Dodge Durango’s Swan Song Signals the Age of the Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Dodge Durango nameplate will soon perish, leaving behind a legacy of acceleration and power. The Durango’s impending demise leaves the perfect opportunity for the Jeep Grand Cherokee to swoop in and take the competing SUV model’s spot in rankings. Here’s why the Jeep Grand Cherokee could be the next Dodge Durango.
The Dodge Durango is headed to the great dealership in the sky
Dodge’s Durango nameplate’s days are numbered. Before the SUV pushes up metaphorical daisies, it’s still got a few years to leave buyers with great memories. The end of the Durango may be a sad event for many, but it could be the beginning of an unrestricted run for the Jeep Grand Cherokee. The Dodge Durango will officially be killed off in 2024.
Stellantis has a large portfolio of brands, so though the truck-based SUV will be missed, something will fill the void in the market. The Jeep Grand Cherokee can’t tow as much, and it isn’t as sporty-looking. It does, however, offer some unique new options. Let’s explore whether the Jeep Grand Cherokee is the next Dodge Durango or not.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee suddenly just got alot cooler
The All-New 2022 Grand Cherokee coming late fall ’21. pic.twitter.com/00c9yNl8yC
— Jeep (@Jeep) September 24, 2021
Is the Jeep Grand Cherokee the next best SUV when you can no longer buy a Durango? Probably not. The Grand Cherokee does have a charm of its own, though. It also has similar powertrain options. Here’s why the Grand Cherokee could fill the Durango’s humongous shoes.
The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee can come with either a V6 engine or three different V8 engines. The Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk 6.2-liter V8 engine makes a mind-blowing 707 horsepower. Sound familiar?
The Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk and SRT trim come standard with a special 4X4 system designed for performance. The Grand Cherokee has an optional 7,200-pound towing capacity. It also even has an off-road trim, the Trailhawk. The Trailhawk trim comes with all-terrain tires, tow hooks, and skid plates. Like most Jeep models, the Grand Cherokee excels at off-roading. The Jeep Grand Cherokee is exciting, but is it the next Dodge Durango?
Is the Jeep Grand Cherokee the next Dodge Durango?
The Jeep Grand Cherokee has all the makings of a great mid-size SUV. Jeep models have generally struggled with some major reliability issues. Consumer Reports only scored the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee a 3/5 for predicted reliability…not so great. The mid-size SUV did earn a 4/5 for predicted owner satisfaction.
The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee starts at $33,610. The 2021 Dodge Durango is only slightly cheaper at $33,377. The base models have the same fuel efficiency. Between its powertrain options and available max towing capacity, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is a prime candidate to take over for the Durango as its story comes to a close.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk with 707 horsepower starts at $88,690. The Trailhawk is much more affordable at $46,395 and still very capable. Even the Grand Cherokee’s base model Laredo E trim packs enough punch to be worthy of picking up where the Durango is leaving off. It looks like the Jeep Grand Cherokee really can be the next Dodge Durango in the years to come.
