DecodedCars2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2005 models.
- Class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV 4WD Laredo, 4dr SUV 4WD Limited
- Engines
- 3.7L 6-cyl, 4.7L 8-cyl, 5.7L 8-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 17 combined · 15 city / 21 hwy
- Length
- 186.6 in
- Curb weight
- 4,440–4,665 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- Many owner complaints994 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 31 for similar models — most often about the electrical system.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 28 similar 2005 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a SUV - offered with 3 engines (3.7L 6-cyl, 4.7L 8-cyl and 5.7L 8-cyl) and rear-wheel drive and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.
It measures about 187 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 109-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,440 lb (4dr SUV 4WD Laredo).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 17 MPG combined (15 city / 21 highway), 6% worse than the 2005 SUV - average of 18 MPG, for an estimated $3,950 a year in fuel.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 994 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV 4WD Laredo | 186.6 in | 73.2 in | 67.7 in | 109.4 in | 61.8 / 61.8 in | 4,440 lb | 54/46 |
| 4dr SUV 4WD Limited | 186.6 in | 73.2 in | 67.7 in | 109.4 in | 61.8 / 61.8 in | 4,665 lb | 54/46 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Cherokee 2WD | 3.7L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 21 / 17 | -6% | $3,950 | 523 |
| Grand Cherokee 4WD | 3.7L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 / 19 / 17 | +2% | $3,950 | 523 |
| Grand Cherokee 2WD | 4.7L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 18 / 15 | -17% | $4,450 | 592 |
| Grand Cherokee 4WD | 4.7L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 / 19 / 15 | -10% | $4,450 | 592 |
| Grand Cherokee 4WD | 5.7L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 / 18 / 14 | -16% | $4,800 | 635 |
| Grand Cherokee 2WD | 5.7L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 / 18 / 14 | -22% | $4,800 | 635 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2005 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2005 SUV -s
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee (this car) | 17 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2005 Toyota Land Cruiser | 13 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2005 Toyota 4Runner | 18 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2005 Toyota Highlander | 22 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe | 20 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2005 Volkswagen Touareg | 16 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2005 Kia Sorento | 16 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (2)
Electrical System › Ignition › Switch · Jul 21, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V438000 · 649,353 vehicles
- Problem
- This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, drivers should adjust their seat to allow clearance between the driver's knee and the ignition key, and remove all items from their key ring, leaving only the vehicle key. Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2005-2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured February 11, 2004, to July 5, 2007, and 2006-2007 Jeep Commander vehicles manufactured January 31, 2005, to July 5, 2007. In the affected vehicles, the driver may accidentally hit the ignition key with their knee, unintentionally knocking the key out of the run position, turning off the engine.
- Risk
- If the ignition key inadvertently moves into the OFF or ACCESSORY position, the engine will turn off, which will then depower various key safety systems including but not limited to air bags, power steering, and power braking. Loss of functionality of these systems may increase the risk of crash and/or increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
- Fix
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. Chrysler sent interim notifications to owners in September 2014. The recall began on October 9, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P41.
Electrical System · May 7, 2013
NHTSA campaign 13V175000 · 295,345 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured February 11, 2004, through March 9, 2010; and 2006-2010 Jeep Commander vehicles manufactured January 31, 2005, through March 10, 2010. A transfer case electrical failure may result in an unintentional shifting of the transfer case into the neutral position.
- Risk
- If the vehicle shifts into neutral, it may roll away increasing the risk of a crash or personal injury.
- Fix
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the final drive controller which governs the transfer case, with new software, free of charge. The recall began on August 15, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N23.
Not every 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 659 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 85 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Power Train — 81 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 101,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Grand Cherokee years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Grand Cherokee | 23 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 Grand Cherokee | 23 | 193.3 in | Not rated | 6 | 56 |
| 2025 Grand Cherokee | 23 | 193.3 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 122 |
| 2024 Grand Cherokee | 23 | 193.3 in | ★★★★★ | 18 | 317 |
| 2023 Grand Cherokee | 23 | 204.7 in | Not rated | 23 | 599 |
| 2022 Grand Cherokee | 23 | 204.7 in | Not rated | 24 | 492 |
| 2021 Grand Cherokee | 21 | 189.8 in | ★★★★★ | 16 | 504 |
| 2020 Grand Cherokee | 21 | 189.8 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 241 |
| 2019 Grand Cherokee | 24 | 189.8 in | ★★★★★ | 7 | 370 |
| 2018 Grand Cherokee | 25 | 189.8 in | ★★★★★ | 10 | 855 |
| 2017 Grand Cherokee | 21 | 189.8 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 364 |
| 2016 Grand Cherokee | 25 | 189.8 in | ★★★★★ | 8 | 312 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Jeep. How we calculate this →