1993-2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee Changes

Let’s take a look at the year-by-year changes for the Jeep Grand Cherokee:

1993: The Jeep Grand Cherokee ZJ debuts in early 1992 as an early 1993 model vehicle, replacing the aging Jeep Grand Wagoneer SJ, which was discontinued after a final sendoff in 1992. The Grand Wagoneer Limited model, based on the luxurious Limited model, with its faux wood paneling decals, luxury interior, and more luxury features, becomes available in mid-1993 and (temporarily) takes the place of its predecessor. A class-leading, 220-horsepower 5.2L Magnum V8 engine becomes available on all models (standard on the Grand Wagoneer Limited model) in early 1993.

1994: For its second year on the market, the Jeep Grand Cherokee receives some changes. To start things off, the Base model is renamed the SE to attract more buyers, and the slow-selling and poorly-received Grand Wagoneer Limited model is discontinued after a short production run for 1993. The AccuSound by Jensen premium sound system is renamed Infinity Gold, and side-impact door beams become standard on all models to further enhance the safety of the vehicle. The SE model gains the previously-optional fifteen-inch styled steel wheels as standard equipment, as well as an A/M-F/M stereo with cassette player as standard equipment on all models.

1995: For 1995, the manual transmission is no longer an option on the Jeep Grand Cherokee. An Orvis Edition, in partnership with the Orvis Catalog, and based on the luxurious Limited model, becomes available with a unique color scheme of Moss Green (a Light Driftwood Metallic color for this model becomes available in early 1995 for this model, as well). The SE model gains standard keyless entry, power windows, and power door locks, as well as standard air conditioning, to further appeal to families. A power sunroof is a newly-available option on almost all models.

1996: For 1996, the Jeep Grand Cherokee gets a mid-cycle update. A larger front grille becomes standard, new bumpers, and newly-revised dual SRS front airbags become standard. New seat styles become available, and low-back front bucket seats become standard. The Laredo model is now the “base” model, as the previously-base SE model has been discontinued. Both engines are improved as well. All models get new wheel and tire combinations, and the model designations are moved front the upper front fenders to the lower front doors, with emblems replacing the previously-equipped decals. A new instrument panel rounds out the changes, as does a digital odometer and trip odometer.

1997: For 1997, the Jeep Grand Cherokee gets two new model choices. The Special Edition model is slotted below the Laredo model, and is based on the Laredo model as well, and adds value-added features, and exterior color-keyed trim. The TSi model, slotted below the Limited model, adds leather-trimmed bucket seats, heated front seats, an Infinity Gold premium sound system, and power dual front bucket seats, as well as exterior color-keyed trim and unique sixteen-inch alloy wheels and performance tires.

1998: For 1998, the Jeep Grand Cherokee enters its final year in its current ZJ design. A 5.9L Limited model becomes available, adding a 240-horsepower, 5.9L Magnum V8 engine, functional hood vents, a power sunroof, heated front bucket seats, unique sixteen-inch alloy wheels mounted on sixteen-inch Good Year Eagle BSW performance tires, and an even more luxurious interior. An A/M-F/M stereo with cassette and CD players and a special ten-speaker Infinity Gold premium sound system with 180 watts are also standard features on this model. The Orvis Edition model is discontinued after 1997.

1999: For 1999, the Jeep Grand Cherokee WJ is introduced. The models are reduced to base Laredo and up-level Limited, and a new 4.7L Power Tech V8 engine that produces 235 horsepower replaces the old 5.2L, 220-horsepower Magnum V8 engine for 1999.

2000: Getting a full redesign for 1999, the 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee gets only minor changes. Upgraded sixteen-inch alloy wheels are now optional on the Laredo model.

2001: For 2001, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is revised. The gold-colored trim on the Limited model is deleted, and a 60^TH Anniversary Edition model, based on the Limited model, is available for one year only to commemorate 60 years of the Jeep brand. The Laredo model gains a new Sport Appearance Package, with seventeen-inch sport alloy wheels and performance tires, plus a leather-trimmed interior. The Limited model gets new leather-trimmed seating surfaces, as well as standard seventeen-inch alloy wheels with performance tires. Aluminum interior trim now adorns the base Laredo model, replacing the previously-available wood-grained interior trim.

2002: For 2002, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is once again revised. Sirius Satellite Radio is now an option on all models, as is a GPS navigation system. A luxurious new Overland model adds leather-and-suede-trimmed seating surfaces, an A/M-F/M stereo with cassette and CD players and a rear-mounted ten-disc CD changer, side SRS impact airbags (also available on all model for 2002), seventeen-inch chrome-clad alloy wheels mounted on performance tires, and front heated bucket seats to the luxurious Limited model. A Sport model is now available that is priced below the base Laredo model, and adds a standard A/M-F/M stereo with cassette and CD players, a six-speaker Infinity Gold premium sound system, dual power front bucket seats, and more to the base Laredo model. A 4.7L high-output Power-Tech V8 engine is now available on the Limited and Overland models, and a five-speed automatic transmission is paired to all V8 engine-equipped models. There are new radio options, and an A/M-F/M stereo with single-disc CD player is now standard equipment on the base Laredo model. New seat fabrics are now used on all Laredo models. A new Special Edition model adds power dual front bucket seats and exterior color-keyed trim to the base Laredo model.

2003: For 2003, the Jeep Grand Cherokee gets multiple changes, including the new Freedom Edition model, which adds dual power front bucket seats, A/M-F/M stereo with cassette and CD players, a six-speaker Infinity Gold premium sound system, and seventeen-inch graphite-finished alloy wheels to the base Laredo model. The Sport model is discontinued. High-back cloth front bucket seats replace the previously-standard low-back cloth front bucket seats on the base Laredo model, though the latter is still available as an option. Dual 12V front power outlets replace the previously-standard single 12V front power outlet and front cigarette lighter. A center front storage compartment replaces the previously-standard front ashtray on all models. 2003 is the shortest production year for the Jeep Grand Cherokee, with production of the 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee starting in early 2003.

