Around since the 1993 model year, the Jeep Grand Cherokee has evolved over the years. The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee didn’t receive a lot of changes for this model year, but one change is great for buyers shopping for the base model. Here’s a look at the safety features now available to all 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee buyers.

More available safety features

The biggest change for the 2020 model year Jeep Grand Cherokee is the safety package that’s now available on all trim levels. Previously it hadn’t been available on the base Laredo trim level. The standard safety features found on all Grand Cherokees form the ProTech I package. It includes blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-path detection, rear park assist, and a rear backup camera.

Now available on the Laredo trim, the ProTech II package provides additional safety features. Last year, the package was called the Active Safety Group package. It includes forward-collision warning with active braking, advanced brake assist, lane departure warning with lane keep assist, and automatic high-beam headlamps. This package adds $875 to the cost.

Available on higher-level trims, the Advanced ProTech II package adds full-speed forward collision warning with active braking, adaptive cruise control, parallel and perpendicular park assist, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. This package adds $1,895 to the total cost.

Other new features for 2020

While 2020 wasn’t a redesign year, there are several updates for the model year in addition to the safety package. Other changes include a slight price decrease on the base Laredo trim – by $45 – but higher increases for the other trim levels. The Limited trim’s price increased by $510. Starting prices range from $34,000 to $87,645.

For 2020, there are also a few updates to certain trim levels. The Limited and Trailhawk trims now have a standard moonroof. The Laredo, Limited, and Trailhawk trims now also offer a headlight package, which provides bi-xenon high-intensity-discharge headlamps, signature daytime running lights, LED fog lamps, and auto high-beam headlamps.

The Overland and Summit trims have new interior color options. The Overland has Dark Sienna and black available, while Summit has Light Frost and brown available. The Trackhawk trim has available 20-inch titanium aluminum wheels and an available Signature Leather-Wrapped Interior Package, which comes in black and Ski Gray. Another change for 2020 is that the previous diesel engine is no longer available.

Cars.com found that the 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee’s comfort, value, and fuel economy didn’t measure up as well as its competitors did. The few changes for 2020 didn’t improve these areas.

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee has a number of pluses and minuses. It has numerous trim levels to pick from, and, even without the diesel engine, U.S. News says the 2020 Grand Cherokee has a “robust engine lineup.” The Laredo, Limited, Trailhawk, Overland, and Summit trim levels come with a V6 engine, which produces 295 hp.

The Limited, Trailhawk, Overland, and Summit trims also have an available V8 engine, generating 360 hp. The SRT trim has a V8 engine, producing 475 hp, while the Trackhawk’s engine is a supercharged V8, generating 707 hp. All seven trim levels are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

It’s able to tow up to 7,200 pounds with the V8, a best-in-class capability. Models with the V6 can tow up to 6,200 pounds. Rear-wheel drive is standard on the Laredo, Limited, Overland, and Summit, but four-wheel drive can be added. The Trailhawk, SRT, and Trackhawk trims only come with four-wheel drive.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee with its V6 engine and either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive is rated for 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. Models with the V8 engine get between just 11 to 14 mpg in the city and 17 to 22 mpg on the highway.

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee provides nice luxury, especially on the higher trims, combined with off-road capabilities. Its infotainment system is very user friendly, according to U.S. News. However, its interior space is smaller than that of its competitors. U.S. News ranked it just 10th on its list of midsize SUVs, saying that while it’s great for off-road driving and engine power, its fuel efficiency and cargo space bring it down on their list. 

With numerous trim levels for buyers to pick from, the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee has a lot to offer for off-road enthusiasts. And now, even the base model is an option for people looking for extra safety features.