What’s the Best Jeep to Buy in Kentucky?

So you’re looking for Jeep dealers in KY and wondering what is the best Jeep to buy? That can be a tricky question to answer because many of Jeep’s vehicles are great for the dirt rounds found throughout and around Kentucky. The off-road compatibility of vehicles like the Wrangler and Renegade makes them perfect for adventures beyond paved streets. Meanwhile, the comfort and appeal of the Compass and the Cherokee are perfect for families and commuters all around. So, what is the best Jeep to buy?

The Jeep Renegade: A Good Subcompact Crossover

If you’re working with a tight budget, then you’re going to want something that doesn’t stretch your wallet. Jeep has several vehicles that fit well into this category, including the Jeep Renegade, a subcompact crossover SUV. However, this spunky little SUV does far more than save you money.

Beyond budget considerations, the Renegade is much smaller than its other siblings within the Jeep brand. As a subcompact vehicle, the four-door crossover is situated on a 101.2-inch wheelbase with an interior passenger volume of 100 cubic feet. The Renegade seats up to five and has a pretty decent fuel economy rating of up to 24 miles per gallon in the city and up to 32 miles per gallon on the highway.

The spunky design, off-road capabilities, and compact nature make it an excellent buy for someone who needs a small crossover SUV that generates adequate speed with its 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder featuring 180 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque. Even still, the 1.3-liter engine gives you 177 horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque. The Renegade contains just enough gusto to make it convenient for some of Kentucky’s more laid back off-road trails, designed for light-duty trucks and properly equipped SUVs, and there is more than enough space and power to shuttle the family around.

The Jeep Compass: A Good Compact Crossover

If you’re still working with a tight budget, but you want something a little bit bigger than the Renegade, then the Compass may be the Jeep for you. The Jeep Compass is situated on a 103.8-inch wheelbase, making its chassis slightly longer than the Renegade, which translates into more cargo space compared to its subcompact counterpart. You get two extra inches of beltline width for storage and nearly 16% more cubic feet of cargo volume behind the front row compared to the Renegade, translating to 59.8 cubic feet of cargo space when the seats are down.

Unlike the Renegade, the Compass only has one engine option. This 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder produces a generous 180 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque. The Jeep Compass fuel economy tops out at 22 miles per gallon in the city and up to 31 miles per gallon on the highway. While the Compass has a suspension designed to handle some off-road paths, it’s certainly a better family vehicle than the more rugged-ready Renegade.

The Jeep Cherokee: A Good Mid-Size Crossover

The Jeep Cherokee is the next step up from the Jeep Compass. The slightly larger vehicle is classified as a mid-size crossover SUV, packing more performance under the hood and more space for storage. If you’re willing to invest more into a larger vehicle, then the Cherokee fits the bill.
It seats up to five, much like the Compass and Renegade, but since it’s situated on a 106.6-inch wheelbase, it allows for a much larger body, resulting in up to 128 cubic feet of passenger volume for the interior. It’s overall much larger than the Renegade and Compass, but the towing capacity on this model is a huge plus. Depending on the engine choice and configuration, this Jeep can tow up to 4,500 pounds.

The Cherokee offers three engine choices, so you have plenty of choices when it comes to power. The peppiest engine option of the three is the available 2.0-liter turbocharges inline 4-cylinder that produces 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. However, if you want the most towing capacity, you’ll want to go with the 3.2-liter option that generates 271 horsepower and 239 lb-ft of torque.

Given the scale-up in price, the Jeep Cherokee also comes with a large variety of trim options and features, including luxury additions such as quality upholstery, a premium infotainment suite, and other amenities to justify the price tag. The Cherokee is definitely a great option for people who have to commute a lot. You’ll be comfortable sitting in the more luxe interior while still being able to use the classic Jeep ruggedness if you want to.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee: A Good Mid-Size SUV

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a large, mid-size SUV. While it’s still in the same category as the Jeep Cherokee, it’s still slightly larger than the standard Cherokee and also comes with more powertrain options, off-road capabilities, and specialty luxury features, all of which are reflected in the much higher price. The Grand Cherokee features a slightly larger passenger volume compared to the standard Cherokee, clocking in at 105.4 cubic feet of passenger volume, and additional inches in leg, shoulder, and hip room across each row. You’ll also find up to 68.3 cubic feet of cargo space.

The five-seater crossover SUV comes loaded with a lot of the convenience, entertainment, and safety features you would expect from a current generation SUV. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, Bluetooth connectivity, multiple airbags, driving alert systems, anti-theft systems, and multiple trims designed specifically for luxury or off-road compatibility are all included. With a maximum tow rating of up to 7,200 pounds and the option of pairing a supercharged 707 horsepower 6.2-liter V8 with 645 lb-ft of torque with the SUV, it’s an easy pick for those looking for the ultimate combination of luxury and power.

The Jeep Wrangler: A Good Adventure SUV

The Jeep Wrangler has evolved over the years, from a utility military vehicle to the ultimate adventure machine. The open-air design makes it a great option for the outdoor types who have a penchant for adventure and a thirst for thrills. While the entry price may be higher than the Renegade, Compass, and Cherokee, it’s designed for more than just basic travel. If you plan on venturing to locations beyond the beaten path, and taking a vehicle into deep off-road territory throughout Kentucky, including the off-road truck, bike, and 4×4 parks located throughout Bedford and Murray, then the Wrangler is perfect for you.

The real highlight of the two-door, four-seater Wrangler is its customizable suspension and low-speed torque perfectly designed for crawling, mud-trudging, and uphill climbs. The Wrangler’s trims are designed mostly for open-air, off-road activities, which is why certain trims come packed with a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 engine with 470 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. For more eco-conscious adventurers, the Wrangler 4xe is a plug-in hybrid that combines combustion and electric motor power into a single, low-emission package.

The Wrangler also comes with several other powertrain options, including a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder with 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque and a 3.6-liter V6 with 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. An optional turbocharged 3.0-liter diesel engine is also available, sporting 260 horsepower and a very impressive 442 lb-ft of torque. Towing for the Wrangler maxes out at 3,500 pounds.

Visit Zimmer For Your New Jeep Today

Now that you have an idea of which Jeep is good for what, you’re probably ready to find Jeep dealers in KY near you. Well, here at Zimmer Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, we carry the full range of Jeep vehicles, so matching you up with your perfect Jeep will be easier than you think. Whether you need something that is comfortable and family-friendly or a Jeep that will take you through the trails, we have a Jeep for you. Stop by today to see our amazing selection of Jeep vehicles.