Let's dive deep into the driving experience of the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee. This SUV isn't just about looks; it's about how it feels on the road, its performance, and whether it lives up to the Jeep name. We'll cover everything from engine options to ride quality, so you know exactly what to expect when you're behind the wheel.

Engine Options and Performance

The 2014 Grand Cherokee offers several engine choices, each providing a unique driving experience. The base engine is a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, which delivers a solid 290 horsepower. This engine is more than adequate for daily driving and offers a good balance of power and fuel efficiency. It's smooth, responsive, and provides enough oomph for merging onto highways or tackling city traffic. For those looking for more muscle, there's the 5.7-liter Hemi V8, producing 360 horsepower. The Hemi transforms the Grand Cherokee into a beast, offering strong acceleration and impressive towing capabilities. You'll feel the raw power with every press of the gas pedal, making it a great choice for those who need to haul heavy loads or simply enjoy a more thrilling driving experience. There's also a 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6, which provides 240 horsepower and a whopping 420 lb-ft of torque. The EcoDiesel is all about efficiency and low-end grunt, making it perfect for long road trips and off-road adventures. Fuel economy is significantly better than the V8, and the abundant torque means you'll have no trouble climbing steep hills or navigating challenging terrain. Each engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, which is smooth, responsive, and helps to optimize fuel economy. The transmission shifts seamlessly, providing a refined driving experience whether you're cruising on the highway or navigating city streets. The availability of paddle shifters adds a sporty touch, allowing you to take control of gear changes when desired. Overall, the engine options available for the 2014 Grand Cherokee cater to a wide range of driving needs and preferences, ensuring there's a powertrain to suit every driver. Whether you prioritize fuel efficiency, raw power, or a balance of both, the Grand Cherokee has you covered.

Ride Quality and Handling

When it comes to ride quality, the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee strikes a comfortable balance between smoothness and control. The standard suspension does a good job of absorbing bumps and road imperfections, providing a comfortable ride for both the driver and passengers. It's not overly soft or floaty, so you still feel connected to the road, but it's compliant enough to handle rough surfaces without jarring you around. For those seeking an even more refined ride, the available Quadra-Lift air suspension is a game-changer. This system allows you to adjust the ride height, improving both comfort and off-road capability. In its highest setting, the air suspension provides ample ground clearance for tackling challenging terrain, while in its lowest setting, it improves aerodynamics and fuel efficiency on the highway. The air suspension also automatically adjusts to road conditions, providing a consistently smooth and controlled ride. Handling is generally competent, with the Grand Cherokee feeling stable and composed in most driving situations. The steering is well-weighted and provides decent feedback, allowing you to confidently navigate corners and curves. It's not a sports car, so don't expect razor-sharp handling, but it's more than capable for a mid-size SUV. The available four-wheel-drive systems enhance handling and traction, especially in inclement weather conditions. Whether you're dealing with snow, rain, or mud, the Grand Cherokee's four-wheel-drive system provides added confidence and control. Different four-wheel-drive systems are available, each offering varying levels of capability. The Quadra-Trac I system is a full-time system that automatically distributes torque to the wheels as needed, while the Quadra-Trac II system adds a two-speed transfer case for enhanced off-road performance. The Quadra-Drive II system is the most advanced, adding an electronic limited-slip differential for even greater traction and control. Overall, the 2014 Grand Cherokee offers a comfortable and capable ride, with handling that inspires confidence in a variety of driving conditions.

