Review
Introduction
The Grand Cherokee was one of the first SUVs to adopt carlike unibody construction instead of a separate truck frame and body, way back in 1992. Since then, the Grand Cherokee has been redesigned twice, most recently for the 2005 model year.
The Grand Cherokee is a bit of an anomaly in the mid-size SUV world because it is relatively compact and doesn’t have a third-row seat. And despite its unibody, it is highly capable off road.
There are four basic models: Laredo, Limited, Overland, and the high-performance SRT8 variant. The latter is fitted with a 425-hp, 6.1-liter Hemi V-8 engine. Other Grand Cherokees can be fitted with one of four engines ranging from a 3.7-liter, 210-hp V-6 up to a 330-hp, 5.7-liter Hemi V-8.
Verdict
The Grand Cherokee is a capable SUV—but it isn’t the standout it was back in the early 1990s, simply because there are now so many good trucks on the market. When equipped with the 5.7 Hemi, it is very fast in a straight line, but its on-road demeanor is let down by the solid rear axle that is one of the reasons it’s so good off road.
In many ways, the best Grand Cherokee is one equipped with the 215-hp, 3.0-liter V-6 turbo-diesel, which endows the vehicle with up to 7400 pounds of towing capacity. Thrill-seekers will go for the SRT8, which makes up in performance what it lacks in practicality. Safety is a strong suit on the Grand Cherokee, as it is equipped with standard stability control, anti-lock brakes, and full-length head curtain airbags.
Click here to read our full review of the Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Click here to read our latest comparison test involving the Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Click here to read our latest comparison test involving the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8.
What’s New for 2008
The Grand Cherokee got a thorough makeover for ’08. Externally, the SUV has a bolder grille and front fascia. Inside, it gained better quality materials and a modified instrument cluster, as well as a host of new amenities, including available Sirius backseat TV and the MyGig infotainment setup that combines navigation, audio, entertainment, and communication functions. A back-up camera and rear-park-assist system are also available.
Mechanically, there’s a new 4.7-liter V-8 engine that makes 305 horsepower and 334 pound feet of torque, increases of 30 and 10 percent, respectively, over the old engine. A hill-descent control system, hill-start assist, and trailer-sway control are all new available features.
