2018 Jeep® Grand Cherokee Summit

Heading into the 2018 model year, FCA is adding features and realigning trim levels.

2018 Compass

The Compass sees few changes, having been launched last year as a redesigned model. Most notably, it now offers a two-wheel drive option on all trims except the Trailhawk. Previously, the Limited was only available in a 4×4 driveline configuration. The 2.4-liter MultiAir Tigershark engine continues to produce 180 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque.

2018 Renegade

Further up the range, the Renegade now features a Uconnect 4 system with 7-inch display and CarPlay/AndroidAuto as standard on the Latitude, Limited, and Trailhawk trims.  This snazzy infotainment is optional on the base Sport model. A backup camera is now standard on all models.

Adding to the Renegade interior upgrades is increased storage capacity as a result of an interior rethink which includes a revamped Selec-Terrain shifter dial layout, relocated USB port, and two new storage areas in the front row. Customers will be able to choose from a new selection of seat fabrics and colors, too. Also new for 2018 is a dual-pane power sunroof available on Latitude, Trailhawk and Limited models, while the power My Sky open-air roof panel system is now also optional on the Sport model.

READ MORE: Jeep Releases Last Batch of 2018 Wrangler JK Special Editions

2018 Cherokee

Jeep spotters take note: the mid-size Cherokee sees a realignment of its trim levels. The base trim is now the Latitude, which includes standard features like HID headlamps, 17-inch aluminum rims, and body-colored body accents. The Latitude Plus trim is new, adding FCA’s 8.4-inch Uconnect system, a power driver’s seat, and Keyless Go.

Further up the Cherokee food chain, the Limited now includes a power liftgate and safety nannies like blind-spot monitoring. The Trailhawk also adds these features, while tossing in dual-zone climate control in case you just can’t agree with the person riding shotgun about cabin temperature while rock crawling. Powertrain options remain the same across all trims.

2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk

Anyone making a cake for grandest of Cherokees will need to deploy a total of twenty-five candles, as the model celebrates a quarter century of sales in 2018. Marking the milestone is a Sterling Edition, available on the Limited trim, featuring Platinum Chrome exterior accents and 20-inch Heritage wheels. Inside, customers of the Sterling Edition will find a new Real Metal package, leather-trimmed touch points, and unique Heritage perforated seats with decorative stitching. Various interior trim packages are introduced for 2018, such as Signature Leather suite on the SRT model which I would buy simply for the fabulously named ‘Spider Monkey’ 20-inch rims.

There’s also the all-new Trackhawk model, featuring a supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 engine delivering a stupendous 707 horsepower and 645 lb-ft of torque, turning the 0-60mph trick in 3.5 seconds. The Trackhawk dispatches with a quarter-mile in 11.6 seconds on its way to a top speed of 180 mph. Mimicking the SRT drive modes, each of the five settings – Auto, Sport, Track, Tow, and Snow – sends torque to the front and rear axles in a different ratio, ranging from 30/70 in Track to 60/40 in Tow. And, yes, Jeeps fans, launch control is standard in the SRT and Trackhawk.

Jeep is a huge money-maker for FCA, continually building on its 75 years of heritage and taking full advantage of the nation’s insatiable appetite for SUVs and crossovers.