What is the best year for a Jeep Grand Cherokee?

The Grand Cherokee has one of the most volatile complaint histories in its class. Avoid 2011-2012 (1,638 and 1,634 complaints), 2014 (2,362 complaints, 218 severe — the worst year on record), 2015 (1,333, 183 severe), and 2018 (832 complaints, 56 severe). The 2025 model (54 complaints, 10/10 safety, 4 severe) is the best year in the model's modern history, with 2024 (221 complaints) showing meaningful improvement. If buying used, 2024 or newer is the safest range.

How much does Jeep Grand Cherokee insurance cost?

Grand Cherokee insurance averages around $2,370/year — roughly $198/month. Below average for the midsize class given its above-average maintenance cost.

Is the Jeep Grand Cherokee or Ford Explorer cheaper to maintain?

The Grand Cherokee is cheaper to maintain by $66/year — $666 versus $732 for the Ford Explorer. Both carry a reliability score of 7. Note the Explorer is a three-row SUV vs. the two-row Grand Cherokee — the comparison is cross-configuration. On pure maintenance cost, the Grand Cherokee has a slight edge.

Should I buy an extended warranty for a Jeep Grand Cherokee?

Despite sitting at the class average on major repair probability and below average on repair frequency, the Grand Cherokee's documented complaint history — with multiple severe spikes across 2011-2015 and 2018 — makes extended warranty strongly recommended for used models from those years. For 2024 and newer, the risk profile has improved substantially and warranty is less critical.

Is the Nissan Murano expensive to maintain?

The Murano averages $507/year in maintenance — $66 below the midsize segment average of $573. However, repair frequency of 51% is well above the class average of 40%, meaning owners visit for unscheduled repairs more often than most midsize rivals. Major repair probability of 14% is slightly above the 13% segment average. Lower annual cost but higher visit frequency — a mixed profile.

What is the best year for a Nissan Murano?

From available data, 2024 (4 complaints, 10/10 safety, 0 severe) and 2023 (6 complaints, 10/10 safety, 2 severe) are exceptional years. Complaint data has significant gaps in our records between 2013 and 2022, so years in that range can't be fully assessed. Recent production shows very low complaint activity.

How much does Nissan Murano insurance cost?

Murano insurance averages around $2,418/year — roughly $202/month.

Is the Nissan Murano or Chevrolet Blazer cheaper to maintain?

The Murano is $14/year cheaper than the Blazer — $507 versus $521 — a negligible difference. The Blazer has a higher reliability score (8 vs. 7), lower major repair probability (11% vs. 14%), and much lower repair frequency (28% vs. 51%). On total maintenance value, the Blazer holds a meaningful advantage despite nearly identical annual cost.

Should I buy an extended warranty for a Nissan Murano?

Repair frequency of 51% is the highest in the midsize segment. While the annual dollar cost is below average, the elevated visit frequency means more exposure to labor charges and potential additional repairs discovered during service. Warranty coverage is worth considering for used models to help contain those costs.

Jeep Grand Cherokee vs Nissan Murano

Two midsize SUVs compared on the numbers that matter — maintenance cost, reliability, and insurance.

// VERDICT

Our verdict

Buy the Nissan Murano to minimise 5-year ownership cost.

Buy the Nissan Murano if long-term reliability matters most.

// COST HEAD TO HEAD

Maintenance and ownership cost

	Jeep Grand Cherokee	Nissan Murano
Annual maintenance	$666	$507winner
5-year total cost	$3,330	$2,535winner
Reliability score	7 / 10	7 / 10
Major repair risk (5yr)	13%winner	14%
Cargo space	70.8 cu ft	—
Starting price (new)	$39,700winner	$41,670
Best years to buy	2010, 2017, 2018	2023

// RELIABILITY

Which is more reliable?

	Jeep Grand Cherokee	Nissan Murano
RepairPal score	7 / 10	7 / 10
NHTSA complaints / 100k	347.8	166.8winner
Years to avoid	2011, 2012, 2014	2010, 2011, 2012
Value retained · 3 yr	64.6%winner	62.2%
Value retained · 5 yr	50%winner	47.3%
Value retained · 7 yr	40.1%winner	37.4%

// COMMON PROBLEMS

What breaks — and what it costs

	Jeep Grand Cherokee	Nissan Murano
Engine	18.3%	5.7%winner
Electrical	22.5%	7.0%winner
ADAS	6.4%	5.9%winner
Brakes	10.1%winner	19.8%
Suspension	1.8%winner	5.1%
Steering	3.2%	2.2%winner
Fuel system	5.1%	1.1%winner
Tires/Wheels	—winner	1.5%
Glass/Windows	—winner	8.1%
Airbags	4.8%winner	9.5%
Lighting	1.4%	—winner
Seatbelt	2.0%	—winner

One major repair on either model can run $1,500–4,000. A warranty caps your exposure, especially on known problem years.

// INSURANCE

Which is cheaper to insure?

	Jeep Grand Cherokee	Nissan Murano
Avg annual premium	$2,370winner	$2,418

// FULL MODEL PAGES

GAS

Jeep Grand Cherokee

$666/yr maint · 7 reliability

Full model page

GAS

Nissan Murano

$507/yr maint · 7 reliability

Full model page

// FAQ

Common questions

The Grand Cherokee costs $666/year to maintain — $93 above the midsize segment average of $573. Repair frequency of 30% is below the class average of 40% — a relative positive. Reliability score of 7 and major repair probability of 13% both sit at segment averages. Above-average cost for an average reliability profile.

How we calculated this. Maintenance costs and reliability scores from RepairPal. Complaints and recalls from NHTSA. Fuel economy from the EPA. Insurance averages from CarEdge. Pricing from KBB. Depreciation from iSeeCars. Full methodology →