Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs Tesla Model Y
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The Jeep Grand Cherokee L starts from $69,450 before on-road costs, while the Tesla Model Y opens at $65,900. That makes the Tesla Model Y the more affordable entry point by $3,550.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $76,395 and $72,490 respectively.
The Tesla Model Y qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Jeep Grand Cherokee L, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
Both the Jeep Grand Cherokee L and Tesla Model Y hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 83% for the Jeep Grand Cherokee L and 96% for the Tesla Model Y.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Tesla Model Y packs more ADAS features with 8 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 6 in the Jeep Grand Cherokee L.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Jeep Grand Cherokee L and 8 in the Tesla Model Y.
Feature Showdown
The Jeep Grand Cherokee L features a 10.1-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Tesla Model Y gets a 16-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee L stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and heated front seats that you will not find on the Tesla Model Y. The Tesla Model Y counters with Apple CarPlay, panoramic roof and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Jeep Grand Cherokee L gets leather upholstery while the Tesla Model Y offers vegan leather. Climate control is 3-zone in the Jeep Grand Cherokee L and 2-zone in the Tesla Model Y.
Drivetrain
The Jeep Grand Cherokee L uses a Petrol V6 Pentastar w/ ESS producing 210kW and 344Nm of torque, sent through a 8-speed automatic w/ paddle shifters to a 4WD layout.
The Tesla Model Y responds with a Electric Motor making 194kW and 340Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.9 seconds.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee L has the clear power advantage at 210kW vs 194kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Jeep Grand Cherokee L measures 5,204mm long on a 3,091mm wheelbase, 412mm longer than the Tesla Model Y at 4,792mm (2,890mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Jeep Grand Cherokee L generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 487L in the Jeep Grand Cherokee L and 854L in the Tesla Model Y, giving the Tesla Model Y a 367L advantage. The Jeep Grand Cherokee L seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Jeep Grand Cherokee L leads with a 2,813kg braked capacity vs 1,600kg. That 1,213kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
12.1m to 12.1m
Based on 12.1m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.1m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 100,000km (Jeep Grand Cherokee L) vs 5 years / 80,000km (Tesla Model Y). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Jeep Grand Cherokee L if: You prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer Jeep's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Tesla Model Y if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, or prefer Tesla's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Jeep Grand Cherokee L and Tesla Model Y trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. If boot space matters, the Tesla Model Y has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Jeep Grand Cherokee L and Tesla Model Y?
The Tesla Model Y is the cheapest at $65,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Jeep Grand Cherokee L by $3,550.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Jeep Grand Cherokee L uses the least fuel at 10.6L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Jeep Grand Cherokee L and Tesla Model Y all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Tesla Model Y has the largest boot at 854L.
Which can tow the most?
The Jeep Grand Cherokee L has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,813kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Jeep Grand Cherokee L makes the most power at 210kW.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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