feet compared to 25.8 cubic feet of the Cherokee, making it more ideal for long road trips or hauling larger cargo.
• Seating Capacity and Comfort: Both vehicles are five-seaters, but the Grand Cherokee has greater legroom and a more upscale interior, which keeps the passengers more comfortable.

5. Performance Variations: Smaller SUV vs. Larger SUV

Although the Cherokee is smaller, the Grand Cherokee offers more powerful engine options and a larger towing capacity—all advantages of its larger size. Understanding these performance variations will help you decide which vehicle suits your driving needs.

• Engine Options and Performance Criteria: The Cherokee offers the option of engine between a 2.4L 4-cylinder, a 3.2L V6, and a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder. The Grand Cherokee offers a more extensive range of engines, starting from a 3.6L V6 through to a 5.7L V8, and even a 6.4L V8 in high-performance SRT guise.
• Towing Capacity Comparison: Grand Cherokee possesses a greater towing capacity than Cherokee as the Grand Cherokee is capable of towing 7,200 lbs while the Cherokee can tow only 4,500 lbs.
• Handling and Maneuverability: Small Cherokee is the better option for urban driving with its compact size and tight turn radius. The Grand Cherokee, being of a bigger vehicle, provides greater stability and smoother ride, especially on highways or off-road travel.

6. Fuel Efficiency: Does Size Impact Gas Mileage?

Fuel efficiency tends to rely on the weight and size of a car, and both the Cherokee and Grand Cherokee have varying outcomes when it comes to this. The Cherokee is more efficient, and the Grand Cherokee’s larger engines mean slightly more fuel consumption.

• Fuel Economy in the Jeep Cherokee: The Cherokee gets better fuel mileage, with an estimated 22 31 MPG highway and MPG city, depending on the engine chosen.
• Fuel Economy for Jeep Grand Cherokee: The Grand Cherokee, utilizing its more powerful engines, achieves 19 MPG city and 26 MPG highway averages, though it may vary depending on the engine used.
• Size Effect on General Efficiency: The heavier and bigger Grand Cherokee produces more fuel consumption, while the smaller and lighter Cherokee provides better mileage and is a better choice for those who consider fuel efficiency important.

7. Which One is Right for You

Whether you need a small car for urban commuting or a large SUV for highway travel and family trips, the choice between the Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee is a matter of your specific needs. Here’s what to watch out for:

• Lifestyle and Driving Needs: If you live in a city or frequently drive through congested areas, the small size of the Cherokee and its easier maneuverability are advantages. For someone needing extra space and capability for highway trips or off-road adventures, the Grand Cherokee is the better choice.
• Budget Considerations: The Cherokee is normally less expensive up front and in the long term, with lower gas and maintenance costs.
• Off-road Capability and Towing Needs: If you need greater off-road capability and greater towing capacity, the larger size and more capable engines of the Grand Cherokee bring huge advantages.

FAQ’s

What are the key size differences between the Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee?

• The Jeep Cherokee is a compact SUV, while the Grand Cherokee is a midsize SUV. The Grand Cherokee is larger in length, width, and wheelbase, offering more passenger space and cargo space.

Is the Jeep Grand Cherokee more expensive than the Cherokee?

• Yes, the Grand Cherokee will cost more than the Cherokee due to being larger, having more luxury features, and having more performance options.

Which one is better to use for off-roading, the Jeep Cherokee or the Grand Cherokee?

• They are both great off-road vehicles, but the Grand Cherokee typically has higher-powered engines and more advanced off-road features, so it’s more suitable for people who need heavy-duty off-road performance.

Does the Jeep Cherokee offer greater cargo room than the Grand Cherokee?

• No, the Grand Cherokee offers more room for passengers and cargo because of its increased overall size.

Which SUV has better fuel economy, the Jeep Cherokee or the Grand Cherokee?

• The Jeep Cherokee generally offers better fuel economy because it is smaller and lighter, whereas the larger, more powerful Grand Cherokee consumes more fuel.

Are the seating capacities the same in both models?

• No, the Jeep Cherokee seats five people generally, while the Grand Cherokee seats five but with more spacious seats and extra legroom for passengers, especially in the rear seats.

Is the Jeep Cherokee or the Grand Cherokee more easy to park?

• The Cherokee is easier to park since it is a smaller car, while the Grand Cherokee, as larger, will likely require more space and effort in taking tight corners in narrow spaces.

Is the Jeep Grand Cherokee worth extra size and expense over the Cherokee?

• The decision is a matter of your needs—if you need more power, cargo space, and luxuries, the Grand Cherokee may be worth the extra money. If you prefer a smaller, less expensive car, the Cherokee may be the better option.

Conclusion

Overall, while the Jeep Cherokee is technically smaller than the Grand Cherokee in most major measurements, the decision between the two should be made for reasons other than simple size. Consider your way of life, preferences, and requirements while making the choice.

The Cherokee has a compact, thrifty SUV for city use and moderate off-roading, whereas the Grand Cherokee provides more space, horsepower, and luxury for those that need to be more versatile and tough-capable. Regardless of your choice, both have Jeep’s renowned off-road capability and dependability.