Best Off-Road Upgrades for Your Jeep Grand Cherokee
You’re staring at a trail that looks more like a rock pile than a road, and for a second, you wonder if your Grand Cherokee is really up for this. Then you remember the upgrades underneath, give it some gas, and crawl over obstacles that would stop a stock SUV cold. That’s the magic of building your Jeep right.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a capable off-roader straight from the factory—especially in Trailhawk trim. But with the right upgrades, you can transform it into a genuine trail monster that tackles rocks, mud, and sand with confidence. The aftermarket is huge, with options ranging from simple bolt-ons to full-blown custom builds. The key is knowing what upgrades actually matter and which ones are just for looks.
TL;DR
The best off-road upgrades for your Grand Cherokee start with tires—the only thing touching the trail. Goodyear’s new Wrangler Outbound AT, designed specifically for vehicles like the Grand Cherokee, features DuPont Kevlar for durability and aggressive traction . Next comes suspension: lifts from 2-4 inches improve ground clearance and approach angles, with options from Rough Country and Zone Offroad ranging from $850 to $1,300 . Skid plates protect vital components like the transfer case and fuel tank—Mopar offers factory-style steel plates, while Crown Automotive makes heavy-duty replacements . For serious off-roaders, a winch bumper from ARB or Hanson adds recovery capability and protects the front end . Arctic Trucks takes it to the extreme with 35-inch tires and custom suspension, adding 2.6 inches of ground clearance for about $5,600 . The best part? You can build gradually, starting with tires and adding components as your off-road ambitions grow.
Key Takeaways:
- Tires are priority one: Goodyear’s new Wrangler Outbound AT is specifically engineered for the Grand Cherokee, with Kevlar reinforcement and aggressive tread
- Lift kits matter: Rough Country offers 4-inch lifts for WJ models ($850-$1,300) that improve articulation while maintaining highway ride quality
- Protect your vitals: Mopar transfer case skid plates ($150-$200) and Crown Automotive fuel tank skids bolt directly to existing mounting points
- Winch bumpers add recovery options: ARB and Hanson make steel bumpers with integrated winch mounts and recovery points
- The Arctic Trucks approach: For about $5,600, you can get 35-inch tires, suspension upgrades, and 13.4 inches of ground clearance
- Generation matters: Upgrades are generation-specific—ZJ, WJ, WK, WK2, and WL all have different suspension designs and part requirements
Start with Tires: Your Foundation for Off-Road Success
Let’s be honest—no amount of lift kits or fancy bumpers matters if your tires can’t grip the trail. Tires are the only part of your Grand Cherokee that actually touches the ground, so this is where your upgrade budget should go first.
What the Factory Gives You
Depending on your Grand Cherokee trim, you got different tires from the factory :
| Trim Level | Factory Tire | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Laredo/Limited | Goodyear Fortera HL Edition | Highway all-season |
| Trailhawk | Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure with Kevlar | Off-road capable |
| Overland/Summit | Bridgestone Ecopia H/L 422 Plus | Highway-focused |
| SRT/Trackhawk | Pirelli P Zero Run Flat | Summer performance |
Notice something? Only the Trailhawk comes with real all-terrain rubber. If you have any other trim and want to go off-road, new tires should be your first purchase.
Goodyear’s New Off-Road Options
In October 2025, Goodyear launched three new all-terrain tires, and one of them is specifically designed for the Jeep Grand Cherokee :
Goodyear Wrangler Outbound AT
This tire was built for adventure-ready SUVs like the Grand Cherokee, Ford F-150, and Toyota 4Runner. Here’s what makes it special:
- DuPont Kevlar reinforcement for enhanced durability on and off the road
- Aggressive tread design for confident handling on dirt and gravel
- Strong on-road performance in wet weather
- Up to 65,000-mile tread life warranty
The Wrangler Outbound AT strikes the perfect balance—aggressive enough for serious trail work but refined enough for daily driving. It’s available now through Goodyear’s retail network .
