Ride and handling
Although the Jeep reps pitched us into some extreme off-road challenges, I knew intuitively that the new Grand Cherokee would capitalize on Jeep’s renowned strength and carry us competently through whatever was thrown its way. Despite the off-road heroics it was the Grand Cherokee’s road manners and handling prowess that caught my attention.
I sampled both the standard coil spring suspension system and the sophisticated air suspension arrangement and found that both setups delivered an absorbent ride that was smoother than expected. Some bounce was detectable over dips and dives in the pavement but overall, Jeep has nailed the Grand Cherokee underpinnings provided comfort is your priority.
The Grand Cherokee is no BMW X5-M in the corners but it is astonishingly composed when tossed about. In fact, through some abrupt twists and turns my tester carved a stable, predictable track after some initial muted steering response. Once the track was established, the vehicle felt well balanced and fairly neutral, exhibiting nothing disturbing other than mild understeer when pushed to its cornering limits.
Although the X5-M will find its way around a track faster than the Grand Cherokee, I suspect it would be left literally in the dust in an off-road environment—but most Grand Cherokee drivers will never know because the X5-M costs so much more.
Jeep raises the value quotient
While the engineers added a tremendous amount of content for 2011, the bean counters at Jeep found a way to sell it for less. The base Grand Cherokee is the Laredo E. It’s far better equipped than in 2010 yet manages to head out the door at $37,995, which is several thousands less than the 2010 version.
The difference becomes even more dramatic as one climbs the scale to the Limited edition, which is a whopping $5,750 less for 2011—and again with more to offer.
Wrapping it up
2011 is essentially the rebirth of the Grand Cherokee for Jeep. Although not yet on showroom floors—but will be in the next couple of weeks—the new Grand Cherokee line has expanded considerably with the addition of a V6 engine that attains real-world economy.
More refinement, value and capability along with room and comfort defines what’s “grand” about the 2011 Grand Cherokee. It’s products such as this that will reinvigorate the Chrysler Corporation. I hear they have plenty more up their sleeve with another five all-new products hitting the tarmac by December 31st this year.
Although the Jeep reps pitched us into some extreme off-road challenges, I knew intuitively that the new Grand Cherokee would capitalize on Jeep’s renowned strength and carry us competently through whatever was thrown its way. Despite the off-road heroics it was the Grand Cherokee’s road manners and handling prowess that caught my attention.
I sampled both the standard coil spring suspension system and the sophisticated air suspension arrangement and found that both setups delivered an absorbent ride that was smoother than expected. Some bounce was detectable over dips and dives in the pavement but overall, Jeep has nailed the Grand Cherokee underpinnings provided comfort is your priority.
The Grand Cherokee is no BMW X5-M in the corners but it is astonishingly composed when tossed about. In fact, through some abrupt twists and turns my tester carved a stable, predictable track after some initial muted steering response. Once the track was established, the vehicle felt well balanced and fairly neutral, exhibiting nothing disturbing other than mild understeer when pushed to its cornering limits.
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| The new Grand Cherokee exhibits a clean, muscular external appearance. (Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com) |
Although the X5-M will find its way around a track faster than the Grand Cherokee, I suspect it would be left literally in the dust in an off-road environment—but most Grand Cherokee drivers will never know because the X5-M costs so much more.
Jeep raises the value quotient
While the engineers added a tremendous amount of content for 2011, the bean counters at Jeep found a way to sell it for less. The base Grand Cherokee is the Laredo E. It’s far better equipped than in 2010 yet manages to head out the door at $37,995, which is several thousands less than the 2010 version.
The difference becomes even more dramatic as one climbs the scale to the Limited edition, which is a whopping $5,750 less for 2011—and again with more to offer.
Wrapping it up
2011 is essentially the rebirth of the Grand Cherokee for Jeep. Although not yet on showroom floors—but will be in the next couple of weeks—the new Grand Cherokee line has expanded considerably with the addition of a V6 engine that attains real-world economy.
More refinement, value and capability along with room and comfort defines what’s “grand” about the 2011 Grand Cherokee. It’s products such as this that will reinvigorate the Chrysler Corporation. I hear they have plenty more up their sleeve with another five all-new products hitting the tarmac by December 31st this year.
2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited
2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited
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