Entering the market in the 90s is the Grand Cherokee. This vehicle stands as the first SUVs offered to the general public. The vehicle sported a boxlike body, a bland interior, and it was all about practicality. With the passage of time however, the Grand Cherokee has been massively improved.
The vehicle received a number of enhancements. Now the boxlike body is more attractive, and it sports smooth lines and mild curves. This vehicle maintains Jeep's brawny look, but the interior has had some changes too making it user friendly and well designed. The interior has quality materials and it is attractive and comfortable.
The Grand Cherokee has superior handling and driving manners. It is a nice ride on or off the highway. Jeep makers have scheduled a redesign for the Cherokee next year as well. If the enhancements continue to be as they have been in the past, the newer Cherokee will be seriously desirable.
The Range
Bodystyles: SUV
Engines: 3.7L V-6, 5.7L V-8, 6.1L V-8
Transmissions: 5-speed automatic
Models: Laredo, Limited, SRT8
What's New
For 2010 the Overland trim level of the Jeep Grand Cherokee has been discontinued. Jeep has also done away with the 4.7-ltier V-8 as well as the 3.0-liter diesel V-6. The rest of the Grand Cherokee line sees minor changes to some of the features available in each trim level.
Exterior
The 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee still has the rough and rugged looks of a Jeep, but the lines have definitely softened. While the SRT8 has a mean, aggressive street car look with dual exhaust pipes coming out of the center or the rear end.
Interior
The Cherokee definitely gets a higher quality interior compared to the rest of the Jeep line; equaling the Commander. Comfortable front seats but somewhat cramped rear seats all of which are covered in leather.
Performance & Handling
A 3.7-liter V-6 producing 210 horsepower and 235 pound-feet of torque come standard in Grand Cherokee Limited and Laredo models with the 5.7-liter V-8 with 357 horsepower and 389 pound-feet is available as an option. The high performance SRT8 gets the powerful 6.1-liter V-8 producing 420 horsepower and 420 pound-feet, all Grand Cherokees only have one transmission available, the five-speed automatic.
Safety
The Grand Cherokee features 4-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS), dual front, curtain first and second row overhead airbags, airbag occupancy sensor, stability and traction control, roll over detection system and trailer sway control is an option on Laredo and Limited.
EPA Fuel Economy
Laredo 4x2: 16mpg city/21mpg highway
Laredo 4x4: 15mpg city/20mpg highway
Limited 4x2: 16mpg city/21mpg highway
Limited 4x4: 15mpg city/20mpg highway
SRT8 4x4: 12mpg city/16mpg highway
You'll Like
- Great off-road ability
- Good styling
- SRT8 is a beast
- good on-road manners
You Won't Like
- Gas guzzling V-8
- Tight rear seating
- Weak V-6
- Limited cargo space
Sum Up
New model is almost here
If You Like This Vehicle
- Toyota 4Runner
- Kia Borrego
- Chevrolet Tahoe
- Ford Explorer
- Nissan Pathfinder