Other Tire Options by Wheel Size
If you’re looking for alternatives, here are top picks based on your Grand Cherokee’s wheel size :
For 17-inch wheels (Laredo/Limited):
- Budget: Fuzion SUV — good general purpose tire at a low price
- Mid-range: Sumitomo Encounter HT — solid long-life tire with all-weather performance
- Premium: Goodyear Wrangler Fortitude HT — excellent tread life and occasional off-road capability
For 18-inch wheels (Trailhawk, some Limited):
- Budget: Laufenn S Fit A/S — highway-ready comfort at a great price
- Mid-range: Kumho Road Venture AT52 — excellent on-road and very good off-road capability
- Premium: Firestone Destination X/T — top pick for serious off-road use
For 20-inch wheels (Overland, Summit, SRT, Trackhawk):
- Budget: Pirelli Scorpion Verde All-Season Plus 3 — well-rounded with good performance
- Mid-range: Pirelli P-Zero Run Flat — performance-oriented with some off-road expectation
- Premium: Pirelli P Zero Run Flat Max Performance — for the performance models
Tire Size Considerations
Going up in tire size is one of the most popular modifications, but there are trade-offs :
Advantages of bigger tires:
- Better ground clearance
- Improved off-road traction
- More aggressive look
Disadvantages:
- May require lift kit or trimming
- Reduced fuel economy
- Speedometer calibration needed
Many owners find that 32-inch tires work well with a modest 2-3 inch lift, while 35-inch tires require more extensive modifications like those in the Arctic Trucks build .
Lift Kits: Getting Your Grand Cherokee Off the Ground
Once you’ve got proper tires, the next logical step is giving your Jeep more ground clearance. Lift kits come in various sizes and complexities, and the right choice depends on your Grand Cherokee’s generation and your off-road goals.
For ZJ Generation (1993-1998)
Zone Offroad offers a comprehensive 4-inch lift kit for the ZJ that’s been engineered for both performance and reliability :
Kit includes:
- Full-length replacement coil springs
- Heavy-duty lower control arms
- Extended-length sway bar links
- Rear track bar bracket
- Transfer case drop kit
- Bump stop extensions
Price: $951.75
What it does:
- Clears 32-inch tires
- Improves ground clearance and wheel travel
- Maintains ride quality with proper spring rates
- Corrects driveline angles
Important note for ZJ owners: If your ZJ has a factory CV-style front driveshaft, you may need an aftermarket U-joint style driveshaft to eliminate vibration after lifting. Also, V8-equipped models may not achieve the full 4 inches of lift due to extra weight—3/4-inch front coil spacers are recommended .
For WJ Generation (1999-2004)
The WJ Grand Cherokee has always been known for poor highway ride quality after lifting—most kits focus on trail performance at the expense of daily driving comfort. Rough Country has addressed this with two excellent options .
Option 1: 4-Inch Suspension Lift Kit ($849.95)
This kit is designed to solve the age-old problem of lifted WJ ride quality :
- Newly designed lower control arm brackets maintain stock geometry
- Elongated lower control arms with durable rubber bushings
- Updated track-bar bracket that ties into engine mount bolts (eliminates a common weak point)
- Steering stabilizer included
- Full set of N3 shocks for premium vibration dampening
- Easy bolt-on installation
What it delivers: Outstanding off-road action with incredibly smooth highway ride—the best of both worlds.
Option 2: Long Arm Upgrade Kit ($1,299.95)
For the serious off-roader who wants maximum articulation, Rough Country offers a long arm upgrade :
- Adjustable high-clearance X-Flex upper and lower control arms
- X-Flex joints with 2.5-inch diameter bodies
- Fully greaseable components
- 1/4-inch thick steel crossmember with integrated skid plate
- Sway bar disconnects included
- Front 4-link and rear Y-link design for extreme flex
What it delivers: Maximum articulation while preventing binding and rear steer. Pinion angles stay optimized even during extreme suspension cycling.
Important note for WJ owners: These kits do NOT fit AWD models. Vehicles with CV-style front driveshafts may experience vibration—replacing the driveshaft, axle yoke, or transfer case yoke may be necessary .
For WK2 Generation (2011-2021)
The WK2 represents a significant evolution in Grand Cherokee suspension design, with independent front suspension and available Quadra-Lift air suspension. This makes lifting more complex but still possible.
Options for air suspension models:
- Air link kits: Replace the factory links with adjustable versions to trick the system into sitting higher
- Spacer lifts: Fit between the spring and strut to add height while maintaining air suspension function
Options for coil spring models:
- Strut spacers: Simple bolt-on solution for 1.5-2 inches of lift
- Complete coilover conversions: Replace factory struts with adjustable units for up to 3 inches of lift
The Arctic Trucks Approach
For those who want the ultimate Grand Cherokee off-roader, Arctic Trucks builds some of the most capable machines on the planet. Their latest Grand Cherokee AT35, based on the WK2 generation, shows what’s possible with serious investment :
- 35-inch all-terrain tires on custom 20-inch forged wheels
- Modified suspension with front air struts, new rear shocks, and air springs
- 2.6 inches of additional ground clearance (total 13.4 inches)
- Track width increased by 5.5 inches for massive stability
- Approach angle improved by 5 degrees (now 35 degrees)
- Departure angle improved by 13 degrees (now 36 degrees)
The cost for these upgrades? About $5,600 (575,000 rubles) according to local media. That’s serious money, but it transforms the Grand Cherokee into something nearly unstoppable .
