Millions of people across the country dream of owning a Jeep one day. But, while these vehicles are very popular, they can also be quite expensive. This leads many people to wonder what drives the high price of Jeeps.
The high cost of Jeeps can be attributed to several factors. Some of these include their immense popularity, reliability, and the company’s lack of competition.
They’re quite versatile, and Jeep Wranglers in particular are known as one of the best off-road vehicles, which also impacts the high price point.
Below, we will discuss more information on the factors that influence the average price of Jeeps. We’ll also give you some advice on buying a Jeep at a reasonable price. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know.
Quick Navigation
What Makes Jeeps so Expensive?
The most influential factors in the cost of a Jeep are their popularity and off-road capabilities.
In addition, their overall performance and the company’s lack of direct competition make them more desirable, and therefore, more expensive. Below, we’ll discuss each of these factors in detail.
Their Popularity
Jeep has gathered a very loyal following over the past few decades. There are even Jeep festivals and events held every year, all across the country! Jeep owners pride themselves on their vehicles, and they are many peoples’ “dream cars.”
Because these SUVs are so popular, people are often willing to pay more for them. There’s a constant demand for Jeeps, which increases their resale value and leads them to depreciate slower than average.
Although all Jeep models are immensely desired, the Jeep Wrangler maintains its spot at the top of the list.
Their Off-Road Capabilities
Jeeps are multipurpose, versatile vehicles. They can navigate paved roads, as well as dirt, sand, and rock with ease. This makes them popular with anyone who likes a good adventure, and they are typically considered to be the best vehicles for off-road driving.
More Horsepower than Other SUVs
The Jeep Wrangler and Grand Cherokee are arguably the two most popular models. Both of these models boast a higher-than-average horsepower for their vehicle class.
The Wrangler is a compact SUV with 260-285 HP, compared to the national average of 240 HP. The Grand Cherokee has between 293-357 HP, compared to the national average of 280 HP for mid-size SUVs.
When you have more horsepower behind the wheel, you can accelerate quicker. This improves the vehicle’s overall performance because the engine does not have to work as hard to get up to the desired speed.
No Direct Competition
There is nothing quite like a Jeep. While many other manufacturers have attempted to create a vehicle that can compete with this brand, their popularity is unmatched. This manufacturer caters to a very niche market, one that no other company has been able to tap into.
Jeep has a great reputation as a reliable brand. Their vehicles are lightweight yet solid, and offer excellent control in any condition. The Wrangler in particular is so reliable and versatile that it has even been used by the U.S. Military!
What is the Average Price of a New Jeep?
While the average price differs based on which model you choose, expect to pay anywhere from $22,000-$90,000 for a new Jeep. In general, new Jeep Wranglers and Grand Cherokees come with the highest price tags.
The table below will highlight the price range of several different 2022 Jeep models. Keep in mind that this cost can range significantly based on the options you choose.
| Model | Low-End Cost | High-End Cost |
| Wrangler | $30,000 | $75,000 |
| Grand Cherokee | $35,000 | $90,000 |
| Renegade | $22,000 | $30,000 |
| Compass | $25,000 | $35,000 |
The low-end cost of new Jeep models is not too far out of reach for most people. However, you may want more than just the basic features that these less expensive models offer. If this is the case, consider looking into used models.
How Much Do Used Jeeps Cost?
If you’re looking to spend a bit less than you would on a new Jeep, there are many lightly-used models available for resale. The average price decreases quite a bit when you look at vehicles made just a couple of years earlier.
| Model Name | Average Cost for 2015 Model Year | Average Cost for 2020 Model Year |
| Wrangler | $20,000-$30,000 | $35,000-$40,000 |
| Grand Cherokee | $10,000-$25,000 | $30,000-$40,000 |
| Renegade | $15,000-$20,000 | $20,000-$25,000 |
| Compass | $15,000-$20,000 | $25,000-$30,000 |
In addition to a lower price, used Jeep models often offer more than just base-level features. These may include a turbocharged engine, four-wheel drive, or luxury features like heated seats.
