If you’re planning to buy a large SUV to cruise around Plano, Texas, and beyond, you probably have the 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee and the 2024 Dodge Durango on your shortlist. These two SUVs are remarkably well-built vehicles that provide a smooth ride, generous cabin space, and advanced tech features, making them ideal for families. However, they’re different in many ways, which may make one of them more suitable for you than the other. Let’s find out whether the 2024 Grand Cherokee or the 2024 Durango comes out on top in the Jeep vs. Dodge battle for full-size SUV supremacy.
Trim Levels and Prices
For 2024, the Jeep Grand Cherokee comes in 10 trim levels. These include the base Laredo A, Laredo, Laredo X, Altitude, Altitude X, Limited, Overland, the off-road Trailhawk, Summit, and the range-topping Summit Reserve. This Jeep SUV also comes in a long-wheelbase version called the Grand Cherokee L, which adds a third row of seats. In addition, several models can be equipped with a plug-in hybrid powertrain, including the Limited, Trailhawk, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve.
The Dodge Durango is even more customizable with its incredible 16-trim lineup, which comprises the entry-level SXT, SXT Plus, GT, GT Plus, GT Premium, R/T, Citadel, R/T Hemi Orange, R/T Plus, R/T Premium, SRT 392, SRT 392 Plus, SRT 392 Premium, SRT Hellcat, SRT Hellcat Plus, and the top-of-the-line SRT Hellcat Premium. The SRT and SRT Hellcat models are high-performance SUVs equipped with exceptionally potent engines.
If you don’t plan to spend a lot on your next vehicle, you could be better off getting the Grand Cherokee. Its base MSRP ranges from $36,495 for the Laredo A to $69,840 for the Summit Reserve. The Dodge Durango not only has a considerably higher starting MSRP of $40,920, but its top-spec model wears a price tag that exceeds $100,000.
No matter which of the two SUVs you decide to buy, feel free to ask your local Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (CDJR) dealership if they have a special offer on your desired model. Dealers often provide financial incentives for new vehicle purchases.
Performance
The regular models of the 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee are equipped with 3.6-liter V-6 engines that provide 293 horsepower. These engines provide swift acceleration and sufficient power for most driving tasks, from cruising around town to merging onto the highway.
However, if you want a more engaging driving experience and better gas mileage, consider purchasing a model with a hybrid powertrain. Comprising a 2.0-liter turbo-four engine and an electric motor, this unit delivers a stout 375 horsepower. That’s enough to go from zero to 60 mph in an impressive 5.3 seconds. The Jeep SUV comes standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive, but you can also opt for the available four-wheel drive.
The 2024 Dodge Durango offers four engine options: a 3.6-liter V-6 with 293 horsepower, a 5.7-liter V-8 with 360 horsepower, a 6.4-liter V-8 with 475 horsepower, and a 6.2-liter supercharged V-8 with a whopping 710 horsepower. The 6.4-liter V-8 engine powers the SRT models while the supercharged V-8 is found under the hood of the SRT Hellcat variants. An SRT Hellcat is capable of sprinting from zero to 60 mph in a blistering 3.5 seconds. All these engines pair with an eight-speed automatic transmission to deliver power to the rear wheels or, optionally, to all four wheels.
Despite its large dimensions, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is surprisingly easy to maneuver, thanks to its precise and responsive steering. Its excellent body control helps it stay well planted around corners while its strong brakes inspire confidence. It’s worth noting that this Jeep SUV offers class-leading off-road capabilities. The Dodge Durango also delivers a smooth ride and solid stopping power, but it doesn’t mask its size as well as its rival. This may make it a little harder to drive in confined spaces.
Interior
The 2024 Grand Cherokee and the 2024 Durango both seat up to five people in their standard configuration, but they’re available in a three-row version that increases the capacity to seven. Regardless of which of the two SUVs you choose, you and your passengers will enjoy plush and supportive seats that provide all-day comfort. The first- and second-row seats offer enough legroom and headroom for tall passengers to stretch out. While it’s less roomy, the optional third row is still adult-friendly.
If you need to carry a lot of cargo, the Durango may be a better option. This SUV has a maximum cargo capacity of 85.1 cubic feet while the Grand Cherokee provides up to 70.8 cubic feet of storage space.
Technology
Like other new vehicles from Jeep, the 2024 Grand Cherokee boasts an extensive list of standard infotainment features to keep you and your passengers connected and entertained. These include an 8.4-inch touch-screen display, USB ports, a Wi-Fi hotspot, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, Amazon Alexa, satellite radio, HD radio, voice recognition, and a six-speaker sound system. In addition, every Grand Cherokee model offers plenty of driver-assistance features to improve your safety behind the wheel, such as forward collision alert, automated emergency braking, pedestrian monitoring, blind-spot detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and rear cross-traffic warning.
The 2024 Dodge Durango isn’t as generous as the Jeep SUV in terms of tech and safety features. It has basically the same list of standard infotainment features as its rival, but it offers Amazon Alexa, HD radio, and navigation as options. Blind-spot detection and rear cross-traffic warning are the only driver aids that come standard on the Dodge SUV.
Test-Drive the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango at Huffines CJDR Plano, Texas
To determine whether the 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee or the 2024 Dodge Durango is a better fit, you need to take your budget, driving needs, and lifestyle into consideration. The Grand Cherokee has an edge in terms of affordability, practicality, feature content, and off-road capability while the Durango offers more cargo space and greater driving excitement. If you reside in Plano, Texas, you can drop by Huffines CJDR Plano to check out these two awesome SUVs in person. Getting a first-hand experience of the vehicles can help you make a better-informed decision. Contact us today to schedule a test drive.