Skid Plates: Protect Your Investment
All the lift and tires in the world won’t help if you punch a hole in your oil pan or transfer case on a rock. Skid plates are essential armor for serious off-roading.
Transfer Case Skid Plates
Mopar offers factory-style transfer case skid plates for the 2022+ Grand Cherokee (WL generation) :
- Made from heavy-gauge steel
- High-quality black powder-coat finish
- Same as production parts on equipped models
- Fits vehicles with 2.0L (non-4xe) or 3.6L engines
These plates bolt directly to existing mounting points—no drilling required. They protect vital components when traveling off-road and can save you thousands in repair costs .
Fuel Tank Skid Plates
For WJ generation Grand Cherokees (1999-2004), Crown Automotive offers a heavy-duty fuel tank skid plate :
- Made from heavy-duty steel (stronger than factory)
- Protects against rocks and debris
- Helps decrease mud accumulation
- Bolt-on installation, no drilling required
- Black powder-coat finish
Part number: 52100376AG
Price: Available through Summit Racing
Crown specifically notes that factory skid plates are prone to cracking or breaking—their panels provide greater strength and coverage for serious trail use .
What About Other Generations?
For ZJ, WK, and WK2 models, aftermarket skid plates are available from various manufacturers:
- ARB offers comprehensive underbody protection for many Grand Cherokee generations
- Rough Country includes skid plates with some of their lift kits
- Quadratec stocks various protection options for all generations
Winch Bumpers: Recovery and Protection
When you’re deep in the backcountry, a winch can mean the difference between driving home and walking out. But to mount a winch, you need a proper bumper.
For ZJ Generation (1993-1998)
Hanson Offroad makes a Winch Guard Front Bumper specifically for the ZJ Grand Cherokee :
- Handcrafted from 3/16-inch cold-rolled steel
- Multiple angles for optimum approach and departure
- Dropped winch deck (2 inches lower) for better airflow and lower center of gravity
- Winch bar made from 1.75-inch diameter x 0.120 wall tubing
- Unique 1-inch wide clevis tabs that allow pulling from any angle
- Drilled for 7/8-inch recovery pins
- Black semi-gloss powder-coat finish
- Made in the USA
Installation: Level 2 intermediate difficulty, 2-3 hours
Fairlead mount: Sold separately
The dropped winch deck is a clever feature—it improves radiator airflow and keeps the winch weight lower, which helps with center of gravity .
For Multiple Generations (1993-1998 and others)
ARB, the Australian off-road giant, offers their legendary Deluxe Bumper for numerous Grand Cherokee generations :
Available for:
- 1993-1998 Grand Cherokee (ZJ) with various engine configurations
- 1998 Grand Cherokee 5.9 Limited
- 1993-1998 Laredo and Limited models
Features:
- Fully engineered mounting system that completely replaces the factory bumper
- Durable steel construction with satin black finish
- Compatible with most electric low-mount winches up to 10,000 lbs
- Twin Hi-Lift jacking points
- Extensive under protection panels
- Provision for driving lights
- 3-year warranty
What you need to know: When fitting a hawse fairlead, you’ll need spacer kit part 3500600 .
ARB bumpers are legendary for a reason—they integrate with the vehicle’s structure better than almost any aftermarket option, providing genuine protection and recovery capability .
A Visual Look at the Upgrade Path
To help you visualize how these upgrades stack up in terms of cost and complexity, here’s a comparison of the major options:
Note: Costs are estimates based on available data and may vary by brand, generation, and retailer.
Upgrade Recommendations by Generation
Different Grand Cherokee generations have different strengths and weaknesses off-road. Here’s what to prioritize for each:
ZJ (1993-1998)
- Weak point: Driveline angles and vibration after lifting
- Priority upgrades: Lift kit with proper geometry correction, CV driveshaft conversion if needed
- Recommended products: Zone Offroad 4-inch lift , Hanson winch bumper
WJ (1999-2004)
- Weak point: Poor highway ride after lifting
- Priority upgrades: Lift kit with geometry correction, steering stabilizer
- Recommended products: Rough Country 4-inch lift or long arm upgrade , Crown Automotive fuel tank skid
WK (2005-2010)
- Weak point: Independent front suspension limits articulation
- Priority upgrades: Tires, skid plates, moderate lift
- Recommended products: Goodyear Wrangler Outbound AT , aftermarket control arms
WK2 (2011-2021)
- Weak point: Complex electronics, air suspension on some models
- Priority upgrades: Tires, air link kit (for air suspension models), skid plates
- Recommended products: Goodyear Wrangler Outbound AT , Arctic Trucks-style build for serious use
WL (2022-Present)
- Weak point: New generation, limited aftermarket (currently)
- Priority upgrades: Tires, Mopar skid plates
- Recommended products: Goodyear Wrangler Outbound AT , Mopar transfer case skid
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the most important off-road upgrade for a Grand Cherokee?
