Where Are Jeep Grand Cherokees Made? (Find Out)
Wondering where are Jeep Grand Cherokees made? Do they have a different production or assembly unit? Well, the hugely popular two-row SUV off-road vehicle from Jeep has gained immense popularity across the globe for its ability to go through rough and challenging terrains, with the needed security. In the present times, the manufacturers have introduced a number of latest variants that have got the dealers active.
Detroit, Michigan is the main hub for US production of the Jeep Grand Cherokees. The 2022 Grand Cherokees and newly revealed Grand Cherokee L (3-row) has started assembly from 2021 at the Mack Avenue Assembly Complex, which is also in Detroit, Michigan.
Now, it is time to address the elephant in the room which is the manufacturing and assembly plants of these vehicles. Well, although these originally can be traced back to the Michigan complex, different markets have distinct source plants. To save you from the struggle, I have brought together this comprehensive guide on the development of these vehicles, some important markets, and their specifications. So, don’t waste more time, and let’s get in.
What is Jeep?
Jeep is an American-based automobile marque owned by Chrysler since 1987, known for its series of different off-road and SUV vehicles. The origination of this brand can be traced back to WWII when there was a great demand for pickups, SUVs, and other off-road vehicles. The design of its majority of vehicles was developed during WWs that was later modified for modern-day use.
What is a Jeep Grand Cherokee?
The hugely popular Jeep Grand Cherokee is an off-road mid-size SUV that is designed for tough terrains. It was originally designed by AMC in 1985 by Francois Castaing, with customized and standard features. This one is a two-row SUV that is developed by CAD computer-aided design and often controlled by the central database. Currently, it is manufactured in Detroit Michigan.
Fifth Generation Jeep Grand Cherokee
The modern-day fifth generation was launched on January 7, 2021, with a three-row version, also known as LWB. Presently, this one has three variants available in the market, the Quadra Trac I, Quadra Trac II, and Quadra-Drive II, with a variety of suspension systems and foot configuration. It also incorporates an MSD cylinder and base gasoline engine V6 that makes it suitable for challenging terrains.
What is the Difference Between the Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Grand Cherokee?
Although both the vehicles are designed for off-road tracks with sturdy bodies and functional engines, the only apparent difference between them is their size. As the name suggests, the Grand Cherokee is a larger SUV that integrates a sophisticated engine and luxury setup. It can be the reason why it is overwhelmingly expensive. Another difference is their production unit as Wranglers are manufactured in Toledo, Ohio and the Cherokee Grand are made in the Michigan Complex. Also check out, Where are Jeep Wranglers Made.
Is Jeep Planning to Move its Production?
No, Jeep is not at all planning to move its production plants from the USA. This is because they have already existing infrastructures embedded in the country. More specifically, the Mack Avenue Complex doesn’t share manufacturing with other brands and specializes in the development of the 3-row latest Grand Cherokee model. For the Jefferson plant, the manufacturers have introduced some retooling and equipment renovation because of the lack of sales in the past decade.
Production of the Jeep Grand Cherokees? Where Are Jeep Grand Cherokees Manufactured?
As discussed above, Jeep Grand Cherokees are being manufactured at Jefferson North, in the US. The plant was initiated in 1991 and has been working on the development of different variants of the Jeep Cherokees. The modern 3-row Grand Cherokees are being manufactured at Mack Avenue. Similarly, for diverse markets like Japan, Egypt, and Europe, the company has different assembling units.
Assembly of the Jeep Grand Cherokees
The assembly of the modern Jeep Grand Cherokee is taking place in the US manufacturing complex. For other markets like Egypt and Europe, they have their own assembling units, prominent of which are in Austria for Europe and Venezuela for Latin American states. Similarly, the WK2 variant of this SUV is also manufactured and assembled in Cairo, Egypt, under the Arab American Vehicles. This was initiated in the early 21st century for the increasing demand for the Grand Cherokee in the Arabian market.
How to Check Where Your Specific Jeep Grand Cherokees?
Although the majority of the Jeep Grand Cherokee is being manufactured in the USA, if you are from other regional markets and want to know where your specific model of the vehicle has been manufactured and assembled, I would advise you to consult the VIN code. This 17-digit code contains basic identification information and specifications. You can find this code most probably on either the windshield or the dashboard.
