The Jeep Grand Cherokee has been a leader in the sport utility vehicle market since the 1970's due to its superb four wheel drive systems and wide array of various models. This article compares two of its higher-end models, the Grand Cherokee Laredo and the Grand Cherokee Limited.
Grand Cherokee History
The Jeep Grand Cherokee was first created in 1974 as a replacement for Jeep Wagoneer. The Cherokee was similar in every way to the Wagoneer with two key exceptions: the Cherokee was originally only available as a coupe and it was priced significantly lower than its predecessor. In short time, the Cherokee became known as the four wheel drive leader in its class through its offering of two four wheel drive systems: the "command-trac" and the "selec-trac" systems. The command trac option was a part-time system that only used the four wheel drive when necessary. The selec-trac system gave drivers the option to operate the vehicle in four wheel drive at all times.
Grand Cherokee Laredo
The Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo is a 4-door vehicle equipped for up to five passengers and is available in seven different trims. The 4x2 model comes standard with a 3.7 liter, 210 horsepower 6-cylinder engine that averages 16 miles per gallon in the city and 21 miles per gallon on the highway. The SRT-8 model comes equipped with an 8-cylinder, 6.1 liter engine capable of producing 400 horsepower. A 5-speed automatic transmission is also standard on each model. The base MSRP for the Laredo model is $30,450.
Grand Cherokee Limited
The Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited model comes with either a 3.0 liter 6-cylinder engine or the flex-fuel 4.7-liter 8-cylinder. The 6-cylinder vehicle averages an EPA 18 miles per gallon, while the 8-cylinder option averages an EPA estimated 15 miles per gallon. The vehicle also comes with the option of the Quadra-Trac II system which operates with a two-speed electronic transfer case that allows the option of either continual four wheel drive operation or a locked four wheel drive low range. The starting MRSP for the Limited model is $31,220.
Comparison
Due to the various customizable options available on both of the above models, it is difficult to compare the models based on specifications alone. There is only a slight price difference (approximately $800) between the Grand Cherokee Laredo and Limited models, with the Laredo being the more cost efficient of the two. Each model offers both a 6-cylinder and 8-cylinder option allowing customers to customize the vehicle according to their specific needs. The main difference between the two is the Quadra-Trac II system available on the Limited model that allows buyers to choose how they want their four wheel drive to operate.
Solution
With the slew of customizable options available on each model and only a slight price difference between the two, the Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited provides the best value for consumers. With the inclusion of the Quadra-Trac II system in addition to the other features available on both vehicles, the Limited gives consumers the most options when choosing a four wheel drive vehicle.
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