Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Grand Cherokee has a standard 290-horsepower, 3.6-liter V-6. A 360-hp, 5.7-liter V-8 is optional. The Grand Cherokee comes in rear- or four-wheel drive. Initially developed during DaimlerChrysler's tenure, it shares its framework with the Mercedes-Benz M-Class. A high-performance SRT8 version is available.
New for 2013
A new off-road-oriented Trailhawk model debuts for 2013. Offered with either the V-6 or V-8 engine, the Trailhawk features Kevlar-reinforced 18-inch tires, undercarriage skid plates, the Quadra-Lift air suspension and Selec-Terrain technology. The exterior gets special badging; gray, red and black accents; and five-spoke 18-inch aluminum wheels. The cabin is fitted with black leather and suede seats with red stitching and Mopar floormats.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
Sleeker-looking than the model it replaced, the Grand Cherokee still resembles a Jeep, but it's perhaps the brand's greatest stretch so far. Traditional Grand Cherokee cues remain, including a seven-slot grille and horizontally arranged headlights, but the rear end was completely reworked. Exterior features include:
- Standard 17-inch aluminum wheels; 18- or 20-inch wheels optionalv
- Standard heated power side mirrors; power-folding mirrors optional
- Standard fog lights
- Optional power liftgate
- Optional panoramic sunroof
- Optional high-intensity-discharge headlights
Interior
The cabin has nice materials, with well-integrated center controls and genuine wood trim on uplevel models. There's an available leather-wrapped dashboard, something usually reserved for luxury cars. Interior features include:
- Standard cloth upholstery; leather available
- Rear seats can recline several degrees or fold flat in a 60/40 split
- Optional heated and ventilated front seats
- Optional heated rear seats
- Optional heated steering wheel
- Optional navigation system
Under the Hood
The standard 3.6-liter V-6 makes 290 hp and 260 pounds-feet of torque. An optional 5.7-liter V-8 makes 360 hp and 390 pounds-feet of torque. With the V-8, maximum towing capacity is 7,400 pounds. The V-6 maxes out at 5,000 pounds. Mechanical features include:
- Both engines use regular gas
- Rear-wheel drive or choice of three four-wheel-drive systems
- Available Quadra-Trac I automatically transfers power between the axles without any driver involvement
- Available Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II have low-speed transfer cases for dedicated off-roading; Quadra-Drive II adds a rear electronic limited-slip differential
- With Quadra-Trac II or Quadra-Drive II, the Selec-Terrain system allows drivers to choose among five situations: Sport, Auto, Snow, Sand/Mud and Rock, with the system adjusting drivetrain and suspension settings to suit conditions
- Available Quadra-Lift air suspension can vary ride height
Safety
Standard safety features include front-seat side-impact airbags and side curtain airbags for both rows. Active head restraints, four-wheel-disc antilock brakes and an electronic stability system are also standard. Available safety features include:
- Backup camera
- Rear parking sensors
- Blind spot warning system
- Rear cross-path detection, which alerts drivers pulling out of a parking spot if there's oncoming perpendicular traffic
- Collision alert that warns if the driver is overtaking another car too quickly