2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee Review
2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee Review





+90
Used Grand Cherokee for sale
Appraise This CarJeep Grand Cherokee model years
Jeep Grand Cherokee types
- SUV
- SRT-8
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- True off-road capability, wide range of engine options including diesel, decent on-pavement agility given its off-road intent, crazy performance from the SRT8 model.
Cons
- Cramped backseat, limited cargo space, a true gasoline glutton, bouncy highway ride.
What’s new
The 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee's uplevel 5.7-liter V8 gets power and fuel economy boosts, while the high-performance SRT8 model gets additional leather interior surfaces and a performance trip computer. Grand Cherokees fitted with the navigation system gain an iPod interface this year as well.
Edmunds says
In today's world of high fuel prices and on-road-biased crossover SUVs, the 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee is looking a little out of place. If you need to go off road or tow something, though, this top-of-the-line Jeep is still a great way to go.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV (3.7L 6cyl 5A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.12 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$214/mo for Grand Cherokee Laredo
Grand Cherokee Laredo
vs
$192/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
Vehicle overview
Do your SUV requirements include significant off-road ability? If so, the 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee might be your ride of choice. Three different four-wheel-drive systems (Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II) provide escalating off-road abilities, from low-grade trail busting to "Pack Mule Only." And if you need to tow large objects, the JGC's maximum towing capacity is a significant 7,400 pounds.
However, if trail-busting and towing aren't huge priorities for you, the Grand Cherokee might not be the best choice. Its interior and cargo space fall behind those of other midsize SUVs, while its fuel economy is only good news for ExxonMobil's bottom line. The high-performance SRT8 is an awesome choice for horsepower junkies who like driving SUVs, but that's an admittedly small audience.
To be fair, Jeep has made a significant effort to keep its Grand Cherokee up-to-date. Upgrades to the available V8s have boosted power, and a gradual increase in available equipment and overall quality improvement add up to a better Grand Cherokee. Among tough four-wheel-drive midsize SUVs like the Dodge Durango, Kia Borrego and Toyota 4Runner, the Grand Cherokee still stands tall. But for most people, crossovers like the Ford Edge, Nissan Murano and Toyota Highlander are better choices overall.
Performance & mpg
The standard engine on the 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo is a 3.7-liter V6 that makes 210 horsepower and 235 pound-feet of torque. Like every Grand Cherokee, the Laredo comes with a mandatory five-speed automatic transmission. Estimated fuel economy is 16 mpg city/21 mpg highway and 18 mpg combined with two-wheel drive (4x2) and 15/20/17 with four-wheel drive (4x4). Optional on the Laredo and standard on the Limited is a 4.7-liter V8 that produces 305 hp and 335 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy is 14/19/15 mpg for a 4WD model. Optional on the Limited 4WD and standard on the Overland is a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 good for 357 hp and 389 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy with this engine is 13/19/15 mpg (4WD).
Optional on all trims but the SRT8 is a 3.0-liter turbodiesel CRD V6 that's good for 215 hp and 375 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy for the CRD is an estimated 17/22/19 mpg, but it's not for sale in California or California-emissions states. The all-wheel-drive-only Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 gets a 6.1-liter V8 that pumps out 420 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque. It goes from zero to 60 mph in an incredible 5.0 seconds. Fuel economy is predictably lousy at 11/14/12 mpg.
Four-wheel-drive Laredos come with the single-speed Quadra-Trac I system, which essentially functions as all-wheel drive. Optional on the Laredo and standard on the Limited is the full-time Quadra-Trac II system, which adds a set of low-range gears. Standard on Overland 4x4s and optional on the Limited is the Quadra-Drive II system, which combines a two-speed transfer case with front, rear and center electronic limited-slip differentials. Grand Cherokees equipped with Quadra-Drive II include hill descent control, hill start assist and skid plates. The SRT8 comes with an exclusive all-wheel-drive system that's optimized for performance driving. If you're interested in towing, your best options are the diesel V6 or the 5.7-liter V8, either of which gives a properly equipped Grand Cherokee a tow capacity of 7,400 pounds. With the 4.7-liter V8, the maximum is 6,500 pounds.
