The Jeep Grand Cherokee has long been one of the most handsome SUVs on the market, and the new 2011 model is no exception. With Chrysler design's newfound emphasis on what's on the inside, the interior may no longer be a disappointment. The company touts the crossover's "premium soft-touch interior materials for all price classes," and even a leather instrument panel for the top-of-the-range Overland trim model.
The long list of standard and optional luxury and safety features includes:
- Real wood interior trim
- Heated steering wheel
- Heated/ventilated front seats, heated rear seats
- Four-way power lumbar controls
- Rain-sensitive wipers
- Passive entry/keyless go
- Back-up camera
- Power tilt/telescoping steering column with memory
- Dual-pane panoramic sunroof, covers the top from the windshield header to the rear
- Power rear liftgate with remote up/down
- 20-inch wheels optional on Limited and Overland trim levels
- Standard electronic stability control, electronic roll mitigation
- Hill-start assist, trailer-sway control and hill-descent control
- Blind-spot/rear cross-path access, adaptive cruise control
- Forward collision warning system
- Remote start
- U-Connect internet connectivity
If all that high-tech safety seems Mercedes-like, that's because the 2011 Grand Cherokee's basic platform began with the M-Class architecture, much like the Chrysler 300/Dodge Charger/Challenger, which have old E-Class parts.
Even if the new Grand Cherokee doesn't do anything to advance the luxury crossover segment, it's impressively updated. If nothing else, it should impress the folks at Fiat.