Best Car Reviews - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4WD

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Introduction

The 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4WD is a classic midsize SUV for drivers who want old-school Jeep capability, V8 power and a practical five-seat cabin. This ZJ-generation model stands out for combining a strong 5.2-litre V8, available full-time four-wheel-drive systems and a more refined interior than earlier Grand Cherokees. It suits enthusiasts, winter drivers and buyers seeking a usable 1990s SUV rather than modern-car efficiency or safety technology.

Design and Exterior Features

The Grand Cherokee has a square, upright SUV profile, short overhangs and a tall glass area that give it a purposeful, traditional 4x4 appearance. For 1996, Jeep retained the recognizable ZJ body while improving cabin presentation and equipment. Laredo models were more rugged in character, while Limited versions added a more upscale appearance. Available off-road-oriented equipment could add extra ground clearance, skid plates and tow hooks.

Distinctive seven-slot Jeep grille and upright, boxy body shape.
Roof rack, rear window wiper and split tailgate-area practicality for everyday use.
Available alloy wheels and heated power mirrors.
Optional Up Country package with raised ride height, skid plates, tow hooks and a full-size spare.

Interior and Comfort

One of the important 1996 updates was a redesigned interior with improved ergonomics. The dashboard remained functional and squared-off, but gained a color-keyed center console with integrated cupholders, illuminated power-control switches and a new 12-volt outlet. Five people can fit inside, although rear-seat legroom and overall refinement are modest by modern SUV standards. Laredo models generally used cloth upholstery, while Limited models could offer leather and additional luxury equipment.

Five-seat layout with split-folding rear seat.
Standard power windows, door locks and keyless entry on well-equipped 4WD Laredos.
Available power front seats with lumbar support and leather upholstery.
Rear heating ducts, cruise control, tilt steering wheel and rear-window defroster.

Performance and Handling

This 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4WD specification identifies the 5.2-litre V8, rated at 220 horsepower, paired with a four-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive. The V8 delivers useful low-speed torque for towing, snow, loose surfaces and relaxed highway passing, although it is not a modern performance SUV. Steering is quicker than many truck-based rivals of the period, but the tall body, solid rear axle and age of the chassis mean noticeable body movement over rough roads and through fast corners. No reliable factory acceleration figure is stated here. The supplied fuel-consumption figure of 21.2507 mpg converts to approximately 11.1 L/100 km using the US-mpg conversion; real consumption varies substantially with drivetrain mode, condition, tyres and driving style.

5.2-litre V8 with 220 horsepower.
Four-speed automatic transmission.
Four-wheel drive with available Selec-Trac or Quadra-Trac systems, depending on specification.
Strong low-rpm response for towing and low-speed off-road driving.

Technology and Connectivity

Technology is firmly of its era. The Grand Cherokee used conventional AM/FM cassette audio, with CD and upgraded audio equipment available on some versions. It has no factory smartphone integration, navigation, Bluetooth or modern driver-assistance suite. Its strengths are simple physical controls, an available overhead console and useful convenience features rather than digital connectivity.

AM/FM cassette stereo, with upgraded audio equipment available.
Keyless entry and illuminated power-window, lock and mirror controls.
Available overhead console and trip-information features.
No factory Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, parking sensors or camera.

Safety Features

Dual front airbags became standard for the 1996 model year, and four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes were standard on the well-equipped Laredo 4WD. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety rated the 1996-1998 Grand Cherokee Marginal in its original moderate-overlap front test, with poor left and right leg and foot injury measures. Buyers should view its safety performance in the context of its age: it lacks side airbags, stability control, automatic emergency braking and other modern protections.

Standard driver and front-passenger airbags.
Four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes.
Three-point seat belts and child-seat anchorage provisions typical of the period.
IIHS original moderate-overlap front-test overall rating: Marginal.

Pricing and Variants

When new, the 1996 Grand Cherokee Laredo 4WD had a starting price of approximately $26,900 USD, while the Limited 4WD started at approximately $33,100 USD. Laredo and Limited were the principal trims, with the V8 offered on 4WD versions; the upscale Orvis edition was also available. In its period, it competed with the Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Blazer, Toyota 4Runner and Nissan Pathfinder. The Jeep offered a notably premium cabin and strong four-wheel-drive identity, but used-market value today depends far more on rust, service history and drivetrain condition than trim level alone.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Characterful 5.2-litre V8 power and useful low-end torque.
Genuine four-wheel-drive capability for snow, trails and poor surfaces.
Classic Jeep styling with strong enthusiast appeal.
Practical five-seat cabin and split-folding rear seat.
Improved 1996 interior ergonomics and useful convenience equipment.

Cons

Fuel use is high by modern SUV standards.
Crash protection and active-safety equipment are outdated.
Age-related repairs can quickly outweigh a low purchase price.
Ride and handling are less controlled than those of modern crossovers.
Rust and neglected maintenance can make individual examples expensive to restore.

Maintenance and Common Issues

A dependable annual maintenance-cost estimate is not responsibly available for a 1996 example because repair needs now depend heavily on mileage, corrosion, prior modifications and service history. Prospective owners should budget for inspection and contingency repairs, not only routine oil, fluid, brake and tyre service. Common owner-reported concerns include automatic-transmission faults or harsh shifting, differential and drivetrain failures, engine stalling or fuel-system faults, air-conditioning evaporator leaks or failure, and cooling-system leaks or overheating. Inspect the service records, transmission operation, four-wheel-drive engagement, underbody rust, brake lines and recall status before purchase.

Rating

Overall rating: 6.4/10. Design: 7.5/10 for its enduring Jeep character. Comfort: 6.5/10 for practical seating and improved 1996 controls. Performance: 7.0/10 for V8 torque and four-wheel-drive ability. Technology: 3.5/10 because its equipment predates modern connectivity and driver assistance. Safety: 4.5/10 due to standard dual airbags and ABS but a Marginal IIHS frontal-test result.

User Reviews and Feedback

Owner feedback commonly praises the Grand Cherokee’s V8 sound, winter confidence, simple mechanical character and ability to serve as both a daily vehicle and a trail-ready project. Critical feedback usually centers on fuel consumption, corrosion and the cost of bringing neglected examples back to reliable condition.

Owners value the V8’s low-speed pull and traditional SUV feel.
Four-wheel drive is frequently appreciated in snow and on unpaved roads.
The cabin is considered practical, though dated and less spacious than newer SUVs.
Many buyers stress that maintenance history matters more than low mileage alone.
Transmission, cooling, air-conditioning and electrical condition deserve close inspection.

Best Cars in This Category

1996 Ford Explorer 4WD
1996 Toyota 4Runner 4WD
1996 Chevrolet Blazer 4WD
1996 Nissan Pathfinder 4WD
1996 Mitsubishi Montero 4WD

Summary

The 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4WD is best for a buyer who wants a classic V8 Jeep with authentic four-wheel-drive ability, a useful cabin and strong visual character. It can be an appealing enthusiast vehicle or winter-duty SUV when carefully maintained, but it is not the economical, low-risk choice. A rust-free example with documented transmission, cooling-system and drivetrain service offers the best value and the most enjoyable ownership experience.