2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit 4×4 For Sale: The Pinnacle of Luxury and Capability
2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit 4×4 For Sale: The Pinnacle of Luxury and Capability jeeps.truckstrend.com
In the vast landscape of pre-owned SUVs, the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit 4×4 For Sale stands out as a compelling proposition for discerning buyers. This particular model year and trim represent a sweet spot, offering a robust blend of premium luxury, advanced technology, and genuine off-road capability, all at a significantly more accessible price point than when new. For those seeking a vehicle that seamlessly transitions from daily commutes to rugged adventures, without sacrificing comfort or sophistication, the 2014 Grand Cherokee Summit 4×4 is more than just a used car; it’s an intelligent investment in versatile, high-end mobility.
The Grand Cherokee has long been a cornerstone of the SUV market, but the Summit trim, introduced for the WK2 generation, elevated it to new heights. The 2014 model year, in particular, benefited from a significant refresh, bringing an updated 8-speed automatic transmission, improved interior materials, and enhanced infotainment systems. This article serves as a comprehensive guide for anyone considering a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit 4×4, exploring its features, benefits, potential considerations, and what to look for when making this significant purchase.
2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit 4×4 For Sale: The Pinnacle of Luxury and Capability
Unpacking the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit 4×4: Key Features and Specifications
The Summit trim was positioned at the top of the Grand Cherokee lineup in 2014, designed to compete with luxury SUVs from European and Japanese marques. It comes standard with a host of features that were optional on lower trims, making it a truly premium offering.
Powertrain Options:
- 3.6L Pentastar V6: This venerable engine, producing 290 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, offers a good balance of power and efficiency for most drivers. It’s known for its reliability and smooth operation.
- 5.7L HEMI V8: For those desiring more robust performance, the HEMI V8 delivers 360 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque. It provides effortless acceleration and superior towing capability, though at the expense of fuel economy.
Both engines are paired with a refined ZF 8-speed automatic transmission, which significantly improved shifting smoothness, responsiveness, and fuel efficiency compared to previous transmissions.
Advanced 4×4 System:
The "4×4" in the Summit’s name is not just for show. It features Jeep’s most advanced four-wheel-drive system:
- Quadra-Drive II®: This full-time 4×4 system includes a two-speed transfer case and electronic limited-slip differential (ELSD) at the rear axle. The ELSD can instantly distribute 100% of the engine’s available torque to a single rear wheel if needed, providing exceptional traction in low-grip situations.
- Selec-Terrain® Traction Management System: With modes like Auto, Snow, Sand, Mud, and Rock, Selec-Terrain optimizes the vehicle’s powertrain, suspension, and traction control for various driving conditions.
Quadra-Lift™ Air Suspension:
A defining feature of the Summit, Quadra-Lift allows the driver to raise or lower the vehicle’s ride height.
- Normal Ride Height (NRH): Standard setting for everyday driving.
- Off-Road I & II: Raises the vehicle for increased ground clearance (up to 10.6 inches) to navigate obstacles.
- Park Mode: Lowers the vehicle for easier entry/exit or loading/unloading.
- Aero Mode: Automatically lowers the vehicle at highway speeds to improve aerodynamics and fuel efficiency.
Exterior and Interior Appointments:
- Exterior: Unique 20-inch polished aluminum wheels, chrome exterior accents, body-color fascias, and a standard panoramic sunroof.
- Interior: Sumptuous Natura Plus leather upholstery with distinctive piping, open-pore wood trim, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a premium suede-like headliner.
Performance and Driving Experience
The 2014 Grand Cherokee Summit 4×4 delivers a remarkably composed and comfortable ride, thanks in large part to its Quadra-Lift air suspension. On the road, it glides over imperfections, providing a quiet and refined cabin experience. The 8-speed transmission ensures smooth power delivery, whether you opt for the efficient V6 or the potent HEMI V8. Highway cruising is effortless, with ample passing power and confident stability.
Where the Summit truly distinguishes itself from other luxury SUVs is its genuine off-road prowess. While many premium SUVs are "soft-roaders," the Summit’s Quadra-Drive II and adjustable air suspension allow it to tackle challenging terrain with surprising ease. It’s a vehicle capable of taking you to remote trailheads for hiking or camping, not just the mall parking lot. The Selec-Terrain system makes off-roading more accessible, automatically optimizing settings for the chosen conditions.
Luxury, Comfort, and Technology Integration
Step inside a 2014 Grand Cherokee Summit, and you’re immediately greeted by an environment that rivals much more expensive vehicles. The Natura Plus leather is soft and inviting, complemented by genuine wood and metal accents. The seats are supportive and comfortable for long journeys, with excellent adjustability.
