2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit 4x4 On and Off Road Test and Review

Join me as I take the completely refreshed 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit for a spin. We take the Jeep off road, on road, talk infotainment, the new LCD instrument cluster, the new 8-Speed Torqueflite automatic transmission designed by ZF, discuss AWD systems from Quadra Trac to Quadra Drive II, engine options, pricing and more.
2014 brings a trimline reshuffle to the Grand Cherokee with the Laredo X being replaced by a cheaper Latitude E and the the Overland Summit ditches Overland to become a separate trim sitting at the top of the range. There is more going on here than just a trim re-shuffle if you read between the lines. In 2013 the "Overland Summit" was the Grand Cherokee with all the luxury AND all the offroad bits. In 2014 the Summit is the realization that people don't take their $52,000-$57,000 Jeep rock crawling any more than Range Rover owners joyride in the Sahara on weekends. As a result the 2014 Summit looses the skid plates and tow hooks found on the lesser models and doesn't get the option to add them from the factory.
Chrysler limited the refresh to a new, de-chromed tailgate, new bumper covers, exhaust tips and a headlamp re-style. In addition to the removal of the strangely large chrome strip below the tailgate glass (see our 2013 review for that picture), Jeep has gone up market with more aggressive tail lamps and more differentiated trim levels. Laredo and Limited models get redesigned bumper covers with round exhaust tips while the premium trims get trendy trapezoidal tips. Further cleaning up the Overland and Summit models, the hitch receiver and 4/7 pin trailer wiring connector are hidden behind a panel in the bumper. Speaking of towing, the factory towing setup is not available on base Laredo models anymore. Want to haul? You have to step up to that Laredo E.
Up front the grille has become less prominent and more integrated into the plastic bumper cover. The optional foglamps have shrunk to an almost cartoonishly small proportion and the lower air intakes take on a more aggressive stance. Jumping up to the Overland and Summit models swaps the larger healamps for the ones you see in the picture at the top of the review. The unit incorporates LED daytime running lamps and headlamp washers in the black plastic strip under the lamp module.
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[@mkultra3194]

9 years old and a much better in depth review than most other videos to this day. 👍🏻

[@shawncarroll1749]

I test drove a 2014 summit v6 fully loaded and it was super comfortable and very smooth ride.

[@deapozol]

This truck is waaay better than the Cadillac SRX. It's kick ass! Nice review. I will be getting one very soon.

[@lauderdalechad]

Best reviewer i have seen in a very long time... Very detailed explanations without being a boring sales pitch for the manufacturer. Well done Alex! Subscription for me

[@3349mm620z]

Very Nice review , the best review I've seen on youtube. Inside , outside , electronics , drivetrain , a nice drive , your opinions and a nice video . Great Job

[@briandavid6996]

You do the best reviews on KZbin in my opinion, very detailed. Love them!

[@rahulrane1658]

Alex, you give one of the best reviews out there in the market. Cheers!

[@jamiewaterman8147]

have to say this has been the best review on this vehicle I have seen. This includes the supposed "professional" reviewers like Consumer Reports and Autoworld. Good job!

[@jpwheeilng2000]

You hit the Review right on, I love how your compared the Offroad Capability to others and the limitations to the New Cherokee.

[@memberofthetribe1]

First time seeing a review from you Alex, and I have to say that you have the best review by far for this vehicle. (Trust me on this, I've been looking at reviews all night)! I really like the split screen, that was a nice touch, as well as the trail you took off road. You have earned my subscription to your channel.

[@jeremysautomobile]

Best review I've seen on this model!

[@TheDoltonboy]

Alex, you give the most detailed, most informative reviews I have ever watched. Great job!!

[@Benjammin1829]

Excellent review! I'm in the market for a 2015 JGC Overland and this review was the best I've found yet!

[@workerb99]

I agree with other posters very good review. Alex you took a confounding array of trim and drivetrain options and broke down nicely. I also appreciate the cost breakdowns. Well done!

