Jeep Grand Cherokee

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by Russ Heaps
MyCarData


If all goes according to plan, 2010 is the last year for this generation of the Grand Cherokee. Jeep will release the next generation for 2011. Arguably the most iconic of SUVs, the current Grand Cherokee deserves one last look. A vehicle more about where it can go than how much it can carry, it lacks the abundance of interior space that draws many consumers to SUVs in the first place. It is, however, an image vehicle appealing to an owner who likes the idea of going off road, even if he never will.

Jeep was building wagons with off-road capability long before anyone thought to call such things SUVs. Springing up around Jeep, the SUV craze generated an enthusiasm and a relentlessly expanding owner base that only $4-per-gallon gasoline and a tanking economy managed to stall. Jeep sold 213,600 Grand Cherokees in 2005. Only 50,300 rolled out of dealerships last year. This is with light truck sales in general falling about 50 percent during the same four-year period.

The crossover is the new darling of the utility-minded buyer. A more car-like ride, better fuel economy and near the cargo-carrying space of larger SUVs, the crossover is to the full-size SUV what the minivan was to the station wagon in the 1980s — its replacement.

Stuttering sales notwithstanding, Grand Cherokee’s niche in the SUV arena is that it can do what no crossover and few SUVs can do: go just about anywhere. That most Grand Cherokee owners will never veer off the pavement is not the point. The point is that when equipped with the Quadra-Drive II system that is a $795 option on the $40,200 Grand Cherokee Limited 4X4 , like my test Jeep, the Grand Cherokee can take on moon-like terrain without breaking a sweat.

A different 4WD system is paired with each of Grand Cherokee’s engines. Jeep’s Quadra-Trac I is a transparent AWD system that works with the V6. It can also be upgraded with the Quadra-Drive II system. Providing low gears for serious off-roading, Quadra-Trac II is the standard 4WD system for V8-equipped models. Quadra-Drive II features an electronic limited-slip differential. It also includes Hill Descent Control, Hill Start Control and skid plates to protect selected under-carriage components.

The least pricy Grand Cherokee is the $31,490 2WD Laredo. The most expensive is the $44,105 SRT8 with its 420-horsepower 6.1-liter Hemi V8 and special performance 4WD package.

Even in its Laredo guise, Grand Cherokee comes with eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, full power accessories, six airbags, tilt-telescoping steering wheel with redundant audio controls, cruise control, air conditioning and a six-speaker audio system with CD player, satellite radio capability and an auxiliary audio input jack.

Stepping up to the Limited trim adds a rearview camera, sunroof, power-adjustable pedals, four-way power adjustable front passenger seat, dual-zone climate control, rain-sensing wipers, Bluetooth connectivity, navigation system, iPod interface, 30GB music-storage hard drive, upgraded audio system with Boston Acoustics speakers, and leather seating.

Both Laredo and Limited ride on 17-inch alloy wheels and rubber. The SRT8 gets 18-inch ones. Four-wheel disc brakes with antilock bring Grand Cherokees to a stop. Stability control, traction control, emergency braking assist and electronic brakeforce distribution are standard on all Grand Cherokees.

Typically SUV owners don’t put great stock in fuel economy. However those concerned with squeezing the most miles from a gallon of gas can opt for the 210-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 that is standard in the Laredo and Limited. The EPA estimates its fuel economy at 16 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway when powering 2WD models. Going with a system that turns all the wheels will knock roughly 1 mpg from each measure.

With very little in the way of a fuel efficiency penalty, a 357-horsepower 5.7-liter Hemi V8 can replace the V6 in Limited versions for a $2,400 premium. The EPA rates its mpg at 14 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway. All three engines rely on a five-speed automatic transmission to shuttle output to the wheels.

Offering a bit more jounce on rougher surfaces, Grand Cherokee has a double-wishbone independent setup in front and a solid axle in the rear. The ride quality isn’t as good as that of some competitors, but being more truck than car is a key element in Grand Cherokee’s off-road savvy and the reason the V8-equipped Limited can tow up to 7,400 pounds.

Front-seat occupants find generous accommodations. The seats are comfortable and offer plenty of hip, shoulder and legroom. At 6.5 inches, the touch screen display for the navigation unit is smallish, but operates easily enough. All controls are sensibly located and simple to operate. Adults will find rear-seat room cramped. Legroom is a stingy 35.5 inches (The PT Cruiser has 41 inches.). With the rear seat folded down, maximum cargo capacity is just over 67 cubic feet.

Jeep owns the reputation for go-anywhere capability, and this trumps interior space for its owners. It has earned its off-road creds. Even when parked, it looks ready to attack the next boulder-strewn hill. If such ruggedness is the image you want to project, the Grand Cherokee more than gets the job done.