Used Jeep Grand Cherokee review: 2011-2014

Graham Smith road tests and reviews the 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee as a used buy.

New

The Jeep’s distinctive grille, dating back to WWII, is hard to ignore. One of the most popular models to sport the seven-bar grille on our roads was the big, attractively styled WK Grand Cherokee launched here in 2011.

There was plenty to like about it plus plenty of ways to order it. The variants were Laredo, Limited, Overland and SRT and engine options were V6 and V8 petrol plus a diesel.

Inside the big wagon, there was accommodation for five. It was comfortable and kitted out with just about every feature today’s buyer could want.

The engines were a new 3.6-litre V6 producing 210kW, a 250kW 5.7-litre Hemi V8 with all the get up and go expected of a big lusty bent-eight, plus an even bigger 344kW 6.4-litre V8 if that wasn’t big enough. As might be expected the V8s were thirsty, but sadly so was the V6.

For those more interested in fuel economy there was the 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel, perhaps the best all-round choice.

The transmission available at launch was a five-speed auto. That was joined later in 2011 by a six-speed auto, and by 2014 an eight-speed auto was in use.

There have been some horrifying stories about Jeeps over the years, but our survey of WK Grand Cherokee owners paints a different picture.

It wouldn‘t be a Jeep if it didn’t have four-wheel drive and the WK was well equipped in that area with its Quadra-Trac II drivetrain that easily handled most road conditions.

For anyone wanting to delve deeper into the bush there was the optional Quadra-Drive II with an electronic limited-slip differential that was able to allocate torque between individual wheels for even greater off-road capability.

Both systems came with switchable Selec-Train traction control, which could be dialled in to suit whatever road conditions you might encounter.

In a sign of the times, Jeep optioned a rear-wheel drive Laredo in a 2013 update to appeal to townies who had no intention of ever going beyond the city borders.

Now

There have been some horrifying stories about Jeeps over the years, but our survey of WK Grand Cherokee owners paints a different picture. By and large they are happy and eager to praise their cars.

Few told us about issues they have had with their WKs, but those who did have complaints were happy to dismiss them as insignificant and quickly sorted by Chrysler.

A couple reported problems with the diesel particulate filter on their cars, but in every case it was fixed with a software update. All praised the towing ability of the Grand Cherokee, as well as the fuel economy, comfort and reliability.

One thing that cropped up a couple of times was the cost of servicing, which some thought was excessive. That can be fixed by seeking out a reliable independent mechanic to do the work. With the end of the warranty in sight for many WK Grand Cherokees it’s not crucial to use dealers for servicing.

When checking a WK Grand Cherokee prior to purchase it’s important to inspect for damage from off-road use. The four-wheel drive Grand Cherokees are very capable off-roaders and although most will have never been used that way they should nevertheless be checked.

If possible, get the car up off the ground so you can get underneath it for a thorough check; if you can’t then get down on your knees and check it the best you can.

Check for a service record to ensure the car you’re buying has been properly maintained.

Also check for recalls and make sure the car you are buying has had the relevant rectifications carried out. One recall related to the automatic shifter, which could indicate it was safely in Park when it in fact wasn’t and could roll away.

Another related to the left front brake caliper, which could rupture under heavy braking and present the driver with an accident hazard.