Safety
Safety features include antilock disc brakes, stability control and standard side curtain airbags with a roll-detection system. The stability control system includes trailer sway control on Overland models; it's optional on the Laredo and Limited. The JGC earned a perfect five stars in all government front and side crash tests. In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety testing, the Grand Cherokee earned the best rating of "Good" in the frontal-offset test but the second worst rating of "Marginal" in the side test.
Driving
The base V6 is woefully underpowered and gets poor fuel economy to boot. We'd therefore steer most buyers toward the 4.7-liter V8 or the torquey diesel V6. If you can afford it, the 5.7-liter V8 is the best of the bunch -- it has plenty of power, and its fuel economy is virtually identical to that of the weaker 4.7-liter V8.
Considering the 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee's all-terrain talents, its road manners are surprisingly good. Steering is precise and handling is mostly sure-footed, although the suspension loses composure over crumbling expressway pavement. In off-road situations, the Jeep's generous wheel travel and advanced 4WD hardware earn it true mountain-goat status.
The specialized SRT8 model provides more than just wicked acceleration and intoxicating sounds. A precisely tuned suspension and quick steering allow you to hustle it through turns as if it were a much smaller vehicle, and the oversized Brembo brakes skim off speed quickly and resist fade. Those expecting the Grand Cherokee's typical ride quality will be disappointed, however, as the SRT modifications firm up the suspension considerably.
Interior
The Grand Cherokee's cabin is noticeably compact for a midsize SUV. The front seats are roomy enough, but the rear seat barely qualifies for family use. Cargo capacity is 35 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 69 with the seats folded, which is about the same as in the Ford Edge but much less than in the Toyota Highlander and Nissan Pathfinder. Materials quality has never been this Jeep's strong point, but last year's refresh yielded some improvement in that area. Each trim level comes with a long list of standard and optional features, including many in the entertainment realm. We're not fans of the available navigation and stereo touchscreen interface, as it features a smallish display with tiny buttons and often-confusing menus. Other controls are at least straightforward.
2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee models
The 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a five-passenger midsize SUV available in four trim levels: Laredo, Limited, Overland and SRT8. All trims but one are available with either rear- or four-wheel drive. The high-performance SRT8 is all-wheel drive only.
The JGC Laredo comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, all-terrain tires, a roof rack, an eight-way power driver seat, a tilt and telescoping steering wheel with audio controls, a 60/40-split rear seatback, cruise control, a trip computer and a six-speaker stereo with a CD player and an auxiliary audio jack. Options on the Laredo include a sunroof, a rear back-up camera with parking sensors, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, power-adjustable pedals, a power passenger seat, heated front seats, remote ignition, leather upholstery, a universal garage door opener, Bluetooth, a navigation system, real-time traffic, an upgraded six-speaker stereo with satellite radio, an iPod interface and a hard drive for digital music storage.
The Limited adds all of those features as standard and tacks on driver seat memory functions and heated rear seats. The Overland adds the 5.7-liter V8, HID headlamps and 18-inch chrome-clad wheels (these items are optional on the Limited). The high-performance Grand Cherokee SRT8 is equipped much like the Laredo (with similar options) but comes with 20-inch wheels, a street-biased sport suspension, larger brakes, special exterior styling enhancements, a performance trip computer, front sport seats, leather and suede upholstery and extended leather trim. A rear DVD entertainment system and Sirius Backseat TV are optional on all but the Laredo.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
5 star(68%)
4 star(16%)
3 star(5%)
2 star(3%)
1 star(8%)
37 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
I absoltuely love my JGC
fingaz, 08/22/2014
2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV 4WD (3.7L 6cyl 5A)
I bought a used 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee 2.5 years ago and I couldn't be happier with my purchase.
It is a very comfortable vehicle, drives great... with the upgraded interior (leather, navi) a rather luxurious, smooth riding truck.
Its VERY reliable, too.
Currently I am at 75,000mi and other than normal maintenance (change the oil every 3,000 miles), I haven't had any problems … what-so-ever.
Edit: Now up to 120,000 miles and the Jeep is running stronger than ever. Hoping to keep it around for another 120,000 miles. Best car I've ever owned!!!
Edit: Now at 150,000 and things are starting to go. Needed to replace the fuel injectors and the starter. Still running strong and still love the Jeep!
