St. Louis is home to the nation’s largest 4×4 market per capita, with over 70 percent of drivers opting for an SUV or pick up. Over time, that has translated into a demand for four-wheel drive (4WD) cars and trucks – especially Jeeps.
The rugged image associated with these vehicles makes them popular urban status symbols, especially among young buyers. This fact makes it essential for drivers to know which models entail certain risks associated with their popularity.
This article helps you get more info on the most popular Jeeps on the market and explains what you should know going into a purchase or lease.
Jeep Patriot
The Jeep Patriot is a small SUV that first came out in 2007 to replace the Jeep Compass. It has a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, which delivers 158 horsepower to the front wheels through a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.
The Patriot has proven popular in St. Louis due to its compact size and sharp look. While it’s not as popular as the larger Wrangler, this model still ranks fourth on the list of best-selling Jeeps in the nation.
Jeep Wrangler/Unlimited
The Wrangler is popular among off-roading enthusiasts, and for a good reason.
Its three available trims (Sport, Sahara, and Rubicon) all come equipped with more than adequate ground clearance capabilities – making it easy to navigate even the most rugged trails.
The Wrangler Unlimited is the most recent model introduced in 2007 to replace the two-door Wrangler.
The four-door SUV has since become a favorite among families with active lifestyles, especially in St. Louis, where it recently ranked as one of the top three best-selling vehicles.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Jeep Grand Cherokee model has been around for over twenty years, first came to the market in 1992. It has either a 3.6-liter V-6 engine or a 5.7-liter V8, making it one of the more powerful models among Jeeps – making it popular in St. Louis and other major cities.
One of the most recent Grand Cherokees on the market is the Trailhawk, introduced in 2012 to become an off-road specialist. As such, it has a “Selec-Terrain System” and 20-inch wheels for off-roading purposes.
Jeep Compass
The Jeep Compass was first introduced in 2002 to replace the Jeep Cherokee and is currently on its third generation. The model has seen some changes over the years but remains one of the most popular Jeeps in St. Louis for two reasons: its affordability and availability of four-wheel drive (4WD).
St.Louis has mountainous terrains with three mountains in its periphery. However, despite having the appearance of a true off-roader, the Compass isn’t built for heavy-duty use or driven on rugged terrain.
Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT
The Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT is one of the newest models available, with only an available V-8 engine. This model is the most powerful of all Jeeps available on the market today – drawing comparisons to luxury brands like Mercedes.
However, it isn’t as capable off-road as the Compass due to its large size and heavyweight. Compared to other St. Louis models, the SRT comes with a steep price tag and can be challenging to handle in poor weather conditions.
Jeep Patriot Sport
The Jeep Patriot Sport was first introduced in 2010 as a low-cost model to replace the Compass. It’s one of the most affordable Jeeps available on the market, making it popular among young drivers and families on a budget.
Experts often compare the Jeep Patriot to the Compass due to their similarities. However, while they may look similar from afar, there are specific critical differences between them.
For instance, the Patriot is equipped with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine while the Compass has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine – giving them different levels of performance (and fuel economy).
The Patriot also comes with an available manual transmission, while the Compass does not. In terms of cargo space, the Patriot has a slightly larger trunk.
Jeep Renegade
The Jeep Renegade has recently been introduced and is popular among drivers looking for affordable 4WD models. The model comes with an available four-cylinder engine capable of producing 160 horsepower.
However, this model isn’t as durable or robust as other Jeeps due to its smaller size, making it less suitable for driving off-road.
If you want a new Jeep, be sure to keep these models in mind when visiting your local dealership. By shopping around for Jeeps and comparing prices, you can find a great deal on a high-quality model that will fit all of your needs.
Wrapping Up
Remember that while many people love Jeeps due to their 4WD capabilities, it’s still important to do your Jeep-related research before committing to a specific model. Using the above knowledge as a starting point will help ensure that you – and your budget – remain happy for years to come! Visit the St.Louis Jeep dealerships website to get more info on local listings.