[@jonathanneethling]

Well done. First review where all my ”buying” questions were answered 👌

[@count500]

One of the best reviews on youtube

[@desertpair2]

Nice job, Alex. In fact, best review I've seen on the new GC.

[@roki30303]

Wow, this is probably the best review of this vehicle that I've seen. I actually own 2014 Overland. Amazing vehicle!!!

[@atharsami]

hey Alex- Your style of reviewing the vehicles is informative and demands attention. I follow many reviewing channels but yours is my favorite hands down..!! try if you could add more graphics and better locations which will make you the best reviewer on youtube..!! What say?

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

I will certainly put it on my list!

[@dws-art]

Great review and Alex makes some good points to consider. Finally we get to see the Jeep GC driving on the sort of tracks that most will go exploring. As he says, you don't really go rock crawling in your $50,000 new car.

[@romangrom6853]

Congrats Alex, expert presentation. You really have a talent to learn things. Thanks.

[@larry1794]

Most informative review i have seen, thank you.

[@davidnl8206]

Very cool offroading part :-) Excellent review!

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

We will certainly add them to out list!

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

From what I have been told the transmission issues have mostly been software troubles to address shift quality concerns. As far as I know there has yet to be a recall about a hardware only issue or any specific widespread complaints. On the whole the ZF 8-speed has been very reliable in the other vehicles that use it.

[@sundru7315]

This is one of the best reviews of the 2014 Grand Cherokee covering transmission, internals and comfort, as an owner i agree with everything you mentioned. The seat definitely needs improvement as it feels like ur always off to one side and you continously trying to readjust.

[@hellkitty1014]

@Alex, such humble beginnings! Now look at you!

[@bgreenjr7149]

Great job Alex! You are the best on KZbin!

[@Strandedinthedesert]

You are very detailed it’s incredible!

[@humblelion127]

BEST VIDEO I HAVE EVER SEEN. SERIOUSLY THERE WERE DETAIL I DID NOT EVEN KNOW AND I AM A FANATIC. GREAT JOB. Demonstrate the car features, ex: Show the cruise control in operation. Put wheel rollers under 3 wheel and try to move it with one wheel, to demonstrate if it has true 4x4 capabilities and intellect. IF THE VEHICLE BOAST ABOUT ITS CAPABILITIES, PUT IT TO THE TEST. THEN COMPARE IT TO OTHERS.

[@dborlando]

Great review... thanks for showing the towing package hidden behind the rear bumper!

[@h3nr0]

There are definitely assembly line problems. We bought at the beginning of 2014 and experienced electrical problem after 3 weeks. The car's check engine light was constantly on and occasionally the car shut itself off. The dealership attempted to fix it several times and eventually gave up after working on it for 6 months. We opted for the 5.7 V8 Overland with the imported transmission (e.g. - without the problems associated with the domestic). During the 6 months our Cherokee was in the shop longer than we had it in possession.

[@gpat986]

Finally an in-depth review

[@StreetersGarage]

Another great review Alex.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

I reviewed one right before we started this KZbin channel so I may not be able to get my hands on one again so soon but I will try.

[@nl3712]

Fantastic review

[@Stere0guy]

Thanks, You are one lucky guy. Looks beautiful and quiet there. Nice to get away from it all sometimes.

[@whatever04811]

Brilliant review Alex.

[@n2thed518]

great review. Im looking into getting a summit and your video helped me make an informed choice

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

The trail is in the Santa Cruz mountains and is on private property owned by a friend of mine. We use the trailer for all manner of things, we built our own house so much of the construction material came in the trailer.

[@jamesanderson4014]

Ain't going in no woods. Nice nice Grand Cherokee great video.

