8 Different Types of Jeeps

Jeep has so many different fantastic models to choose from that it can be challenging to determine which one is the best. More importantly, which one is best for YOU? Finding the right Jeep begins with knowing more about all the different models.

I’ve gathered all the relevant information and now present to you a list of the best Jeep models and why they should be considered. After you’ve read this article, you’ll have a clear idea of each model’s benefits and know which one is best for you.

The list is in no particular order — I didn’t choose any favorites and took an unbiased approach to discussing the various Jeep types.

Related: Sedan vs Jeep

1. Jeep Cherokee

We kick off the list with a very popular Jeep model, the Cherokee. This is a classic and compact SUV with fantastic performance and matching style. The Cherokee offers several powerful engines, with the 3.2L Pentastar® V6 powertrain giving drivers the best towing capability you’ll find out there.

With 271 horsepower and 239 lb-ft of torque, this Jeep can easily tow up to 4 500 pounds — about 1 000 pounds more than its closest competitors.

The interior is just as impressive as the exterior, with enough space for five people and more than 40 inches of legroom in the front. The back passengers enjoy 40.3 inches of legroom.

Storage isn’t a problem with the Cherokee as it offers 25.8 cubic feet of cargo room back in the trunk. The vehicle’s automatic climate control system is impressive and easy to control, thanks to the touchscreen display. 

The 4×4 drive system ensures a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience no matter what kind of terrain you’re traversing. The Cherokee’s suspension is well-tuned, and even nasty bumps won’t cause discomfort or difficulties.

2. Jeep Grand Cherokee

This Jeep model takes power and luxury and combines them perfectly. You get to sit in absolute comfort thanks to beautiful leather seats. The additional amenities and premium accents all add to the luxurious look and feel of this Grand Cherokee, partly explaining its name.

But the Grand Cherokee isn’t just pleasing in looks alone — it has a powerful motor that can handle any terrain and off-road situation. The 707 horsepower and 645 lb-ft of torque make this Jeep quite a capable beast. It is able to tow up to 7 200 pounds, an impressive towing capability, no doubt.

Like the Jeep Cherokee, the Grand Cherokee offers a comfy ride with 40.3 inches of legroom for the driver and 38.6 inches for backseat passengers.

The cargo room comes in at a nice 36.3 cubic feet in the trunk, and when you fold the back seats down, you have an impressive 68.3 cubic feet of space.

This model has improved articulation and traction thanks to a sway bar disconnect, which means trails with large rocks will be no challenge at all. There is also a plugin hybrid electric version of this Jeep for those who want to feel less guilty about their impact on the environment. It can drive up to 25 miles on battery power before switching to gas power.

3. Jeep Compass

The Jeep Compass might be right up your alley if you’re looking for a sporty SUV. It’s not quite as powerful as other Jeeps and can only tow up to 2 000 pounds with its 2.4L 4-cylinder engine, but it’s still a fantastic option. It has 180 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque, which will still get you through tough terrain with ease.

There is lots of interior space with a cool 41.8 inches of legroom in the front and 38.3 inches of legroom available for the back passengers. Trunk space is also quite generous at 27.2 cubic feet of space. When you fold the seats, you have 59.8 cubic feet of space.

Thanks to off-road features like Hill Descent Control, going down steep inclines is a breeze and much safer than normal. The Selec-Terrain Traction Management System makes it easy for you to switch between modes that allow easy driving. Modes include auto traction, snow, rock, and mud/sand.

With 4WD low mode, the driver also gets additional power at slow speeds, which makes adventuring over water obstacles and boulders easy and effortless.

4. Jeep Renegade

On the lookout for a Jeep that has a distinct design but can still compete with other models without being overpowering? You should consider the Jeep Renegade. It has a small 4-cylinder 1.3L engine, meaning this is the slowest Jeep on the market. Still, it has a towing capability of 2 000 pounds, so it’s still relatively strong.

This is a compact SUV ideal for short adventures and less intense off-roading. The interior is quite roomy with 50.8 cubic feet of cargo room, and passengers in the back enjoy 35.1 inches of legroom. In the front, the legroom is a comfy 41.2 inches.

Because the Jeep Renegade isn’t packed with power, it’s also more affordable than the other models on this list. And the lightweight design of this model means it is more responsive and agile than most others.

Safety features of the Jeep Renegade include rear cross-traffic assist, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and other driver-assistive safety attributes. It also has all the technology you’d expect, like a complete surround sound setup and a 7-inch touchscreen display.