Tires, without question. The Goodyear Wrangler Outbound AT is specifically designed for vehicles like the Grand Cherokee and offers Kevlar reinforcement for durability . No other upgrade matters if your tires can’t grip the trail.
How much does a good lift kit cost?
A basic 4-inch lift kit runs $850-$950 from brands like Rough Country and Zone Offroad . A long arm upgrade with maximum articulation costs around $1,300 . Professional installation adds labor costs.
Can I lift a Grand Cherokee with air suspension?
Yes, but it requires different components. Air link kits trick the system into sitting higher, and some manufacturers offer spacer lifts that maintain air suspension function. The Arctic Trucks build uses modified air struts for their 35-inch tire conversion .
What size tires can I fit with a 4-inch lift?
On ZJ and WJ models, a 4-inch lift typically clears 32-inch tires . The Arctic Trucks build achieves 35-inch tires with more extensive modifications .
Do I need skid plates?
If you’re going off-road, absolutely. Mopar offers factory-style transfer case skid plates , and Crown Automotive makes heavy-duty fuel tank skids . They protect vital components from rock damage.
What’s the best winch bumper for a Grand Cherokee?
ARB and Hanson both make excellent options. Hanson’s ZJ bumper features a dropped winch deck for better airflow and lower center of gravity . ARB’s Deluxe Bumper is engineered to integrate with the vehicle’s structure and includes recovery points .
Will lifting my Grand Cherokee affect the ride quality?
Modern lift kits are designed to maintain or even improve ride quality. Rough Country’s WJ kit specifically addresses the generation’s poor highway ride after lifting, with geometry corrections that simulate stock angles .
Can I do these upgrades myself?
Many upgrades are bolt-on and DIY-friendly. Basic lift kits and skid plates are rated as intermediate difficulty, requiring 2-3 hours and basic tools . Long arm kits and bumper installations are more complex.
What about the 4xe hybrid? Can it be lifted?
The 4xe presents unique challenges due to its battery and electrical components. Mopar offers transfer case skid plates for 4xe models , but suspension modifications should be approached carefully to avoid affecting hybrid components.
How much does a complete Arctic Trucks build cost?
About $5,600 for the suspension and tire package, according to recent reports . That doesn’t include the base vehicle or additional upgrades like winches and bumpers.
The Bottom Line
Building an off-road Grand Cherokee is a journey, not a destination. Start with the foundation—tires—and add components as your skills and ambitions grow. The Goodyear Wrangler Outbound AT is an excellent first step, giving you genuine off-road capability while maintaining daily driving comfort .
From there, lift kits from Rough Country and Zone Offroad offer proven performance at reasonable prices . Add skid plates to protect your investment , and consider a winch bumper when you’re ready for serious recovery capability .
And if you really want to go all-in? The Arctic Trucks AT35 shows what’s possible with enough budget and expertise—35-inch tires, 13.4 inches of ground clearance, and angles that rival dedicated off-roaders .
The best part about Grand Cherokee modifications? You can do it gradually, one upgrade at a time, and feel the improvement with every trail you conquer.
What off-road upgrades have you made to your Grand Cherokee? Drop your setup and trail experiences in the comments below—real-world builds help fellow Jeepers more than any catalog ever could!
References:
- Rough Country Long Arm Upgrade Kit – 4 Inch Lift – Jeep Grand Cherokee WJ
- Rough Country 4 Inch Lift Kit – Jeep Grand Cherokee WJ 4WD
- Goodyear Unleashes Three New All-Terrain Tires
- Mopar – Protection & Skid Plates for 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee
- ARB – Winch Bumper for Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Carscoops – Jeep Grand Cherokee Gets Tonka-Toy Treatment From Arctic Trucks
- Zone Offroad – 4 Inch Lift Kit for Jeep Grand Cherokee ZJ
- Car Talk – Best Tires for the Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Summit Racing – Crown Automotive Skid Plates 52100376AG
- Quadratec – Hanson Winch Guard Front Bumper for 93-98 Jeep Grand Cherokee ZJ