[@markrussell24]

OMG yes finally someone who has explained the 5-speed vs. 8-speed problems. The MB 5-speed didn't take advantage of the power bands it was hooked up to. We have a '14 GC Overland with the HEMI and the ZF keeps it right it the power.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

This falls into the realm of personal preference I think. The Eco mode certainly does what you describe but my personal feeling is that it helps me be a more economical driver so I don't really mind. You can always be more aggressive with the throttle and get the same result, but 9/10 times I'm just commuting so I appreciate the "nanny." As always, your mileage may vary. My better half hates those kinds of systems...

[@nimlil]

Great review!

[@ryanvt77]

Awesome Review Very informative. Im in the market for an suv not sure if I want mid size or full size but if I go mid size this will be my purchase.

[@Maxwell1989]

I'm looking forward to seeing the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee its going to be sweet I'm sure more safety features what's included in the new Jeep Cherokee I hope you have a great happy new year and very prosperous for you god bless you

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Tricky one. I would go for the Grand Cherokee, but that's mostly because I need something that tows. It's comfortable, well equipped and has a good brand behind it. The GC straddles the mass market and near luxury so my runners up would be the GMC Terrain in the lower price bracket and the BMW X5 in the upper bracket.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Chrysler's EPA numbers have been quite accurate lately so I expect it to be right around the combined EPA number.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

You hit the nail on the head. This is why I have been trying to convince my mom of all people to get the V6 or V8 instead of the diesel she has her heart set on. The diesel is great for towing, but aside from that you won't see the benefit in a very long time.

[@skylerharlan9773]

I guess im asking randomly but does someone know a method to log back into an instagram account? I was stupid lost the login password. I appreciate any help you can offer me.

[@alejandroalejandro1562]

@Skyler Harlan Instablaster ;)

[@skylerharlan9773]

@Alejandro Alejandro I really appreciate your reply. I got to the site on google and Im trying it out now. Looks like it's gonna take a while so I will reply here later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@skylerharlan9773]

@Alejandro Alejandro It did the trick and I now got access to my account again. I'm so happy! Thank you so much, you really help me out!

[@alejandroalejandro1562]

@Skyler Harlan no problem :D

[@ugenziring]

Best and complete review. Other mainstream reviews are mediocre and commercial. You ran all the technical aspects and covered all the details. Other reviews like 2redline and autobytel should learn from this.

[@SeventyGTX]

We had one in that beautiful rare copper pearl color. The only issue with around 65k was the power tilt motor went out. We liked it so much, we are looking for another one to trade our 2021 Cherokee Trailhawk towards.

[@AviationDirection]

No problem, thanks for the great reviews!

[@nasianseno1]

very good review

[@joeray795]

Alex, can you start making comments as to reliability history or concerns when you review cars, please? Sometimes, in spite of your scoring system and analytical nature, it appears you have nothing truly negative to say about a vehicle. Reliability is a key component of a purchase decision. Love your work, thanks for doing these.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

The Touareg is kind of tricky because of the price points. It starts $15,200 above the Grand Cherokee but in the upper trim levels they do compete. The Grand Cherokee has retained its advanced off-road systems while the Touareg has lost them for the American market. The tricky thing to keep in mind is that the diesel pay off is quite long in both and the GC offers a powerful V8 option that would likely be my preference.

[@ConnorGibbsAK]

Great video as always! You really are the best reviewer out there! Oh and nice illegal pass at 12:14 ;), although I guess TECHNICALLY it was legal since you started the pass before the line became solid. But it did show the great power of that GC. Keep em' coming and I'll keep watching! :D

[@vimish2098]

Superb review. Am comparing the Grand Cherokee Summit diesel to the Q5 and GLK 250. It has the best price point for the options and lowest maintenance requirements. Your review on the UConnect and the SUV overall has helped tremendously.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Let us know what you end up picking, I'd be interested to know.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

In a nutshell, yes there is a choice between styling/features and reliability. The more you stuff in a car the more there is to go wrong and the Jeep has an extensive luxury feature and option list. Personally, I'd take the jeep and roll the dice.

