The Jeep Grand Cherokee has been a mainstay in the SUV market for decades, representing a unique blend of rugged capability and luxurious refinement. But when diving into specific trims, especially the Grand Cherokee L Overland and the Summit, things can get a tad confusing.
Which trim is the right one for you? Is one necessarily better than the other? Let’s delve deep and make this easy for you.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Overland | Summit |
| Exterior Design | Chrome detailing, 20-inch polished aluminum wheels | Enhanced chrome, trim-specific wheel design |
| Interior | Leather and wood, heated/ventilated seats | Quilted leather, real wood, active noise cancellation |
| Technology | Uconnect, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto | Uconnect 5C NAV, 19-speaker McIntosh system, heads-up display |
| Off-road | Quadra-Lift Air Suspension, Select-Terrain System | More city-oriented but capable |
| Price | More affordable luxury | Premium price for uncompromised luxury |
The Grand Cherokee L Overland
Pros:
- Design & Styling:
The Overland comes with a distinct and refined exterior, marked by its unique chrome detailing, 20-inch polished aluminum wheels, and body-colored wheel flares. It’s a subtle yet head-turning design.
- Interior Luxury:
A beautiful mix of leather and wood graces the Overland’s interior. Heated and ventilated front seats make for a cozy journey, no matter the weather.
- Off-road Capability:
Equipped with Jeep’s Quadra-Lift Air Suspension and the Select-Terrain Traction Management System, the Overland shines off the beaten path. Whether it’s snow, mud, or rocky terrain, it’s designed to conquer.
Cons:
- Price:
Being a higher trim level, the Overland comes with a heftier price tag compared to the base models.
- Fuel Efficiency:
With its powerful V6 or V8 engine options, don’t expect it to be the most fuel-efficient in its class.
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The Grand Cherokee L Summit
Pros:
- Peak Luxury:
The Summit trim screams luxury. From quilted leather seating surfaces to real wood and metal accents, the interior is a treat. The active noise cancellation feature offers serene rides.
- Advanced Tech:
With the Uconnect 5C NAV system on a 10.1-inch display, a 19-speaker McIntosh sound system, and a plethora of advanced safety features, the Summit is the epitome of tech and luxury combined.
- Exclusive Features:
The Summit comes with features exclusive to its trim, such as illuminated door sills and the premium headliner.
Cons:
- Higher Cost:
All this luxury comes at a price. The Summit is one of the highest-priced trims in the Grand Cherokee lineup.
- Not for Every Off-roader:
While still capable off-road, the Summit leans more towards luxury than rugged terrain prowess.
Analytical Perspective: Overland vs. Summit
Both these trims are high-end options for those eyeing the Grand Cherokee L. The Overland leans more towards those who want a blend of luxury and off-road capability.
In contrast, the Summit is for those who prioritize luxury, advanced tech, and exclusive features above all else.
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Grand Cherokee L Overland And Summit: Key Differences in Detail
The Jeep Grand Cherokee L is a hallmark of robust elegance and SUV capability. Among its standout trims, the Overland and Summit often find themselves head-to-head. But how do they stand apart? Here, we dissect the key differences in detail.
Exterior Design
Overland:
The Grand Cherokee L Overland presents a refined and sharp exterior. It’s beautifully accented with chrome detailing, and the body-colored wheel flares give it a cohesive and polished look. The 20-inch polished aluminum wheels not only augment its aesthetic appeal but also enhance its off-road prowess. In essence, it’s designed to captivate attention whether it’s cruising in the city or navigating rugged terrains.
Summit:
The Summit takes luxury a step further. It retains some of the design nuances of the Overland but refines them further. The trim-specific wheel designs and the more elaborate chrome accents and detailing make it distinguishable. It’s the epitome of sophistication in the Grand Cherokee L lineup.
Interior Amenities
Overland:
Inside the Overland, one is treated to a rich blend of leather and wood. The seats aren’t just aesthetically pleasing—they’re functional, with both heating and ventilation options ensuring comfort in all climates. The panoramic sunroof brightens up the cabin, offering both the driver and passengers a more airy and vibrant experience.
Summit:
The Summit is where Jeep pushes the boundaries of luxury. Quilted leather, real wood, metal accents, and a touch of meticulous craftsmanship permeate every corner of the cabin. What’s more, the Summit boasts active noise cancellation, ensuring the interior remains a tranquil oasis even on the busiest highways.
Technology and Entertainment
Overland:
Equipped with the Uconnect system, the Overland provides a seamless infotainment experience. The integration of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto ensures that connectivity is always within reach. Additionally, the premium audio system makes every journey a melodious experience.
Summit:
The Summit goes a notch higher. It’s armed with the Uconnect 5C NAV system on a 10.1-inch display. The pièce de résistance is undoubtedly the 19-speaker McIntosh sound system that promises an immersive sound experience unlike any other. Added tech enhancements, like the heads-up display and advanced driver assistance features, ensure that the Summit stands at the pinnacle of technological innovation in the lineup.
Off-road Capability
Overland:
The Overland hasn’t forgotten its Jeep roots. Equipped with the Quadra-Lift Air Suspension and the Select-Terrain Traction Management System, it promises to tackle various terrains with ease. Its off-road capability ensures that adventures aren’t just limited to the urban jungle.
Summit:
While the Summit still retains the off-road DNA of Jeep, its focus is more skewed towards luxury. That said, it doesn’t shy away from an occasional off-road adventure, but its features and design make it more suited for city drives and highway cruises.
Price
Overland:
While being luxurious, the Overland sits in a more affordable bracket compared to the Summit. It offers a balance of luxury and capability without being overly extravagant.
Summit:
Being the epitome of luxury in the lineup, the Summit comes with a premium price tag. It’s for those who are looking for uncompromised luxury and are willing to pay the premium for it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The primary difference lies in luxury and tech. The Overland balances off-road capability with luxury, while the Summit focuses more on top-tier luxury, with advanced tech and exclusive features.
While specific details might change yearly, the essence remains consistent: The Summit is more luxurious, while the Overland offers a balance between luxury and ruggedness.
The Limited is a step below the Overland in terms of features and luxury. While still plush, the Overland offers more premium materials and off-road-specific features.
The Grand Cherokee L lineup includes the Laredo, Limited, Overland, Summit, and in some years, even more high-performance or luxurious variants.
The Overland is special because of its blend of luxury amenities, such as leather and wood trim, with off-road specific features like the Quadra-Lift Air Suspension.
The Summit represents the pinnacle of luxury in the Grand Cherokee L lineup, focusing heavily on high-end materials, tech, and exclusive features.
Conclusion
In the end, the decision between the Overland and Summit boils down to personal preferences.
Both trims exude luxury and capability, but their focus varies slightly, offering potential buyers a chance to select a model that aligns perfectly with their needs and desires.
