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Basic Specs
| Base Price | $26,995 |
| Drivetrain | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Curb Weight (lbs) | 4470 |
| City (MPG) | 17 |
| Hwy (MPG) | 23 |
| Horsepower | 290@6400 |
| Torque (lb-ft) | 260@4800 |
| Wheelbase | 114.8 |
| Length (in.) | 189.8 |
| Width (in.) | 76.5 |
| Height (in.) | 69.3 |
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a mid-size SUV that shares a platform with the Mercedes-Benz ML-Class. It combines the off-road chops one would expect of a Jeep with more luxury and on-road refinement than the outgoing model.
Jeep vehicles have a reputation to uphold in regard to off-road prowess, and the Grand Cherokee doesn't disappoint thanks to a Quadra-Lift suspension system that adds up to 4.5 inches of ride height. This nifty trick is accomplished by four-corner air springs that can also lower the truck to provide a cushioned, premium ride and better handling when the truck is on the pavement. Quadra-Lift operates automatically, or may be controlled manually via console controls.
Another aspect of this Jeep's off-road arsenal is the Selec-Terrain system, which allows the driver to configure the drivetrain and traction control system to best match the driving conditions (whether the vehicle is on or off the road).
The interior was revamped with better materials and overall aesthetics. An available CommandView dual-pane sun roof provides twice as much glass surface than a standard sun roof and extends from the windshield to the rear of the vehicle. The front panel can be opened rearward, providing additional light and fresh air to first-row passengers. The rear panel, which is fixed, allows light and open viewing for second-row passengers and comes standard with a power sun shade.
For added passenger comfort, rear seats recline 12 degrees. There's also a 12-degree forward angle to allow 24 degrees of variation. Cargo volume behind the second-row has increased by 6.8 cubic feet, to 36.3 cubic feet total. An available fold-flat front-passenger seat provides even more cargo storage room. An all-new power rear liftgate is available, controlled via the key fob.
The vehicle's 114.8-inch wheelbase is 5.3 inches longer than the model it replaces and contributes to an overall vehicle length that is 1.8 inches longer than the prior model. The longer wheelbase creates more interior room and gives passengers an additional 4 inches of rear-seat knee and leg room. The vehicle also is also 3 inches wider. The front doors have larger openings -- by about two inches in height and width -- while the rear doors open wider-- 78 degrees versus 67 degrees -- for improved access to the interior.
Torsional stiffness is also up 146 percent compared with the previous Grand Cherokee, making the SUV stiffer than the BMW X5 and Toyota Highlander, according to Chrysler.
The Grand Cherokee was the first vehicle to implement Chrysler's 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, which features Variable-Valve Timing, 290 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. This engine pairs with a five-speed automatic transmission and is capable of 17 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway.
Also available is a 5.7-liter HEMI V8, generating 360 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque at 4,250 rpm. The HEMI boasts VVT and fuel-saving Multi-displacement System (MDS) technology with dual exhaust to maximize efficiency. Teamed with a six-speed automatic transmission, the big V8 is rated at 14/20 mpg.
Seventeen-inch wheels are standard and deliver off-road capability, while optional 18-inch and 20-inch wheels can be ordered.
The standard UConnect Guardian will automatically call emergency services in the event of an accident. Other features include remote door unlocking, roadside assistance, a stolen vehicle locator, and an emergency call feature. UConnect Web mobile internet will also be on offer.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee also features SIRIUS Travel Link, offering up-to-the minute information about gas prices, weather conditions, sports scores and movie listings. In addition, Grand Cherokee features SIRIUS Traffic, which monitors traffic in 78 markets across the U.S.
Altitude Edition
New for the latest model year is the limited-edition Altitude model, which adds stygian touches such as a black gloss grille with a platinum-tinted chrome mesh inner trim, black headlamp bezels and a black bar on the lift gate. A platinum fascia applique rounds out the body changes. The Grand Cherokee Altitude rides on 20-inch wheels painted, you guessed it, gloss black.
Inside, leather heated seats and a nine-speaker, 506-watt audio system are standard.
Despite the blacked out theme, Jeep will actually offer the Altitude in Deep Cherry Red, Brilliant Black, Mineral Gray, Bright Silver, Maximum Steel and Stone White.
Occupant Safety
Standard safety features include Electronic Stability Control, Electronic Roll Mitigation , four-wheel ABS with rough-road detection and a four-wheel Brake Traction Control System. Other safety tech includes full-length side-curtain air bags which extend protection to front and rear outboard passengers, seat-mounted side thorax air bags that enhance protection for the driver and front passenger and active head restraints which deploy in the event of a rear collision.
Key Competitors
Thinking about the Grand Cherokee because of its off-road abilities? In that case, the rugged Toyota 4Runner also merits consideration. If you're just looking for a tall vehicle with a decent amount of features and cargo space, check out the Nissan Murano, the Ford Explorer and Honda the Pilot.
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- General
- Body Style: SUV
- Size: Midsize
- Market Segment: Near-Luxury
- Weight: 4470 lbs
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- Exterior
- Length: 189.8 in.
- Width: 76.5 in.
- Height: 69.3 in.
- Wheelbase: 114.8 in.
- Ground Clearance: 8.6 in.
- Front Track: 63.9 in.
- Rear Track: 64.1 in.
- Weight Distribution: 51/49
- Drag Coefficient: 0.37
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- Interior - General
- Seats: 5
- Passenger Volume: 105.4 cu. ft.
- Cargo Volume: 35.1 cu. ft.
- Cargo Volume (Seats Folded): 68.7 cu. ft.
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- Interior - Front Row
- Volume: 54.6 cu. ft.
- Leg Room: 40.3 in.
- Head Room: 39.9 in.
- Shoulder Room: 58.7 in.
- Hip Room: 57.0 in.
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- Interior - Second Row
- Volume: 50.8 cu. ft.
- Leg Room: 38.6 in.
- Head Room: 39.2 in.
- Shoulder Room: 58.0 in.
- Hip Room: 56.2 in.
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- Propulsion
- Fuel Type: Gas
- Engine Type: 3.6L V6
- Power: 290 hp @ 6400 rpm
- Torque: 260 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm
- Transmission: 5-Speed Automatic
- Highway Fuel Economy: 23 mpg
- City Fuel Economy: 17 mpg
- Forced Induction: None
- Direct Injection: No
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- Chassis
- Layout: Rear Wheel Drive
- Front Suspension: Double Wishbone
- Rear Suspension: Multi-Link
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- Wheels
- Front: 17" Aluminum
- Front Tires: P245/70R17
- Rear: 17" Aluminum
- Rear Tires: P245/70R17
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- Trailering & Hauling
- Trailer Weight: TBD
- Payload: TBD
- Tongue Weight: TBD
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