[@RYN988]

Thank you. I highly appreciate your input.

[@Stere0guy]

Great video review Alex! Hey, where is that trail located? Looks really cool. Also, what do you haul in that giant trailer? :) I test drove one yesterday, a V6 and really liked it.

[@ChristopherWalkenPUA]

Really great and very thorough review ! In your experience is the reliability of Jeeps getting better? I saw the 2013 JD Power dependability results and Jeep was pretty much at the bottom with Land Rover. I really like the exterior styling and features but if a vehicle is not reliable then I can't buy it. Toyota's 4runner and FJ scored very high but they are lacking a lot of features and get horrible gas mileage. It's like you have to chose between reliability or styling and features.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

The 4Runner is kind of a different beast. The Lexus GX version of the 4Runner is positioned above the GC while the 4Runner is somewhat below. The 4Runner is lighter but lacks the locking front axle, air suspension and variety of engine options available in the GC. Off road I would be willing to bet the 4Runner would be more capable in many situations, but that has more to do with the 4Runner weighing almost 1,000lbs less depending on the model. On road I would take the GC.

[@jaffarbaqi]

I am thinking of buying an ML. I expect it to ride better but not to be as off-road capable as the GC. Great review Alex, as always.

[@hypertrophicgaming34]

Thanks for the great review! ...Is the music at the end from Runescape lol?

[@redyoukai]

Another great review. Can you also do a review of the 2013 Ford Explorer Sport?

[@TJ2205]

Nice review! Re towing: wouldn't VW Touareg at 7,700 lb capacity also qualify in this 5-seat suv category? (we are currently trying to decide between 2013 Touareg TDI and 2014 Grand Cherokee eco diesel.)

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

It is in the Santa Cruz Mountains. I have a crazy friend that had over 300 acres and has cut various trails into the forest and lets friends and family do whatever they want on them.

[@danliddiard]

FYI: No front limited slip on the 2011-2014 Jeep grand Cherokee (WK2). For Grand Cherokee's only the 3rd Generation WK's had a front Limited Slip differential. The WK2's use the front brakes to fake a front limited slip differential.

[@mobleyMobley]

Daniel Liddiard 3rd gen wk????

[@hellodlo]

another great comprehensive review, great job

[@Cmcconn824]

How do you think the summit would handle in a beach/sand environment.

[@petedgr8]

I have a 14 Overland V6 and find the Eco Mode (default) annoying. Makes the car feel sluggish, slow to downshift, and just plain laggy. Eco off, and it feels great. You didn't any issues and I was wondering if you experienced any of what I described?

[@katerobertson572]

I have Jeep Grand Cherokee 2014 and it's stick in four wheel drive. What to do to get four wheel drive unstuck?

[@cargogh]

Thanks Alex. The Jeep gets a thumbs up just for retaining the door mirror.

[@fuhuisheng]

Hi Alex, could you review 2014 Jeep Wrangler unlimited Sahara?

[@uhd4k442]

Greatest review I have seen on the 2014 JGC yet. Tnx much Do you maybe know if i can get those beautiful light beige leather seating in the Summit model that I find the Overland model??

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Sadly they are Overland only. You can configure your Overland to have much of what you get on the Summit, but several things like the alcantara headliner are unique to the Summit only.

[@petion2013]

No, only black and brown for the summit models.

[@RYN988]

I'm really undecided between the Grand Cherokee or the Cadillac SRX. What do you think guys?

[@ariabozorgi]

Hi Alex. Do you know what is the real life avarage MPG for the V8? thanks

[@hatemmegaly9613]

Thanks, is it full-time 4x4?

[@ejpennyman862]

Alex, you mention that the JGC has no off-road competition in the mid-size SUV market. What about the 4Runner? It can only tow 4700 lbs, but it's definately off-road capable.

