Brake Pads Guide
Best Brake Pads for the
2011 – 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee: Every Pad Compared
A complete comparison of brake pads for the fourth-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee (WK2) — covering the 3.6L V6, 5.7L Hemi, 6.4L SRT, and 6.2L Trackhawk. Ceramic, aramid fiber, and Ferro-Carbon options from Brembo, PowerStop, EBC, DFC, and Hawk. Stopping power, noise, dust, pricing, and fitment notes for every trim.
At a Glance
Quick Comparison
| Brand / Pad | Pad Material | Stopping Power | Noise | Performance Over Stock | Dust | Fits | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brembo OE Premium | Ceramic | Moderate | Quiet | Moderate | Low | 12–18 (rear) | $54 | SHOP → |
| PowerStop Z16 Evolution | Ceramic | Low | — | Minimal | Low | 11–21 (front & rear) |
|
SHOP → |
| DFC HybriDynamic | Hybrid | Moderate | — | Minimal | Low | 21–25 (front) | $62 | SHOP → |
| EBC Ultimax2 | Aramid Fiber | Low | — | Minimal | High | 11–21 3.6L (rear) |
|
SHOP → |
| Hawk HPS | Ferro-Carbon | Very Good | Quiet | Very Good | Low | 11–24 3.6L & 5.7L |
|
SHOP → |
| Hawk Ceramic | Ceramic | Very Good | Very Quiet | Very Good | Very Low | 11–24 3.6L & 5.7L |
|
SHOP → |
Important
What to Know Before You Buy
Pad Compound: Ceramic vs Semi-Metallic
Ceramic pads produce less dust and are quieter; ideal for daily drivers. Ferro-Carbon (Hawk HPS) offers stronger bite and better heat resistance for performance and towing.
SRT & Trackhawk Fitment
The 6.4L SRT and 6.2L Trackhawk use larger Brembo calipers. Pad fitment differs from 3.6L and 5.7L models. Most pads in this guide fit non-SRT/Trackhawk trims; Hawk offers dedicated SRT/Trackhawk pads.
Front vs Rear
Many products are front-only or rear-only. The front axle does most of the braking work. Replace in pairs (both front or both rear). Match pad compound front and rear for balanced feel.
Bedding Procedure
New pads require a proper bedding procedure for optimal performance and longevity. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions: typically 6–10 moderate stops from 40–50 mph, then cool-down.
Brembo OE Premium NAO Ceramic Brake Pad (REAR): Jeep Grand Cherokee 2012-2018
Brembo OE Premium NAO Ceramic pads are OE-equivalent replacements from the same brand that supplies many factory brake systems. NAO ceramic compound delivers quiet operation and low dust. Ideal for owners who want OEM-quality replacement without the dealer markup.
Fits 2012–2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee rear axle. Brembo’s OE line is widely trusted for daily driving. Low dust keeps wheels cleaner than semi-metallic or performance pads. Also fits select Tesla S models.
Pros
- Lowest price; Brembo OE quality
- Low dust; quiet ceramic
- Strong value for OE replacement
Cons
- OE-level performance; rear only
- 12–18 coverage only
PowerStop Z16 Evolution Ceramic Brake Pads (REAR): Dodge Durango (11-20) / Jeep Grand Cherokee (11-21)
PowerStop Z16 Evolution Ceramic pads deliver reliable OE replacement with low dust and quiet operation. The ceramic compound is engineered for daily driving and light towing. Front and rear sets available for complete coverage.
Fits 2011–2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee (3.6L and 5.7L). Also fits 2011–2020 Dodge Durango. PowerStop’s Z16 line offers strong value for drivers who want ceramic performance without premium pricing.
Pros
- Full 11–21 coverage
- Low dust; ceramic compound
- Front and rear available
Cons
- OE-level stopping power
- Does not fit SRT/Trackhawk
DFC 4000 HybriDynamic Brake Pads and Hardware Kit (FRONT): Jeep Grand Cherokee (21-25)
DFC 4000 HybriDynamic pads combine hybrid ceramic compound with included hardware for a complete front brake upgrade. Low dust and quiet operation make them ideal for daily-driven Grand Cherokees.
Fits 2021–2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee (WL overlap year). Includes mounting hardware and wear sensors. DFC’s HybriDynamic line balances price and performance for modern SUVs.