Technologically, the 2014 refresh brought significant upgrades:
- Uconnect 8.4-inch Touchscreen: This intuitive system integrates navigation, climate control, audio, and phone functions. It’s known for its user-friendliness and responsiveness.
- Harman Kardon Premium Audio System: A 19-speaker, 825-watt system provides an immersive sound experience.
- Digital Instrument Cluster: A customizable 7-inch LCD display in the gauge cluster provides essential driving information and integrates with the Uconnect system.
Safety and Driver Assistance Features
Safety was a priority for the 2014 Grand Cherokee Summit, incorporating advanced features for its time:
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop: Maintains a set distance from the vehicle ahead, even in stop-and-go traffic.
- Forward Collision Warning with Crash Mitigation: Alerts the driver to potential front-end collisions and can apply the brakes if necessary.
- Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross-Path Detection: Warns of vehicles in blind spots or approaching traffic when backing out of a parking space.
- ParkSense® Front and Rear Park Assist: Ultrasonic sensors aid in parking maneuvers.
- Rearview Camera: Standard for easier backing up.
- Enhanced Accident Response System: Automatically unlocks doors, turns on interior lights, and shuts off fuel flow after an airbag deployment.
Why Buy a Used 2014 Grand Cherokee Summit 4×4?
Purchasing a pre-owned 2014 Grand Cherokee Summit offers significant advantages:
- Value Retention vs. Depreciation: As a used vehicle, the steep initial depreciation has already occurred, allowing you to acquire a feature-rich luxury SUV at a fraction of its original MSRP.
- Proven Platform: The WK2 generation Grand Cherokee is well-established, meaning common issues are well-documented, and parts are readily available.
- Timeless Design: The refreshed 2014 styling still looks modern and purposeful on the road today.
- Feature-Rich at a Bargain: You get high-end features like air suspension, advanced 4×4, premium audio, and a sophisticated interior that would cost significantly more in a newer vehicle.
What to Look For When Buying: Practical Advice and Actionable Insights
Buying any used vehicle requires diligence, and the Summit, with its advanced features, warrants particular attention:
- Quadra-Lift Air Suspension: This is the most critical component to inspect.
- Listen for the Compressor: Does it run excessively? A constantly running compressor could indicate a leak.
- Check Ride Height: Is the vehicle sitting level? Does it raise and lower smoothly in all modes (Park, NRH, Off-Road I & II)? Uneven ride height or failure to adjust suggests a problem.
- Visual Inspection: Look for visible leaks around the air springs (though often difficult to spot).
- Test Drive: Drive over bumps to feel for normal damping. A bouncy or overly stiff ride could indicate issues. Air suspension repairs can be costly, so factor this into your budget or negotiation.
- Uconnect System: Test all functionalities: navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, radio, voice commands. Ensure the touchscreen is responsive and free of dead spots.
- Engine and Transmission:
- V6: Listen for any unusual ticking noises, especially on cold start (less common than HEMI tick, but worth noting). Check for oil leaks.
- HEMI V8: Listen for the notorious "HEMI tick," which can be a minor lifter issue or, in worse cases, a sign of more significant valvetrain wear. While often benign, it’s worth investigating. Ensure the MDS (cylinder deactivation) system engages and disengages smoothly.
- Transmission: Check for smooth shifts, no hesitation or clunking. Pay attention during cold shifts and under acceleration.
- 4×4 System and Differentials: If possible, test the Selec-Terrain modes. Ensure the low-range engages properly. Listen for any grinding or clunking noises from the differentials during tight turns, which could indicate issues with the ELSD.
- Maintenance Records: This is paramount. Look for consistent oil changes, transmission fluid changes (especially if towing), and any records related to the air suspension or other major components. A well-maintained vehicle is less likely to surprise you.
- Rust and Undercarriage: Thoroughly inspect the frame, suspension components, and exhaust for excessive rust, particularly if the vehicle has spent its life in a region that uses road salt.
- Tires and Brakes: Check tire tread depth and even wear. Ensure brake pads and rotors have adequate life remaining. These are common wear items but can add to immediate post-purchase costs.
- Interior Condition: Check for excessive wear on the leather, especially the driver’s seat bolster. Test all power features (windows, locks, seat adjustments, panoramic sunroof).
- Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI): Absolutely vital. Have an independent mechanic, ideally one familiar with Jeeps or Mopar vehicles, perform a thorough inspection. This can uncover hidden issues and provide peace of mind.
