For the 900,000+ people who buy a Jeep every year in the US, it’s about more than just a vehicle. Driving a Jeep is a lifestyle.
After all, the “Jeep wave” – where Jeep Wrangler drivers wave as they pass each other – is almost as iconic as Jeeps themselves.
Whether you’re looking to buy your first Jeep, upgrade to a newer model or, you just want to level up your jeep’s parts and accessories for a better performance, there are a few things you should consider beforehand.
Read through this comprehensive Jeep guide to help you decide which Jeep is right for your needs.
Think About How You Plan to Use It
Before you even start looking at the different Jeep models, take a few moments to think about how you plan to use your Jeep.
Will you use it as a daily driver, or will you primarily use it for weekend adventures?
Are you planning to tow something behind it on a regular basis? How many people will ride in it regularly?
By thinking about what you want to get out of your Jeep, it will help you determine which models to research and which ones are worth taking the time to test drive.
It might even help to jot down a few bullet points that are most important to you so you can reference them when doing online research and visiting Jeep dealerships.
Compare Different Jeep Models
Once you’ve thought about the key factors that are most important to you when choosing a Jeep, start comparing the models to see what fits your needs. Here’s an overview of the six Jeep vehicles.
Cherokee
If you want the look and feel of an SUV in a Jeep package, then the Cherokee might be perfect for you. It gives you the ease of driving an SUV but in true Jeep fashion, it’s made for outdoor exploration.
Built for on-road and off-road driving, just about any adventure you can imagine is possible in a Cherokee.
The 2020 Jeep Cherokee also boasts innovative technology with smartphone compatibility, an intuitive touchscreen, and Amazon Alexa compatibility.
When you choose a Cherokee, you can expect up to 31 miles per gallon on the highway and models start at $26,085.
Compass
If you like the idea of an SUV, but you are looking for a lower price point than the Cherokee, consider a Jeep Compass.
It’s a bit smaller than the Cherokee, so it can’t fit as many people comfortably, but it has more cargo space for all your outdoor adventure gear.
Much like the Cherokee, you’ll also find an impressive touchscreen inside the Compass. Perfect for all types of weather, the Jeep Compass can withstand treacherous winter road conditions and slick, rainy roads as well.
The Compass starts at $21,845 and boasts an impressive 32 highway miles per gallon.
Grand Cherokee
A step above the Cherokee model, the Grand Cherokee is Jeep’s midsize SUV option. This model is the perfect blend of functionality and luxury, with premium finishes available.
And, if you want to bring the outdoors in, you’ll love the dual-pane sunroof option that will let you soak in the sun or study the stars.
The Grand Cherokee also comes equipped with security features, like blind-spot monitoring and rear parking assistance, so you can have peace of mind that your family is safe while on the road.
The Grand Cherokee starts at $34,000 and includes a wi-fi hotspot option, so you can stay connected at all times.
Check out more Jeep Grand Cherokee specs for additional information.
Renegade
Does size matter for your needs? If you don’t need a lot of space, consider a Renegade, which is Jeep’s most compact model.
Equipped with Apple CarPlay, you can stay connected and have easy access to your music while you’re out exploring the world.
Looking for power? The Renegade delivers. You can choose a 1.3L 4-cylinder turbo engine that averages 32 highway miles per gallon. Or, take it up a notch with 2.4L engine that boasts up to 180 horsepower.
The Renegade starts at a wallet-friendly $22,025, so it can fit almost any budget.
Gladiator
Do you consider yourself more of a pickup truck kind of driver? Good news! Jeep’s all-new Gladiator gives you the look and functionality of a pickup truck with the unmatched style and quality of a Jeep.
The front of the Gladiator is unmistakably a Jeep, with its iconic headlights and grill that looks much like a Wrangler. But, it comes equipped with 7,650-pound gas towing capacity and a 1,700-pound 4×4 payload.
Whether you want to haul a boat or camper around for your weekend adventures, the Gladiator can handle pulling the load. Plus, thanks to the 5-foot cargo bed, you can carry anything else you’ll need in the back.
If you choose the Gladiator, you can select either a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic model. The starting price for a Gladiator is $33,545.
Wrangler
We’ve saved the most popular Jeep model for last: the Wrangler. When you hear the word, “Jeep” you most likely conjure the image of a Wrangler and its classic, iconic look.
Perfect for outdoor adventurers, you can remove the doors and roof to let the fresh air come streaming into the vehicle while you drive.
When you choose a Wrangler, you get the best of both worlds. It’s made to go off-roading and can withstand the harshest terrains to keep up with your adventures. But, it’s also a great daily driver, taking you all the places you need to go.
The Wrangler starts at $28,295 and as of 2020, there’s a 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 engine option available.
Choose the Perfect Jeep for You
Now that you know more about how to choose the right Jeep for your needs, it’s time for the fun part: test-driving!
As you continue your car buying journey, read through our other articles for more information about vehicle safety.