Are Jeeps Expensive to Insure?
Despite their high initial cost, Jeeps are no more expensive to insure than any other vehicle. In fact, some Jeep models even fall below the national average in terms of insurance costs!
The average cost of car insurance in the United States is approximately $133 per month, or just under $1,600 per year. You can see how different Jeep vehicles compare in the table below.
| Model Name | Average Monthly Premium | Average Annual Premium |
| Wrangler | $135 | $1,617 |
| Grand Cherokee | $118 | $1,414 |
| Renegade | $123 | $1,481 |
| Compass | $116 | $1,391 |
Typically, insurance costs for Jeeps are below the national average. This is due to their safety features, study parts, and high crash test ratings.
What Safety Features Do Jeeps Include?
While the safety features included in your vehicle will depend on the options you choose, the newest Jeeps offer everything you need to stay safe on the road.
Some of these may include
4-wheel drive
A back-up camera
Parking assistance
Roll-over prevention
Blind-spot monitoring
Lane departure warnings
Forward collision warnings
SOS call and assistance buttons
Due to safety features like these, Jeeps boast some of the lowest overall losses in collisions. SUVs in general are known to be much safer than sedans and station wagons, and Jeep is among the best.
Are Jeeps Expensive to Maintain?
Over the years, Jeeps have gotten a bad reputation as “money pits.” However, the average cost of maintaining a Jeep is right on par with the national average.
Depending on which Jeep model you own, yearly maintenance could cost you anywhere between $500-$700. Compared to the national average of $650 for vehicles across the board, this is pretty manageable.
Different models come with different maintenance costs. The table below will highlight the average yearly maintenance cost for four of the most popular Jeep models.
| Model Name | Average Yearly Maintenance Cost |
| Wrangler | $660 |
| Grand Cherokee | $665 |
| Renegade | $498 |
| Compass | $526 |
The reason you see so many older Jeeps on the road is because these vehicles are made to last. Most Jeeps, Wranglers, in particular, are designed to handle any kind of road conditions. Because of this, they’re manufactured with high-quality parts that can withstand these demands.
Are Jeeps Reliable?
When you maintain them well, Jeeps are very reliable vehicles. Thanks to their rugged design, they typically outlast many other vehicles you see on the road.
These vehicles have a lower likelihood of needing repairs than others. However, there’s a higher chance that, if your Jeep needs a repair, it will be more involved. Thankfully, Jeep parts are widely available due to their popularity.
Jeeps usually last longer when they aren’t driven in harsh conditions regularly. If you are getting a Jeep primarily for driving off-road, you may need repairs more often. However, they last 10-15 years when driven mainly on paved roads.
Typically, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is the most reliable model. Renegades and Compasses also score relatively high in reliability.
How to Get the Best Deal on a Jeep
Finding a quality used Jeep is not a difficult task. Try looking online, or visit your local used car dealership to see what they have in stock. However, you don’t want to go for the first or cheapest used Jeep you find.
First, decide on your budget. As you would probably expect, the average price increases as the model year get newer.
Once you figure out how much you’re willing to spend, look for Jeeps with the following qualities
A clean title
Under 100,000 miles
A good and complete service history
If you can, look for Certified Pre-Owned Jeeps. These vehicles are usually more gently used, have lower mileage, and come with an extended warranty. You will have peace of mind that you’re getting a solid vehicle and if anything goes wrong, you’re protected.
The Bottom Line
While Jeeps may be more expensive than other cars, it’s for a reason. These vehicles have a proven track record of reliability, have remained popular over the past few decades, and are incredibly versatile.
New Jeeps typically cost somewhere between $22,000-$90,000, depending on the model and features you choose.
If you’re looking to cut costs, try to find a quality used Jeep. However, be sure to check the service history and mileage to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
