The Jeep Grand Cherokee has long been one of the most handsome SUVs on the market, and the new 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.
A rare viable Chrysler model in Europe, Jeep promises the new one will be built in left- and right-hand-drive versions. It will come only with two rows of seats and with a bit more emphasis on luxury to compete with the new Cadillac SRX and Lexus RX, among others. The slow-selling Jeep Commander is a short-timer -- you'll find a new three-row Dodge Durango sharing the Grand Cherokee's rear-drive, unibody platform next year at your local Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep dealer.
The new Grand Cherokee is also the first Chrysler product to make use of the new Phoenix V-6 engine family, in this case a 280-hp, 260 lb-ft, 3.6L unit. The 360-hp, 390-lb-ft, 5.7L Hemi V-8 will still be offered and Europeans will be able to check a box labeled "diesel." Suspension is all new, independent at the four corners.
Three 4x4 options remain: Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, and Quadra-Drive II with electronic limited slip. A new Selec-Terrain system with Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II has five terrain settings, automatic, sand/mud, sport, snow, and rock. The 4x2 will have the highest tow rating, however, at 7400 lb. Jeep has added 3.0 gal to the fuel tank, for 24.6, and claims a range of more than 500 miles with the new V-6.
Bottom Line: Looks good -- that is, if Chrysler can stay around long enough to produce it
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