Jeep Garage  - Jeep Forum banner

Durango Heat vs Grand Cherokee Altitude

3K views 20 replies 12 participants last post by  kirk1233 
#1 ·
Ok, I have to 2011 Dodge Durango Heat that just went over a 100k and I been looking at a 2015 Grand Cherokee Altitude. The Heat is the only Durango that has no third row standard. So need some help with the decision. What stands out to you in your Grand Cherokee? Any issues I need to look out for
 
#2 ·
Disclaimer: We never looked at the Altitude, so Altitude owners will be able to give you a more product specific comparison.

Utility in an SUV is important to us.

You asked what stands out about the Jeep ..... With the Jeep, you will loose some cargo space - about 20cf. That is the only issue that I can think of that makes the Jeep a lesser choice than the Durango.

When shopping for the JGC we just purchased, we considered the Dodge Durango and liked it because it has more cargo space with the back seats down (meaning the second row of seats). Several we looked at did not have side rails on which to build a roof rack so this was a negative for us but one that could be overcome by aftermarket.

We have owned several JGCs and love the brand but were seriously considering the Durango as an option do to the increased cargo space until we checked for the fit in our garage .... we ultimately eliminated the Durango because it is by a few inches too long for our modern too-small garage .... and I mean a matter of under 10 inches, but that was the deal breaker for us.

Our JGC Overland will be delivered sometime in December and we are very happy with our choice, even with less cargo space we have enjoyed the product for decades (our current Jeep is 18 years old) and look forward to the more refined Overland trim line, new tech found in the modern version, and the reliable off-road capability and utility of an SUV.
 
  • Like
Reactions: ndriscoll20
#3 ·
I'd say this is more of a personal preference kind of thing. Being that these are both FCA owned brands, there is more similar between the two than there is different (Styling being the biggest difference). At least from a mechanical standpoint, any issues you may have with the GC you'll also have with the Durango. With all that said, I would take the Jeep all day.
 
#5 ·
Welcome! You will not be disappointed!
 
#6 ·
In a nutshell, the primary difference is that 5" shorter stature. Otherwise, they are "essentially the same vehicle"...built on the same line with the same components for the most part. If you liked your Durango, you'll likely enjoy the JGC Altitude...and the 8 speed transmission for more recent model years will also likely please you.
 
#8 ·
Nice. Welcome!
 
#11 ·
I have an 2006 Durango and have been looking at the GC High Altitude for a couple years now, just waiting for Carplay to come out and I will probably get an 2018 Overland or Summit if the HA doesnt make it back.

To me GC is the only SUV out there that looks classy and aggressive at the same time. All these other SUV's have these really rounded soft streamlined designs and the GC is more boxy, but not to much. To me there are only a few others that compare but they 65k-120k when trimmed out right.

Durango is just to big now, never used the 3rd row seat once. The newer Durango's are nicer but but tired of the look. Want something a tad smaller if i stick with a SUV. Although the GMC Sierra Denali has caught my attention lately as well.
 
#12 ·
Shockwave, the current Durango and the JGC are the same vehicle outside of 5" extra wheelbase on the Durango which was put there to support the third row space requirements. They come off the same line and share a lot of parts!
 
#13 ·
I don't have a current Durango, I have a 2006. The innards may be the same but the vehicles look nothing alike. The Two durangos I have have had drive fine and I have had zero problems other than standard expected maintenance. If anything I am worried after hearing about the amount of issues regarding jeeps on this board and from other people I know personally(not one has said anything about jeeps thy have owned). And yes all vehicles have issues but I visited dodge enthusiasts sites just like keep garage for years and the user complains are not as prevailent as here or other jerk sites I have visited.

With all that said though I don't really care, I'll have maxcare and even if I didn't I probably still wouldn't care. GC is really the only SUV I like in 40-50k price range. If something goes wrong oh well, I'll get a rental and get it fixed. If anything major happens twice within the first couple years I'll just dump it and take a loss.
 
#15 ·
Shock', wasn't your 2006 Durango based on the mid-sized then-Dodge pick-em-up-truck platform? I believe that was before both Durango and JGC transitioned to the same platform that the Merc ML350 shared, too. I also agree with you that my preference is for the JGC. Assuming I can afford it at the time, in a few years, I'll have another one, but based on the next generation platform due for MY19. I have to get my younger through college first. (and that makes my MaxCare Lifetime relevant, too. :) )
 
#17 · (Edited)
I have a 2015 durango RT and 2016 JGC Overland. Yeah Im into FCA for about 85 grand on their 0% deals LOL.

Anyways, I will say this :

1. The jeep is trimmed out much nicer than Durango RT. And we have the Nappa leather seats in the Durango. The jeep is just much more classy.

2. The jeep seems taller and wider that the Durango. In the garage parked next to each other, you would think the Jeep was actually the larger vehicle.

3. I unfortunately got the Jeep with the limp dick V6, wheres as the Durango has the V8. The V8 is such a nice engine, the V6 feels like it belongs in a rental car. The delta seems to be about 3.5-4 mpg between the 2 engines (or $700 per year and about $4 grand on the sticker)

4. Both vehicles impress me for their price. Fully loaded all options.

Jeep should add a jump seat 3rd row for those few times when you need to throw a few extra kids in there. we mostly never need 3rd row in Durango, but for those times its good to have it. Jeep should also consider down grading the required unneeded 4wd systems they force you to buy in the Overland. Nobody is off roading a nearly $50k jeep, we take it to the mall. Didnt need to add thousands to the price to get height adjustable suspension and neat dial that goes between snow, mud, rocks...LOL wheres the 1 that goes to the mall ?? I do need a very basic 4wd system just to pull a small kayak trailer out of a steep back yard, but thats about it. I suspect 99% of Overland owners are probably in same boat.

OK rant over. I like the jeep better, but gimme the V8 please. The V6 is gutless in that heavy of a vehicle.
 
#18 · (Edited)
I had a 98 Durango which I sold for $500 with 365,000 miles and still passing NYS inspection. The only issue with my Durango was rust requiring a tailgate replacement at 250,000. I replaced it with a 2012 5.7 Grand Cherokee Larado X which now has 116,000 trouble free miles other than recalls.

Due to my first Durango experience I was determined to replace it with another but in 2012, except for the Heat, a no 3rd seat wasn't a option which was important to me and more significant, when I test drove a 2012 with the 5.7 hemi I found it sluggish with less responsive handling than the Jeep. Finally the 2012 Durango only offered all wheel drive vs 4 wheel drive for the Jeep which was more suited to my hunting / skiing travels.

Both the 2012 Durango and the 2012 Jeep were bigger than their predecessors and while I liked the larger GC I found the Durango to be a bit of a boat.

While I missed the larger size of my 98 Durango the 2012 Jeep was not that much smaller and had significantly more performance in both handling and engine response. I would choose the GC if I had to make a decision today.
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top