[@T1q121]

Alex, what's up with the issues people have with the grand Cherokee because of their new transmissions. Drives great but has a lot of mechanical issues

[@phyluco1]

Alex, can you do a review on the '14 Lincoln MKT. Thanks.

[@jduke989]

The batteries are going to run out on that flashlight

[@jpwheeilng2000]

I'm interested in a Jeep Unlimited Rubicon in the Automatic, there hasn't been any Reviews on the Auto, for it's off-road Capability's, hope to see that, thanks.

[@desertpair2]

Oh. I forgot. What's the best off-road version of the GC? I'm thinking Overland, diesel, quadra-trac, quadra-drive, air suspension, 18-inch wheels. And an early change of tires to something like BFG All Terrain TAs. What do YOU think?

[@dukinygaming259]

Summit is the best off roader

[@stingrayg3]

Would you mind sharing the location of the offroad trails you were on?

[@GearWave]

Great review. What are your thoughts on the Mazda CX-9?

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

I like the CX-9, but it is an entirely different animal. The CX-9 is a typical FWD based crossover while the GC is a RWD or RWD biased AWD vehicle with more off-road ability than the Mazda. One thing to keep in mind is the infotainment system in the CX-9 which is one of my least favourite systems on the market.

[@harrybaulz666]

Great looking dashboard? Eow wow

[@brucec43]

Alex puts the big car mag reviews to shame.

[@garynetherton1730]

Great review, but I note you overtook on a double yellow line. Tut tut!

[@DimitryMetal]

In your opinion, What is the best SUV in this class?

[@zenaissance]

The problem experienced with not climbing over the log may not be entirely the tires' fault. The V6 engine is simply not the best for Off-Roading purposes which most people know requires greater torque. The Diesel at 420 lbs of torque and the V8 at 390 lbs of torque is much superior to the 260 offered at the V6 level. I am sure with either the V8 or Diesel, the Jeep would not be stuck even with the poorer OEM tires. In addition, using the Off Road 2 (raising the Jeep to its highest suspension setting) will also help. There are many options in this Jeep to tackle a variety of problems if one knows how to use it fully.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

That's a tough call. The SRX is much better on road, the Jeep is better off-road. The SRX is a typical FWD based crossover while the Jeep is a RWD based traditional SUV. If you tow at all the Jeep is the winner, but if you're buying something to give you more security in bad weather or for trips to the snow, the SRX is likely to fit your needs. The Summit version of the Jeep is a nicer place to spend you time than the Cadillac, but the SRX is better than the other Jeep trims.

[@crackaddict444]

Can you review the Lexus GS and the new Corolla?

[@ariabozorgi]

How good is this Grand Cherokee compare to the Toyota 4runner?

[@Sergio-rv5ei]

Got that car for my wife and she loves it

[@siavashvahidi2008]

Had the Limited model for a few days as a rental. Loved it! Just one complaint, the steering wheel was way too sensitive at highway speeds. You touch it one bit and the car is already changing its course. This required us to correct it often. Most cars the steering numbs quite a bit. Did anyone else notice this?

[@markwilliams6378]

I rented a Dodge Journey once I know it's a totally different animal but Jeep / Chrysler / Dodge same corporate ownership . That Dodge required so steering corrections that at the end of that trip my hands were so stiff from gripping the steering tight you would swear I was going through rigor mortis

[@myname9252]

hope they fixed the software problem.

[@etnnycmusic]

whats up Alex..??? I'm new to ur chan ... just subscribed..... now that was a "review".....Ive been to other chs,,,,by far ....this was the best....just the right amount of info and practical driving....keep em coming....btw my daily dvr is an 04 jgc overland....still under fact warr ....(thank godness I had that ....phew).......its a any weather beast....and it still purrs like a kitten ºIIIIIIIº

[@MacSaab93]

There is no way in the world I would take my SUV through a trail that narrow. I was scared for the paint finish on the Jeep and it isn't even mine! Good review though.