[cjindc]

Morning all!

Ok, I currently have a 04 grand Cherokee Overland V8…love the car. What did I love about it? I loved the fact that no matter how much snow we got in DC I was able to plow though it…I loved the ability to take it on the beach down at the Outer Banks and ride the sand dunes. I loved taking it camping and driving on trails (well, to be honest I the trails in VA would be considered non-paved roads out west). And I loved driving it in the city and suburbs. I just loved that I could take it almost anywhere and I knew I would be fine (never took it on rocks or anything out west, not that cool). The freedom the car gave me (wasn’t worried when I drove over curbs, potholes, snow, sand, etc) was awesome. In short, the car was a perfect fit. <O></O>
Now 10 years and a 169,542 (as of this morning) later my jeep is showing its age and it’s time for a new one.
<O</O
When I bought the car I was single, now I’m married with Kids on the horizon..so my wife and I went out and drove a ton of SUV’s and the 2014 Grand Cherokee V8 Summit was the winner (To be honest, I fell in love with the V8 X5, but there is no was in hell I’m going pay $80,000). <O</O

But one question still bugs me…<O</O

Do the differences between the 2014 V8 Summit and 2014 V8 Overland Really matter for me? Other than the skid plates and tow hooks, is there any real difference (the overland has a better stereo and cooler headlights which I want)?
<O</O
I’ve been looking allot on line and I’ve been having a hard time finding out. <O

My dealer says that he can order the skid plates/hooks and install them…but would it even matter? Does my poser level of off-roading even warrant the addition expense? Would installed the skid plates on the Summit cause problems? And most of all, will the 2014 V8 Summit Allow me to do anything my 2004 Overland does?
<O</O
Your wisdom requested allThanks!<O</O

CJ<O</O

Ps..<O</O

Here is the Summit I’m thinking of:
<O</O
http://www.chrysler.com/hostd/windowsticker/getWindowStickerPdf.do?vin=1C4RJFJT1EC213187
<O</O
<OAnd the Overland I’m comparing it to:
<O</O
http://www.chrysler.com/hostd/windowsticker/getWindowStickerPdf.do?vin=1C4RJFCTXEC239512<O></O>

 

[mfa81]

hey cjindc


You should be fine with any of them, but a few things you got wrong, the summit is the one with better stereo and cooler headlights, not the overland!

you should have no problems getting the skid plates on the summit, but you can not install hooks without opening space (aka cut) the bumper fascia, the summit have all the under the hood stuff for the hooks but the bumper fascia is solid, no openings for them!

it looks to me that the overland+oraii is a good match for you! in this case you don't get a few tech features and fine finishes from the summit, but you have the offroad ability and more aggressive look of the overland!

only you can say what's more important! I had the same issue and decided for the summit since spring, summer and fall I only drive in the city, winter is the only time I would drive in a more rough terrain going to ski resorts also I had s better deal on the summit! but I'm sure I would be just fine with the overland!

there are a few other threads discussing the same thing, search and take a look what people said, it might help you!

 

[cjindc]

Thanks! I'm reading now

 

[Beski]

Read this before you commit to a CD Player !! I have 2,500 songs loaded on my SD Card and it's been GREAT !! (And I LOVE the Summit Stereo System !!)

http://www.jeepgarage.org/f73/the-official-i-want-to-remove-my-14-cd-player-thread-56547.html

 

[cjindc]

Going to be honest, Beski...my first reaction is..Hell no, I need a cdplayer...then I realized I wasn't in 2003 anymore...I can't even remember the last time I used a CD for music...All of it's on my Ipod (160g) and Iphone. I didnt realize how much space the player took up.

Good advice! thanks!

 

[zeprider25]

in my opinion you don't need a skidplate or tow hooks.

the minimal off roading you do can be handled by either model

 

[studio1930]

in my opinion you don't need a skidplate or tow hooks.

the minimal off roading you do can be handled by either model

You are probably correct about the skid plates for the OPs usage, but I just smashed into a full size 18-wheeler re-tread which bounced along my skids without doing any damage to the under side of my 2014 GC Overland. I am not too sure it wouldn't have done some damage without the skids.

