Best Grand Cherokee Model Years: A Buyer's Guide for Used Car Shoppers on Long Island

Used Grand Cherokee shopping on Long Island means navigating four generations, a wide range of powertrain options, and some model years that warrant real caution. The right year buys you a dependable, well-featured SUV at a significant discount from new. The wrong year buys someone else’s deferred maintenance.

Bottom Line: 2022–2023 WL-generation models are the best used value right now — modern platform, clean reliability record, premium interior. 2017–2020 WK2 models are solid if you avoid the 3.0L diesel. Skip 2014–2016 for most buyers.

• 2022–present (WL): new platform, best tech, early depreciation already absorbed
• 2017–2020 (WK2): proven V6, strong CPO value, avoid diesel
• 2014–2016 (WK2): known electrical and reliability issues on several model years
• 2011–2013 (WK2 early): reasonable values, simpler electronics, verify maintenance history

Generation Quick Reference

The Grand Cherokee has run through two major generations in the last 15 years: the long-lived WK2 (2011–2021) and the current WL (2022–present). Within each generation, certain model years stand out — for better and worse.

For the full ownership picture on new Grand Cherokees, see our complete Grand Cherokee guide for Nassau County.

2022–2023 WL: The Best Used Value Right Now

The WL generation launched in 2022 with Jeep’s most significant Grand Cherokee redesign in over a decade. The interior took a major leap — two-tier dashboard design, 10.1-inch Uconnect 5, available 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster, and dramatically improved material quality throughout.

A 2022–2023 model with 20,000–40,000 miles has already absorbed its steepest depreciation curve. Well-maintained examples in Nassau County are retailing at $36,000–$44,000 — roughly $5,000–$8,000 less than a new equivalent.

Early WL reliability data is positive. There are no widespread recalls or systemic issues through 2024. Buyers should verify software is current (Uconnect 5 supports OTA updates) and confirm the 4WD system operates through all modes during a test drive.

2017–2020 WK2: Proven Value

The late WK2 represents the best balance of price, reliability, and features for budget-conscious Long Island buyers. The 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 and 5.7-liter HEMI are both proven engines with well-understood service requirements.

The 3.0-liter EcoDiesel in this generation is the exception. Multiple recall campaigns and reliability issues make the diesel a vehicle to skip unless it comes with a thorough documented service history and was addressed under all relevant recalls. The V6 and V8 are straightforward; the diesel is not.

Look for CPOV-certified examples with under 80,000 miles for the best warranty coverage combination.

2014–2016: Proceed Carefully

This mid-generation WK2 window catches buyers off guard. 2014 was the year Jeep introduced the then-new 8.4-inch Uconnect and ZF 8-speed transmission — but early examples of both saw higher-than-normal issues. Uconnect software glitches and transmission adaptation quirks were well-documented.

The 2016 model largely addressed these concerns through updates, but buying in this window requires verifying all recall completions and software updates. A pre-purchase inspection from an independent Jeep-specialist shop in Nassau County is strongly recommended.

2011–2013: Simple, Reliable, Underrated

The early WK2 used simpler electronics than later models — which, counterintuitively, makes them more reliable. The Pentastar V6, introduced in 2011, was well-sorted by its third model year. HEMI V8 examples with documented service histories are strong finds.

At $15,000–$20,000, these represent compelling value as secondary vehicles or for buyers who prioritize low acquisition cost over modern infotainment.

What to Check on Any Used Grand Cherokee

Before buying any used Grand Cherokee on Long Island:

1. Pull the VIN through NHTSA’s recall database and confirm all open campaigns are completed
2. Verify transmission fluid was serviced — the ZF 8-speed requires fluid at 60,000 miles
3. Test all Uconnect functions including backup camera, CarPlay, and navigation
4. Check for rust on the frame rails, particularly on vehicles that spent winters in salt-treated Nassau County roads
5. Run the Selec-Terrain system through all modes and confirm transfer case engages cleanly

Recall information from NHTSA’s vehicle recall database.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Grand Cherokee year has the fewest recalls? 2022 and 2023 WL models have the cleanest recall history so far, with fewer campaigns than any comparable WK2 year. The WK2 years with the most activity are 2014–2016.

Is a 2019 Grand Cherokee a good used buy? Yes — 2019 is a strong year within the WK2 late generation. The 3.6L V6 or 5.7L HEMI with a documented service history makes an excellent used buy. Avoid the diesel in any 2019 example without a thorough recall verification.

How many miles is too many for a used Grand Cherokee? The V6 Pentastar is commonly serviceable past 150,000 miles with proper maintenance. For a used buy with warranty coverage, CPOV eligibility (under 80,000 miles) is the practical ceiling. Above 80,000, factor in higher maintenance probability and adjust your offer accordingly.

Browse CPO and used Grand Cherokees at Merrick Jeep — we carry multiple certified examples across model years at our South Shore location.