2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited (Video Clip)

2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited (Photo: Michel Deslauriers, Auto123.com)

The cockpit is pure American luxury. Big soft leather seats, power-adjustable in front and downright slippery everywhere. Every time I would unbuckle the seat belt on my son's booster seat in back, he would slide right off the rear bench like it was sprayed with Teflon. Fortunately, he got a laugh out of it. The driver's seat has a memory function for its adjustment. As for space, you won't be missing any. Three adults on the rear bench with rub shoulders, but otherwise, there is sufficient room for everyone.

The instrument panel and dashboard are a little disappointing. They include some fake wood and a lot of buttons, which control such features as power adjustable pedals, a backup warning system, heated front seats, trip computer with fuel consumption indicator and ESP deactivation. The audio system with 6-CD changer and MP3 capability does a good job, and the gauges are pretty attractive with their chrome rings surrounding them. I had to use the horn once while someone was attempting to cut me off (by accident, I hope), and when I hit the steering wheel with the palm of my hand to use the horn, nothing happened. I really had to press hard for it to sound, which isn't great in such a situation. Rain-sensing wipers are also part of the package, which startles you the first time they self-activate and you're unaware of this feature. A big power sunroof completes the interior accommodations.

2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited (Photo: Michel Deslauriers, Auto123.com)

If you have kids that never stop talking while you're driving, you can trade $1,190 against a DVD entertainment system for the rear seat, which includes two pairs of wireless headphones. Although I was expecting something a little on the cheap side, it actually looks and sounds pretty good. You can direct the sound output though the headphones or through the sound system's 6 speakers. The kids will now be quiet, but you'll face another problem: they won't want to get out of the car until the movie ends...

Since there's Trail Rated badges on this Grand Cherokee Limited, that's where I took it. I brought it at the same place where I had abused a TJ Rubicon last summer. The Limited's Quadra-Drive II is great, working through muddy ruts and never giving the impression that you're pushing your luck. There were obstacles that I easily challenged in the Rubicon which cannot be confronted with the Grand Cherokee. Still, its potential surpassed my willingness to fully exploit the capabilities of a $50,000-plus SUV that isn't mine. The Grand Cherokee's arrival and departure angles are great, and the low range of the Quadra-Drive II, which is easily activated via a lever on the center console next to the shift lever, gives you the assurance that you'll get yourself out of tricky situations. Maybe this Trail Rated thing makes sense after all.

Base price for a 2006 Grand Cherokee, the Laredo model, is $39,740. The Limited is quite a step up, at $50,140. This test vehicle also included the $900 HEMI engine, $415 trailer-tow group, $1,190 rear DVD system, $295 UConnect system, $240 skid plates and $480 chrome alloy wheels. Grand total is a hefty $53,660. For that sum, you get a nicely-equipped, very powerful and extremely capable mid-size SUV.

2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited (Photo: Michel Deslauriers, Auto123.com)

Here are some notable and similarly-equipped competitors: the Chevrolet TrailBlazer 4WD LT with several options packages and a 300-hp, 5.3-litre V8 engine costs $53,690. DaimlerChrysler's own Dodge Durango Limited costs about $100 less. The Ford Explorer Limited is a better deal at $51,794, but if you want rear DVD, you'll have to also choose the navigation system, which bumps up the price to $55,434. A bigger Nissan Armada SE starts at $54,298. A Saab 9-7X V8 costs $53,400. A Toyota 4Runner Limited V8 costs $52,585. Although the Grand Cherokee might seem expensive, it's on par with the other manufacturers.