carivo.co
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $37,537–$47,037 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 7.3/10, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee earns a Good rating among the suvs we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 8.6/10, while Safety at 6.6/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional suv — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We rate the Jeep Grand Cherokee's reliability at 8.6/10 — among the strongest in our suv database, reflecting the nameplate's track record and recall history. Safety is a notable gap at 6.6/10 in our scoring — below what the best in segment deliver. Check the official NHTSA ratings for the trim you're considering before deciding.
Performance lands mid-pack at 7.0/10: enough power and composure for everyday needs, without the dynamics that distinguish the segment's driver-focused options. Technology comes in at 7.0/10 — functional and modern, with wireless connectivity and core ADAS features, though some competitors pack more standard tech at this price point.
Priced from $37,537–$47,037, 20 MPG, seating 5, the Jeep Grand Cherokee sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. Value lands at 7.8/10 — you get what you pay for, no more and no less, with a few rivals offering slightly better per-dollar returns. At 5 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Bottom line: There's a case for the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee, but it needs the right buyer. Its safety scores trail the class, and several higher-rated rivals sell for similar money — comparison-shop before committing.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee ranks #1384 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 44% of the segment. Its 7.3/10 overall score is 0.1 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $37,537 starting price sits close to the segment's median of $36,079.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee scores 7.2/10 — within striking distance of the 2021's 7.3 — and starts roughly $3,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7.5/10 | $42,487 | Read review → |
| 2025 | 7.5/10 | $42,487 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.5/10 | $41,250 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.4/10 | $40,012 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.3/10 | $38,775 | Read review → |
| 2021 (this review) | 7.3/10 | $37,537 | |
| 2020 | 7.3/10 | $36,300 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.2/10 | $35,062 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.2/10 | $33,825 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.1/10 | $32,587 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.1/10 | $31,350 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.0/10 | $30,112 | Read review → |
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Exterior lighting / Headlights 14/10/2021 · 21V797000 | Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vehicles not equipped with automatic high beams. When the master lighting switch is set to the auto position, the high beam headlights will not activate unless the master lighting… |
|---|---|
| Exterior lighting / Lighting control module / Software 09/12/2021 · 21V950000 | Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vehicles equipped with smart lighting modules (SLM). An incomplete SLM software update may cause one or both headlights to become inoperable. As such, these vehicles fail to comply… |
| Visibility / Rearview mirrors/devices 21/09/2021 · 21V729000 | Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vehicles. A radio software error may prevent the rearview image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard… |
| Air bags / air bag/restraint control module / Software 10/11/2021 · 21V873000 | Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, 2022 Jeep Wagoneer, and Grand Wagoneer vehicles. The Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) may have incorrect software which can disable the driver, passenger, and knee air bags without… |
| Child seat / Vehicle tether anchor 24/03/2022 · 22V180000 | Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vehicles. These vehicles may have been built with a missing weld from the seat back frame to the child seat tether anchorage. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the… |
Showing 5 of 12 campaigns — see the full list on NHTSA's site.
Explore the full lineup of Jeep models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.