Edit: Son after my last edit, I got a major oil leak and haven't driven it since. Putting it up for sale. Someone else will fix it and love it!
3 out of 5 stars
Very poor reliability
morzh, 06/29/2015
2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV 4WD (3.7L 6cyl 5A)
Well, I have been a Jeep fan for a long time. Owned a Cherokee before, was a decent car. I knew the reliability reputation full well and bought this GC against my better judgement.
Let's say, I have paid.
Right after 4 years of very mild driving and not even 40K on odometer things started happening.
The speed sensor. $1000.
The starter. $800.
A pressure sensor leaking air. $90.
Today … - another pressure sensor leaking air (the car will be 6 years old this August). $150. A $150 tire flat fix.
No more Chrysler products for me.
Update: three pressure sensors leaked with two of them having been replaced before. Two weeks ago I was about to add some air and when unscrewing the cap, the whole threaded part of the barrel broke off so I could not even inflate the tire and was driving with it underinflated untill the weekend when I replaced all 4 at Midas at half price of what the dealer charges.
Oh... did I mention the A/C compressor went in the beginning of September of the same year I wrote the initial review? After 6 years and 1 month?
Like I sad before....No. More. Chrysler. Period.
Update 12/2017 : 4 months after the last review, the driver's side window electric lift mechanism is gone: the cable got all chewed up, first making grinding noises and eventually barely moving, even refusing to close. Five month after it started, the mechanism was replaced as the block, $610 installed.
4 out of 5 stars
Very Average
Cole G, 11/07/2018
2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV 4WD (3.7L 6cyl 5A)
I bought my 2009 in 2017 for $14k from a dealer with 81k miles. $14k was way, way too high, but I got a new battery, a couple oil changes, my sunroof drains cleared, two new A pillars, and a new belt for that buy, so I don't feel too rough. All of that would've totaled around $2k for a shop to do, and $12k (while still high) is more tolerable. Interior is very typical for a mid-00's … vehicle. Lots of plastic and fake leather, seats are comfortable enough, visibility isn't great but isn't as bad as say, a Chrysler Sebring/200 or other smaller vehicle. Review is accurate, front seat is roomy but back seat not so much. The 3.7L is really weak accelerating, but it's not the worst engine. Keep it maintained and it'll be good to you. Since I bought it, the WIN module and radiator have both failed totaling around $2k after tax and labor. That's it though. QuadraTrac 1 is great for snow and rain, does alright in sand/dirt/grass. Haven't ever done anything close to offroading, but I know it's not really meant for that. Overall a solid 3-4 stars. Not the worst vehicle you could own, but again, the review is accurate. If you want a Jeep, you can find a more "Jeep-y" Jeep. If you want a crossover, you can find a more efficient and effective crossover. On the off chance you need both, get an 08-10 Limited with the 4.7. The 4.7 got a second update in 2008 that increases power and fuel economy, making it close to the 5.7 in power as well as close to the 3.7 in economy. Limited gets you options, and the option for the far superior Quadra Drive 2 system.
Update: 3 years after first rad replacement, the rad cap neck started leaking. Unfixable, had to warranty out the rad. Bummer but the new one is a new design, so +1 for Napa radiators. I’ve done a lot to it since the first review, self-maintenance is pretty straight forward. The chassis and drivetrain parts can be a pain to do yourself without great jacks but that’s normal. CV axle replacement requires disassembly of the lower control arm/strut, which is stupid is usually requires new bushings and strut fork bolts because they get so rusted together. It’s been mostly just maintenance and preventative work, anything major that’s gone wrong since my initial review is because I’m not a perfect driver lol.
2 out of 5 stars
Jeep grand repairs
D Easley, 10/16/2015
2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV 4WD (3.7L 6cyl 5A)
Bought mine from one owner used. Had just over 100000. Since January 2015-Oct 2015 have replaced the clock speed sensor, the starter, wheel bearing, now the transmission is starting to slip. Chrysler jacked up the jeep name. Used to be a dependable vehicle. Stay far away from this vehicle.
2009 Grand Cherokee Highlights
SUV
Laredo
Base MSRP | $30,450 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 18 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $214/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 34.5 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover3 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalMarginal
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
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