And accelerating quickly was no problem no matter the chosen drivetrain. I started my day with the base 3.7-liter Laredo, slightly
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| The new Cherokee accelerates quickly, no matter the chosen drivetrain. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
more powerful at 210 horsepower and 235 lb-ft of torque than the 4.0-liter inline six that it replaces. The engine pulls well up hills and makes no bones about stretching its legs when on the open road, but it would be limited if asked to tow a heavy trailer or if filled to the brim with people and gear. That's when one of two available V8s is recommended. Jeep steps up with its extremely responsive 4.7-liter SOHC V8 as the top Laredo engine. The 230 horsepower engine with 290 lb-ft of torque makes a nice, muffled burble at idle and a subtle yet somewhat racy exhaust note under full throttle, all the while pulling the midsize SUV forward with a purposefulness that only a large displacement V8 can. For me this is an ideal powerplant for the Grand Cherokee, well
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| The HEMI adds a unique flavor to the Grand Cherokee mix, kind of a Red Bull meets double espresso experience. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
at least I thought that before trying the revamped Jeep out with the new top-line 5.7-liter V8. Sporting what some industry insiders are starting to refer to as Chrysler Group's fourth brand, the new HEMI adds a unique flavor to the Grand Cherokee mix, kind of a Red Bull meets double espresso charge if you know what I mean. With a class-dominant 330 horsepower and 375 lb-ft of torque on tap, the new Limited model whips up a frenzied whirlwind of forward momentum, leaving me grinning like a schoolboy all the way to somewhere around legal speeds. Rumor has it the HEMI-powered SUV keeps charging well beyond such mandated velocities, and some say it maintains complete composure even when tackling less than optimal pavement at ludicrous speeds, but being the completely responsible person that I am I can't personally attest to such accounts... ahem.
