Jeep clears new hurdles
It’s been a long time since the original Jeep Grand Cherokee debuted in 1992, replacing both the Grand Wagoneer and smaller Cherokee with a single vehicle.
Jeep’s midsize SUV has done well for itself, building upon the Jeep legacy and establishing a strong following in the ’90s, but the landscape has changed significantly over the past decade. With the increasing success of crossover SUVs that put more emphasis on car-like convenience than off-road capabilities, the Grand Cherokee has found itself with more competition than ever. In order to recapture the attention of consumers who are more concerned with cargo space than approach angles, some serious rethinking was necessary.
The evolution began in 2005, with the introduction of a Grand Cherokee that was significantly more refined, comfortable, and luxurious than its predecessors. However, while it was a major improvement in almost every way, the 2005 model didn’t present itself very well. It could still go toe-to-toe with traditional SUVs such as the Ford Explorer, Nissan Pathfinder and Toyota 4Runner, but lacked the eye-catching styling necessary to compete with the more daring and intriguing designs of crossovers like the Ford Edge and Nissan Murano.
Thankfully that’s not an issue with the new 2011 model, which is easily the best-looking Grand Cherokee to date. Designed for both on-road and off-road adventures, the fourth-generation Grand Cherokee pays tribute to its origins while adopting the car-like qualities we’ve come to love in crossovers.
The result is an SUV that feels purpose-built for two completely different worlds–an impressive feat, to say the least.
The base Laredo trim is priced comparably to the Explorer, Pathfinder and 4Runner at $38,000, but you’re not getting a whole lot in terms of standard equipment. In contrast, a base 4Runner comes with a moonroof and a power liftgate–neither of which are found on the Laredo–and does it for slightly less. In order to take the next step and truly compete with less-expensive crossover SUVs, Jeep is going to have to improve the value proposition. With that quick and easy fix, the Grand Cherokee could quickly make up all the ground it has lost over the past 10 years.
DESIGN
With a smoother and more aerodynamic exterior, the Grand Cherokee certainly has a crossover “feel” about it. Off-roading purists may be concerned about the use of a unibody platform, but Jeep is still amongst the best when it comes to developing all-terrain trucks, and the Grand Cherokee is no exception.
Though it pushes the envelope on styling, the Grand Cherokee is still in line with Jeep’s look and feel, making it easily identifiable. Notable design cues include the shallow notch cut into the hood and the hidden hinge for the flip-up rear window that gives the liftgate an almost seamless look.
From the moment you get in, you get a sense of Jeep’s renewed commitment to design and execution. The cabin is beautifully done, with wraparound trim, high-quality plastics and even an optional wood-accented steering wheel.
One minor issue is the plastic panel covering the steering wheel, which leaves some slightly rough edges above the crossbar, right where drivers will tend to hook their thumbs.
PERFORMANCE
Power comes from a 3.6L V6 with 290-hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, or a 5.7L V8 producing 360-hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. For the moment, Jeep has declined to offer a diesel engine.
The new V6 is an excellent engine, generating 38 per cent more horsepower and 11 per cent more torque than last year’s V6. However, while there’s lots of power available, the engine lags a bit at low RPMs before full acceleration kicks in.
Where handling is concerned, the Grand Cherokee can hold its own against all but the sportiest of crossover SUVs. The steering is predictable, with a hint of understeer, and the road feedback is very good. As a result, the Grand Cherokee is a fun-to-drive and confident SUV in practically any conditions.
Off-road enthusiasts have their choice of three 4×4 systems (Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II), along with a new Selec-Terrain system that enables the driver to specify the type of terrain being tackled. As well, there’s the Quadra-Lift air suspension, which can position the Grand Cherokee at five different heights for optimized ride comfort and performance.
ENVIRONMENT
Usability is excellent in the Grand Cherokee, with the stereo display mounted up high where you can see it at a glance and controls placed logically and conveniently. Of particular note is the black-and-white LCD screen set between gauges, which is well-designed and easy to read without being too distracting.
In-cabin storage space is reasonable, but there’s room for improvement. The glove box is decent, but the centre console and map pockets are on the small side. That said, the rear cargo space is huge, with sides that slope outward to maximize volume and split-folding rear seats that provide a truly flat load floor.
The front doors open almost 90 degrees, which isn’t quite as useful as it sounds. While that’s nice for getting kids and cargo out of the rear doors, it’s easy to accidentally swing the front doors too wide open, in which case they might hit an adjacent parked car.
While the Grand Cherokee may not include a standard sunroof like the 4Runner, it does at least offer a choice. Unlike most vehicles, which offer either a traditional, front-only sunroof or a dual-pane, panoramic roof, Jeep lets owners pick between the two options.
FEATURES
Starting at $37,995, the Grand Cherokee is available in Laredo, Laredo X, Limited, and Overland trim levels, and tops out at $49,995.
Standard equipment includes ABS, traction control, stability control, cruise control, air conditioning, tilt/telescope steering, remote keyless entry, power-adjustable driver’s seat, six-speaker CD/MP3 stereo and front/side-curtain airbags.
Features available as options or standard on upper trim levels include Xenon headlamps, sunroof, CommandView dual-pane sunroof, rain-sensing wipers, navigation system with backup camera, backup sensors, remote starter, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel and upgraded nine-speaker audio systems with hard-drive storage. Jeep also sells a number of off-road and towing packages.
Fuel efficiency for the 3.6L engine is rated at 13.0L/100km in the city and 8.9L/100km on the highway.
THUMBS UP
Superb design; thoughtful interior; confident driving characteristics.
THUMBS DOWN
Minimal features on base model.
THE BOTTOM LINE
The Grand Cherokee will take you wherever you want to go in style.
COMPETITORS
Ford Explorer
The redesigned, 2011 Explorer ranges in price from $29,999 to $44,199, with a 3.5L V6 producing 290-hp and 255 lb-ft of torque.
Similar to Jeep with the Grand Cherokee, Ford has upped the ante with a daring new design that represents a significant departure from the boxy Explorers of the past.
Nissan Pathfinder
The $37,948 Pathfinder is powered by a 4.0L V6 with 266-hp and 288 lb-ft of torque. It was briefly sold with a 5.6L V8 borrowed from the Titan pickup, but Nissan has dropped the option.
Updated this past year with a more rounded front end that softens its boxy, upright styling, the Pathfinder continues to play the role of tough, off-road-capable SUV, leaving the flash and style its Murano sibling.
Toyota 4Runner
$36,820 is the price for a 4Runner, powered by a 4.0L V6 with 270-hp and 278 lb-ft of torque and employing a classic, body-on-frame platform.
Toyota offers a wide range of SUVs, from the RAV4 and Highlander crossovers to the rock-hopping FJ Cruiser and full-size Sequoia.
The long-lived 4Runner fits somewhere in the middle and — like the Grand Cherokee — has a very loyal fanbase.
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