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Saw 1st 2014 Today ... NOT Impressed!

23K views 170 replies 57 participants last post by  SW03ES 
#1 ·
Saw a black 14GC Ltd on the dealer's lot. Sitting among a whole of 2013's, and it was NOT very impressive. I liked the new headlights and the lower front and rear fascias, but the the grill is just, well "dainty" compared to the robust "real Jeep" 11-13 grills. It looked like the 2013 Compass parked next to it. And those "Durango" taillights are bad!. Geez, I'll gladly stick with my 12 GC Ltd.:slapfight:
 
#2 ·
would love to see a side x side pic of the two. Might have to go check that out myself on Friday.
 
#3 ·
But 2014WK - 2014WD, the taillamps look nothing alike, and I mean nothing. That is a much better comparison. Oh wait, you guys haven't seen it yet. :p

As a matter of fact, the '14 WD rear looks nothing like the '13.
 
#7 ·
A certain member here who works at JNAP is going to post some pics of the new Dango. To hell with that good paying job! What did you do with Dev btw? Oh and tell your body guy I have weld spatter on my door jamb!
 
#4 ·
I have to agree for the most part. The new grille looks cheap/plasticky and is reminiscent of the Compass (full disclosure -- I'm a former MK Patriot owner). I really just didn't like the lines on the 2014's front end and I don't see why everyone is so excited about the headlights. The whole front end doesn't flow very well. The plastic honeycomb thing under the HID headlights look silly. I'm glad I opted for a 2013 model instead and saved a buttload of money doing it.
 
#5 ·
The '14 is superior to the first gen WK2's in every aspect. As far as the new grille and tails I'll agree the ol der ones looked better. I prefer the newer style tails though because it's a full body look. If you had a '14 for 1 hour you'd probably change your mind.
 
#6 ·
Can't say I agree with this post at all. But that's the joy of things we all have our own opinions. The new 14's look incredible! The 11-13's are excellent vehicles, but the 14's new design and technology are so ahead that it makes the original WK2's look like old models already. I drove a 14 Overland today and I felt like I was almost in a completely different vehicle.....and that was a good thing.
The good thing for those that don't like the new ones is that 13's are still available new, and used WK2's are readily available now. It's a win win :)
 
#8 ·
I haven't seen a 2014 in person, but have decided I'm keeping my 2012 for several reasons: the look, the CD player location and functionality, the flipper glass, the autostick shift, the location of the USB in the upper tray of the middle console, and the look! :D I will likely be getting brilliant black lower fascias and rocker panels, and have my front lower fascia smoothed, painted brilliant black, and clear coated. I like the look of the 2014s from the pictures I've seen though!
 
#9 ·
Looks are one thing. Technology/function is something else. For me, the later trumps the first, so I went with a '14. If I was going on looks alone it would be a '13.

This was the Jeep that caught my eye.

 
#10 ·
Couldn't agree with you more. Just got home myself from test driving a V6 and a V8 Overland. I thought the '14 JGC was a compass from a distance but was corrected that it indeed was the '14.

Granted the 8sp. transmission does drive a lot smoother than the older tranny. But I would still take the front and rear of the Jeep that is being replaced by the tiny grill '14.

Additionally, they had a '13 Black/Black Summit on the floor with 10 miles on it. Has everything. I offered them $40k plus fees for it instead of a '14 Overland with tech. They're supposed to get back to me by tomorrow.
 
#11 ·
Couldn't agree with you more. Just got home myself from test driving a V6 and a V8 Overland. I thought the '14 JGC was a compass from a distance but was corrected that it indeed was the '14.

Granted the 8sp. transmission does drive a lot smoother than the older tranny. But I would still take the front and rear of the Jeep that is being replaced by the tiny grill '14.

Additionally, they had a '13 Black/Black Summit on the floor with 10 miles on it. Has everything. I offered them $40k plus fees for it instead of a '14 Overland with tech. They're supposed to get back to me by tomorrow.
That 2013 sounds like a real winner! Good luck to you on getting it!
 
#14 ·
The 2013 "aggressive" grill is what I fell in love with. I never would have looked at a Jeep if I had not seen the Summit grill at a stop light. The grill just grabbed my attention. The 2014 grill would not cause me to look twice. The new grill is boring. But that is just my opinion.
 
#16 ·
I like my 13 much better than what I've seen on an equivalent 14 so far. I'm sure the tech., etc. is better in the 14, (I haven't driven one), but the new front/rear lights and design changes on the 14 just don't do it for me.

