Jeep

• Product Specialization
• Off-Road Performance
• Safety Features
• Customization Options
• Resale Value
• Vehicle Costs and Repairs

Product Specialization

From its beginnings as an army vehicle, Jeep has stuck with 4x4 SUV and crossover product lines for the most part. The company hasn’t strayed too far from its army and off-road beginnings when it comes to styling and vehicle specs. The automaker offers a total of seven Jeep models including the following: 

• Jeep Gladiator
• Jeep Grand Cherokee
• Jeep Renegade
• Jeep Cherokee
• Jeep Wrangler
• Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
• Jeep Compass

The Jeep Wrangler is one of the most unique SUV models on the market. No other SUV model allows you to remove the doors for a more open-air experience. This makes it an easy vehicle to transition from smooth highways to muddy back road trails. The Wrangler also has impressive cargo space with 72.4 cubic feet of available space.

Off-Road Performance

Jeep was built as a utility vehicle first, then adapted for a regular daily commute and on-road travel. Few competitors come close when it comes to rugged performance off-road. 

Most models have more horsepower when compared to competitors, and upgraded models offer even more power options. All Jeep models come equipped with four wheel drive. Jeeps are also known for superior performance in extreme weather conditions such as flooding or snowstorms. 

Jeep has its own metric system called “Trail Rated.” During test drives, Jeep looks at five different components of the vehicle’s trail rating: traction, water fording, maneuverability, articulation, and ground clearance. Vehicles are tested on the Rubicon Trail in California which features a variety of trails and weather conditions.

Safety Features 

Jeep’s high clearance vehicles give drivers a wide perspective of the road layout. The Jeep Cherokee is the safest Jeep model in the lineup. The vehicle won the Top Safety Pick award by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in 2019. The award is only given to top-grade SUV models. Standard Jeep models come with several safety features and optional advanced upgrades depending on trim level. Jeep’s current safety features include the following options: 

• Blind spot monitoring
• Backup camera
• Parking assist
• Automated parking
• Adaptive cruise control
• Automatic headlamps
• Electronic stability control

Jeep doesn’t offer as many autonomous safety features compared to other automotive brands. For example, the company does not offer lane departure warning, pedestrian detection, lane guidance assistance, or automatic emergency braking. Since the Jeep brand is focused on building vehicles for off-road capabilities, the company might find it challenging to create autonomous features for all road types.

Customization Options 

Jeep drivers are known for their car customizations. Many third-party retailers offer products to customize your Jeep. This includes lights, bigger tires, seat covers, suspension kits, bumpers, tow ropes, and other 4x4 accessories. The simple jeep design makes it easy for all skill levels to add new customizations. These customizations can quickly add up and become rather expensive but also provide a great hobby for car enthusiasts.

Resale Value 

Kelly Blue Book named the new 2020 Jeep Wrangler 4-Door “The Best Off-Road SUV for Resale Value.” The company predicts that the new Jeep Wrangler Unlimited model will be worth 57.6 percent of its original price after five years of ownership. High resale values signal the sustained popularity of new and used Jeep vehicles. If you enjoy off-roading and you only plan on owning a new vehicle for five years or less, purchasing a Jeep car with a high resale value may be a wise economic decision.

Vehicle Costs and Repairs

According to NerdWallet.com, the Jeep Wrangler is one of the cheapest cars to insure compared to the 25 best-selling models in 2020. Jeep MSRP prices are affordable with a below-average base price compared to similar SUVs. Repair and maintenance costs for owning a Jeep are slightly above the national average. When you do need to make repairs, you will not have a hard time finding available parts and capable mechanics. 

• Dependability
• Consumer Satisfaction
• Sustainable Options
• Uncomfortable Seating

Dependability

Jeep ranked poorly in the latest JD Power Dependability Study, with much higher than average issues per vehicle. Only Fiat, Land Rover, and Chrysler ranked worse out of 31 car brands involved in the study. 

Consumer Satisfaction

In the latest American Customer Satisfaction Index study, Jeep owners gave the brand an average score. It wasn’t the worst score, but not the best. Jeep tied with 8 other brands for the median score.

Sustainable Options 

If you are shopping for a sustainable crossover or SUV, you won’t find a viable option with Jeep. It is planning to release several hybrid models within the next few years but does not have any available yet. Although average gas mileage has increased over the last 10 years, Jeep is known for having poor fuel economy because of the design and weight. 

Uncomfortable Seating

Some customers complain about the uncomfortable Jeep interior. Jeep’s off-roading capabilities are a trade off for traditional vehicle comfort. For example, the Jeep Wrangler’s upright seats and standard cushions are manufactured to allow for easy clean up and high visibility. However, these seats are often not ideal for long commutes or road trips on highway roads. 

Customer Review: Ashlee

“Always love the look of a Jeep! They aren’t super comfortable to ride in but still worth the buy!”

Newer and upgraded models have improved comfort but not to the level of competitors' SUVs. If you are more interested in comfort than off-roading features, you should look into other car brands.