Which Jeep Models Are Best to Buy Used?

Have you ever felt like you wanted the most out of life? This is a common feeling, no doubt, and Jeep has offered a solution time and time again by supplying drivers with vehicles that can keep up with the desire for adventure. There are plenty of Jeep vehicles we believe would be your perfect fit when you visit a Hendrick Automotive Group used car dealership near Charlotte. That's why we're here to tell you why we think drivers in your area, such as yourself, can get the most out of what Jeep offers. Here are a few of our favorite Jeep models that are perfect if you're looking to buy used.

Jeep Wrangler: Unbridled Exhilaration

The Jeep Wrangler is one of Jeep's most popular vehicles. Off-roading has always been the priority of the Wrangler, and plenty of off-road enthusiasts are none other than Wrangler owners. If you're a Jeep fanatic, you're most likely familiar with the Jeep Jamboree. This is a community of Jeep thrill-riders who take their Jeeps on epic adventures to some of the most noteworthy trails in the country. Within this group of fans, you'll find plenty of Wranglers. Between its 4x4 capabilities, crawl ratio, ground clearance, and well-built and durable chassis, the Wrangler is designed for any trail near Charlotte. Sure, the best trails are about an hour from the city, depending on whether you're heading west towards the Lake Houser Adventures Off-Road Park, going south to visit the Broken Nut Off-Road Park, or taking the longer trip up towards the Badin Lake Recreation Area. However, if you visit any of these trails, the Wrangler should be by your side.

So, which Wrangler model should you take a closer look at if you're looking to buy used? For this, we must talk about the Wrangler generations. Every Wrangler model we sell is great for off-roading, but many drivers still prefer the Wrangler JK, which includes models released between 2007 and 2017. This means you have ten Wrangler models to choose from that were released within this generational time frame.

In 2018, the Wrangler JL was introduced, which brought many improvements over the JK in terms of technology, features, and ride quality. While the JL Wranglers are still exceptional at off-roading, compared to the competition, they have been praised for improving the quality of life of everyday driving, such as commutes during the work week. If you are the type of driver who only wants a Wrangler for leisurely activities, like cruising or errand running, then you'll be satisfied with either a JK or JL Wrangler. Wrangler JK models, however, hold their value exceptionally well, and it's not uncommon to see an older JK model hold up well in price against various newer JL models on the used market.

The Wrangler JL is full of options regarding its powertrains, too, with six total powertrains if you include the MHEV and PHEV configurations. Gasoline-powered engines are plentiful, with the 3.6L V6 engine coming standard and providing 285 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque along with a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 lbs. This base powertrain is also the only configuration that can be enjoyed with a manual transmission, which is an invaluable feature to some enthusiasts.

At its best, the 2021 Wrangler can output 470 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque, which you'll get from the super-sized 6.4L HEMI 392 V8 engine, dubbed "Apache." Wrangler models, like those from 2021, can also be enjoyed with a turbo-diesel engine. This 3.0L V6 engine provides the best overall fuel efficiency, with ratings of 22 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway, with 25 MPG combined. Mind you, this is with a 4x4 drivetrain, so these numbers are quite impressive. With this highway mileage, you can take Interstate 77 or Interstate 85 to get to your favorite off-roading site, and you will be spending less on gas to get there.

Jeep Cherokee: Everyday Adventurer

With the Jeep Cherokee, you're getting an SUV that's better suited for domesticated travel, but that's not to say it isn't brimming with capabilities that help it perform admirably in off-roading situations. With a more traditional SUV appearance and experience – especially with phenomenal base-level tech – the Cherokee is an excellent car for the week-long commuter, the matriarch or patriarch of the family, and the weekend explorer.

Like the Wrangler, the Cherokee is available with a 4x4 drivetrain. However, unlike the Wrangler, the Cherokee comes standard with FWD and has a lesser towing capacity of 2,000 lbs in its base configuration. On the flip side, the Cherokee can beat the Wrangler's towing capabilities with an optional V6 engine that increases the towing capacity to 4,500 lbs in models like the 2021 Cherokee – 1,000 lbs more than the Wrangler of the same model year.

Driving a model like a 2021 Cherokee, you're getting a 9-speed automatic transmission standard with any of the three powertrains, which include a 2.4L I-4 engine, a 3.2L V6 engine, and a turbocharged 2.0L I-4 engine. Base-level performance is great, with a large emphasis on fuel economy. The Cherokee can reach fuel efficiency numbers not possible with the Wrangler, with the turbocharged I-4 engine proving to be the most viable option for cost-conscious drivers. With this powertrain setup, your 2021 Cherokee will earn EPA-estimated ratings of 23 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway, with 26 MPG combined if you stick with the FWD configuration. This is perfect for driving around Charlotte, whether your job has you heading down to Trade Street or Caldwell Street. You may even be in the area because you're catching a Panthers game at Bank of America Stadium.
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Jeep Gladiator: Fearless Versatility

The Jeep Gladiator is another outstanding model that's great for Charlotte drivers. If you're the type of driver who prefers trucks because of their beds – from small business owners carrying their tools to adventurers hauling dirt bikes on the way to the trail – the Gladiator is the only Jeep vehicle that'll suit your needs.

The Gladiator's bed also helps it stand out amongst the crowd, and depending on your needs, it can easily be the most versatile of the bunch, thanks to that five-foot bed. It's also worth noting the Gladiator is the best Jeep for tailgating parties. So, if you're going to a Charlotte Hornets game at the Spectrum Center, bring friends, some BBQ, and some beverages in the bed of your Jeep Gladiator.

With the 2021 Gladiator, performance is also stunning, with standard 4WD along with the same 3.6L V6 engine that can be found on the 2021 Wrangler, meaning a 6-speed manual transmission is also on the table. The Gladiator also has a turbo-diesel engine available that helps it stand strong when efficiency and performance are priorities. There's a large difference between what the Gladiator can do with towing and what the other Jeep vehicles we mentioned can do. For example, the Gladiator comes out on top with a maximum towing capacity of 7,650 lbs for the base engine and 6,500 lbs for the turbo-diesel powertrain.

Charlotte Drivers: Experience More Thrills in a Pre-Owned Jeep

Jeep vehicles are beloved, more so than many other brands. Consumer trust is not bought; it's only achievable through effort. Jeep has done an exceptional job of creating a phenomenon that has seen generations of off-roading enthusiasts carry on the torch. It's not surprising Jeep vehicles are so versatile, especially since our troops relied on the brand during World War II, and today, off-roading is not only the most enjoyable in a Jeep, but they're also the most capable option. When you want to intensify your travels through Charlotte, a used Jeep will do just that.