Rob
 
#19 ·
Having owned both a '12 and now a '14, I'll take the '14 any day. The difference in transmissions is night and day alone. The interior is nicer and quieter, and the technology is far better. Mind you, I went from a Laredo to a Limited, so that's part of it. But the MyGig in the '11-'13 has nothing on the 8.4" in my Limited, I'm glad I didn't bother with getting one in my '12. The flipper glass was no big loss, I never used mine. One less thing to rattle or break. I don't have the funky headlights, so no loss there. The new rear end, to me, looks nicer and cleaner than the old one. It's all a matter of opinion though.
 
#20 ·
I had a 2012 Laredo X and just picked up a Black 2014 Ltd tonight. I can tell you first hand that the 2014 is far superior. It drives better and the interior electronics (I got the 8.4") just makes the '11 - '13 seem outdated if you will.

When I first read your thread subject title it screamed to me "guy with a '11-'13 feeling bad about not having the new toy". I opened the thread and saw I was right, no surprise.

You can talk all the trash you want about the exterior trying to justify the feeling of having one pulled over on you by Jeep with the new redesign but we ALL know the '14 are SUPERIOR and you're jealousssssss.
 
#28 ·
I had a 2012 Laredo X and just picked up a Black 2014 Ltd tonight. I can tell you first hand that the 2014 is far superior. It drives better and the interior electronics (I got the 8.4") just makes the '11 - '13 seem outdated if you will.

When I first read your thread subject title it screamed to me "guy with a '11-'13 feeling bad about not having the new toy". I opened the thread and saw I was right, no surprise.

You can talk all the trash you want about the exterior trying to justify the feeling of having one pulled over on you by Jeep with the new redesign but we ALL know the '14 are SUPERIOR and you're jealousssssss.

You had a '12 and traded it for a '14. You sir are a person who had one pulled over on you by Jeep. :lol: Sorry, but the '14 grill is NOT a visual upgrade over the '11 - '13. It's just not. And that gold interior trim.....Ugh! Basically the 8-speed tranny and interior electronics are the only reasons I would even consider throwing money away by trading mine in on a '14....and I'm not considering it. Those two reasons are just not worth it to me. But hey, you sound like a "keep up with the Jones' type" and it's your money, spend it as you wish.
 
#38 ·
I was just thinking exactly the same thing. How much of this is honest opinion vs. sour grapes?

For me, the '12/'13 models were indeed good-looking, that's what got me interested - but the advantages of the '14 MORE than outweigh any cosmetic issues. Personally I dig the new front DRL's, the new grill I could take or leave, and I'll give the nod to the '12/13 rear end because that's just a good-lookin design whereas the '14 is a bit more bland. But since I'll be spending most of my time INSIDE the vehicle, the VASTLY-upgraded interior and the 8spd won out in a landslide.

To each their own. :cool:
 
#26 · (Edited)
F.S. To all those that might be looking for a like new 2011-2013 WK2, I have my 2012 Overland 4X4, V8, ACC with only 5500 miles on it for sale in showroom condition. Dealer will give me 36K on trade towards the 14 Summit which is on a railcar on its way to me on the west coast. Anyone interested, pm me.
 
#31 · (Edited)
I don't know why people are getting worked up and attacking each other on here. The looks are subjective, but overall the 2014 is a better vehicle, the next refresh/redesign will be better yet and so on. That is the nature of progress, get over it people.
If you disagree with Bigr, you are wrong. If you don't believe me, just ask him. :lol:





.
 
#30 · (Edited)
While I was and still am not in love with the smiley grill and rounded rear lenses, I was pleasantly surprised once finally seeing a 14 in person yesterday. The only aesthetic change I had a strong reaction to are the tails' new chrome surrounds on the reverse lenses, but that is just me.

Neither do I feel it is a totally different vehicle to the positive extreme, but I will say the dash instrumentation, 8.4" screen, and potentially 8 speed tranny (did not drive) are significant upgrades.

Well done Jeep, gotta give 'em props on both gen WK2's.

Xpost here from the monster thread: http://www.jeepgarage.org/f73/2014-grand-cherokee-features-and-changes-40291-899.html#post774704
 
#34 ·
While I was and still am not in love with the smiley grill and rounded rear lenses, I was pleasantly surprised once finally seeing a 14 in person yesterday. The only aesthetic change I had a strong reaction to are the tails' new chrome surrounds on the reverse lenses, but that is just me.

Neither do I feel it is a totally different vehicle to the positive extreme, but I will say the dash instrumentation, 8.4" screen, and potentially 8 speed tranny (did not drive) are significant upgrades.

Well done Jeep, gotta give 'em props on both gen WK2's.

Xpost here from the monster thread: http://www.jeepgarage.org/f73/2014-grand-cherokee-features-and-changes-40291-899.html#post774704
I agree with you on the taillights which is why I want to see if I can swap in the SRT headlights and taillights.
 