Pros
- Includes hardware; low dust
- Hybrid ceramic compound
- Good value
Cons
- 2021+ only (WL overlap)
- Front only
EBC Ultimax2 Rear Brake Pads: Dodge Durango (11-25) & Jeep Grand Cherokee (11-21) 3.6L V6
EBC Ultimax2 Rear Brake Pads use an aramid fiber compound for quiet operation and durable performance. Ultimax2 is EBC’s OE-plus line. Ideal for Grand Cherokee owners who want a step up from basic replacements.
Fits 2011–2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.6L V6 rear axle. Also fits 2011–2025 Dodge Durango 3.6L. The aramid fiber compound produces moderate dust but delivers reliable braking for street and light towing.
Pros
- EBC reputation; OE-plus
- Aramid fiber compound
- 3.6L V6 coverage
Cons
- Moderate dust; rear only
- 3.6L only (not 5.7L)
Hawk HPS Front Brake Pads: Durango / Grand Cherokee 2011 - 2024 (3.6L V6 & 5.7L Hemi)
Hawk HPS Front Brake Pads deliver 20–40% more stopping power than standard pads with minimal dust and quiet operation. The Ferro-Carbon compound is engineered for street performance and towing. Best all-around pad for 3.6L and 5.7L Grand Cherokees.
Fits 2011–2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango (3.6L V6 and 5.7L Hemi). Front and rear sets available. Limited lifetime warranty. Does not fit SRT or Trackhawk (different calipers).
Pros
- Best stopping power for non-SRT
- Low dust; quiet
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Premium price
- Does not fit SRT/Trackhawk
Hawk Ceramic Front Brake Pads: Durango / Grand Cherokee 2011 - 2024 (3.6L V6 & 5.7L Hemi)
Hawk Ceramic Front Brake Pads offer premium stopping power in an ultra-low dust, low-noise ceramic compound. Performance Ceramic technology reduces NVH for quieter operation. Ideal for drivers who want strong braking without dust buildup.
Fits 2011–2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango (3.6L and 5.7L). Front and rear available. Minimizes rotor wear and brake dust. Limited lifetime warranty.
Pros
- Ultra-low dust
- Very quiet; premium ceramic
- Strong stopping power
Cons
- Premium price
- Does not fit SRT/Trackhawk
Fitment Reference
Which Pads Fit Your Vehicle?
| Vehicle / Trim | Brembo OE | PowerStop | DFC | EBC | Hawk HPS | Hawk Ceramic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Cherokee 11–21 (3.6L / 5.7L) | ✓ | ✓ | — | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Grand Cherokee SRT / Trackhawk | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
✓ = Confirmed • ✗ = Excluded • — = Not tested
SRT and Trackhawk use larger Brembo calipers; dedicated pads required. Hawk offers SRT/Trackhawk-specific pads.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Ceramic vs semi-metallic brake pads: which is best for my use?
Ceramic pads produce less dust and are quieter; ideal for daily drivers. Ferro-Carbon (Hawk HPS) offers stronger bite for performance and towing.
Do ceramic pads produce less dust?
Yes. Ceramic pads typically produce significantly less dust. Brembo OE, PowerStop Z16, DFC, and Hawk Ceramic are low-dust options. EBC Ultimax2 produces more dust as a trade-off for OE-plus performance.
How do I bed in new brake pads?
Follow the manufacturer’s procedure. Typically: 6–10 moderate stops from 40–50 mph, then cool-down. Avoid hard braking for the first 200 miles.
When should I replace my brake pads?
Replace when the pad material reaches the wear indicator or 3–4 mm thickness. Inspect at each tire rotation. Replace in pairs (both front or both rear).
Will aftermarket pads void my warranty?
Modifying brakes may affect warranty coverage if a brake-related failure occurs. The Magnuson-Moss act limits voiding unrelated warranties. Check with your dealer if concerned.
I have an SRT or Trackhawk. Which pads fit?
SRT and Trackhawk use larger Brembo calipers. The pads in this guide do not fit. Hawk and other brands offer dedicated SRT/Trackhawk pads; check fitment before ordering.
Ready to Upgrade Your Jeep Grand Cherokee Brakes?
Compare all pads above, pick the right fit for your trim, and order with confidence. Need help? Contact us.