Interior Comfort and Features

Stepping inside the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee, you'll find a cabin that blends comfort with functionality. The interior design is modern and upscale, with high-quality materials and attention to detail. The seats are supportive and comfortable, even on long drives, and there's plenty of room for both front and rear passengers. The Grand Cherokee offers a range of interior features designed to enhance the driving experience. The Uconnect infotainment system is user-friendly and intuitive, with a large touchscreen display that controls navigation, audio, and other vehicle functions. The system is responsive and easy to use, with clear graphics and logical menus. Available features include a premium audio system, heated and ventilated seats, and a panoramic sunroof. The panoramic sunroof is a particularly nice touch, allowing plenty of natural light into the cabin and providing an open and airy feel. The Grand Cherokee also offers a range of advanced safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-path detection, and forward collision warning. These features help to keep you and your passengers safe on the road, providing added peace of mind. The blind-spot monitoring system alerts you when a vehicle is in your blind spot, while the rear cross-path detection system warns you of approaching vehicles when backing out of a parking space. The forward collision warning system alerts you if you're approaching a vehicle too quickly, and can even automatically apply the brakes to help prevent a collision. Storage space is also generous, with a large cargo area behind the rear seats. The rear seats can be folded down to create even more space, making it easy to haul larger items. There are also plenty of small storage compartments throughout the cabin, providing convenient places to store your belongings. Overall, the interior of the 2014 Grand Cherokee is a comfortable and well-equipped space that makes driving a pleasure.

Off-Road Capability

Being a Jeep, the 2014 Grand Cherokee is expected to perform well off-road, and it doesn't disappoint. With its available four-wheel-drive systems and high ground clearance, the Grand Cherokee is capable of tackling a wide range of terrain. The Quadra-Lift air suspension is particularly useful off-road, allowing you to raise the vehicle's ride height to clear obstacles. The Selec-Terrain traction management system allows you to choose from different driving modes, optimizing performance for various surfaces such as sand, mud, and snow. The system adjusts various vehicle settings, such as throttle response, transmission shift points, and traction control, to provide the best possible performance in each situation. The Grand Cherokee also features skid plates to protect the underbody from damage when driving over rocks and other obstacles. The skid plates are made of durable steel and are designed to withstand the rigors of off-road driving. Hill descent control is another useful feature, automatically controlling the vehicle's speed when descending steep hills. The hill descent control system uses the brakes to maintain a constant speed, allowing you to focus on steering and avoiding obstacles. The Grand Cherokee's off-road prowess is further enhanced by its approach and departure angles, which allow it to climb over obstacles without scraping the front or rear bumpers. The approach angle is the maximum angle that the front of the vehicle can approach an obstacle without hitting it, while the departure angle is the maximum angle that the rear of the vehicle can depart from an obstacle without hitting it. Overall, the 2014 Grand Cherokee is a highly capable off-road vehicle that can handle a variety of challenging terrain. Whether you're exploring rocky trails or navigating muddy backroads, the Grand Cherokee is up to the task.

Potential Issues and Reliability

While the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee is generally a reliable vehicle, there are a few potential issues to be aware of. Some owners have reported problems with the electrical system, including issues with the Uconnect infotainment system and various sensors. These issues can range from minor annoyances to more serious problems that require repair. Others have reported issues with the air suspension system, particularly with the air compressor and air struts. These components can fail over time, leading to a loss of ride height and a bumpy ride. It's important to have the air suspension system inspected regularly to catch any potential problems early. Some owners have also reported issues with the transmission, including rough shifting and occasional slipping. These issues can be caused by a variety of factors, such as low fluid levels or worn-out components. Regular transmission maintenance, including fluid changes, can help to prevent these problems. Overall, the 2014 Grand Cherokee has an average reliability rating. While it's not the most reliable vehicle on the market, it's also not the least reliable. With proper maintenance and care, the Grand Cherokee can provide years of reliable service. It's always a good idea to have a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic before buying any used vehicle, including the 2014 Grand Cherokee. A pre-purchase inspection can help to identify any potential problems and give you a better understanding of the vehicle's overall condition.

Final Verdict

The 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a well-rounded SUV that offers a compelling blend of comfort, capability, and style. It's a great choice for those who want a vehicle that can handle both daily driving and off-road adventures. With its range of engine options, comfortable interior, and impressive off-road capabilities, the Grand Cherokee is a versatile vehicle that can meet the needs of a wide range of drivers. While there are a few potential issues to be aware of, with proper maintenance and care, the Grand Cherokee can provide years of reliable service. If you're in the market for a mid-size SUV, the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee is definitely worth considering.