Jeep Grand Cherokee

Boasting rugged Jeep capabilities and handsome clean good looks, the Grand Cherokee is available in many configurations for many different lifestyles.

Jeep calls the exterior style its brand heritage, with a seven-slot grille, aerodynamic windshield rake, squared-off back end and trapezoidal wheel arches.

A new two-piece front fascia allows the bottom part to be removed for more serious off-road clearance and maneuverability.

The Grand Cherokee's overall on-road and off-road capabilities differ depending on which engine is under the hood and which drive system is connected to the wheels.

This SUV is available with no less than four engines, excluding the high-performance SRT model.

The Grand Cherokee Laredo's standard powerplant is a 3.7-liter V6 with 210 horsepower and 235 pound-feet of torque. It employs a sophisticated standard electronic throttle control system that tailors throttle response to pedal movement, and maintains a consistent vehicle speed on rolling grades when cruise control is active.

A 3.0-liter turbo diesel V6 is also available, churning out a respectable 215 horsepower and very strong 376 pound-feet of torque. This efficient engine made Ward's 10 Best Engines list in 2007.

A 4.7-liter V8 offers flex-fuel gas-ethanol capabilities, good for 305 horsepower and 334 pound-feet of torque.

The final engine option is of the legendary Hemi variety, a 5.7-liter V8 generating 330 horsepower and 375 pound-feet of torque. Jeep's Multiple-Displacement System (MDS) can seamlessly shut off four cylinders in light load conditions to conserve fuel.

These engines can be hooked up to either a five-speed automatic or multi-speed automatic transmission.

Depending on the model trim selected (there are four including Laredo, Rocky Mountain, Limited and Overland), the Grand Cherokee is available with no less than three four-wheel-drive systems, once again excluding the SRT model which has its own specific system. The three are called Quadra-Drive II, Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Trac I.

If you're looking to tow with your Grand Cherokee, the Overland model is probably the best bet. It comes standard with a class-four trailer tow package. Available with trailer tow packages is a system called trailer sway control, which utilizes Electronic Stability Program and the anti-lock-brake system to keep the vehicle and trailer stable.

Each model trim is also available as just a two-wheel-drive vehicle.