Here’s Why Jeep SUVs Dominate Car Buyers’ Wish Lists

Ever wondered how the Jeep brand has remained high on the wish lists of so many buyers for decades? It’s all about what Jeep does best: utility. The Jeep SUV lineup contains a common thread of capability and toughness that transcends size and price, and all you have to do is look for the Trail Rated badge. Whether you’re a first-time buyer looking for an affordable SUV for your daily commute or your family is searching for a Charlotte Jeep dealer to graduate to a three-row people mover with all the bells and whistles, Jeep infuses the same rugged, off-road-ready capability in all of its models.

Maybe you’re just getting to know the Jeep lineup, or it’s been a while since you visited our dealership; either way, Jeep has evolved its family of SUVs to provide an option for just about every lifestyle and budget. The affordable Compass and stylish Renegade are perfect for buyers on a budget. The popular Wrangler continues its tradition of superior 4×4 performance while offering multiple body styles and configurations, including high-end trims with luxury appointments.

The Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, and Grand Cherokee L have families and buyers looking for spacious cabins and ample cargo space covered. Choose from two or three rows of seats, as well as multiple trims, colors, and add-ons, for a truly customized SUV that’s perfectly suited to your lifestyle and budget. Which Jeep SUV is right for you? Below, we provide a comprehensive overview of the most popular Jeep models so you can choose the ideal vehicle for your needs.

The Family-Friendly Grand Cherokee and Grand Cherokee L

Over the last few decades, America has fallen hard for the Grand Cherokee. The iconic Grand Cherokee embodies good looks, premium cabin amenities, and Jeep’s exclusive Trail Rated 4×4 capability. The newest Grand Cherokee comes in a two-row option (the Grand Cherokee) and a three-row configuration (Grand Cherokee L), as well as a plug-in hybrid version (Grand Cherokee 4xe) that provides all-electric and hybrid driving modes. In electric mode, that translates to 56 MPGe, and thanks to Charlotte’s robust network of charging stations, you can easily recharge while you’re in the city.

The large Grand Cherokee L accommodates seven passengers comfortably. The Grand Cherokee L boasts class-leading second-row legroom with a set of captain’s chairs that can fold flat for extra cargo space and offer easy entry into the third row, which is available with a power-folding bench that makes it even easier to convert your cabin into a cargo hauler. Choose the high-end Grand Cherokee L Summit Reserve to outfit the cabin with luxurious Palermo leather seats, a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Jeep-exclusive 19-speaker McIntosh audio system.

Both the Grand Cherokee and the Grand Cherokee L come in multiple trims, and the Grand Cherokee 4x variant includes a potent plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) powertrain. Other available upscale features include LED headlights, taillights, and fog lamps, a large selection of wheels, and LED ambient cabin lighting. Starting in the mid-$30,000 range, the base Grand Cherokee Laredo A provides budget buyers an affordable option for joining the Jeep family.

The Iconic Wrangler Optimizes Backcountry Exploration

It’s safe to say that no other vehicle on the road is quite so recognizable as the Jeep Wrangler. The rugged SUV’s signature round headlights and seven-slot grille stand out in a sea of vanilla-styled utility vehicles that struggle to compete with America’s favorite off-roader. Car and Driver put it simply, noting that the Wrangler “will take you just about anywhere you want to go,” which is true, but many Jeep Wrangler owners enjoy plenty of perks without ever venturing into the backcountry. Its good looks are at home even in the finest Charlotte restaurant’s valet line.

The Wrangler is your escape from boring SUVs. With a whopping thirteen trims, including multiple 4xe PHEV versions, the Wrangler puts customization in buyers’ hands. Choose between two-door and four-door body styles and a broad range of off-roading equipment and options to dial in the Wrangler that works for your lifestyle. Four powertrains are available, including a powerful 6.4L V8 that outputs 470 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque and a turbocharged four-cylinder that tops the category for fuel efficiency. That’s plenty of power to take you off-roading on the many trails surrounding the greater Charlotte area.

Blending vintage Jeep appeal with modern amenities, the Wrangler’s cabin leans into utility, with roll bars, chunky side pillars, and a smattering of grab handles. If you crave an open-air driving experience, simply pop off the roof panels or opt for a one-touch soft top that opens like a convertible. A standard 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen simplifies smartphone connectivity and comes with optional navigation. Thanks to a partnership with Trails Offroad, buyers can subscribe to an Adventure Guides All-Access Membership to access trail maps at thousands of destinations.

Affordability With the Compass and Renegade

The most affordable Jeep SUVs align with even the tightest budgets, offering first-time buyers a chance to skip the stripped-down, ho-hum entry-level sedan. Choose a Compass or a Renegade, and you’ll get Trail Rated capability without the hefty monthly payment. The 2024 Compass offers 200 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque, along with a 2,000 lb maximum towing capability. Driver-assist systems like Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Centering Technology keep you alert and relieve fatigue during your daily commute to the city.

The Jeep Renegade works for adventurous buyers who spend their weekends camping and exploring backcountry trails. Capability shines with the Renegade Trailhawk, with standard four-wheel drive, off-road tires, and a Selec-Terrain Traction Management System with multiple selectable driving modes, including Rock Mode. Optional amenities on the Renegade Trailhawk include leather seating surfaces, a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, and an upgraded multi-speaker audio system. This makes it a great choice for long-distance commuters and young families.

Affordability comes by way of the Compass Sport. With standard four-wheel drive and an available palette of six exterior colors, the Sport trim provides capability on a budget. The cabin features a large 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen that’s compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Remote keyless entry is also standard, along with a suite of multiple driver-assist safety systems that use onboard radar, cameras, and sensors to detect potential hazards and alert the driver.

It’s a Great Time to Join the Jeep Family

Here at Lake Norman Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, our showroom is bursting with new and used Jeep SUVs in the most popular colors and configurations. Jeep ownership comes with a long list of benefits, including becoming a part of the Jeep Wave community. As you drive around your neighborhood in your new Jeep, don’t be surprised when other Jeep owners send a friendly wave your way. It’s part of the Jeep culture that endures to this day, reminding owners that they’re part of a group of drivers who love what they drive.

The Jeep lineup has never been more diverse, with budget-friendly SUVs for new buyers, luxurious premium models with high-end amenities you won’t find on any other vehicle, and stalwart classics, like the Wrangler, that embody the Jeep nameplate. If you’re looking to escape the boring SUV, there’s no better option than a Jeep. Best of all, you’ll enjoy the benefits of the Jeep Wave Customer Care program, which provides two free oil changes and tire rotations in the first two years of ownership without mileage restrictions.