Buying a used 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4WD means checking its Quadra-Trac system for smooth operation. This SUV balances everyday comfort with real off-road capability. The Laredo trim is the base model, but it still offers plenty of value. You get a solid V6 engine, a refined interior, and that iconic Jeep styling. However, like any used vehicle, it has specific quirks you should know about.
This guide walks you through everything about the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4WD. We cover performance, common issues, maintenance tips, and what to look for when buying used. Let’s get started.
2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4Wd Overview
The 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4WD sits at the entry point of the Grand Cherokee lineup. It comes standard with a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine. This engine produces 295 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. It pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The 4WD system is the Quadra-Trac I, which is a full-time system. It sends power to all four wheels automatically. You don’t need to shift into 4WD manually.
This setup gives you confident traction on wet roads, light snow, and gravel. It’s not built for extreme rock crawling, but it handles most daily driving conditions well. The Laredo trim includes cloth seats, a 5-inch touchscreen, and keyless entry. You can add options like a larger screen or leather seats.
Key Specifications
- Engine: 3.6L V6 Pentastar
- Horsepower: 295 hp
- Torque: 260 lb-ft
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- 4WD System: Quadra-Trac I
- Fuel Economy: 18 city / 25 highway mpg
- Towing Capacity: 6,200 lbs
- Ground Clearance: 8.6 inches
What Makes The Laredo 4Wd Special
The Laredo 4WD is a great choice if you want a capable SUV without spending extra on luxury features. It has the same chassis and drivetrain as higher trims. The Quadra-Trac I system is simple and reliable. It uses a single-speed transfer case. This means less complexity and fewer potential failure points. The system automatically distributes torque between front and rear axles. It also uses brake traction control to help in slippery conditions.
Another plus is the towing capacity. At 6,200 pounds, you can tow a small boat or a camper trailer. The V6 engine provides enough grunt for daily driving and light towing. The eight-speed transmission shifts smoothly and helps with fuel economy.
Common Issues With The 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4Wd
No vehicle is perfect. The 2018 Grand Cherokee has some known problems. Being aware of them helps you make a smart purchase. Here are the most common issues reported by owners.
Transmission Hesitation
Some owners report that the eight-speed transmission hesitates when shifting. This is more noticeable at low speeds. The transmission might feel like it’s searching for the right gear. This issue is often fixed with a software update from the dealer. If you test drive a used model, pay attention to how it shifts from a stop. A slight delay is normal, but a hard clunk or jerking is not.
Electrical Gremlins
Electrical problems are common in this generation. The infotainment screen might freeze or go black. The backup camera may not display properly. Some owners have issues with the keyless entry system. These problems are usually intermittent. A battery disconnect or software update often resolves them. If the car has aftermarket electronics, check for wiring issues.
Coolant Leaks
The 3.6L Pentastar engine is known for coolant leaks. The leak often comes from the water pump or the thermostat housing. You might notice a sweet smell or see puddles under the front of the car. Check the coolant level regularly. If the engine overheats, stop driving immediately. Replacing the water pump is a common repair around 60,000 miles.
Quadra-Trac System Problems
The Quadra-Trac I system is generally reliable. However, some owners report a clunking noise when turning sharply. This can indicate a problem with the front differential or the transfer case. Listen for unusual noises during a test drive. Also, check the 4WD system by driving on a loose surface. The system should engage smoothly without hesitation.
Interior Wear
The Laredo trim has cloth seats that can stain easily. The driver’s seat may show wear on the side bolster. The steering wheel might develop a shiny spot from regular use. Check for cracks in the dashboard or door panels. These are cosmetic issues but can affect resale value.
Maintenance Tips For The 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4Wd
Proper maintenance keeps your Grand Cherokee running smoothly. Here are the most important tasks to follow.
Oil Changes
Use full synthetic oil with the correct viscosity. The recommended oil is 0W-20. Change it every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. The engine has a variable valve timing system that relies on clean oil. Skipping oil changes can lead to timing chain problems.
Transmission Fluid
The eight-speed transmission uses ZF fluid. Check the fluid level every 30,000 miles. Some mechanics recommend a fluid change at 60,000 miles. The transmission has a fill plug but no dipstick. A professional should do this service.
Coolant System
Flush the coolant every 5 years or 100,000 miles. Use the correct Mopar coolant. Check for leaks around the water pump and thermostat. Replace the thermostat if you see any signs of leakage.
4Wd System
Change the transfer case fluid every 60,000 miles. The front and rear differentials also need fluid changes. Use the correct gear oil. This keeps the Quadra-Trac system working properly.
Tires And Brakes
Rotate tires every 5,000 miles. The Grand Cherokee is heavy, so brakes wear faster. Check brake pads at every oil change. Replace them when they are 3mm thick or less.
Buying A Used 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4Wd
When shopping for a used model, follow these steps to avoid problems.
- Get A Vehicle History Report – Check for accidents, title issues, and service records. A clean history is a good sign.
- Inspect The Exterior – Look for rust, dents, and mismatched paint. Check the undercarriage for off-road damage.
- Check The Interior – Test all electronics. Make sure the infotainment screen works. Check the air conditioning and heat.
