Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee ranks 18 out of 28 Affordable Midsize SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 56 published reviews and test drives of the Jeep Grand Cherokee, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

Redesigned last year, the Grand Cherokee is an excellent off-road vehicle with a luxurious interior, plenty of options and five strong engine choices. But it still can't match the rear-seat comfort or cargo capacity of others in its class. For an off-road SUV that performs better in those areas, consider the Ford Explorer.

"Rear-seat room and comfort may disappoint, and fuel economy with gasoline engines is poor on models we tested," says Consumer Guide. "But Grand Cherokee is solid, rides comfortably, has fine ergonomics, and is tenacious off-road. It's also competitively priced." The Grand Cherokee offers buyers a wide range of engine choices, including a diesel. Reviewers also like the passenger cabin's high-quality materials, which give the interior an upscale look. However, buyers with a lot of gear to haul may want to look elsewhere -- the Grand Cherokee has cargo capacity that doesn't match up to what the competition offers.

For 2009, the SUV features a new 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine along with new option packages. The Jeep Grand Cherokee comes in four trims: the base Laredo, Limited, Overland and performance-minded SRT8. All are available in two- or four-wheel drive, with the exception of the SRT8, which comes only in 4WD. A V6 diesel engine is optional for Limited and Overland trims.

Grand-Cherokee Performance - 8.5 (Very Good)

The 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee excels at off-road handling and boasts plenty of power from its robust engine line-up. "With a throaty exhaust note from the big block HEMI V-8, the SUV delivers a powerful, precise and responsive performance," says the Minneapolis Star Tribune. "This fun-to-drive vehicle will make one wonder if it is a sports car or an SUV." However, buyers will pay a price at the pump for all that power. Continue with our full Grand Cherokee Performance Review to learn which of the many engine options may be right for you. continue

Grand-Cherokee Exterior - 8.4 (Very Good)

Reviewers largely approve of the 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee's classic exterior, which got a few modifications as part of last year's redesign. The Detroit News concludes that it's "a sharp looking vehicle. It's distinctively Jeep, with its seven-slotted grille stretched wider and round head lights added in the makeover." Continue with our full Grand Cherokee Exterior Review to learn how the SRT8 model's styling differs from the other trims. continue

Grand-Cherokee Interior - 7.8 (Good)

The newest Grand Cherokee's five-seat interior is even more attractive than previous models. 4-Wheel & Off-Road says, "On the inside, the vehicle's two-tone instrument panel features a new level of refinement with bright accents, a soft-touch surface and updated styling." However, uncomfortable rear seats and a small cargo area temper the praise. Continue with our Grand Cherokee Interior Review to learn about one of the SUV's standout options. continue

Grand-Cherokee Safety - 9.9 (Excellent)

The 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee does extremely well in federal government crash tests. It also comes with plenty of safety features, including electronic stability control and traction control. Continue with our Grand Cherokee Safety Review to learn about the Grand Cherokee's safety equipment. continue

Grand-Cherokee Reliability - 4.0 (Mediocre)

The 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee is covered by a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty. Continue with our Grand Cherokee Reliability Review to learn about its powertrain warranty. continue

Jeep Wrangler

The 2009 Jeep Wrangler ranks 20 out of 27 Affordable Compact SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 56 published reviews and test drives of the Jeep Wrangler, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The Jeep Wrangler shines for its rugged off-road capabilities. However, it pays the price in on-road handling and comfort, which fall far short of other compact SUVs. For a more comfortable off-road vehicle, consider the Nissan Xterra and Ford Explorer.

Since the Wrangler was completely redesigned for 2007, the 2009 model remains virtually unchanged, with the exception of new standard Hill Start Assist. Though the Wrangler's weaknesses are still in its on-road performance, this may not matter to some buyers. "This off-roader emphasizes rock crawling over highway comfort, and when it comes to hardcore trailblazing, it's rarely matched," says Cars.com. The Wrangler's poor fuel economy doesn't help its case much -- the 15/19 mpg rating is currently the lowest in the small SUV class. However, its off-road chops, distinctive styling and convertible top have helped the Wrangler build a dedicated following. With the four-door model, the Wrangler can even work as a rugged family car.

The Wrangler comes in three trim levels -- the base X, Sahara, and top-of-the-line Rubicon -- in either a basic two-door or an Unlimited four-door version.

If you're a serious off-road driver, you'll absolutely love the 2009 Jeep Wrangler, as few SUVs can match the Wrangler's rugged capabilities. But if you want smooth or comfortable daily driving performance, the Wrangler isn't for you. "We can't forget that most of the Wrangler's wrongs are necessary to make other things right," says Automotive.com. "Of the 77 vehicles calling themselves 'SUV,' try finding even one that the Wrangler won't walk all over when the pavement ends." Continue with our full Wrangler Performance Review to learn about the Rubicon model's best-in-class ground clearance. continue

Wrangler Exterior - 8.0 (Very Good)

The Wrangler's 2007 redesign preserved its classic Jeep styling -- a plus for reviewers. "Both trim levels are readily identifiable as Wranglers, although styling is crisper," says MSN. "Retro Jeep features are a signature 7-slot grille, upright rectangular windshield, round headlights, boxy 'greenhouse' area above the door line, jutting fenders and exposed forged hinges." In 2007, Jeep added the four-door Unlimited model, which is the largest Wrangler ever. Continue with our full Wrangler Exterior Review to learn why reviewers have complaints about the rear liftgate. continue

Wrangler Interior - 6.2 (Mediocre)

While the 2009 Wrangler's interior has come a long way from Wranglers of the past, it's still not up to par with the competition. "In front, the Wrangler disappoints due to small cupholders, a lack of storage space, characterless analog gauges, cheap-feeling climate-control knobs and plenty of budget-themed plastic on the dash and doors," says Edmunds. Continue with our Wrangler Interior Review to learn why the X base model is one of the most sparse SUVs on the market when it comes to standard features. continue

Wrangler Safety - NA

The Wrangler comes with several accident avoidance features as standard equipment. Both the two-door and four-door versions of the 2009 Jeep Wrangler do well in federal government crash tests. Continue with our full Wrangler Safety Review to learn why rear visibility could pose a hazard. continue

Wrangler Reliability - 4.0 (Mediocre)

The 2009 Jeep Wrangler reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Jeep offers a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty. Continue with our full Wrangler Reliability Review to learn about the Wrangler's new lifetime powertrain warranty.