#32 ·
God forbid someone not like the 2014 gasp! Must be jealous, butthurt, or whatever. Lol the immaturity associated with comments like that is mind boggling. Obviously most, if not all, of us are old enough to drive and afford to buy a car, yet some of you guys are acting like elementary school kids, lol.

What about me? I personally am not a huge fan of the styling of the 2014s. I'm hoping it will grow on me because I'm currently without a car after my WK got totalled. I plan on buying a Jeep outright or at the least putting down 30k for a downpayment if it's a 2014. Summit or Overland. I just can't get into the styling of the 2014 at all.

To each their own i guess, right?
 
#106 ·
God forbid someone not like the 2014 gasp! Must be jealous, butthurt, or whatever. Lol the immaturity associated with comments like that is mind boggling. Obviously most, if not all, of us are old enough to drive and afford to buy a car, yet some of you guys are acting like elementary school kids, lol.
The butthurt is strong in this thread!
I don't think there is butthurt, just preferences.

I've looked at a lot of pictures and have seen the 2014 in person at the car show, I am planning on getting by Jeep and driving a 2014, maybe tomorrow.

Try as I might...I just do not like the new front end. I like the rear, and I love the changes on the inside and the new infotainment options, instrument cluster, etc. I'm sure the 8 speed makes the V6 much smoother to drive, and the diesel is a great new option.

But, I just don't like the new front clip. To me its less masculine, less aggressive which is what I really like about the WK2. The shorter grille, and the wraparound "smiley" look just doesn't do it to me, especially from 1/4 angles. For some reason too the interior options don't excite me up in the Overland/Summit range with the loss of the Saddle interior, and the exterior trim changes on the Summit model don't excite me at all.

I'm sure it's a great upgrade, but for me that magic attraction I had with the 11-13 just isn't there. Not sour grapes...I could go upgrade to a 2014 tomorrow if I wanted to...I'm gonna stick with what I have for another 1.5 years or so and think about getting something with 3 rows. Grand Wagoneer maybe if it exists, or maybe an Infiniti JX...
I'll mention that it was the announcement of the 2014 Grand Cherokee refresh that piqued my interest in upgrading from a Patriot to a GC. My full intention was to purchase a 2014. I test-drove a 2013 and a 2014, and I just couldn't get past the styling of the 2014. I could have purchased one, but my preference was the 2013. There wasn't much more that a 2014 could offer than a 2013. The differences were negligible. It's a refresh, not a redesign, people!
 
#37 ·
RE: My original Post on "Not Impressed with 2014 -- I have have had 2 ZJs, (96, 97), 1 WJ (03), 1 WK (05) and now the 12 WK2. Still think my 03 WJ was one of the best style wise. And for you design doubters, look at a Compass fron view next to a new 14 GC ... you'll be shocked. Would like to have the 8 speed and a few other toys but will wait to the 16 redesign.
 
#43 ·
Land vehicle Vehicle Car Motor vehicle Jeep


Side by side as requested in an earlier post. I like both, however the 2014 interior has some nice improvements over the 2013.
 
#61 ·
View attachment 20733

Side by side as requested in an earlier post. I like both, however the 2014 interior has some nice improvements over the 2013.
That was me, thanks! now...this might be asking much, how about two bright white Overland side by side?? Thanks in advance if you can make that happen!
 
#45 ·
Lol, you guys are almost as bad as the 05-10 mustang owners vs 11+ mustang owners.

To each their own, everyone has different wants and needs and if someone finds it worthwhile to upgrade their 2 year old GC to a 2014, then more power to them. One of the perks of owning a vehicle with decent resale value.
 
#46 ·
It actually kind of sucks for me. I want to like the 2014 so much. After my WK was wrecked, i was given a very nice check (adjuster was good to me for sure) of almost 30k. I can easily put that as a nice downpayment on either a 2012/13/14 Summit or Overland. Payments really aren't that much of an issue since i don't owe anything anywhere in my life but I don't know, for some reason I just cannot get into the 2014.

I'm giving it a few more weeks lol
 
#48 ·
It actually kind of sucks for me. I want to like the 2014 so much. After my WK was wrecked, i was given a very nice check (adjuster was good to me for sure) of almost 30k. I can easily put that as a nice downpayment on either a 2012/13/14 Summit or Overland. Payments really aren't that much of an issue since i don't owe anything anywhere in my life but I don't know, for some reason I just cannot get into the 2014.

I'm giving it a few more weeks lol
If you need any pricing info, let me know. Got plenty of 2013 Grand Cherokees here looking for a home, and a few pre-owned Limiteds/Overlands too.
 
#52 ·
That's alright, make the trip. Bring some pizza with you, ours sucks out here :lol: (I was born in New Jersey)
 
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