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By John Watson
15 Aug 2024
Comparing the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. 2024 Dodge Durango
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a mid-size SUV made by the American Jeep. When it first came out, most SUVs were built with a frame holding everything together, but the Grand Cherokee has always used a unibody chassis instead. That is the major difference.
On the other hand, the Dodge Durango has been a staple in the mid-size/full-size SUV market since its debut in 1998. Its first two generations shared similarities: They were based on the Dodge Dakota and Dodge Ram, featured body-on-frame construction, and were made at the Newark Assembly Plant until 2009.
Let us clarify here: The Dodge Durango differs from the Ford Durango; this comparison includes information from 2024.
DID YOU KNOW?
Overall, the Durango offers a family-friendly package with more passenger space and 85.1 cubic feet of cargo space, and some seriously thrilling high-horsepower HEMI® V8 engine options in SRT® Hellcat models.
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Historical Overview
The story of the Grand Cherokee goes back to 1983 when American Motors Corporation (AMC) was figuring out how to make a new version of the Jeep Cherokee.
They hired three outside designers—Larry Shinoda, Alain Clenet, and Giorgetto Giugiaro—to help with ideas and create a model of what would become the new Cherokee, the "XJC" project.
Even though these designers were involved, AMC's designers were already working on the basic design, and in 1989, the Jeep Concept 1 show car gave a peek at what the new Cherokee would look like.
In 1985, AMC started developing the next Jeep and developed a new approach to product lifecycle management (PLM).
This helped them speed up how quickly they could make new cars to compete with more prominent companies. They used computer programs to design the vehicle faster and improved communication so they could solve problems quickly.
With the third generation in 2011, the Durango took a new direction. It switched to unibody construction, sharing its platform with the Jeep Grand Cherokee, and moved production to the Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit.
Throughout its history, the Durango offered various engine options, power ratings, and transmission choices.
A hybrid version was briefly available during the second generation in 2009 but was discontinued. The Chrysler Aspen, a variant of the Durango, was sold from 2007 to 2009 under Chrysler's brand.
Since its launch, the Durango has gained popularity, with over two million units sold.
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Jeep Grand Cherokee vs Dodge Durango | specs
The Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango are both mid-size SUVs that offer a comfortable ride with standard features like power steering, windows, and air conditioning.
The Cherokee comes standard with a 4-cylinder engine, while the Durango offers a more potent V6 engine as standard with the option for a powerful V8.
The Durango is larger and offers optional third-row seating, while the Cherokee offers better fuel economy with its smaller engine.
Regarding towing capacity, the Durango can handle more weight, making it a better choice for heavy-duty hauling.
The following is a tabular summary of the specifications
| Specs | Jeep Cherokee | Dodge Durango |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | Petrol | Petrol |
| Engine displacement | 1995cc | Not available (Varies by Trim) |
| No. of Cylinders | 4 | 6 (Standard) or 8 (Optional) |
| Max Power | 268.27bhp@5200rpm | 295 horsepower (Standard V6) or 710 horsepower (SRT Hellcat) |
| Max Torque | 400Nm@3000rpm | 260 lb-ft (Standard V6) or 640 lb-ft (SRT Hellcat) |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 (Standard) or 7 (Optional) |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 liters | Varies by trim |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Power Steering | Yes | Yes |
| Power windows front | Yes | Yes |
| Anti-Lock Braking System | Yes | Yes |
| Air conditioner | Yes | Yes |
| Driver and passenger airbag | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic climate control | Yes | Yes |
| Fog lights | Yes | Yes |
| Alloy wheels | Yes | Yes |
Performance and Engine Options
The Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango offer distinct performance capabilities due to their varying engine options.
Jeep Grand Cherokee: The standard engine is a fuel-efficient 4-cylinder with 268 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque.
Dodge Durango: The Durango packs more muscle with a standard V6 engine generating 295 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque.
For those seeking ultimate power, the SRT Hellcat trim offers a monstrous V8 engine boasting 710 horsepower and a staggering 640 lb-ft of torque.
Technology and Infotainment
Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango prioritize a comfortable, connected driving experience with user-friendly technology features.
Uconnect® System: Both vehicles come equipped with the Uconnect® infotainment system, featuring a touchscreen display for easy access to navigation, audio controls, and smartphone integration through Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™.
Display Size: While the Durango offers a standard display size (which may vary by trim), the Jeep Grand Cherokee boasts a larger 10.1-inch touchscreen for a more prominent view.
Additional Tech in Grand Cherokee: The Grand Cherokee steps ahead with a few extra tech options unavailable in the Durango. These include a digital rearview mirror, a Head-Up Display that projects vital information onto the windshield, and an optional passenger-side touchscreen for added entertainment.
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Interior Comfort and Space
The Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango offer comfortable interiors with high-quality materials that cater to different needs.
Jeep Grand Cherokee: This vehicle provides a luxurious feel, focusing on driver and front passenger comfort. While offering comfortable seating for 5, the rear legroom might be slightly cramped for taller passengers than the Durango.
