If you’re shopping for an affordable SUV that performs well on- and off-road, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is among the most appealing choices. The 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee model year particularly stands out as a great year to buy used because of its above-average reliability ratings. There are many reasons why the 2018 Grand Cherokee is an excellent choice to buy. But at the same time, it isn’t as dependable as you might think. 

First, what it’s like to drive the Jeep Grand Cherokee 

The Grand Cherokee is an extremely versatile SUV that can accommodate a wide variety of different drivers’ needs. It’s a good daily driver, it’s suitable for off-roading adventures, and it has an impressive towing capacity. There are also a variety of powertrains to choose from on the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The 2018 Grand Cherokee comes standard with rear-wheel-drive and a robust 295-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 engine ideal for everyday driving. Other available engines on the 2018 Grand Cherokee include an efficient 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel and a forceful 5.7-liter Hemi V8. For the most power, you will want to look at models with the 707-horsepower supercharged 6.2-liter V8. 

There are also various off-roading selections to choose from, including the Selec-Terrain system on models with all-wheel-drive. Consumer Reports specifically lauded the 2018 Grand Cherokee for its responsiveness and maneuverability. Since there are so many engine options on the Grand Cherokee, fuel economy ratings vary. If fuel efficiency is among your top priorities, you will want to go with either the turbodiesel V6 or the standard V6 engine.  

RELATED: Pick the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee Over the Toyota 4Runner

The inside of the Grand Cherokee impresses too

The Grand Cherokee provides a polished car cabin that’s complete with wood and chrome trimmings. Its soft surfaces make it feel even cozier, and there’s plenty of room for tall passengers. Cloth upholstery came standard on this model with options like genuine leather and Nappa leather available as upgrades. This Jeep also delivers on infotainment features.

Jeep offers one of the best infotainment systems on the market. The 2018 Grand Cherokee came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and voice command. Optional features on this model include satellite radio and a rear-seat dual-screen entertainment system. 

RELATED: 3 Trucks With Some of the Best Infotainment Systems

Overall reliability is a concern 

The 2018 Grand Cherokee’s overall reliability is concerning. Its safety scores aren’t as impressive either. The NHTSA gave this model a four-star crash safety rating, which makes it fall short compared to rivals in its class. And while Consumer Reports gave the 2018 Grand Cherokee an above-average reliability rating, the model hasn’t proved to be as dependable.

There are six NHTSA safety recalls on the 2018 Grand Cherokee. These recalls relate to potential issues that range from the SUV’s fuel system to its equipment. The 2018 Grand Cherokee is a perfect example of how reliability ratings can be misleading. We don’t recommend models with this many recalls, but if you are interested in this model, be sure to address these trouble spots with your auto dealer.