The 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4WD system uses a full-time transfer case for all-weather traction. This SUV combines rugged capability with everyday comfort. You get a vehicle that handles snow, rain, and light trails without fuss. The Laredo trim is the base model, but it packs serious value. Let’s break down what makes this 4WD system tick and why it might be your next ride.
The Quadra-Trac I system is standard on the 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4WD. It is a single-speed transfer case that works automatically. You don’t need to push buttons or shift levers. The system sends power to the wheels that need it most. This makes driving simple in tricky conditions. You just focus on the road ahead.
Fuel economy is decent for a full-size SUV. The 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4WD gets around 17 mpg city and 23 mpg highway with the V6 engine. That’s not bad for a vehicle this size. The 5.7-liter V8 option drops those numbers a bit but adds serious towing power. You can pull up to 7,400 pounds with the V8. That is enough for a small boat or camper.
2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4Wd Overview
The 2013 model year brought some nice updates. The interior got better materials and a cleaner design. The Laredo trim includes cloth seats, a 6.5-inch touchscreen, and Bluetooth connectivity. You also get keyless entry and a backup camera. These features were not standard on earlier models. The 4WD system adds confidence in bad weather. It is a solid choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts.
There are two engine choices for the 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4WD. The base engine is a 3.6-liter V6 with 290 horsepower. It pairs with a five-speed automatic transmission. The optional 5.7-liter V8 makes 360 horsepower. Both engines work well with the Quadra-Trac I system. The V6 is smooth for daily driving. The V8 gives you extra grunt for towing or off-road adventures.
The ride quality is supple on pavement. The independent front and rear suspension absorbs bumps well. You don’t feel every crack in the road. The cabin stays quiet at highway speeds. Wind noise is minimal for a boxy SUV. The seats are supportive for long trips. You can drive for hours without getting sore.
Quadra-Trac I 4WD System Details
The Quadra-Trac I system is full-time 4WD. It uses a single-speed transfer case with a 2.72:1 low-range ratio. Wait, that’s for Quadra-Trac II. The Quadra-Trac I does not have low range. It is a simpler system for on-road traction. The system sends power to the rear wheels normally. When it detects slip, it sends torque to the front wheels. This happens in milliseconds. You won’t even notice it working.
The system uses a multi-plate clutch pack in the transfer case. This clutch engages to send power forward. It is controlled by the vehicle’s electronics. The system monitors wheel speed, throttle position, and steering angle. It adjusts power delivery based on conditions. This gives you confident traction on wet roads or gravel. It is not for hardcore rock crawling, but it handles snow well.
Ground clearance is 8.6 inches on the Laredo 4WD. That is enough for most dirt roads and light trails. The approach angle is 26 degrees. The departure angle is 24 degrees. These numbers are decent for a crossover-style SUV. You can tackle mild off-road paths without worry. Just don’t expect to climb boulders like a Wrangler.
Interior Comfort And Cargo Space
The cabin of the 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4WD is roomy. Front passengers get 39.9 inches of headroom and 40.3 inches of legroom. Rear passengers have 39.2 inches of headroom and 38.6 inches of legroom. That is enough for adults in the back. The seats are firm but comfortable. Cloth upholstery is standard. It holds up well over time.
Cargo space is generous. Behind the rear seats, you get 35.1 cubic feet. Fold the rear seats down, and that expands to 68.7 cubic feet. The load floor is flat when the seats are down. This makes it easy to haul furniture or camping gear. The liftgate is power-operated on some models. That is a handy feature when your hands are full.
Storage cubbies are scattered throughout the cabin. The center console is deep. The door pockets hold water bottles. There is a bin under the front passenger seat. The glovebox is average size. You can stow small items easily. The overall layout is practical and user-friendly.
Technology And Safety Features
The 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4WD comes with a 6.5-inch touchscreen. It runs the Uconnect system. You get Bluetooth for phone calls and music streaming. There is a USB port and an auxiliary input. The system is easy to use. Menus are straightforward. Response times are quick for the era.
