The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee is coming and with it comes a big price tag. The more affordable used options of the 2021 and 2020 model years could be better for you. The new redesign is nice, but the 2020 or 2021 model years might have everything you need for less. Should you buy a used 2020 or 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee?

2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee

For the 2020 model year, the Grand Cherokee ditched its diesel engine and reduced its lineup to seven trim levels. What it didn’t change is its easy-to-use infotainment system, multiple available engines, and great off-road capability. The four engine options start with the standard V6, producing 295 hp. The upgraded engines are all V8, and bump the speed and tow rating by 1,000 pounds. The performance Trackhawk trim uses the same 707 hp supercharged V8 found inside the Hellcat Charger and Challenger. The Grand Cherokee is also one of the best vehicles in its class when it comes to off-roading. Four-wheel drive, a limited-slip differential, hill ascent and descent control, and the Quadra-Lift Air suspension system ensure you’re ready to leave the roads.

J.D. Power gave the 2020 Grand Cherokee a predicted reliability rating of 3.5 out of five. That’s slightly above average, but not great. It does have an 8.6 out of ten safety rating from U.S. News & World Report. The average price paid for this model year starts at $35,180, which is quite expensive. The current used car market is overpriced, so don’t pay more for a 2020 than a brand new base model 2021 would cost.

2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2021 model year added only the Laredo X and 80th Anniversary trims. Its safety and reliability ratings are almost identical to the previous model year. Its cargo area remains one of the smallest in its class, and the fuel economy is not good. The four available engines remain from the previous year, and the Trailhawk variant remains an off-road beast. All-terrain tires, multiple skid plates, a two-speed transfer case, limited slip-differential, and the Quadra-Lift Air suspension bolster the Trailhawk to go off the beaten path.

Proper pricing information is not yet available for used 2021 model year Grand Cherokees. It is still being sold new in dealerships, but buyers can often find them used in the first year or two. These are usually early-terminated leases, reposessed vehicles, or another unique situation. Over the next year, leases will end and buyers will begin trading them in as well. Though hard to find, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee will be available used in 2022 for significantly less money than the new redesign.

Shoud you buy used or new?

These two years of Jeep Grand Cherokee models are virtually the same exact vehicle. Almost nothing changed from one year to the next. That means if interested, buyers should get whichever is priced best. The new 2022 model year offers a lot of changes. Especially for the 2020 model year, the release of the 2022 Grand Cherokee will drop the price a bit. The main reason to buy a used Jeep Grand Cherokee from the previous two model years is savings. There isn’t a whole lot different, and the 2022 looks like a significant upgrade. If the new redesign isn’t essential to you, save your money and get the 2020 or 2021 version.

Buying a used car can be very difficult. The most common reason to do so is the savings, but sometimes unwanted vehicle changes play a factor as well. Check out the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee, because if the new designs aren’t for you, the 2020 or 2021 model years might be the way to go.