Finding a safe car or SUV is more important than ever. Even though Jeep is historically known for off-roading and being the most patriotic brand, the American automaker has many options suitable for daily driving. Safety scores from groups like the IIHS and NHTSA accompany new Jeep SUV models hitting the dealership lots and can impact shoppers’ decisions. After recent testing, two 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee models earned the highest IIHS Top Safety Pick award thanks to some improvements from the factory.

Are Jeep SUVs safe?

There are many safe Jeep SUVs on the road, and now two more models are even safer. The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus award. There is a caveat, though, as the SUVs have to be built after March 2023 for the regular Grand Cherokee and May 2023 for the long-wheelbase L. Jeep made some improvements and changes on the vehicles that added better protection for the driver and occupants at that time. In 2022, neither Jeep SUV earned an IIHS award.

Jeep made some changes to the SUV undercarriage on the two-row Grand Cherokee to improve safety. In earlier tests, a piece of metal punctured the fuel tank and resulted in a leak. This also resulted in a poor score. Jeep also made structural modifications to the long-wheelbase version for the same reason.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee earned high marks in four main crashworthiness tests. It did not pass the updated moderate overlap test and scored poorly on the fifth. Jeep’s two-row SUV also earned a variety of scores for its headlights. The best headlights were the LED reflector lights on the newest Limited, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve trim versions.

Is the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV safe?

Jeep’s Grand Cherokee Laredo and Altitude trims utilize LED reflector headlights that earned average scores. The headlights did not provide adequate visibility on the previous versions of the Limited, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve trims built before February 2023. Jeep adjusted the headlights and added LED reflectors to improve visibility and safety.

For the other Jeep SUV, the 2023 Grand Cherokee L also earned an improved score for the newest model built after May 2023. The IIHS only tested the long Grand Cherokee in four main crashworthiness areas but earned high scores. This SUV also earned a variety of scores for its headlights, following the same path as the regular wheelbase version.

Both models also earned high marks in the new front crash prevention segment. This tests the systems in the case of a vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian collision. Jeep’s forward collision warning systems worked well and avoided collisions.

What is the most awarded Jeep SUV?

The most awarded Jeep SUV (and the most popular) is the Grand Cherokee, discussed here. Both Jeeps met the requirements to earn this year’s Top Safety Pick Plus award, though it only applies to the most recent models. If you have been considering a new Jeep SUV, it might be a good idea to locate some of the latest versions if possible. There should be a way to verify when your new vehicle rolled off the production line to ensure these safety improvements are applicable.

At the time of publication, these are the only Jeep SUVs with an IIHS award for 2023. Since the automaker made modifications to these models in the last few months, it is possible improvements are ongoing with other models behind the scenes. Either way, the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee and its long-wheelbase brother are safer than ever.