By the way, the old 4-speed automatic gearbox is gone on all models, replaced by a much more sophisticated 5-speed automatic
 |
| A much more sophisticated 5-speed automatic replaces the old 4-speed automatic gearbox on all models, featuring AutoStick manual mode. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
featuring AutoStick manual mode, which is one of the reasons acceleration times improve across the line, while [linka rtid="99672"]fuel economy[/link] is also better. Another reason for reduced fuel usage in the top-engine is because of MDS cylinder deactivation, the first time Chrysler Group has put the innovative new system in a Jeep product. MDS saves about 20 percent in fuel costs, if you lay off the throttle and aren't towing or hauling anything heavy. Fortunately I found the big disc brakes well up to the task of stopping the hurtling mass of metal and plastic in short order, even under repeated applications.
So the new Grand Cherokee can dance around corners like former undefeated amateur world ballroom dance champion Jonathan Crossley twirls around Kylie Jones, wonderful. But
 |
| Just because it's good on pavement doesn't mean the Grand Cherokee loses anything when it comes to off road ability. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
at what cost? Does it lose any ground when off-road? Nada, zero, zilch. This rig can climb out of a knee deep rut as capably as the category's best, straddle un-forsaken obstacles and ford through deep puddles of silt-strewn water. While a 4x4 is only as good as its driver is intelligent, if you keep the speed at moderate levels there's not much this side of a Mercedes Unimog that it can't overcome. I know this first hand, as we barged up, plowed through, and straddled over some pretty intimidating terrain in order to prove this point, serious enough that some seasoned journalists chose merely to go along for the ride than take the wheel. Having played with 4x4s my entire adult life I couldn't resist the opportunity to hang a wheel or two in the air before nose-diving straight into an oncoming embankment.
