2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee

At the Chrysler Group, the thinking seems to be that gimmicks and new features (rather than build quality and good design) are key in the car business. Between Hemi, Stow 'n' Go, Swivel 'n' Go, MyGig, and Chrysler's many other catchphrases, the U.S. patent office probably has an entire division dedicated to the carmaker's name games. Enter the 2008 Trail Rated Jeep Grand Cherokee, available with--take a deep breath now--MyGig, Hemi, ParkView, ParkSense, SmartBeam, Selec-Trac II, Command-Trac, and Sirius Backseat TV. The new Grand Cherokee doesn't look much different--only a few changes have been made to the grille, bumpers, and headlights--but salespeople will have a few more pitches ready at Jeep dealerships this year.

This year we revisit the Grand Cherokee, which got some improvements for 2008 that wouldn't necessarily stand out from the usual spate of mid-cycle automotive freshenings except for one thing: It now has a diesel engine. The Grand Cherokee is the second SUV in its class; any class really, in recent history, aside from the Hummer H1 to offer a diesel engine. The diesel Jeep Liberty got pulled from the market last year after a short stint. Jeep's 3.0L V-6 common rail diesel is the same powerplant made by Mercedes-Benz that Jeep offers to the European market where diesel-fueled cars and SUVs take about half of the automobile market. Here in the good-ol' USA, the diesel Grand is not 50-state legal (neither was the diesel Liberty) because of the more stringent emissions standards imposed by California and other states who follow the Golden State's lead as far as air quality is concerned (New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont, Rhode Island, Maine, and New Jersey).

We've arbitrarily designated SUVs with a wheelbase over 106 (actually 106.3) inches as midsize SUVs, which makes this the largest chart we've ever assembled. In fact, there are so many entries, we've chopped this category into three separate winners, with the Jeep Grand Cherokee walking away with the prize for the Under-$35K designation. We like that it has five different engine choices, the coolest of which is the Mercedes-sourced 3.0-liter V-6 turbodiesel that puts out almost 400 pound-feet of torque. If fact, you can order a 4WD turbodiesel and still keep the price under $35,000.

While we didn't get to take the Grand Cherokee out on a rough trail, you don't have to be a genius to realize that, when you combine the gearing advantage of a Jeep's transfer case with the huge low-end torque numbers of this engine, the available pulling power has no equal in its class. That said, we were a bit disappointed with the fuel-economy numbers we got. During our relatively easy freeway driving routes, putting several hundred miles between fill-ups, we barely hit 20 mpg. It would've been nice to have a sixth gear, because at 70 mph we were turning 2500 rpm. Our numbers would doubtless have been much better had we been patient enough to stay in the slow lane.

Our test unit came in Limited dress, which gave us all sorts of extras for a starting price of $38,340. Still, you can expect to pay a $3700 premium to get the 3.0-liter V-6 and five-speed automatic. The diesel will initially be offered only in Limited and Overland formats (average transaction prices will most likely be between $40K and $45K), but that may change as Jeep monitors demand. Look for other manufacturers to be watching Jeep closely as well, as GM and Ford have smaller V-6 and V-8 diesel programs available for their own midsize players.

Hill Descent Control (HDC) is standard on Grand Cherokee 4x4 models. Operational in the "4WD Low" position, HDC provides downhill assistance at a controlled rate of speed. By means of electronic brake control, HDC supplements the gear reduction and engine braking that a traditional mechanical low-range transfer case provides. For ease of operation, Grand Cherokee's HDC is activated and deactivated automatically, after the HDC button is engaged, as the system senses changes in topography. The system works whether the vehicle is in forward or reverse.

With its upright and substantial posture, the Jeep Grand Cherokee's design offers an athletic and contemporary appearance. The grille has been lengthened, and the headlamps are more circular for a more dominant and expressive front view. A new HID headlamp, optional on Limited and standard on Overland, includes an internal optic lens for the park/turn function. Fog lamps also have also been lowered for enhanced performance. Off-road enthusiasts will be pleased with the new two-piece front fascia, allowing for the entire lower piece to be removed before hitting the off-road trails.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a midsize SUV, like the Ford Explorer or Chevrolet TrailBlazer, but it offers superior off-road capability comparable to that of the upscale Land Rover LR3.

Outside, the Grand Cherokee is edgy and angular, clean and contemporary, uncluttered by body cladding. Yet it is instantly recognizable as a Jeep.

The 4.7-liter V8, on the other hand, is significantly improved for 2008, and it works really well in the Grand Cherokee. This modern, overhead-cam engine is smooth and powerful for around-town and highway driving. It has a broad torque band, a lovely sound, and electronic throttle control (drive-by-wire) that's easy to use and precise in tricky downhill off-road situations. If you don't live in the mountains and don't usually tow anything, this engine might be your best choice. The 4.7-liter V8 produces 305 horsepower at 5650 rpm and 334 pound-feet of torque at 3950 rpm. (Those numbers are up 70 and 29, respectively, from 2007.) It's EPA-rated at 14/19 mpg with rear- or four-wheel drive. It's also flex-fuel capable in 45 states, meaning it can run on gasoline or up to 85 percent ethanol (E85).

One area of concern for family shoppers is rear seating. Despite its midsize SUV dimensions, the Grand Cherokee's rear seat lacks the leg room to make rear adult occupants comfortable, especially if taller passengers are riding up front. Such an issue might be a deal breaker for customers who regularly carry adult-size passengers.