2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit
Trailblazing Luxury and Off-Road Dominance
Stylish exterior, luxurious interior, noteworthy tech features, and off-road prowess. Is the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit the ultimate SUV for you?
By J-F Wright
Mon, Oct 30, 2023 10:03 AM PST
Images by the author, edited by Erica Wright
The automotive world has long been fascinated with the Jeep Grand Cherokee, a nameplate synonymous with rugged capability and a dash of luxury. With the Summit trim level the Grand Cherokee makes for an amazingly comfortable and luxurious family hauler - still very capable when it comes to off-road capacities.
Exterior
The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee makes a striking first impression with its commanding presence. The massive scoop dominating the lower three-quarters of the front grille gives the vehicle an even more "massive" look, accentuating its imposing size.
The flat front, together with the headlights that swoop backwards, bestows a dignified, straight-backed appearance. It's a family hauler and an extremely capable off-road vehicle, but that doesn't mean it has to sacrifice in style. Jeeps, especially the Grand Cherokee, have always had a stately look, ensuring that you arrive in style.
Interior
Step inside the 2023 Grand Cherokee Summit, and you'll be enveloped in luxury and comfort. The presence of high-quality leather throughout the cabin is immediately apparent, and the diamond stitching adds an extra dose of luxury. Whether you're in the front or back seats, comfort is paramount. The “Summit"-trim, with its high level of luxury, seems to include everything Jeep has in their comfort and luxury arsenal.
The standard infotainment system, a hallmark of Stellantis products, is top-notch - user-friendly, with everything easily within reach of the driver. The large screen and spacious center console are impressive, and the sound system doesn't disappoint - delivering excellent sound quality. There's ample space both in the front and back, and the roomy trunk can handle everything from toys to a sizable Costco haul.
Noteworthy Tech & Features
The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit comes equipped with innovative features that enhance the overall experience. The FamCam, a feature offered in many brands within the Stellantis group, provides the driver with a bird's-eye view of all the occupants in the car. A godsend for parents, it adds a layer of convenience and safety.
Another interesting touch is the front passenger's personal screen embedded in the front dashboard. They can connect and enjoy content like movies and other shows, and the screen is positioned in a way that's not visible to the driver, ensuring a safe drive and ride.
Driving Characteristics
Jeeps are renowned for their exceptional off-road capabilities, and the 2023 Grand Cherokee continues this legacy. While we couldn't thoroughly test its off-road prowess during our week-long review (nor were we trusted to by the manufacturer), it's safe to assume that this Jeep Grand Cherokee is well-equipped to keep up with the best of the Jeeps. Most Grand Cherokees rarely venture off the asphalt, and for the everyday user, this Jeep excels in daily driving. It's very comfortable yet shows minimal body roll during hard(er) cornering. However, it's important to remember that this is a large SUV - so a bit more body roll should be expected compared to vehicles not designed for off-roading.
One drawback is the Grand Cherokee's underwhelming power. Flooring the accelerator won't produce lightning-fast results - far from it, a bit disappointing for a vehicle otherwise well-rounded. However, this lack of power is primarily noticeable when trying to accelerate on the freeway; it's hardly a concern during around-town driving.
Summary
The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee impresses with its blend of rugged charm and luxurious refinement. It maintains the iconic Jeep look while delivering on comfort and technology. Whether you're an off-road enthusiast or a city dweller, the Grand Cherokee caters to your needs. While it may be underpowered for some, its overall performance and versatility make it a compelling choice in the SUV market.
If you seek a vehicle that marries style, comfort, and off-road capability, the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit is worth a closer look.
About The Author
John-Fredrik Wright was born in Sweden, but raised on both sides of the Atlantic. His experience in the automotive industry starts with a summer-job as a host at Volkswagen’s premier showroom in Stockholm. Later, he worked as an instructor at Swedish Active Driving, teaching safe driving (among other things the renowned "elk-avoidance maneuver") and advanced driving techniques.