Dodge Durango: This car prioritizes spaciousness with the option for a third-row seat, making it a good choice for families. Its larger size translates to more legroom and cargo space, which is ideal for long road trips with plenty of gear.
Fuel Economy: Dodge Durango vs Grand Cherokee
Fuel efficiency is a major consideration for many SUV buyers. Here's how the Durango and Grand Cherokee stack up:
Slight Edge to Grand Cherokee: The Jeep Grand Cherokee generally boasts slightly better fuel economy, particularly in base trims with the standard 3.6L V6 engine.
Both vehicles should achieve figures around 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway, with the Jeep Grand Cherokee potentially achieving a tick higher on the road.
Durango's Power Hungry Options: The Durango offers more powerful engine options, like the V8 and Hellcat, which significantly decrease fuel economy.
If fuel efficiency is a top priority, stick with the base V6 Durango or consider a Grand Cherokee with a fuel-efficient option like the previous diesel engine offering (no longer available in 2024 models).
Driving Habits Matter: Regardless of which SUV you choose, your driving habits significantly impact fuel economy. City driving will naturally lower your MPG compared to highway cruising.
DID YOU KNOW?
According to EPA estimates, the AWD 2018–2021 Dodge Durango's 3.6L V6 tailpipe greenhouse gas emissions are 414 grams per mile.
Price and Trim Levels
Here's a breakdown of starting MSRP (Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price) and available trim levels for both the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango, helping you compare pricing and features to find the perfect fit:
The Grand Cherokee’s MSRP starts at around $41,000, with varying prices depending on the drivetrain. Additionally, trims affect prices to some extent. Here is the list of trims available for the Grand Cherokee and Durango as of the time of writing this article:
| Vehicle | Trim | Starting MSRP | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jeep Grand Cherokee | Laredo | $40,130 (2023) | Budget-friendly option with essential features |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee | Altitude | $44,140 (2023) | More features and a sportier look compared to Laredo |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee | Limited | $48,350 (2023) | Upscale interior with additional comfort and technology features |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee | Trailhawk® | $54,630 (2023) | Off-road focused trim with enhanced capability |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee | Overland | $57,690 (2023) | Luxury features and on-road performance focus |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee | Summit | $63,055 (2023) | Top-of-the-line trim with premium materials and advanced technology |
| Dodge Durango | SXT | Budget-friendly option with focus on essentials | |
| Dodge Durango | SXT Plus | Additional features compared to base SXT trim | |
| Dodge Durango | GT | Performance-oriented trim with a powerful engine | |
| Dodge Durango | GT Plus | Additional features on top of the GT trim | |
| Dodge Durango | GT Premium | Luxury features and technology enhancements for the GT trim | |
| Dodge Durango | R/T | Performance-focused trim with a powerful HEMI® engine | |
| Dodge Durango | Citadel | Luxurious and comfortable trim with premium features | |
| Dodge Durango | R/T Plus | Additional features on top of the R/T trim | |
| Dodge Durango | R/T Premium | Luxury features and technology enhancements for the R/T trim | |
| Dodge Durango | SRT® 392 | High-performance trim with a powerful engine and aggressive styling | |
| Dodge Durango | SRT® 392 Plus | Additional features on top of the SRT® 392 trim | |
| Dodge Durango | SRT® 392 Premium | Luxury features and technology enhancements for the SRT® 392 trim | |
| Dodge Durango | SRT Hellcat | Top-of-the-line performance trim with a supercharged engine | |
| Dodge Durango | SRT Hellcat Plus | Additional features on top of the SRT Hellcat trim | |
| Dodge Durango | SRT Hellcat Premium | Luxury features and technology enhancements for the SRT Hellcat trim |
- Price: The Durango is generally more affordable, with trims at lower prices than the Grand Cherokee.
- Third-Row Seating: The standard Grand Cherokee L offers a third-row seat option, while the Durango requires it as an additional feature (except for higher trims).
- Focus: The Grand Cherokee prioritizes balancing on-road comfort and off-road capability. The Durango leans towards a more muscular and performance-oriented feel.
Verdict: Dodge Durango: Jeep Grand Cherokee Vs. Dodge Durango | Which is Better?
Both Dodge and Jeep offer capable options, but if fuel efficiency is a concern, consider exploring the used market. While the mighty Durango Hellcat boasts a monstrous engine with thrilling performance, its mileage suffers.
For a balance of practicality and power, look for used models with a V6 engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission, which are common in both Dodge and Jeep vehicles. These offer ample power for everyday driving with better fuel economy. While both the Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee provide high-quality interiors and robust reliability, there's a slight edge to consider:
J.D. Power awards the Dodge Durango an 81/100 for reliability, while the Jeep Grand Cherokee scores a still-respectable 77/100. If prioritizing peace of mind and fewer visits to the mechanic, the Durango might be the more dependable choice.
This still needs to improve the Grand Cherokee's overall quality. Remember, the verdict depends on your specific needs. Test drive both and see which one feels like the perfect fit!