5. Jeep Wagoneer

This is a fantastic option if you’re looking for Jeep that is luxurious, packed with cool tech features, and strong enough to still have a lot of fun during off-road adventures.

This is a three-row SUV with premium finishes, many useful screens, and an impressive McIntosh audio system. Overall, the interior feels almost too fancy for an off-road vehicle. It’s attractive and plush, rich in leather, metal, and wood accents.

However, the fuel economy of this model isn’t as impressive and might be a bit disappointing to owners.

The Jeep Wagoneer has an 8-speed automatic transmission system and can be bought with a 5.7-liter V8 engine boasting 392 horsepower or a 6.4-liter V8 with 471 horsepower.

6. Jeep Wrangler

The iconic Jeep Wrangler is a fantastic option, whether you’re taking the doors off for the summer or venturing into unknown places for off-road adventures. The trim levels are designed to be tough and let you get the most out of your time outdoors. The Wrangler is perfectly ready for any rough weather and tough terrain you want to take on.

You can choose between two engines, and both of them are able to tow up to 3 5000 pounds. The standard 6-speed manual transmission gives you ultimate control and enhances the driving experience.

Whether you choose the Wrangler with four doors or only two, you can remove them as well as the top and lower windshield. You won’t find a more ‘enjoy the breeze’-friendly Jeep.

Related: Jeep Accessories List (Wrangler, Renegade & Gladiator)

7. Jeep Wrangler 4xe (Plug-in Hybrid-Electric)

If you like the Jeep Wrangle but want an option that comes with electric power, you will love the Jeep Wrangle 4xe. It can drive up to 21 miles on electric power, and from there, you can rely on the gas-powered engine. 

This is one of the fastest Jeep models, with an impressive 0-60 time of only 5.5 seconds. It looks just like the normal Jeep Wrangler and is just as attractive and fun. You can choose to use only electric power, gas power, or a combination of both.

Towing is still possible with this Jeep model; it can tow up to 3 500 pounds with ease. The Jeep Wrangler 4xe has a 2.0L turbocharged engine with 375 horsepower and  470 lb-ft of torque.

8. Jeep Gladiator

Need a versatile Jeep that looks great and performs just as well? Then maybe you’ll like the Jeep Gladiator. This is my favorite of all the Jeep models because it’s really versatile. It basically has the body of a Wrangler and the bed of a pickup truck.

The 3.6L Pentastar® engine might not be a massive beast, but the Gladiator can tow up to 7 500 pounds, which is really impressive. The maximum payload of this Jeep is 1 250 pounds, and I love that about it.

You can take this Jeep off-roading as much as you want and customize it by choosing a soft cloth top and taking off the doors.

If you’re not sure whether you should get a Jeep or a pickup truck, this is the ideal vehicle for you. I’ll bet you’ll love it as much as I do!

The History of the Jeep Brand

You can’t really know a vehicle without at least being aware of its basic history. Let’s take a brief look at how Jeep started out and the journey it took to where the company is today.

The Jeep company is a US SUV and truck manufacturer as well as a division of Stellantis. It started out when Willy-Overland first produced civilian jeeps. These vehicles were referred to by the abbreviated ‘CJ’ after WWII. 

Willys was able to trademark Jeep in 1950 and merged with Kaiser Motors three years later, and Kaiser-Jeep was born.

In 1970, American Motors Corporation bought the company and Chrysler in 1987. Recently, in 2021, Fiat Chrysler merged with Group PSA to form Stellantis.

Originally, Jeeps were made to be able to travel anywhere. That off-road capability is what made Jeeps so popular and has since come to define the brand.

The first Jeeps, the CJs, were two-door, boxy off-road vehicles that were only modestly upgraded from the military vehicles they were inspired by. Jeep decided to go further, and wagon-style SUVs, such as the Wagoneer and Cherokee, were designed.

Jeep has recently started to branch out even more and make road-dwelling crossovers. Nowadays, Jeep is making vehicles that are more and more luxurious while also being tough and robust.

Discontinued Jeep Models

A few types of Jeeps are not made by Jeep anymore, so you may not be able to get your hands on them. If you do, repairs and maintenance will be very challenging and close to impossible.

The discontinued models include:

• Jeep Commander
• Jeep Liberty
• Jeep Patriot
• Jeep Comanche