However, one thing to note here is that reading can be extremely complicated. If you are only concerned with the location, look up the first digit. Each number is dedicated to a different country, for instance, for Austria, it is VA-VE, for Venezuela, it is 8X-82. For the USA, it is 1, 4, or 5. For other specifications, you can always get assistance from a simple google search.
Design of the Jeep Grand Cherokee
In the early 80s, the first-ever design was developed by AMC which was an already modified form of the vehicle, designed during WWI. Later on, the brand was bought by Chrysler in 1992 with a new design of Jeep Grand Cherokee which was small and integrated a gasoline engine. The three variants of the latest vehicle were designed by Chrysler in the World Headquarters and Technology Center at Michigan Hills.
Different Regional Markets
For different regional markets, the dealership has different source plants. Here is a brief account of each one, so you can briefly understand each variant’s availability.
- Australia
Jeep Grand Cherokee is currently being assembled in the Detroit Michigan plant in the USA. It is shipped through cargo and has all the latest and original variants available.
- Canada
For the Canadian market, the dealership is presently sourced from Detroit, Michigan. These vehicles are assembled in the US market and have been shipped across the border through the rail system.
- UK
For the UK market, up until 2010, these Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles were manufactured in Austria, which was originally owned by a company named Magna Steyr. After this, they launched their own assembly units in the UK.
Many people also wonder whether Jeep Grand Cherokees from the Japanese market are better than UK ones? Well, both the markets have a single source market which is based in the USA. Hence, there is not much difference in the model manufacturing. All in all, the latest version is exactly the same. For the UK market, up until 2010, the vehicles were sourced from the European market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where Is The New Jeep Grand Cherokee Built?
The latest version of the Jeep Grand Cherokee is currently being manufactured in Detroit Complex, Michigan. The assembly plant for the hybrid model is located in the Auburn Hills. This version has three different variants, all of which are available across regions, most notably in Venezuela, Austria, the UK, and Australia. All of the previous Cherokee series are also available in this manufacturing unit.
Do Jeep Grand Cherokee Have A Lot Of Problems?
Well, considering the heavy build of the Grand Cherokee and its ability to facilitate challenging terrains justified its problems. All in all, these issues can be categorized as red or green-light issues. Some of the basic maintenance jobs like oil changes, battery drain, and regular engine checkups can be considered green-light issues that don’t cost you much. In contrast, TPS failure and death wobble are more critical concerns.
Does The Jeep Grand Cherokee Have A Mercedes Engine?
No, not even one Jeep Cherokee has a Mercedes engine. This is because it is owned by Chrysler which has initiated its own engine series. For the Grand Cherokee’s latest model, the manufacturers have integrated the V6 base gasoline engine with a 4.0 inline and 6 cylinder setup. This helps the vehicle to accommodate rough and challenging terrains.
Who Builds The Jeep Grand Cherokee?
Jeep Grand Cherokee is a mid-size SUV off-road vehicle, known for its customized and standard functions. It is run by a V6 base gasoline engine and is currently owned by an American-based Chrysler brand. These vehicles are manufactured and assembled in the USA Jefferson and Michigan plants. All in all, the model has gained immense popularity across the globe for its innovative and heavy construction.
Final Thoughts On Jeep Grand Cherokees Manufacturing
In the end, Jeep Grand Cherokee has gained immense popularity for its innovative construction and ability to accommodate rough and challenging terrains, with absolute safety. It was originally designed by AMC in 1985 by Francois Castaing, with customized and standard features. However, the most commonly asked question about these vehicles is where are they made and does they have different market derivatives for each model or region.
Finally, I hope this detailed guide can help you in understanding the manufacturing details and shipping of these hugely popular vehicles.
Hi! This is Marcus Adams, an adventurer who has a passion for jeeps. I have been exploring terrains for about 10 years and has trailed on a variety of jeeps. My passion for off-roading has allowed me to learn everything jeeps have to offer. Now, I have turned his passion into a professional project in form of this SMOOTHDRIVES website, where I plan to share my expertise about all kinds of off-roading accessories for jeeps, trucks and SUV’s and provide readers with high-quality content.