The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland features better tech and more equipment, and a price increase. Now a V6 petrol only offering, it’s the range topping 5-seater, sitting above the Night Eagle and Limited variants.
In terms of its place in the pecking order, that’s true for now, but will alter slightly in the near future, with the arrival of a Summit Reserve 4xe Plug-in Hybrid variant. That aside, its $98,450 plus on-roads price could be seen as a little hefty.
Jeep’s long-serving 3.6-litre V6 petrol engine which sits under the bonnet of the Overland produces 210kW and 344Nm and drives all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. It rides on 20-inch alloys and features LED headlights.
Inside, there’s heated front seats with eight-way power adjustment, a heated steering wheel, 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and 10.1-inch infotainment screen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a power tailgate, and wireless phone charger.
It also comes with air suspension, a two-speed active transfer case with low-range gearing, black Nappa leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, dual-pane panoramic sunroof, premium nine-speaker stereo, and multi-colour ambient lighting.
All-in-all the interior is a far better proposition than the model it replaces, with plenty of room for both front and rear passengers. It’s also comfier, with improved seating offering a wider base and adequate under-thigh support.
The steering column adjustment in both reach and tilt, paired with the power-adjustable seat, accommodates individuals who prefer the ‘seeing above’ high-riding SUV stance, as well as taller people who require a low base.
The rotary drive controller is a machined metal piece with tactile weight, and the dashboard is covered in leather-look and largely soft-touch materials. Our test vehicle came with the Luxury Tech Group optional package too (see details below).
This added second row sunshades, ventilated outboard seats, and four-zone climate control. It’s worth noting the rear row slides forward and back, and while we couldn’t find an official load space figure, our best guess puts it at about 1,000-litres.
A 12-volt power outlet, two USB-A and two USB-C ports at the bottom of the centre stack also feature. On the road, it’s a rather casual driving experience, with a cushiony feel and a lovely, almost floaty, waft as it journeys down the road.
That feeling comes thanks to its air suspension, which offers multiple height settings and will fluctuate on its own between drive modes. What it does miss though is a low-range transfer case, which only the Summit Reserve gets.
It still does a decent job off road though, thanks to Jeep’s Quadra Trac II active 4×4 system with Selec-Terrain. Adaptive damping and a pretty damn solid hill descent control will keep you on the straight and narrow on the tougher stuff too.
Jeep claims fuel consumption of 10.6-litres/100km from its somewhat dated powerplant, but we could only manage 12.6-litres. Safety tech includes stability and traction control, hill start assist, trailer sway damping, and a rain brake.
You’ll also find full speed collision warning plus, advanced brake assist, pedestrian and cyclist emergency braking, intersection collision assist, drowsy driver detection, intelligent speed control, traffic sign recognition, and active lane management.
Blind spot and rear cross path detection round out the package. The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland is covered by a 5-year 100,000km warranty, with capped price servicing also in place.
Overall, it’s a vehicle that delivers what it says on the tin. Off-road capable, comfortable, and true to Jeep’s heritage, it’s actually a really nice car to drive in many ways. Sure, there’s a few things that need improving, but it’s not bad – not bad at all.
Should you wish to further enhance your 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland, and lets face it, you might want to, given what these two option packages offer, they are known simply as the Luxury Tech Group and the Off-Road Group.
The Luxury Tech Group package adds 12-way power front seats with memory and massage capabilities, and four-zone climate control. It also includes ventilated second-row outboard seats, a digital rear view mirror, and second-row sunshades.
A 230mm rear axle, electronic limited-slip diff, and Jeep’s characteristic ‘Trail Rated’ exterior badging form part of the Off-Road Group. It also switches the wheels back to 18-inch polished/painted alloys with 265/60 Goodyear all-terrain tyres.
A skid plate shield for the fuel tank, transfer case, and front suspension is also added. You can find out more on the Jeep Australia website. If you’re keen on one and need finance, talk to CreditOne.
Our test vehicle was provided by Jeep Australia. To find out more about the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland, contact your local Jeep dealer.