I also ran over a full size curb perpendicular (hotel unloading zone with a very thin 8" wide curb sticking out an extra 15 feet) late at night since I didn't see it. I didn't hit anything other than the tires and banged the shocks since the Jeep sits up high enough but I was glad the skids were there just in case.

18" tires also absorb the road better than the 20".

Yeah, don't get the CD player.

Food for thought.

 

[Husker4theSpurs]

To me it comes down to which look you like better ...

The Summit doesn't look as good to me and I don't care for the rims as much as the Overland. One thing that could push me to the Summit would be the upgraded stereo. Another thing to consider would be the interior color. If you like Jeep Brown it only comes in the Summit. If you choose black interior in the Summit you get silver trim rather than copper trim you would get in the Overland. The headliner is a suede like material in the Summit as well. You can get the same looking headlights on the Overland as the Summit but they wouldn't be adaptive in the Overland.

 

[Keirik]

hey cjindc


You should be fine with any of them, but a few things you got wrong, the summit is the one with better stereo and cooler headlights, not the overland!

you should have no problems getting the skid plates on the summit, but you can not install hooks without opening space (aka cut) the bumper fascia, the summit have all the under the hood stuff for the hooks but the bumper fascia is solid, no openings for them!

it looks to me that the overland+oraii is a good match for you! in this case you don't get a few tech features and fine finishes from the summit, but you have the offroad ability and more aggressive look of the overland!

only you can say what's more important! I had the same issue and decided for the summit since spring, summer and fall I only drive in the city, winter is the only time I would drive in a more rough terrain going to ski resorts also I had s better deal on the summit! but I'm sure I would be just fine with the overland!

there are a few other threads discussing the same thing, search and take a look what people said, it might help you!

Well, there is actually something you have wrong as well. The summit headlights and Overland headlights are the exact same thing. Design, LED, everything is the same. The only difference is that the Summit has headlight washers and they are adaptive. Not sure if that is what you meant? The limited has different headlights unless you get a specific package that comes standard on both the Summit and Overland

Also, the dealer can't add front tow hooks to the Summit as far as i know. That is, he can't unless he cuts out part of the front grille which someone did here on the board. However, there is no delete area to remove so it would be literally cutting plastic, not just removing a specific OEM part of the grille without modifying it with a hacksaw. If I'm wrong, please someone correct me.

Rims are different, exhaust tips are different, and the Summit, unless you get Granite, has a granite sideskirt that goes all the way around regardless of what color you get. I don't like that at all. Rims are a matter of preference, but I just personally feel that the Summit look more like a soccer mom's car while the Overland looks more like a Jeep (no offense to anyone, just a matter of taste)
What i do wish is that I could have gotten the HK stereo on the Overland and brown seats, both of which are exclusive to the Summit.

 

[mfa81]

Well, there is actually something you have wrong as well. The summit headlights and Overland headlights are the exact same thing. Design, LED, everything is the same. The only difference is that the Summit has headlight washers and they are adaptive. Not sure if that is what you meant? The limited has different headlights unless you get a specific package that comes standard on both the Summit and Overland

Also, the dealer can't add front tow hooks to the Summit as far as i know. That is, he can't unless he cuts out part of the front grille which someone did here on the board. However, there is no delete area to remove so it would be literally cutting plastic, not just removing a specific OEM part of the grille without modifying it with a hacksaw. If I'm wrong, please someone correct me.

Rims are different, exhaust tips are different, and the Summit, unless you get Granite, has a granite sideskirt that goes all the way around regardless of what color you get. I don't like that at all. Rims are a matter of preference, but I just personally feel that the Summit look more like a soccer mom's car while the Overland looks more like a Jeep (no offense to anyone, just a matter of taste)
What i do wish is that I could have gotten the HK stereo on the Overland and brown seats, both of which are exclusive to the Summit.

yep, was talking about the adaptive thing, that's what I meant. totally agree with the soccer mom thing and jeep look, overland looks more like a jeep, think the hooks and the exposed hitch have a lot to do with that! even though a drive a summit

and you are right about the hooks it's weird the dealer said he would install

 

[acilate]

I had the exact same problem, cjindc. I wanted a definitive list of the exact differences between the two models. Such a list doesn't exist. Most of the items have been listed here:

Skid plates
tow hooks
Adaptive headlights
HK Stereo
Interior and Exterior colors

Also, the Overland doesn't have front park assist.

