The Jeep has helped people around the world get to where they need to go for almost 80 years. Originating as an army vehicle for getting over rough terrain and running reconnaissance, the Jeep has been a major part of the civilian transportation industry since 1945, and still provides a fun, reliable experience for millions of Jeep owners.
Currently, there are seven great models of Jeep that are produced for the 2016 year. All of these are great selections when it comes to performance, safety features, and price. Before we get into what Jeep is offering for each of these models, let’s take a look at the history of the brand.
History of the Jeep
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As mentioned previously, the Jeep started out as a vehicle designed for reconnaissance in World War II. The Jeep was a quick, all-terrain vehicle that was easy to maneuver and tough enough to take a few hits. In addition to its capabilities in combat, Jeeps were also excellent for non-combat work like laying cables, trucking materials from place to place, as pumpers for firefighting, and as ways to transport injured soldiers. For the most part, Jeeps were valued for their load capacity and reliability over difficult terrain.
It wasn’t until 1945 that the Jeep shed its military-only utilization and the flagship CJ-2A was produced (the CJ stood for Civilian Jeep). After this period the Jeep was emulated many times around the world and today there are millions of the vehicles on the road.
In this article, we’ll cover all of the seven Jeep products produced by this brand this year. For clarification, we’ve started with the SUV models first.
1. 2016 Grand Cherokee
The Grand Cherokee has been in production since 1993 and is one of the first luxury SUVs produced by the Jeep brand. The 2016 model packs in a 295-horsepower 3.6-liter V-6 engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission. A rear-wheel drive train, for this model, is standard.
Unique Features
- ParkSense rear parking system – this system automatically kicks in when the vehicle is in reverse and going less than ten miles per hour. The sensors in the rear bumper scan for objects less than 79 inches from the vehicle so that the driver doesn’t accidentally back into something.
- Driver knee airbag – Since impacts rarely only affect the top portion of a driver/passenger, these airbags are designed to absorb potential impacts to the knees.
Performance
This is a great car for taking it off-road from time to time, yet it has plenty of grace for city cruising as well. This is a car that has a little bit of everything for every driver.
Safety Features
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Things to note: The two-wheel drive version of the 2016 Grand Cherokee garnered a four out of five-star rating in government crash tests and the four-wheel version scored a perfect five.
- Anti-lock disc brakes
- Stability and traction control
- Driver knee airbags
- Side curtain airbags
Fuel Efficiency
For the V-8 model of the Grand Cherokee, its EPA highway fuel-economy rating is 22 miles per gallon (mpg). On the other hand, the V-6 in both city and highway tests gets 18mpg in city and 25mpg on the highway.
MSRP
$30,990
Chief Competition
- Ford Explorer
- Honda Pilot
- Toyota Highlander
Pros
- Jeep Cherokee buyers have a lot of choices when it comes to engine and performance.
- This is a very safe car.
- It’s very roomy.
Cons
- Needs a bit of space to come to a full stop: 131 feet.
- Not much storage space.
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2. 2016 Cherokee
The Cherokee serves as more of an entry-level SUV than its Grand cousin, but also has a lot of the great safety features that have become a hallmark of the Jeep line. Considered to be a crossover SUV, this vehicle is a great middle-of-the-road model for those who occasionally take their adventures off-road. For those with a need to be more rugged, the most off-road tough version of this crossover is the Cherokee Trailhawk.
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Unique Features
- This is a stylish crossover that looks better in urban environments than some of its competitors.
- For the Smartphone users with Qi-chargeable devices, this vehicle can come with a wireless charging pad for additional convenience.
Performance
This crossover SUV has a nine-speed automatic transmission that provides top-notch fuel economy and performance; as a matter of fact, the vehicle can compete with some four cylinder vehicles. In addition to this, this Jeep vehicle utilizes the Selec-Terrain system that uses 12 separate vehicle systems in order to adapt to varying terrains automatically.
Safety Features
The 2016 Cherokee was given a four out of five-star rating in U.S. safety tests. This high rating was due to:
- Tire pressure monitoring systems. This is perfect for helping you avoid a blowout.
- Ventilated front disc and solid rear disc braking system.
- ParkView Rear Back-up Camera so that you can visually track how much back-up space you have.
Fuel Efficiency
Based on EPA tests, the 2016 Cherokee ranked 19 to 22mpg in the city and 26 to 31mpg in highway driving situations.
MSRP
$24,390
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Chief Competition
- Chevrolet Equinox
- Subaru Forrester
- GMC Terrain
Pros
- Seating in this crossover is pleasantly spacious.
