Go anywhere
The Grand Cherokee's ride is one of its strong points. On the highway or even on city streets, the suspension absorbs bumps and cracks with little effort.
But a Jeep isn't a Jeep if you can't go off-road, and when this is where you want to go, the CRD delivers. The optional Quadra-Drive II system has a low-range that is easily engaged by flipping a switch on the centre console. With a good set of tires (which our test vehicle has) and skid plates, the Grand Cherokee can take you far away from any sign of asphalt.
Under normal driving, the Jeep's brakes work fine. However, in the 100 to 0 braking test, the SUV stopped in a longish 52 meters, which could be better.
Perfectible interior appearance
Although the Grand Cherokee looks fairly big on the outside, it's not that spacious on the inside. If you need more room, the 7-passenger Jeep Commander will serve you better. The door panels are fat, the floor console is wide and seats are mounted high, which all limit cabin space.
It's not tight and not airy either, but I do wish the driver's seat could be lowered more because my hair is scraping the ceiling. Three rear-seat passengers will definitely rub shoulders. The cargo area isn't the most spacious of its category.
For the price, the dashboard and door panels should benefit from a better overall finish. The expanse of coarse-textured plastic feels more Tonka than Jeep. Hopefully, Chrysler will solve this problem pretty soon, as the 2009 Compass and Patriot will get redesigned (read: richer) instrument panels; we expect the same for all their models within the next couple of years.
But despite the appearance, the instruments and controls are straightforward and within reach, and the seats are cushy and comfortable. The cabin is quiet expect for the whooshing sound of the diesel engine's turbocharger.
The Grand Cherokee's ride is one of its strong points. On the highway or even on city streets, the suspension absorbs bumps and cracks with little effort.
But a Jeep isn't a Jeep if you can't go off-road, and when this is where you want to go, the CRD delivers. The optional Quadra-Drive II system has a low-range that is easily engaged by flipping a switch on the centre console. With a good set of tires (which our test vehicle has) and skid plates, the Grand Cherokee can take you far away from any sign of asphalt.
 |
| The optional Quadra-Drive II system has a low-range that is easily engaged by flipping a switch. |
Under normal driving, the Jeep's brakes work fine. However, in the 100 to 0 braking test, the SUV stopped in a longish 52 meters, which could be better.
Perfectible interior appearance
Although the Grand Cherokee looks fairly big on the outside, it's not that spacious on the inside. If you need more room, the 7-passenger Jeep Commander will serve you better. The door panels are fat, the floor console is wide and seats are mounted high, which all limit cabin space.
It's not tight and not airy either, but I do wish the driver's seat could be lowered more because my hair is scraping the ceiling. Three rear-seat passengers will definitely rub shoulders. The cargo area isn't the most spacious of its category.
For the price, the dashboard and door panels should benefit from a better overall finish. The expanse of coarse-textured plastic feels more Tonka than Jeep. Hopefully, Chrysler will solve this problem pretty soon, as the 2009 Compass and Patriot will get redesigned (read: richer) instrument panels; we expect the same for all their models within the next couple of years.
But despite the appearance, the instruments and controls are straightforward and within reach, and the seats are cushy and comfortable. The cabin is quiet expect for the whooshing sound of the diesel engine's turbocharger.
 |
| The expanse of coarse-textured plastic feels more Tonka than Jeep. |