Ownership Costs and Maintenance
While the purchase price is attractive, factor in ongoing ownership costs:
- Fuel Economy: The V6 typically gets around 17-18 MPG city and 24-25 MPG highway. The HEMI V8 will be lower, around 14-15 MPG city and 20-22 MPG highway.
- Insurance: Being a luxury SUV with advanced features, insurance premiums might be slightly higher than for a base Grand Cherokee.
- Maintenance: Routine maintenance (oil changes, tire rotations) is standard. However, be prepared for potentially higher costs if the air suspension or complex electronics require repair. Having a reputable mechanic who understands these systems is crucial. Parts availability is generally excellent.
Comparing with Alternatives
The 2014 Grand Cherokee Summit 4×4 occupies a unique niche.
- Compared to a Toyota 4Runner: The 4Runner is more rugged and simpler, but lacks the Summit’s luxury, on-road refinement, and advanced tech.
- Compared to a Land Rover Discovery/LR4: The Land Rover offers similar off-road prowess and luxury but often comes with a reputation for higher maintenance costs and reliability concerns.
- Compared to a Mercedes-Benz GLE/BMW X5: These German rivals offer superb on-road performance and luxury but typically fall short in serious off-road capability.
The Summit strikes an impressive balance, offering compelling luxury and capability without the higher price tag or potential reliability headaches of some competitors.
Price Table: 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit 4×4 (Estimated Range)
Please note: These are estimated price ranges and can vary significantly based on specific mileage, condition, optional features (e.g., V8 engine), geographical location, and seller (private vs. dealer). This table is for general guidance only.
| Condition | Mileage Range (approx.) | Estimated Price Range (USD) | Key Factors Influencing Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Excellent | 60,000 – 90,000 miles | $17,000 – $22,000+ | Full service records, no major mechanical issues, pristine interior/exterior, recent major service items addressed. |
| Good | 90,000 – 130,000 miles | $13,000 – $17,000 | Minor cosmetic wear, well-maintained, potential for common wear-and-tear items (tires, brakes) needing replacement soon. |
| Fair | 130,000+ miles | $9,000 – $13,000 | Visible wear and tear, possible minor mechanical issues, may require some deferred maintenance or repairs (e.g., air suspension components, Uconnect issues). |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit 4×4 reliable?
A1: Generally, yes, especially with the Pentastar V6. The 8-speed transmission is also known to be robust. Like any vehicle with complex systems (like air suspension and advanced electronics), potential issues can arise, but proper maintenance significantly contributes to reliability.
Q2: What are the most common problems to look out for on a 2014 Grand Cherokee Summit?
A2: The most frequently cited potential issues relate to the Quadra-Lift air suspension (leaks, compressor failure) and the Uconnect infotainment system (freezing, glitches). The HEMI V8 can also sometimes exhibit a "HEMI tick" from lifters.
Q3: What’s the difference between the Summit and Overland trims?
A3: The Summit is essentially an even more luxurious version of the Overland. While the Overland offers many premium features, the Summit adds unique standard equipment like Natura Plus leather, open-pore wood trim, a premium suede-like headliner, specific 20-inch wheels, and the 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system (which was optional on Overland).
Q4: Can the 2014 Grand Cherokee Summit really go off-road?
A4: Absolutely. Equipped with Quadra-Drive II, Selec-Terrain, and Quadra-Lift air suspension, the Summit is one of the most off-road capable luxury SUVs on the market, easily handling moderate to challenging trails.
Q5: What is the towing capacity of the 2014 Grand Cherokee Summit?
A5: With the 3.6L Pentastar V6, it can tow up to 6,200 lbs. With the 5.7L HEMI V8, the towing capacity increases significantly to 7,400 lbs (when properly equipped).
Q6: What kind of fuel does the 2014 Grand Cherokee Summit use?
A6: Both the 3.6L Pentastar V6 and the 5.7L HEMI V8 are designed to run on regular unleaded gasoline (87 octane). Using premium fuel is not required.
Concluding Summary
The 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit 4×4 For Sale represents an exceptional value in the pre-owned SUV market. It masterfully blends the rugged capability Jeep is renowned for with the luxury, comfort, and advanced technology expected of a premium vehicle. For the buyer who desires a vehicle that can confidently navigate both urban jungles and untamed trails, pamper its occupants with a sophisticated interior, and provide peace of mind with robust safety features, all without the sticker shock of a new luxury SUV, the 2014 Grand Cherokee Summit is a truly compelling choice. By conducting a thorough inspection and understanding its unique attributes, you can acquire a highly versatile and satisfying vehicle that continues to deliver a premium experience years after its initial sale.
