With its rear seat folded flat, the Grand Cherokee can carry 1,909 litres (67.4 cubic feet) of cargo to the remotest of locations,
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| With its rear seat folded flat, the Grand Cherokee can carry 1,909 litres (67.4 cubic feet) of cargo. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
yet can be easily parked in the same space length-wise as a Honda Accord Coupe. Unfortunately, passenger carrying capacity in the Grand Cherokee is limited to five, and will remain so despite the growing popularity of 7-occupant SUVs. Jeep will introduce a new model next year, called the Commander, designed for larger families needing the advantages of a third-row seat. My Inferno Red Grand Cherokee tester was finished inside in a two-tone theme of neutral and slate hued grays. Imitation wood accents highlighted the centre console and door pulls. DaimlerChrysler claims to have adopted a number of Toyota-derived production line techniques to improve the interior build quality of the Grand Cherokee, and it shows.
Fit-and-finish is tight and accurate. Most surfaces convey a durable, yet
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| The cabin of the 2005 Grand Cherokee is very hospitable and far more attractive than last year's version. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
high-quality feel - although the dash is primarily composed of hard plastic finished with a grainy surface. Despite the plastic, the cabin of the Grand Cherokee is very hospitable and far more attractive than last year's version. Worthy of note is the non-obscured gauge cluster. It sits directly ahead of the driver and is comprised of a large circular speedometer twinned by a matching tachometer. Flanking the left is a smaller-size circular fuel gauge, and flanking the right is a matching engine temperature gauge. Chrome bezels surrounding each of the gauges add an elegant appearance to the instrument panel.
