Mileage and Math
Unlike the comparably capable HEMI Cherokee, the 3.0 diesel is remarkably easy on fuel. Highway mileage averaged an unbelievable 9.3 L/100km, and city driving sees that number rise to just 12.5.
Is this mileage cause for excitement? Sure -- there are plenty of thirstier SUVs that aren't as large and don't pack nearly as much power -- let alone a 7,200-lb (3,266-kg) towing capacity. That's family sedan mileage out of a machine that can tow two family sedans, and remember -- diesel averages about 15 cents per litre less than gasoline, too. That's "money in your pocket" fuel savings.
Though the 3.0 CRD engine costs about $1,500 more than the HEMI, the HEMI carries a $2,000 guzzler tax -- so in effect you can get into the diesel engine for $500 less.
Staying Power?
The technology behind all this unexpected friendliness has been around a while, but is late emerging in North America because for years our dirty diesel would barely suffice as lamp-oil over the pond.
Now that 0.0015% sulfur diesel is standing by at a station near you, you're going to see a lot more vehicles using it in the near future.
Features and Hardware
The tester was a Laredo model with a Boston Acoustic stereo system, sunroof, leather, navigation and satellite radio bumping the sticker price to $53,900.
Noteworthy is the Quadra Drive II system which directs power to all wheels. An automatic, all-purpose 4x4 mode is engaged at all times. It's useful, even in very rutted mud bogs or deep sand. Drivers can engage 4-LO and lock the front and rear differentials together when things get slippery or crawling is required.
The all-purpose mode will find traction when there isn't much, and the 4-LO setting will find traction when there isn't any. With plenty of ground clearance and Goodyear Fortera tires, two separate off-road excursions saw your correspondent running out of courage far before the Jeep ran out of capability.
Unlike the comparably capable HEMI Cherokee, the 3.0 diesel is remarkably easy on fuel. Highway mileage averaged an unbelievable 9.3 L/100km, and city driving sees that number rise to just 12.5.
Is this mileage cause for excitement? Sure -- there are plenty of thirstier SUVs that aren't as large and don't pack nearly as much power -- let alone a 7,200-lb (3,266-kg) towing capacity. That's family sedan mileage out of a machine that can tow two family sedans, and remember -- diesel averages about 15 cents per litre less than gasoline, too. That's "money in your pocket" fuel savings.
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| 3.0L CRD diesel V6 is sourced from Mercedes-Benz. |
Though the 3.0 CRD engine costs about $1,500 more than the HEMI, the HEMI carries a $2,000 guzzler tax -- so in effect you can get into the diesel engine for $500 less.
Staying Power?
The technology behind all this unexpected friendliness has been around a while, but is late emerging in North America because for years our dirty diesel would barely suffice as lamp-oil over the pond.
Now that 0.0015% sulfur diesel is standing by at a station near you, you're going to see a lot more vehicles using it in the near future.
Features and Hardware
The tester was a Laredo model with a Boston Acoustic stereo system, sunroof, leather, navigation and satellite radio bumping the sticker price to $53,900.
Noteworthy is the Quadra Drive II system which directs power to all wheels. An automatic, all-purpose 4x4 mode is engaged at all times. It's useful, even in very rutted mud bogs or deep sand. Drivers can engage 4-LO and lock the front and rear differentials together when things get slippery or crawling is required.
The all-purpose mode will find traction when there isn't much, and the 4-LO setting will find traction when there isn't any. With plenty of ground clearance and Goodyear Fortera tires, two separate off-road excursions saw your correspondent running out of courage far before the Jeep ran out of capability.
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| The Grand Cherokee's interior fairly well thought-out. |