If I’m buying a new vehicle, I’m running for the nearest Jeep dealership near me. Why? I need a Jeep. I’ve always needed a Jeep. You need one too. Not convinced? Let me share a few secrets about the Jeep brand and its line of distinctive models that are your gateway into the coveted Jeep lifestyle and all it stands for.
Jeep is by far one of the most fun automotive brands because it’s synonymous with adventure. This well-deserved association came about as Jeep owners used their rugged utility vehicles to explore backroads and take the road less traveled. Everyday people took notice, and an aspirational vehicle line was born.
There is no better way to get to know this iconic and in-demand brand than to explore today’s Jeep and its amazing vehicle lineup. From the family-friendly Grand Cherokee to the brand new Gladiator, the Jeep family of vehicles is truly a landscape of capable and fun trucks and SUVs. On a tight budget? Jeep has an answer. Need to haul the kids to activities after school? Jeep has an answer. Single explorer looking to escape the city every weekend? Jeep has your back.
Without further ado, let’s explore the diverse range of models in the current 2020 Jeep lineup. You’ll be amazed at the variety you’ll find and the sheer expanse of the different options that are available within each model across the entire line. Jeep is more than the Wrangler it’s so often associated with, which isn’t a bad thing!
Wrangler: Where it All Started
The Jeep Wrangler has its roots in military vehicle fleets. That utilitarian foundation is still present in today’s Wrangler lineup, but Jeep has incorporated a plethora of modern features and refreshed the overall look of this popular choice without losing its core appeal. How have they accomplished this? Let’s take a closer look.
The 2020 Jeep Wrangler, starting at an MSRP of $28,295, is considered an SUV, but for many, it sits in a category all on its own. One of its signature features is the ability to remove doors and hardtops to create a true open-air driving experience. This used to be a painful and tedious experience, but Jeep has now made available a one-touch power top to make the process a little easier. If you’re a traditionalist, don’t worry. The manual doors and hardtop are still available too.
There are currently nine Wrangler models to choose from, including the base Sport, the Willys at an MSRP of $33,990, the Sport S that starts at $31,740, the Sport Altitude, coming in at $36,690, and the Black and Tan at $33,190. Moving up, you will find the Freedom, at $34,190, the Sahara at $38,645, the Sahara Altitude crossing over the $40k mark at $41,940, the Rubicon which comes in at $38,695, and the North Edition at $44,465. There are two trims left starting with the $43,450 Rubicon Recon and the imposing High Altitude, at an MSRP of $49,995.
The Wrangler High Altitude shows off what’s possible on the high end with this iconic favorite. With a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbo engine, 8-speed automatic transmission, and Command-Track Part-time four-wheel drive system, the powertrain delivers unparalleled performance. The exterior is body-color-matched for a monochrome look, with black accents to up the dramatic curb appeal. 20” black aluminum wheels give this Wrangler an aggressive appearance. On the interior, leather dominates with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, plush leather seats, and a leather shift knob. An 8.4-inch touchscreen gives drivers a hub of control for infotainment and tech.
If you haven’t seen the new 2020 Wrangler, we encourage you to visit a Jeep dealer in your neighborhood and take one for a test drive. It’s the same but also very different if that makes sense!
Jeep’s Affordable Smaller SUVs
The 2020 Jeep lineup includes two surprisingly affordable SUVs: the Renegade and the Compass. These two vehicles are close in price, with the Renegade starting at $22,620 and the Compass starting at $22,280, but that’s where the similarities end. If we look more closely at these two vehicles, we can see each one’s unique features and appeal.
The Renegade packs a lot of features into a small package. The story begins with the Renegade’s available powertrains. Two engines deliver great performance and fuel economy, starting with the 1.3-liter 4-cylinder turbo engine, delivering 177 horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque, an impressive performance number for such a small vehicle. The 2.4-liter Tigershark engine bumps the horsepower number up to 180 and torque sits at 175 lb-ft.
Jeep makes its Selec-Terrain Traction Management feature available on the Renegade. This feature allows drivers to choose from a variety of road conditions––including snow, sand, and mud––to dial in optimal engine and drivetrain settings. In the up-level Trailhawk trim line, a rock setting is added, and the Trailhawk earned a coveted Trail Rated badge for its off-roading capabilities.
The mighty little Compass incorporates more of a city vibe, with dynamic styling and a refined look that fits right in at the office or pulling up at the valet. Don’t be fooled, though. The Compass is still all Jeep with its Trailhawk trim line Trail Rated and ready for off-roading. The two-wheel drive Compass is exceedingly efficient and delivers 32 MPG on the highway, which is a best-in-class fuel economy rating. Available in several trim lines that offer buyers lots of options, the Compass is a perfect “first Jeep” and a great way to experience all the benefits of Jeep ownership without moving right into the Wrangler.
The Cherokee and Grand Cherokee
These two Jeep models are icons in and of themselves. The Grand Cherokee shows up in the driveways of thousands of families around the country. It’s a family favorite, with the classic Jeep styling incorporated in a modern SUV design. The smaller Cherokee starts at an MSRP of $26,085 and the Grand Cherokee comes in at an MSRP of $34,000.
With an overall length of 182”, the Cherokee offers plenty of size to feel like a true SUV. Maximum cargo volume comes in at 54.7 cubic feet and its wheelbase of 106.5” tells the story of plenty of passenger space. On the inside, the Cherokee is available with Nappa leather trim, giving it a luxury SUV feel. Jeep also makes a heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, and dual-zone climate control available to further increase that luxury ride. There’s even an available CommandView Dual-Pane Panoramic Sunroof that turns your vehicle’s roof into a giant viewing window. Rounding out the available interior features is an Alpine Premium Audio System with 9-speakers and a 506-watt amplifier.
The 2020 Grand Cherokee measures 189.8” and has a wheelbase of 114.8”. Maximum cargo space comes in at 68.3 cubic feet. Why is it such a popular option for families? The Grand Cherokee offers plenty of interior space for people and cargo but doesn’t compromise on luxury and cool features.
Take the upscale Grand Cherokee Limited X. This limited edition model incorporates more luxury features than an actual luxury SUV. At $45,295, the refinements begin on its exterior, with a cool sculpted hood that boasts heat extractors, Xenon headlights, and the signature Jeep grille. It’s an aggressive vehicle with elegant touches. On the inside, the Limited X doesn’t disappoint. Perforated leather trim, titanium interior accents, and an 8.4-inch touchscreen with navigation are just the first few items on the list. The same dual-pane panoramic sunroof found on the Cherokee is also available on the Grand Cherokee.
It’s evident that the 2020 Jeep lineup of vehicles is not only impressive but still manages to maintain ties to Jeep’s roots. There’s a reason Jeep owners wave when passing one another on the road; they’re proud owners, and they’re part of a family of folks that embrace adventure and fun, a fact that is embodied in the Jeeps they choose to drive.