- The infotainment system has been updated; it now has drag and drop functionality and Siri support.
Cons
- This isn’t a very powerful car as the engine is fairly standard.
- Once again, this vehicle is really lacking when it comes to cargo space.
- Performance can run a little sluggish.
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3. 2016 Compass
The 2016 Jeep Compass is a car that’ll get you around in the city, but isn’t the strongest on the trail. It has a plethora of great features for city and highway driving though, including a slim and sleek design as well as a front wheel drive system that does give it a little oomph. Rumor has it that there will be a brand new Compass for 2017.
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Unique Features
- The Compass has acoustic laminated front windshield glass that cuts down noise from the engine and the highway.
- The Sport model has cloth mesh front seats.
Performance
When it comes to performance, the Compass is middle-to-rear of the pack. It packs in a 158-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder system or an optional 172-hp 2.4-liter four cylinder if you’d like a little extra power. Front wheel drive is standard, but there are four-wheel drive models available.
Safety Features
This vehicle only earned a three out of a possible five-star rating from the NHTSA.
- Anti-lock brakes with rough-road detection
- Hill-start assist
Fuel Efficiency
EPA testing revealed that the Compass rated 20mpg in city driving and 23mpg on the highway.
MSRP
$20,790
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Chief Competition
- Subaru Crosstrek
- Mini Cooper Countryman
- Mazda CX-5
Pros
- With such a smooth ride, many owners consider this a mini-Grand Cherokee.
- The Compass has a stylish design that is great for city driving.
Cons
- This vehicle has a noisy engine.
- Jeep has phased out the rechargeable flashlight and integrated tailgate speakers.
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4. 2016 Renegade
When looking at the 2016, it’s clear to see that Jeep wanted to make a Jeep that has some car-like elements that make it friendlier to drivers who are just getting into this style of vehicle. Just like the Jeeps of yesteryear, this vehicle is agile and road-ready with some great handling and cargo capacity for any driver. Like the Cherokee, this model comes in a more rugged Trailhawk model.
Unique Features
- For those searching for a little more oomph, this model comes with a Beats by Dre certified audio system that has deep bass and high quality sound.
- For a Jeep, the cockpit of this vehicle is very comfortable and speaks of a genuine effort by Jeep to make this vehicle more city-friendly.
Performance
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Performance-wise, this vehicle offers a 160-hp four-cylinder engine with a six-speed manual as a standard offering, with the choice of front or all wheel drive. Owners can upgrade to a 180-hp four cylinder with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Overall, the 2016 Renegade is very responsive and capable of great on or off-road performance.
Safety Features
This vehicle garnered a four-star rating out of five in U.S. crash safety tests.
- Low window line for maximum visibility
- Hill descent control so that when you’re driving down a sharp gradient, you won’t lose control.
Fuel Efficiency
Based on EPA tests, the 2016 Renegade ranked 21mpg in the city and 29mpg in highway driving situations.
MSRP
$18,990
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Chief Competition
- Nissan Juke
- Honda HR-V
- Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
Pros
- This Jeep has a very comfortable interior that is very different than many people’s conception of a Jeep.
- This vehicle has great balance for tighter controls.
Cons
- Jeep ditched the hybrid cargo light/flashlight of earlier Renegade models in its 2016 version.
- Fuel economy is more in the “ok” range.
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5. 2016 Wrangler Unlimited
For those searching for a Jeep that hits its stride on the harder terrains, the 2016 Wrangler Unlimited is nearly perfect. The Wrangler Unlimited differs from the standard edition as it has a full four-door, five seat setup, as compared to the Wrangler’s two door, four seat form factor.
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Unique Features
- For 2016, there is a new Black Bear Edition that features unique design notes that make the Unlimited great for off-road trekking.
- All weather slush mats are perfect for those trips into the wilderness in the winter months.
Performance
The Wrangler Unlimited has a six speed manual transmission by default that provides plenty of power when taking the vehicle where you need it to go. Also, its 285 horsepower performance provides plenty of rock-climbing capability.
Safety Features
Unfortunately, the Wrangler Unlimited performed with a middling score on U.S.-based safety tests. However:
- It comes equipped with an electronic stability system that’s fully adjustable by the driver.
- The Wrangler also employs front safety airbags and anti-lock brakes.
Fuel Efficiency
In EPA highway tests, the Wrangler Unlimited provided a 16mpg in the city and 21mpg on the highway.
MSRP
$29,894
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Chief Competition
- Toyota 4Runner
- Hyundai Santa Fe Sport
- Toyota Rav4
Pros
- There aren’t many more rugged vehicles than this on the market.
