Among the most distinctive brands in the automotive industry is Jeep, and many Americans want to own one. But they also want an affordable vehicle. That’s why there’s a big used-Jeep market. If you’re shopping for a pre-owned Jeep, check out the 2011 Grand Cherokee.

Why the 2011 Grand Cherokee may be Jeep’s top used SUV

U.S. News recently looked at the market for used Jeep SUVs. After comparing a ton of them based on their overall scores, reliability ratings, and current average prices, the site came up with a list of the 11 best used Jeep models from different years that are still on the market today. Though there are plenty of strong competitors, including the 2015 Renegade and 2018 Compass, the 2011 Grand Cherokee topped them all.

U.S. News gives the 2011 Grand Cherokee an overall score of 8.3 out of 10, higher than all other used Jeep SUVs. For reference, the 2021 model has an overall score of only 7.6 out of 10. That being said, in terms of reliability, the Grand Cherokee hasn’t changed much in 10 model years. The 2011 model has a reliability score of 3 out of 5, the same as the 2021 model.

On top of that, the average price of a 2011 Grand Cherokee today ranges from $11,000 to $15,000. For reference, a brand-new 2021 Grand Cherokee starts around $32,000. So the 2011 model’s affordable price makes it attractive. But that’s not its only good quality.

The good

U.S. News ranks the 2011 Grand Cherokee the 10th-best used midsize SUV overall. There are many reasons for its solid ranking beyond its good overall quality and price point. 

Fitting for a Jeep, the 2011 Grand Cherokee comes with a 3.6-liter V6 or a 5.7-liter Hemi V8, and both engines are quite powerful. The standard V6 gets 290 hp, while the V8 gets 360 hp. So it handles well off-road, U.S. News reports. Plus, although the Grand Cherokee isn’t sporty, it has “good on-road manners,” U.S. News reports. 

The publication also praises the 2011 Grand Cherokee’s interior despite the fact that it doesn’t have many infotainment features. Regardless, U.S. News says the vehicle’s interior is so nice that it “rivals a German luxury SUV.” 

The bad

Though late-model Jeeps come loaded with interior features, the 2011 Grand Cherokee doesn’t offer many of them thanks to its age. A few smart features are optional on the 2011 model, but they hike up the price and might not be as good as later Grand Cherokee models’ smart features.

And although powerful, the 2011 Grand Cherokee’s engines are not fuel-efficient for their class. The standard V6 gets about 20 mpg combined, while the V8 gets about 16 mpg combined. Fuel economy might not be a deal-breaker for Jeep fans, but the 2011 Grand Cherokee also offers only a small amount of cargo space for its class, U.S. News reports. That could make the 2011 Grand Cherokee less useful in outdoorsy situations. 

The verdict: The 2011 Grand Cherokee is the best used Jeep

Overall, because of its complete redesign, high-quality interior, off-road chops, and on-road handling, the 2011 Grand Cherokee gets U.S News’ seal of approval for the best used Jeep.