In the world of midsize SUVs, there are a precious few that can truly do it all - comfortably carry the kids to soccer practice and then turn around and tackle the Rubicon Trail. The Jeep Grand Cherokee has been one of the only to fit that mold since it launched in 1992, but can the all-new 2011 model live up to the nameplate's storied past?
Let's find out.
What is it?
Based on the bones of the Mercedes-Benz M-Class, the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee is sort of a "˜tweener - technically a crossover but tough enough to handle the rough stuff and priced right on the cusp of the luxury "˜ute segment.
Unlike the base model V6 we tested recently, today we're in a HEMI V8-powered Grand Cherokee Laredo with a few more luxuries.
What's it up against?
Despite being a mainstream vehicle, the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee finds itself in some pretty rare company. Given its combination of style, price and capability, there isn't a whole lot out there that can go toe-to-toe with the Grand Cherokee.
The upcoming Ford Explorer promises to have some off-road chops, but it measures in about 7-inches longer than the Grand Cherokee - not to mention that it offers a third row of seats. The Toyota 4Runner is probably the closest thing to a direct competitor - in terms of both size and overall abilities - but it uses body-on-frame construction rather than the Grand Cherokee's more modern unibody design. So while it may be hard to put a finger on a direct Grand Cherokee competitor, feel free to pick any mid to large-size crossoverish thing ( Land Rover LR4, Toyota Highlander, Nissan Xterra, etc.) and make comparisons of your own.
Any breakthroughs?
The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee represents many different breakthroughs for Chrysler and on several levels. In addition to being the company's first post-bankruptcy launch, the 2011 Grand Cherokee is also Chrysler's first attempt - at least in recent years - at a thoroughly modern vehicle.
The 2011 Grand Cherokee also has the honor of ushering in Chrysler's new Pentastar high-feature V6, although our tester was fitted with Chrysler's tried and true 5.7-liter HEMI V8.
How does it look?
Despite its all-new sheet metal, the 2011 Grand Cherokee looks like a natural evolution of the original model that debuted in 1992. The newest iteration of the Grand Cherokee is about 10 inches longer than the original, but manages to keep tight proportions.
Jeep's signature seven-slot grille is right at home on the front of the 2011 Grand Cherokee, flanked by sleeker headlights that are a clear departure from the units used on the previous Grand Cherokee. Exaggerated wheel arches give the Grand Cherokee the off-road look it deserves, with a sculpted hood adding just the right touch muscle.
That sculpting continues down the side of the Grand Cherokee, eventually ending in a rather nondescript rear end. However, dual exhaust outlets add a bit of flare on HEMI-optioned models.
And on the inside?
Over the past several years Chrysler has earned a reputation for producing less-than-competitive interiors, but the 2011 Grand Cherokee is a welcome diversion from that trend.
The Grand Cherokee's interior is beautifully crafted, featuring top-notch designs and high-quality materials. Soft-touch materials abound, with a thick-rimmed - and leather-covered - steering wheel giving the feeling of upscale SUV. Our tester was fitted with dark (faux) wood trim, which was offset nicely with chrome and brushed metal accents.
We found the front seats to be quite comfortable and supportive - especially on a long weekend trip -- but the rear bench proved to be just a notch below. The seating position was just a tad too low for our liking, although our back seat passengers did enjoy the Grand Cherokee's split reclining backrests.
Although it may be hard to find a fault with the new Grand Cherokee's interior, we did take issue with the ute's center stack. The HVAC controls simply feel cheap - both in materials and build quality. Given the Grand Cherokee's infotainment system is old kit, we suspect the 2011 design simply could be a tie-over until a new, all inclusive unit arrives, or it could just be a glaring oversight by Chrysler.
But does it go?
Although the HEMI badges are gone for 2011, our test car came equipped with Chrysler's sensational 5.7-liter V8. Rated at 360 horsepower and 390 lb-ft. of torque, the V8 is a brute on paper, but is a little tamer than you might expect in the real world - thanks in large part to a curb weight nearing the 5,000 lbs. mark.
The V8-powered Grand Cherokee still delivers above average performance - taking about 7.5 second to make the sprint from 0-60 - but the addition of Chrysler's new Pentastar V6 to the lineup would at least give us reason to pause before checking the HEMI's option box (especially when factoring in fuel economy, but more on that in a bit). However, those individuals who tow will enjoy the HEMI's 7, 200 lbs. towing capacity.
We can't really comment on the Grand Cherokee's "Trail Rated" abilities on this review, but the SUV handled every highway task it was given. The Grand Cherokee makes for one comfortable highway hauler, and even displays some athleticism in the corners. A sports car it is not - after all, isn't that what the upcoming SRT8 model is for? - but the Grand Cherokee did surprise us with a suspension just on this side of sporty. The Grand Cherokee moved from a solid rear axle to a multilink setup for 2011, which probably explains its improved handling.
Our tester came with Jeep's aptly named Selec- Terrain terrain-selection system, which allows the driver to choose between five settings - Sport, Snow, Auto, Sand/Mud and Rock. As we kept all-four wheels on the pavement and didn't encounter any weather worse than a cloudy day, our system stayed in either Sport or Auto, but Jeep assures us those other settings make for "the most capable Grand Cherokee ever." Stay tuned for an off road report.
Fuel economy is less than stellar at 13/19 mpg for the HEMI V8, but it is possible to see 20 on the highway with a steady foot. The Grand Cherokee is forced to shift through an old-school five-speed transmission, but a box with more gears is coming, which should boost overall efficiency.
Why you would buy it
Not interested in a car that merely looks like a sport utility vehicle, you want a rig that can actually handle the tough stuff just as well as the grocery store parking lot.
Why you wouldn't
If you need the added space of a third-row, you'll want to wait for the Dodge Durango to hit showrooms.
Leftlane's bottom line
Jeep has managed to totally reinvent the Grand Cherokee for 2011 without losing the original's charm. Now thoroughly entrenched in the luxury SUV market, the Grand Cherokee still retains its relatively compact size and serious off-road ability. There may still be one or two niggles, but on the whole, the 2011 Grand Cherokee is one sensational do-anything vehicle.
2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4x4 base price, $32,215. As rested, $37,490.
Laredo 25X package, $4,000; 5.7-Liter V8, $495; Destination, $780.
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