- Test Drive – Drive on different roads. Listen for noises from the transmission and 4WD system. Test the brakes for vibration.
- Check The 4Wd System – Find a gravel road or loose surface. Drive slowly and turn sharply. Listen for clunks. The system should engage smoothly.
- Inspect Under The Hood – Look for coolant leaks. Check the oil level and color. Look for signs of overheating.
- Get A Pre-Purchase Inspection – Have a trusted mechanic check the vehicle. They can find issues you might miss.
What To Pay
The price of a used 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4WD varies by mileage and condition. Expect to pay between $18,000 and $25,000. Higher mileage models cost less. Models with optional packages like the Luxury Group cost more. Check local listings to get a fair price.
Performance And Driving Experience
The 2018 Grand Cherokee Laredo 4WD drives well for a midsize SUV. The V6 engine provides adequate power. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph takes about 7.5 seconds. That’s not fast, but it’s enough for merging onto highways. The eight-speed transmission shifts smoothly. It keeps the engine in the power band.
The ride is comfortable on paved roads. The suspension absorbs bumps well. The steering is light but accurate. Body roll is present in corners, but it’s controlled. The 4WD system provides confidence in rain or light snow. The ground clearance is enough for dirt roads and mild trails.
Off-Road Capability
The Quadra-Trac I system is not as advanced as the Quadra-Drive II system found in higher trims. It lacks a low-range transfer case. This means it’s not ideal for serious off-roading. However, it handles gravel, mud, and snow well. The brake traction control helps when one wheel loses grip. For most people, this is enough.
If you plan to off-road often, consider a Trailhawk or Overland trim. Those have more advanced 4WD systems and better ground clearance.
Interior And Comfort
The Laredo interior is basic but functional. Cloth seats are standard. They are comfortable for long drives. The front seats have manual adjustment. The rear seats offer decent legroom. The cargo area is 36.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats. Folding the seats gives you 68.3 cubic feet. That’s enough for luggage, groceries, or sports equipment.
The infotainment system is the Uconnect 5.0. It has a 5-inch touchscreen. It includes Bluetooth, a USB port, and an auxiliary input. The screen is small by modern standards. You can upgrade to the 8.4-inch screen with navigation. The sound system is adequate but not premium.
Common Interior Complaints
- Cloth seats stain easily
- Hard plastic on dashboard and doors
- Limited storage for small items
- No USB ports in the rear
Safety Features
The 2018 Grand Cherokee Laredo 4WD comes with standard safety features. These include:
- Antilock brakes
- Stability control
- Traction control
- Front and side airbags
- Rearview camera
Advanced safety features are optional. These include blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, and forward collision warning. The Grand Cherokee earned a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. The IIHS gave it good ratings in most crash tests.
Fuel Economy
The EPA estimates 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. Real-world driving often yields around 20 mpg combined. This is average for a midsize SUV. The 24.6-gallon fuel tank gives you a good range. You can drive about 450 miles on the highway between fill-ups.
Comparison With Competitors
The 2018 Grand Cherokee Laredo 4WD competes with other midsize SUVs. Here’s how it stacks up.
Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer offers more third-row seating. The Grand Cherokee has a more refined interior. The Explorer has a better infotainment system. The Grand Cherokee has better off-road capability.
Toyota 4Runner
The Toyota 4Runner is more rugged and reliable. It has better off-road capability. The Grand Cherokee is more comfortable on pavement. The 4Runner has worse fuel economy and a dated interior.
Honda Pilot
The Honda Pilot has more interior space and better fuel economy. The Grand Cherokee has a more upscale feel. The Pilot is more family-friendly. The Grand Cherokee is more fun to drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4WD reliable?
Overall, yes. The Pentastar V6 engine is reliable. The transmission is solid. However, electrical issues and coolant leaks are common. Regular maintenance helps prevent major problems.
What is the towing capacity of the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4WD?
It can tow up to 6,200 pounds when properly equipped. This is enough for a small boat, camper, or utility trailer.
Does the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4WD have a low-range transfer case?
No. The Quadra-Trac I system is a full-time 4WD without low range. For serious off-roading, you need the Quadra-Drive II system with low range.
What are common problems with the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4WD?
Common issues include transmission hesitation, electrical glitches, coolant leaks, and interior wear. The 4WD system is generally reliable but can develop clunking noises.
How long does the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4WD last?
With proper maintenance, it can last 200,000 miles or more. The engine and transmission are durable. Rust and electrical issues are the main concerns in older models.
Final Thoughts
The 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4WD is a solid used SUV. It offers a good balance of comfort, capability, and value. The Quadra-Trac I system works well for daily driving and light off-road use. The V6 engine provides enough power for most needs. The interior is basic but functional.
When buying used, focus on maintenance history and common issues. Check the transmission, cooling system, and 4WD system. A pre-purchase inspection is worth the cost. If you find a well-maintained example, you’ll get a reliable and enjoyable SUV.
The Grand Cherokee Laredo 4WD is not perfect. It has some quirks and potential problems. But it’s a capable vehicle that holds its value well. If you need a midsize SUV with real 4WD capability, this is a strong contender. Take your time, do your research, and you’ll find a good one.