- The Wrangler has an ample amount of cargo room.
Cons
- This vehicle could really use standard side airbags.
- For some reason, there isn’t a lot of insulation inside the cabin. You’ll hear a bit of highway noise when travelling.
- Handling can get a little rough with this model.
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6. 2016 Wrangler
The two-door, four seat version of the iconic Wrangler is a great vehicle for those looking for a Jeep that can take them just about anywhere. Four-wheel drive is standard in the Wrangler series, meaning that this Jeep will always be much more rugged than many of the cars on the crossover heavy vehicle market. This car also has a standard 285 horsepower engine that gives it all the power it needs for any terrain.
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Unique Features
- This Wrangler also comes in a Black Bear edition. Black Bear is a particularly challenging trail located in Telluride, and this version of the vehicle is able to handle some of the toughest trails – hence the name.
- There are new body color options available on the Sahara edition if you’re looking for a more stylish version of the 2016 Wrangler.
Performance
With 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, the Wrangler is just tough enough to always perform well in most environments. In city driving, the vehicle is stylish enough and quiet enough not to cause much of a ruckus. The vehicle runs exceedingly smooth and has a nice pickup for when you want to do some quick acceleration. You’ll either be able to choose a standard six speed manual transmission or an optional five speed automatic transmission that doesn’t forget you’d like to go off-road from time to time; it packs in a low first-gear ratio for those off-road situations.
Safety Features
- The Wrangler’s seatbelts come complete with pretensioners so that in the event of an accident, the seatbelts will automatically tighten in order to protect the occupant from harm.
- The Wrangler also has anti-lock brakes.
Fuel Efficiency
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Based on EPA testing, the Wrangler is capable of 17mpg in city driving and 21 highway mpg.
MSRP
$24,990
Chief Competition
- Nissan Xterra
- Toyota 4Runner
- Toyota Tacoma
Pros
- This vehicle can go anywhere due to its power and maneuverability.
- It’s smooth enough to do a little family driving.
Cons
- The vehicle can sometimes veer a bit at high speeds.
- The Wrangler has somewhat low gas mileage.
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7. 2016 Patriot
The 2016 Jeep Patriot’s claim to fame is the fact that it is a great SUV that is sold at a low price point; in fact, it is one of the lowest prices on the market. This model is available in a five speed manual or a six speed automatic. It comes standard as front wheel drive, but all-wheel drive is also available.
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Unique Features
- Premium Heated Seats – This system is perfect for when the temperature outside the vehicle is less than optimal. The seats can be adjusted to two different heat levels to accommodate the needs of the driver and the passenger.
- Parkview Rear Distance Camera – This functionality shows the driver the exact distance the back of the vehicle is from other objects, which helps to ensure that the driver does not accidentally back into something.
Performance
This vehicle will perform great in mud, sand, rocks, rain, or snow. The Patriot is capable of performing in off-road situations while still maintaining the comfort level of an on-road ride. In a performance test, the 2016 Patriot went from zero to 60 MPH in 9.4 seconds flat.
Safety Features
Things to note: The front wheel drive version of the 2016 Patriot received a three out of five-star rating in government crash tests for front end collisions and impacts. Though the score is not great, here are some features that are worth noting:
- Anti-lock brakes; both front discs and rear drums
- Stability and traction control
- Front side airbags
Fuel Efficiency
The Patriot offers 30 MPG on the highway, which means that you could travel a full 400 miles on a tank of gas. This vehicle gets about 23 MPG in the city.
MSRP
$17,695
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Chief Competition
- Subaru XV Crosstrek
- Jeep Renegade
Pros
- The 2016 Patriot has a compact design and a spacious interior.
- This car is an extremely affordable vehicle. For 17k, you get a lot of great performance.
- It has great fuel economy.
Cons
- The design aesthetics are very similar to the previous model.
- Like some of the other Jeep vehicles we’ve covered here, this Jeep has limited cargo space.
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Conclusion
The line of Jeep vehicles for the 2016 year is very impressive. There’s just about a vehicle for every level of taste and performance inclination. Some of the models that we’ve reviewed here are great for the off-road and some perform better in city environments; all are great for delivering excellent driving performance with plenty of comfort and style to go around.
If you’re looking for a new Jeep vehicle that’ll get you where you need to go, use our suggestions to decide what vehicle most fits your needs. Remember, whether you are looking to purchase a vehicle for rough terrain or smooth roads, a Jeep vehicle will last you for years and provide reliable performance throughout its life-cycle, so take the time to do a few test drives before making a decision.