Don't worry though, A summit is nearly as capable as the Overland off road. You probably don't need the skid plates and tow hooks for what you do.

 

[mceb]

I got front tow hooks (chrome) on my overland, I think they are standard because I got the base overland. IMO you don't need skid plates for doing light off roading (dirt roads etc). I say get the Overland (check out the indigo / brown interior) and save some cash. Can put some of the saving into lifetime warranty because you keep car high miles like me.

ps front tow hooks also make for nice tie down points for bow lines if you car top a boat / canoe or kayak. Stern lines tie into hooks on trailer hitch.

 

[Jim_in_PA]

Here's a recent and very long thread on the same topic...

http://www.jeepgarage.org/f73/2014-overland-vs-summit-57717.html

For the record, I don't feel naked with out skid-plates or 18" wheels/tires for my use which is 99% highway driving. The 20" wheels/tires are smooth and I get excellent fuel economy. The only time I'm "off road" is occasionally nasty parking situations at a horse show.

 

[Jeff_Jeske]

I wouldn't by anything that didn't have the rear LSD.

I have tried both those with and without in snow and ice and the QD2 vehicles are noticeably superior.

 

[lstowell]

The Summit is available with the Quadralift isn't it?
If so, you should be able to raise the Summit enough to get over stuff like cut stumps, but if the trails are more like really rough but no big rock type unpaved roads, you shouldn't even need that.

If there are any trails local that are like the ones you use out of state, test drive the Summit on them--that way the dealer would be paying for any rock damage

The air suspension is really really nice on rough roads, where a solid rear axle [and/or front] will bounce all over the place on faster rough roads, the air suspension just shrugs most of it off, e.g. Switzerland Trail in Colorado.

The Overland is In My Non-Humble Opinion, the sweet spot of the GC range, but you aren't me.

As for being faced with the really tough choice of an Overland or Summit, awwww, poor baby--life must be rough.

 

[Jim_in_PA]

The Summit is available with the Quadralift isn't it?

Standard on the 4x4....

 

[Willx]

So do you guys/girls think I am a Soccer Mom because I want a Summit ?

BTW, as i did drive a Summit for a week, I will never be happy with another stock Stereo again. If anyone has #41 by Dave Matthews at the Mile hile Music Festival, use that to test out that system. It doesn't need to be too loud but that Kick drum actually sounds and feels just like it should Live!

OK, back to being a soccer mom (and no I am not a 40 something dude in pleather pants because I like the odd DM song either)!

 

[studio1930]

I wouldn't by anything that didn't have the rear LSD.

I have tried both those with and without in snow and ice and the QD2 vehicles are noticeably superior.

I would have ordered the LSD for my Overland but you had to go to a V8 to get it. Crazy. Does it really take V8 power to run a LSD? I would think not but I don't know.

 

[h2obuff]

I fought this very same thing.

Here is how I looked at it:

Overland -
Top of the line Basic GC
Great looks (more rugged), standard tow hooks
ORII package option (18" wheels and tires with skids(

Summit -
More akin to a SRT with regular engine (bumpers and fenders are the same on the two vehicles)
HK stereo
Dark Brown interior
Auburn exterior
Few more tech features (adaptive headlights, washers, FWD Collision, etc)

I wasn't a fan of eh Summit wheels but they grew on me. I do use eh tow hooks (boats and i get stuck a time or two a year it seems). In the end, I didn't think I wanted a set of $150 tow hooks to be the deciding factor. I drive 30-35k a year and so i wanted all the safety feature and the HK stereo. Plus after seeing the Auburn exterior, i knew that was the color i wanted and its only available on the Summit.

If you look at my threads, I did add the tow hooks to my Summit. Not the prettiest, but they work. I am in development and drive a lot, but go off road in various conditions weekly, so the GC is the best overall vehicle for me. The Summit can do everything the Overland can, except take off the front facia. But with the QL set to the highest, I don't think I will ever need to do that anyway.

Regardless what you decide I am sure you will be happy with whatever you pick. I have been very happy with my Summit and do not regret getting it at all. The only thing I regret is that Jeep fooled me into thinking I could get a Diesel one day and I wasted 6 months waiting.