The even more posh Overland trim adds Nappa leather seats with a leather dashboard, chrome mesh grille and air suspension. Finally, the hot-rod SRT8 model adds a 6.4-liter V8 engine with 470 horsepower and four-wheel drive. A 5.7-liter V8 is optional on all trims except the SRT8, along with either the Quadra-Trac I or Quadra-Trac II four-wheel drive systems. The V8 also comes with a six-speed automatic transmission. The SRT8 gets a unique exterior treatment with lowered suspension and more aggressive springs and settings. An adaptive suspension and Brembo brakes are also added, along with sport seats.
The Ford Explorer has a third-row seat and fuel-efficient four-cylinder option, but it's not as good off-road. The Toyota 4Runner also offers a third row and has a rugged platform for off-roading, but its interior is poorly finished and is less refined on-road. The Volkswagen Touareg comes with comprehensive off-road gear and offers efficient diesel and Hybrid options, but is much more expensive. And the Nissan Pathfinder also offers a V8 engine and boasts a standard third-row, but it's cumbersome on the road and has a cheap interior.
When compared to crossovers, the Grand Cherokee is much more adept off-road and boasts much better towing capacity, as well as offering a V8 engine. Against truck-based SUVs, the Jeep is more civilized and efficient. While the base Laredo is well-equipped, the leather-lined Overland trim and performance SRT8 rival SUVs with prestigious badges costing tens of thousands more. If you're in the market for a midsize SUV, there's likely a Grand Cherokee that suits your needs.