It’s tempting to want the newest, coolest model of whatever’s available. Cars are no different, but a new car also means greater expenses, so why opt for the newest model when the previous year’s will do just fine? Thanks to the unsold 2019 Jeep inventory at merchants’ showrooms, prices are better than ever given the abundance of unsold Jeeps from the year before.
Jeep is a brand of the American automobile and a division of FCA US LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Italian-American corporation Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. Here we have compiled a list of its top 2019 models, which are just as good as their 2020 counterparts but a lot less expensive. For anybody looking at style and functionality without breaking the bank, this article is for them.
Jeep Cherokee
The 2019 Jeep Cherokee features a powerful new turbo engine option that significantly improves things, but an ill-tempered transmission still holds back the otherwise well-rounded, newly updated version. [1]
There are no similarly priced peers for the Cherokee’s off-roading ability, and it’s a strong player overall, but its cargo volume is modest even among compact competitors, and its balky transmission is a drawback, especially when teamed with a less powerful engine.
In addition to all the other upsides, the Cherokee is built in the U.S. in Belvidere, Ill., and the 2018 model ranked No. 1 on the Cars.com American-Made Index.
The Upsides
– Child-seat accommodation
– Simple controls
– Roomy cabin
– Ride
– Uconnect touchscreens
– Peerless off-roading (especially Trailhawk)
– New turbo engine mitigates transmission failings
The Limitations
– Transient glitches using Android Auto
– Some safety options not available on Latitude
– Turbo engine prefers premium gas
– Transmission hesitation
– Modest cargo volume
Jeep Compass
The first-generation Jeep Compass was not a small SUV we were fond of. Although it had a low price, it was outclassed in just about every other area such as refinement, fuel economy and safety. Thankfully, Jeep introduced a much-improved second-generation Compass for 2017, and that model heads into 2019 without any significant changes. [2]
Size wise, the 2019 Jeep Compass splits the difference between Jeep’s smaller Renegade (with which it’s part of its basic platform) and the larger, pricier Cherokee. However, the compact crossover SUV segment in which the Compass plays is crowded, which makes standing out in the field quite difficult. The Compass is a tidy-handling crossover that delivers solid day-to-day utility and sound fuel economy, but the same goes for many others in this class as well.
The Upsides
– Trailhawk version is highly capable off-road
– Roomy seating for such a small vehicle
– High-quality interior materials with solid construction
– Tech interface is attractive and easy to use
The Limitations
– Nine-speed transmission responds sluggishly
– Four-cylinder engine’s weak power delivery
– Limited storage capacity, both in the cabin and cargo area
– Hard to find a truly comfortable seat position
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Whoever sees the 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee will be impressed because of its uniqueness, amazing interior, and technology. Although it’s part of the current generation that debuted way back in 2011, this year’s Grand Cherokee is still one of the better picks for a five-passenger midsize SUV. [3]
A big reason is model diversity. It is available in seven trim levels and has a myriad of options available at each trim level. Anybody who needs a basic but relatively well-equipped version of the Grand Cherokee for a reasonable price should consider this jeep. It’s a fully loaded family hauler that’s great for vacation and road trips.
As expected, the Grand Cherokee is also one of the most reliable off-roading SUVs around. It can be equipped with one of the off-road suspension packages or just upgrade to the Trailhawk version. Anyone who is passionate about on-road performance, Jeep is a great choice. It has the brutish SRT and 707-horsepower Trackhawk variants on tap.
The Upsides
– Impressive tow ratings for the class
– Plush interior with plentiful luxury and technology
– Enough off-road ability to conquer practically any trail
– Available V8 engines provide substantial power
The Limitations
– Modest quality of cabin materials can be hard to justify
– Underwhelming acceleration with base V6
– Firm ride quality may disappoint, even with air suspension
Jeep Wrangler
Historically, drivers who love to wander off the beaten path and those who want to look the path have always been passionate about Jeep Wrangler. And those wanting refinement and a smooth and quiet ride won’t consider it. But the juxtaposition has softened with the newest-generation Wrangler (the JL) that debuted last year. The redesigned model boasts improved cabin materials, modern tech features, and a (relatively) more comfortable ride. Newly available advanced safety features set the bar even higher for the 2019 Jeep Wrangler. [4]
Though Jeep has improved the Wrangler’s on-road manners for this generation, the rough-and-tumble truck is still decidedly old-school. The axles remain solid for better off-road performance, and the base Sport model doesn’t feature newfangled fripperies such as climate control, alloy wheels, or power accessories. Every model also has removable doors and a soft top for a true outdoor feel. There’s also the Rubicon with its big knobby tires and specialized traction-enhancing hardware.
For those who prefer a Wrangler that isn’t a bare-bones truck or a hardcore rock-crawler, the middle trims are a little more polished. Leather upholstery, a large touchscreen, navigation and an upgraded audio system are all on the options list. Interestingly, it’s possible to specify advanced safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning and rear parking sensors.
The Upsides
– Extensive customization options from the factory and aftermarket
– Rugged Jeep character
– Unrelentingly capable off-road
The Limitations
– Less cargo space than some conventional crossovers
– Poor ride comfort and handling abilities
– Lots of wind and tire noise at highway speeds
– Steering is slow and feels loose, especially on the Rubicon trim
In conclusion
Anyone who wants to get amazing prices should do thorough research beforehand. Be sure to check online prices, independent merchants as well as the manufacturers and see what they have. Also, try to compare and contrast different prices and specifications during the research. Another handy trick is to wait for merchants to start to auction off their unsold vehicles.
This climate may change soon, so anybody who dreams of becoming the proud owner of an SUV might want to keep all this in mind!
Sources
[1] Wiesenfelder, Joe. “2019 Jeep Cherokee Review.” Cars.com. https://www.cars.com/research/jeep-cherokee-2019/
[2] “2019 Jeep Compass.” Edmunds. https://www.edmunds.com/jeep/compass/2019/
[3] “2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee.” Edmunds. https://www.edmunds.com/jeep/grand-cherokee/2019/
[4] “2019 Jeep Wrangler.” Edmunds. https://www.edmunds.com/jeep/wrangler/2019/
