Fuel Is the Grand Cherokee's Biggest Bill: $16,419 Over 5 Years

Our calculator puts a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee at $37,071 over five years, or $618 a month, on a $17,300 purchase. The surprise is where the money goes: $16,419 on fuel, against just $5,242 in depreciation.

The verdict: buy it, but only at the right price and only with a clean inspection. At $17,300 or less with under 70,000 miles, it is a reasonable used SUV. Check current values on Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds before you go. If a dealer is asking $20,000 or more for an average one, walk away. Plenty of similar SUVs cost less to run.

Why the fuel line matters more than the sticker

Most buyers haggle over a few hundred dollars on price and ignore the gas bill. That is backwards here. Our $16,419 fuel figure works out to roughly $3,280 a year, or about $274 a month, before you buy a single oil change.

Check the exact MPG for the engine and drivetrain you are looking at on fueleconomy.gov. The V6 and the V8 in the Grand Cherokee do not cost the same to feed, and four-wheel drive costs more than two-wheel drive. Our figure assumes 12,000 miles a year at $3.50 a gallon. If you drive more, add to it. A 20,000-mile commuter will pay far more than our number.

The cheap depreciation is the good news. At $5,242 over five years, this car has already taken its big hit. You are buying after the steep drop, and that is the main argument for it.

Which trims and versions to pick

The 2021 model year is the first year of the redesigned WL-generation refresh cycle's final stretch, with a mix of old and new equipment. The standard two-row Grand Cherokee is the one most buyers will find, and the three-row Grand Cherokee L launched for 2021 as a separate, newer design. Do not mix up the two when comparing prices. The L costs more and has different problems.

For the two-row, the smart picks are:

• Laredo and Limited with the 3.6-liter V6. This is the simplest engine and the cheapest to fix. Most of the used supply is here.
• Limited with the Quadra-Trac I or II four-wheel-drive system. It is plenty for snow and gravel and avoids the cost of the more advanced air suspension.

Be cautious with:

• Overland and Summit trims with air suspension. When it fails, a single air spring can run well over $1,000, and a full set costs far more.
• The 5.7-liter V8. It is stronger, but it drinks more and runs up the fuel bill past our estimate.
• The SRT and Trackhawk. Insurance, tires, and fuel are in a different league. Our figures do not cover them.

Before you buy any specific vehicle, enter its VIN in the NHTSA recall database and confirm every recall was completed. Recalls on this model have included software and electrical items, and a dealer must do that work for free.

The reliability picture: expensive, not catastrophic

Jeep's reliability record is mixed, and I will not soften it. RepairPal rates the Grand Cherokee below the average for its class, with more frequent shop visits than a Toyota Highlander or Honda Pilot. Our calculator's $3,423 repair figure over five years, about $685 a year, reflects that.

The failure modes owners actually report:

• Electrical and infotainment glitches. The Uconnect screen freezing, sensors throwing false warnings, and the battery draining overnight. These show up early, often under 50,000 miles. Some are software fixes, others mean a new module at $500 to $1,500.
• Air suspension faults on Overland and Summit trims, usually after 60,000 miles.
• Water pump and coolant leaks on the V6, commonly between 70,000 and 100,000 miles, costing $600 to $1,100.
• Oil leaks around the oil filter housing and valve covers, often past 80,000 miles.
• Transmission shifting complaints with the eight-speed automatic, sometimes fixed with a software update, sometimes not.

None of this makes the car a lemon. It makes it a car where a repair bill of $1,000 or more is likely at some point, and you should have that money set aside.

What each year will cost you

Our five-year maintenance estimate is $4,001, which is about $800 a year, and repairs add to that. Insurance is $7,731 over five years, about $1,546 a year. That is our estimate from the car's value and class, not a quote, so your own number will differ based on your age, ZIP code, and record.

Here is how I would budget by mileage, not counting fuel, insurance, or registration ($255 over five years):

• Under 50,000 miles: $700 to $1,200 a year. Mostly oil changes, tires, brakes, and the occasional warranty-covered electrical gripe. If the factory warranty is still active, you are better off.
• 50,000 to 100,000 miles: $1,400 to $2,200 a year. Expect a set of tires, brakes, a battery, and probably a cooling system repair.
• Over 100,000 miles: $2,200 to $3,500 a year. Suspension, leaks, and transmission service all start to land. Past this point you are betting against Jeep.

I am not being optimistic here, and you should not be either.

What to check before you hand over money

1. Run the VIN for open recalls and ask for proof they were completed.
2. Cycle the air suspension. On Overland and Summit trims, raise and lower the ride height and watch for sagging after the car sits overnight.
3. Test every Uconnect function. Screen freezes, dead backup camera, and Bluetooth drops are common.
4. Look for coolant residue near the water pump and on the front of the engine.
5. Check for oil seepage at the oil filter housing and valve covers with a flashlight.
6. Feel the transmission on a cold start and under light acceleration. Harsh or delayed shifts are a red flag.
7. Test the four-wheel-drive system on loose gravel and listen for binding or clunks.
8. Pull codes with a scanner. Stored electrical codes that were cleared recently are a warning.
9. Check the panoramic sunroof drains for clogging, which can leak water into the cabin.
10. Inspect the tires for uneven wear that points to alignment or suspension damage.

Two alternatives worth a look

Toyota Highlander (2018 to 2020): It costs about the same used and has a far better repair record, though it is less fun to drive.

Honda Pilot (2018 to 2020): It has more room, strong resale value, and fewer surprise bills, especially if you skip the earliest models.

Where it is a good deal and where it stops

The 2021 Grand Cherokee is a good deal at or below $17,300, under 70,000 miles, with documented service and the V6. It starts to be a poor deal above $19,000, or past 100,000 miles, when repair costs climb and the remaining warranty coverage is gone. Skip it if the price includes a V8 or air suspension and you have no cash set aside for repairs. Our $618 monthly figure only holds if you buy right.