Review: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee – Busts Down Walls

By Casey Williams - MyCarData

Not two days after Jeep unveiled the next-generation 2011 Grand Cherokee at the New York Auto Show, the autorazzi are jumping all over themselves to criticize Chrysler’s supposed lack of timing given the pressure from Washington to build tiny little greenmobiles. OK, but when you’ve already spent a billion bucks to develop a great SUV that remains popular with Jeep customers, it makes more sense. Not everybody wants to drive a compact hybrid. If you’re going to drive an SUV, choose the original.

Although it pushes through the air with a smoother face and is more fetching with sculpted bodysides, you’ll instantly recognize the Grand Cherokee for what it is – whether it rides on standard 17” wheels or optional 18” and 20” alloys. Lights are flush-swept into the bodysides while chrome detailing around the windows, doorhandles, and mirrors adds class. Interiors were also completely re-designed to provide 4” more rear seat legroom with reclining seatbacks and a much more upscale ambience.
Said Ralph Gilles, V.P. of Design, at the vehicle’s introduction, “Following in the footsteps of our all-new 2009 Dodge Ram, our all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee is another proud graduate of our Advanced Interior Design Studio. We achieved a world-class interior by using fine materials and maintaining a laser-attention to details.”

Engineers paid attention to chassis and powertrain details. Thanks to an all-new “Pentastar” 3.6-litre V6 engine with variable valve timing that delivers 280 HP and 260 lb.-ft. of torque, fuel economy is up 11%. If even more power trips your equation, a 360-HP 5.7-litre HEMI V8 will remain. Properly equipped, the Grand Cherokee will be capable of towing 7,400 lbs.

QuadraLift™ air suspension rises 4.5” from park to maximum clearance for serious off-road adventures while a four-wheel independent suspension system provide the on-highway feel of a sport sedan. Activated by a console switch, the Selec-Terrain™ system pre-chooses five settings (Auto sand/mud, sport, snow, rock) for optimum traction and ground clearance (raises suspension as appropriate). Recent Grand Cherokees have been great all-around performers, but this is an entirely different level.

Eighteen years and over 4 million vehicles have passed since Jeep launched the original Grand Cherokee by busting through the front glass wall of Detroit’s Cobo Hall. Still built in Detroit, the 2011 Grand Cherokee will also bust down the walls between luxury sedan, rock-climbing pro, and those who wish to criticize it.