Safety features include stability control, traction control, and four-wheel antilock brakes. Side curtain airbags are standard for all rows. A backup camera is included. It helps when parking in tight spots. The 2013 Grand Cherokee earned good crash test scores from the IIHS. It got top marks in most categories.
Optional safety tech includes rear parking sensors and a blind-spot monitoring system. These are worth finding on the used market. They add an extra layer of confidence. The Laredo trim does not offer adaptive cruise control or lane keep assist. Those were reserved for higher trims. Still, the standard safety kit is solid.
Driving Experience And Performance
The 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4WD drives smoothly on the highway. The V6 engine provides adequate power for merging and passing. The five-speed transmission shifts smoothly. It is not as quick as modern eight-speeds, but it gets the job done. The steering is light and easy to maneuver in parking lots.
Off-road capability is limited but present. The Quadra-Trac I system handles loose gravel and dirt well. You can drive on sandy beaches without getting stuck. The system automatically adjusts traction. You just steer and apply throttle. It is not a hardcore off-roader, but it is more capable than most crossovers.
Towing capacity is a strong point. With the V6, you can tow up to 5,000 pounds. The V8 bumps that to 7,400 pounds. The 4WD system helps when towing on slippery surfaces. The trailer sway control is standard. It applies brakes to individual wheels to keep the trailer straight. This is a nice safety feature.
Common Issues To Watch For
The 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4WD has some known problems. The most common is the air suspension system on higher trims. The Laredo does not have air suspension, so you avoid that headache. But the Quadra-Trac I system can develop leaks in the transfer case. Check for fluid leaks under the vehicle.
Electrical issues are also reported. The touchscreen can freeze or go blank. This is usually a software problem. A reset often fixes it. The power window switches can fail. Replacement is straightforward. The check engine light may come on for minor issues. A diagnostic scan is cheap.
The five-speed transmission is generally reliable. But some owners report rough shifting. This is often due to low fluid or old fluid. A fluid change can help. The V6 engine has a timing chain that lasts a long time. The V8 has a timing belt that needs replacement around 100,000 miles. Factor that into your budget.
Maintenance Tips For Longevity
Regular oil changes are key. Use synthetic oil for best results. Change it every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. The transfer case fluid should be changed every 60,000 miles. This keeps the 4WD system working smoothly. The differential fluid also needs changing at the same interval.
Check the tires regularly. The 4WD system works best with matched tires. Uneven wear can cause driveline binding. Rotate tires every 5,000 miles. Keep them properly inflated. The recommended pressure is 36 psi for most tires. Check the owner’s manual for your specific size.
Brake pads wear faster on heavier vehicles. Inspect them every 20,000 miles. Replace them before they get too thin. The rotors may warp over time. This causes vibration when braking. Resurfacing or replacement is needed. Use quality parts for best results.
Comparing The Laredo To Other Trims
The 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4WD is the base trim. It lacks some luxury features found on the Limited and Overland. The Limited adds leather seats, a better sound system, and heated seats. The Overland gets air suspension and premium interior materials. The Laredo is more affordable and simpler.
The Laredo does not have the Quadra-Trac II system with low range. That is optional on the Limited and standard on the Overland. If you plan serious off-roading, look for a model with Quadra-Trac II. But for daily driving and light trails, the Quadra-Trac I is fine. It saves weight and complexity.
The Laredo also lacks the larger 8.4-inch touchscreen. The 6.5-inch screen is smaller but functional. You miss out on navigation unless it was optioned. Many owners just use their phone for GPS. The sound system is adequate but not premium. These are trade-offs for the lower price.
Fuel Economy Real-World Numbers
Real-world fuel economy for the 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4WD varies. Owners report around 18 mpg combined with the V6. City driving drops to 15-16 mpg. Highway cruising can reach 24-25 mpg if you drive gently. The V8 gets about 14 mpg combined. That is a big difference.
Driving style affects fuel economy a lot. Aggressive acceleration kills mileage. Smooth inputs help. Using cruise control on the highway saves gas. The 4WD system adds some weight and drag. You lose about 1-2 mpg compared to the 2WD version. But the traction benefit is worth it in snowy areas.
