Generation history
Jeep Grand Cherokee generations and next redesign.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee has been through 2 generations, starting in 1993 and 1999. The gaps were 6 years, an average of 6.0. Redesigns come quickly on this model. The current generation began in 1999. On that cadence the next full redesign points to 2004 through 2006, centered on 2005. This is a projection. It comes from the model's own past redesign years, not from the manufacturer. A mid-cycle refresh usually lands in between. Public records describe the current generation this way: Launched in September 1998, the redesigned WJ 1999 Grand Cherokee shared just 127 parts with its predecessor (mostly fasteners). Specifications, trims and the NHTSA safety record are on the Jeep Grand Cherokee model page.
Every generation
The Jeep Grand Cherokee, generation by generation.
| Generation | Code | Years | What changed |
|---|
| First generation | ZJ | 1993–1999 | The original Grand Cherokee was launched in 1992 as a 1993 model-year vehicle in the luxury SUV segment. |
|---|
| Second generation | WJ/WG | 1999–present | Launched in September 1998, the redesigned WJ 1999 Grand Cherokee shared just 127 parts with its predecessor (mostly fasteners). |
|---|
The Jeep Grand Cherokee spent 6.0 years per generation on average. The current one is 27 years old. Treat 2004 to 2006 as a range, not a date.
Source: Jeep Grand Cherokee (Wikipedia). The estimate is our arithmetic on those start years.
Open the Jeep Grand Cherokee model page for specifications, trims, safety record and answers.
In more detail
What each Jeep Grand Cherokee generation changed.
First generation, 1993 to 1999
The original Grand Cherokee was launched in 1992 as a 1993 model-year vehicle in the luxury SUV segment. The "ZJ" models, manufactured from 1992 until 1998, originally came in three trim levels - base (also known as SE), Laredo, and Limited; subsequent trims were added, including Orvis and TSI. The base model included features such as full instrumentation, a cloth interior, and a standard five-speed manual transmission, while gaining the "SE" moniker for the 1994 model year. Power windows and locks were not standard equipment on the base trim.
Second generation, 1999 to today
Launched in September 1998, the redesigned WJ 1999 Grand Cherokee shared just 127 parts with its predecessor (mostly fasteners). The European model was coded WG. The spare tire was relocated from the side of the cargo compartment to under the floor. (Like the 1998MY ZJ, the rear tailgate glass opened separately.) The two heavy pushrod V8 engines were replaced by Chrysler's then-new PowerTech.
Generation notes adapted from Jeep Grand Cherokee (Wikipedia).
Today's Jeep Grand Cherokee
What the current generation is, and how it has held up.
Jeep Grand Cherokee at a glance
- Production
- 1992–present
- Model years
- 1993–present
- Class
- Mid-size SUV (1993–2010), Mid-size crossover SUV, (2011–present)
- Body style
- 5-door sport utility vehicle
- Layout
- Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, Front-engine, four-wheel-drive
- Chassis
- Uniframe
NHTSA rated the 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee overall 5 of 5 stars, front crash 5 of 5 stars, side crash 5 of 5 stars, rollover 4 of 5 stars.
Recent recalls (6 campaigns across the latest model years)
- September 2026, Tires:Pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems. Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Jeep Wagoneer, 2024-2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Jeep Grand Cherokee 4XE, Jeep Grand Wagoneer, 2025 Jeep Wagoneer L, 2025-2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer L, and 2026 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. Due to a… Consequence: A TPMS warning light that fails to notify the driver of low tire pressure increases the risk of a crash.
- August 2026, Visibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer. Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Grand Cherokee L vehicles. Due to a software issue in the body control module (BCM), the windshield wipers may fail. Consequence: Windshield wiper failure can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
- August 2026, Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera. Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2026 Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Gladiator, Jeep Compass, Jeep Cherokee, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Jeep Grand Wagoneer, Jeep Grand Wagoneer L, Ram Promaster, Ram Promaster EV, Ram 1500, Ram 2500, Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In… Consequence: A rearview camera image that fails to display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Owners filed 74 complaints with NHTSA for the 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee, most often about electrical system (30), engine (21), unknown or other (14).