2004: For 2004, all Jeep Grand Cherokees with 4X4 are now Trail Rated 4X4’s, as are all 4X4 Jeep vehicles for 2004. A new Columbia Edition model adds special trim to the base Laredo model, and a Columbia parka is included at no cost to owners of this special edition Jeep Grand Cherokee model. The Jeep Grand Cherokee WJ has early production starting in early 2003, and enters its final year of production before an all-new model is introduced for 2005.

2005: For 2005, an all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee, dubbed the WK, is introduced. The Laredo and Limited are the only two models available for 2005. A rear DVD entertainment system, a U Connect hands-free Bluetooth phone system, GPS navigational system, and Sirius Satellite Radio are all available for 2005. A 5.7L HEMI V8 engine with Variable Valve Timing (VVT) and Multi-Displacement System (MDS) is available on the Limited model, producing 345 horsepower. Five-speed automatic transmissions with manual shifting modes become standard on all Jeep Grand Cherokees for 2005. The 3.7L Power-Tech V6 engine, producing 210 horsepower, replaces the aging 190-horsepower, 4.0L Power-Tech I6 engine that had been available since the Jeep Grand Cherokee was introduced in 1993.

2006: For 2006, the Jeep Grand Cherokee gets a few changes. A 65^TH Anniversary Edition, only available for 2006 and based on the base Laredo model, commemorates Jeep’s 65^TH anniversary. The luxurious Overland model returns for 2006, with the standard HEMI V8 engine, and a new performance-oriented SRT8 model with twenty-inch chrome-clad Alcoa forged alloy wheels and performance tires, plus a 6.1L HEMI V8 engine with MDS and VVT that produces 425 horsepower, becomes available.

2007: For 2007, the Jeep Grand Cherokee once again gets a few changes. First, a Rocky Mountain Edition appears and is based on the base Laredo model. In some states, the 4.7L Power Tech V8 engine is FlexFuel capable, and a new 3.0L Common-Rail Diesel (CRD) V6 engine that produces 215 horsepower, is now available.

2008: For 2008, the Jeep Grand Cherokee gets a mid-cycle restyling. The 4.7L Power-Tech V8 engine now produces 305 horsepower, up from 235 horsepower, and the 5.7L MDS/VVT HEMI V8 engine now produces 360 horsepower, up from 345 horsepower. New radios are available.

2009: For 2009, the Jeep Grand Cherokee gets only a few minor changes. The Rocky Mountain Edition model is discontinued midyear, and the Laredo model loses the previously-available 4.7L Power Tech V8 engine option. The 3.0L CRD V6 engine option is discontinued.

2010: For 2010, the Jeep Grand Cherokee enters its last year in its current form of the WK. The Laredo models gets an optional 5.7L MDS/VVT HEMI V8 engine, and the Overland model is discontinued. An “S” Limited model, previously only available in European markets, is available for 2010 only on the Limited model. Exterior color choices are significantly reduced for 2010, as well. The 4.7L Power-Tech V8 engine is also no longer available after 2009.

2011: For 2011, the Jeep Grand Cherokee WK2 is introduced. A 282-horsepower, 3.6L Pentastar VVT V6 engine, which is FlexFuel capable, replaces the previously-available 3.7L Power-Tech V6 engine, and the Jeep Grand Cherokee WK2 is the first Chrysler Corporation vehicle to use the new engine. The SRT8 model and its 6.1L MDS/VVT HEMI V8 engine go on hiatus for 2011. A new Overland Summit model adds more luxury details to the already luxurious Overland model, and a 70^TH Anniversary Edition model, based on the Laredo “X” model, is available for 2011 only to commemorate Jeep’s 70^TH anniversary. Sirius Backseat TV is now available when coupled with the rear DVD entertainment system.

2012: For 2012, the Jeep Grand Cherokee gets a few changes. First, a new 20” Tire/Wheel and Navigation Package adds a GPS navigational system and twenty-inch alloy wheels and tires to the base Laredo “E” model. The SRT8 model returns for 2012 with a new 6.4L MDS/VCT HEMI V8 engine that now produces 470 horsepower. A new Altitude model adds “blacked-out” accents and more unique features to the base Laredo model.

2013: For 2013, the Jeep Grand Cherokee gets a few changes. Two new SRT8 Special Editions become available (the Alpine and Vapor Editions), each with their unique details, and are only available for 2013. A new Trailhawk model adds unique details and red-painted accents to the Laredo “X” model.

2014: For 2014, the Jeep Grand Cherokee gets a mid-cycle restyling. The SRT8 model is renamed the SRT. A new 3.0L Fiat-sourced EcoDiesel V6 engine producing 244 horsepower is available on all models aside from the SRT model. The Overland Summit model is renamed the Summit. New infotainment system options, new seat colors and styles, and a new exterior design round out the changes. A base Laredo model becomes available, slotted below the Laredo “E” model. An eight-speed automatic transmission becomes standard equipment on all models.

2015: For 2015, the Jeep Grand Cherokee gets a few changes. First, the SRT model’s 6.4L MDS/VVT HEMI V8 engine gets 485 horsepower, up from 470 horsepower. The Limited model requires a buyer to option up for the Luxury II Package to get the previously-standard nine-speaker, 506-watt, Alpine surround-sound system in place of a standard six-speaker sound system. The Summit California Edition becomes available, with luxurious details added onto the Summit model.