Jeep isn't the first brand that comes to mind when one thinks of a classy ride. Lately though, the family SUV is being used more and more often to make a fashion statement- so Jeep has taken their Grand Cherokee and gone a little Hollywood with it.
Building off of a mild facelift for 2009, the Grand Cherokee features several revisions to make it easier on the eyes. A new grille, fascia and headlamps work with a little added chrome to brighten up the front end. This bling is repeated in a new set of optional 18-inch wheels, and there are even xenon high-intensity lights available for fantastic nighttime visibility. These are among the best I've ever encountered, surpassed only by a few German sedans. They look cool, too.
Inside, a revised instrument cluster features crisp, bright and easy to read indicators and displays that are now illuminated in white, not dull green. There are a few soft-touch plastic panels added for a more upscale feel, and the entire dashboard has a cleaner and more modern look. Inside and out, it's still very much a Grand Cherokee- only nicer.
The Overland-kitted test vehicle represented the ultimate in loaded Grand Cherokee luxury. Features abound- including a MyGig infotainment system with premium audio and hard-drive music storage. Everything is one-touch or automatic inside: climate control, seating position, windows and sunroof included. Even the high-beams and wipers come on automatically.
A large glass sunroof lets the rays in on a gorgeous set of dark brown leather seats, the front of which are power adjustable and heated. The rear bench can be heated as well. A leather and wood steering wheel houses controls for the audio system and information centre display, while wood trim sets off the centre console and stack. Chrome appliqués tastefully brighten things up too, and the overall look of the interior is one of fantastic, down-to-earth luxury. It feels like a cozy cottage on wheels.
Despite the interior's visual execution, a few complaints arise. There's a lump in the driver and passenger footwells due to the 4x4 transfer case beneath. Headroom feels limited, as does rear visibility- though a parking-assist system, rearview camera and heated, auto-dimming memory-mirrors help ensure a clearer rearward view. Door handles are mounted awkwardly beneath the armrests in front, and my knee met the memory-seat switch every time I sat down for a drive.
 |
| The Overland represents the ultimate in loaded Grand Cherokee luxury. |
Building off of a mild facelift for 2009, the Grand Cherokee features several revisions to make it easier on the eyes. A new grille, fascia and headlamps work with a little added chrome to brighten up the front end. This bling is repeated in a new set of optional 18-inch wheels, and there are even xenon high-intensity lights available for fantastic nighttime visibility. These are among the best I've ever encountered, surpassed only by a few German sedans. They look cool, too.
Inside, a revised instrument cluster features crisp, bright and easy to read indicators and displays that are now illuminated in white, not dull green. There are a few soft-touch plastic panels added for a more upscale feel, and the entire dashboard has a cleaner and more modern look. Inside and out, it's still very much a Grand Cherokee- only nicer.
The Overland-kitted test vehicle represented the ultimate in loaded Grand Cherokee luxury. Features abound- including a MyGig infotainment system with premium audio and hard-drive music storage. Everything is one-touch or automatic inside: climate control, seating position, windows and sunroof included. Even the high-beams and wipers come on automatically.
A large glass sunroof lets the rays in on a gorgeous set of dark brown leather seats, the front of which are power adjustable and heated. The rear bench can be heated as well. A leather and wood steering wheel houses controls for the audio system and information centre display, while wood trim sets off the centre console and stack. Chrome appliqués tastefully brighten things up too, and the overall look of the interior is one of fantastic, down-to-earth luxury. It feels like a cozy cottage on wheels.
Despite the interior's visual execution, a few complaints arise. There's a lump in the driver and passenger footwells due to the 4x4 transfer case beneath. Headroom feels limited, as does rear visibility- though a parking-assist system, rearview camera and heated, auto-dimming memory-mirrors help ensure a clearer rearward view. Door handles are mounted awkwardly beneath the armrests in front, and my knee met the memory-seat switch every time I sat down for a drive.
 |
| Inside and out, it is still very much a Grand Cherokee- only nicer. |