Towing drops fuel economy significantly. Expect 10-12 mpg when towing a trailer. The engine works harder. Plan for more frequent fuel stops. The 24.6-gallon fuel tank gives decent range. You can go about 400 miles on the highway between fill-ups.
Buying A Used 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4Wd
Prices for a used 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4WD vary by condition and mileage. Expect to pay between $10,000 and $18,000. Lower mileage examples cost more. Look for one with service records. This shows the owner took care of it. A clean Carfax report is a plus.
Check for rust on the undercarriage. Salt belt cars can have corrosion. The frame and suspension components are vulnerable. Surface rust is normal. Deep rust is a red flag. Also check the transfer case for leaks. A small seep is okay. A puddle is not.
Test drive the vehicle. Listen for clunks or vibrations. The transmission should shift smoothly. The 4WD system should engage without noise. Drive on a gravel road to test traction. The system should feel seamless. If it jerks or hesitates, there may be a problem.
Aftermarket Upgrades And Modifications
Many owners upgrade the 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4WD. A lift kit is popular. You can add 2-3 inches of lift for better ground clearance. This allows larger tires. The ride quality changes with a lift. It can become stiffer. Choose a quality kit for best results.
All-terrain tires are a common upgrade. They improve traction on dirt and snow. They also look more aggressive. The stock tires are highway-focused. Swapping to all-terrains gives you more capability. Just expect a slight drop in fuel economy and more road noise.
Performance upgrades include a cold air intake and exhaust. These add a few horsepower and a better sound. They do not dramatically change performance. The V6 responds well to a tune. A professional tuner can unlock more power. This is a more expensive mod.
Off-Road Capabilities In Detail
The 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4WD can handle moderate off-road trails. The 8.6 inches of ground clearance is enough for most obstacles. The short overhangs help with approach and departure angles. The 4WD system provides good traction on loose surfaces. You can climb mild hills without wheel spin.
Rock crawling is not recommended. The Quadra-Trac I lacks low range. The suspension is not designed for extreme articulation. You will bottom out on large rocks. The underbody protection is minimal. There are no skid plates standard. You can add aftermarket ones for protection.
Sand driving is fun. The 4WD system keeps you moving. Lower tire pressure for better flotation. The V6 has enough power to push through soft sand. The V8 is even better. Just avoid deep ruts. The Grand Cherokee is heavy and can sink if you stop.
Final Thoughts On The 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4Wd
The 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4WD is a versatile SUV. It offers good traction, decent fuel economy, and a comfortable ride. The interior is practical and roomy. The technology is dated but functional. It is a solid choice for families or outdoor lovers on a budget.
Common issues are manageable with proper maintenance. The 4WD system is reliable for daily use. It is not a hardcore off-roader, but it handles snow and light trails well. The towing capacity is impressive for the class. You get a lot of value for the money.
If you find a well-maintained example, it will serve you for years. The 2013 model year is a good balance of features and reliability. Just budget for potential repairs. The Grand Cherokee is a capable and comfortable SUV that holds its own in the used market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4WD Good In Snow?
Yes, it performs well in snow. The full-time 4WD system provides good traction. Ground clearance helps in deeper snow. Good winter tires improve it further.
What Is The Towing Capacity Of The 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4WD?
With the V6 engine, it tows up to 5,000 pounds. The V8 increases that to 7,400 pounds. The 4WD system helps with stability when towing.
Does The 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4WD Have Low Range?
No, the Quadra-Trac I system does not have low range. It is a single-speed transfer case for on-road traction. Quadra-Trac II has low range on higher trims.
What Is The Fuel Economy Of The 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4WD?
EPA estimates are 17 mpg city and 23 mpg highway with the V6. Real-world numbers are around 18 mpg combined. The V8 gets about 14 mpg combined.
How Reliable Is The 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4WD?
Reliability is average. Common issues include transfer case leaks and electrical glitches. Regular maintenance helps. Many owners report high mileage without major problems.