Enter the Pentastar. You’ll be hearing a lot more about this 3.6-litre workhorse over the next few years as Chrysler migrates it into a wide selection of product. This is a completely new, modern and sophisticated engine—its smooth supply of power and its delightful frugality speak to that.
The Pentastar produces 290 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque while achieving a fuel economy rating of 13.0L/100km and 8.9L/100km city and highway driving respectively. That return gives the Grand Cherokee a driving range in excess of 1,000km between fill-ups.
This engine is a notably refined piece of machinery, putting it on par with the best from Japan and Europe. I was quite impressed with the quiet operation of this new powerplant, which delivers more than adequate performance for the majority of needs.
A V6 is for kids—that got a Hemi?
Those seeking to pull trailers and expecting blistering street performance had better buck-up for the 5.7-litre V8 Hemi, a $1,900 option. It sends 360 horsepower to the quadrants along with 390 pound-feet of torque; again, outstanding operational refinement is the finding of the day.
Regardless of engine choice, the Grand Cherokee’s climbing ability remains King of the Mountain.
Air Suspension raises the bar, and the car
A sophisticated air suspension setup is available for 2011 to enhance ground clearance. Jeep’s Quadra-Lift system provides five different ride heights depending on vehicle speed and traction requirements. Maximum ground clearance is now 272-mm (10.7 in) thanks to 104-mm (4.1 in) of total lift.
The Grand Cherokee automatically sets the appropriate ride height to correspond with the Selec-Terrain setting as chosen by the driver. This new feature allows the operator to simply dial-up the setting to match road conditions such as snow, mud and sand, and rock.
Up to 12 systems—including powertrain, braking, suspension and throttle control—are modified with each setting to ensure that the ultimate in traction and control is achieved. A highly effective Hill Descent Control program manages to keep the Grand Cherokee at a virtual crawl when navigating steep, slippery drops.
There’s little argument that Jeep, with its long history of off-road supremacy, is a leader upon the pavement’s end. The 2011 Grand Cherokee is intent on retaining that lead once the pavement resumes.
 |
| The cargo area that’s smartly finished with chrome strips in the floor to aid with sliding items in and out. (Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com) |
The Pentastar produces 290 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque while achieving a fuel economy rating of 13.0L/100km and 8.9L/100km city and highway driving respectively. That return gives the Grand Cherokee a driving range in excess of 1,000km between fill-ups.
This engine is a notably refined piece of machinery, putting it on par with the best from Japan and Europe. I was quite impressed with the quiet operation of this new powerplant, which delivers more than adequate performance for the majority of needs.
A V6 is for kids—that got a Hemi?
Those seeking to pull trailers and expecting blistering street performance had better buck-up for the 5.7-litre V8 Hemi, a $1,900 option. It sends 360 horsepower to the quadrants along with 390 pound-feet of torque; again, outstanding operational refinement is the finding of the day.
Regardless of engine choice, the Grand Cherokee’s climbing ability remains King of the Mountain.
Air Suspension raises the bar, and the car
A sophisticated air suspension setup is available for 2011 to enhance ground clearance. Jeep’s Quadra-Lift system provides five different ride heights depending on vehicle speed and traction requirements. Maximum ground clearance is now 272-mm (10.7 in) thanks to 104-mm (4.1 in) of total lift.
The Grand Cherokee automatically sets the appropriate ride height to correspond with the Selec-Terrain setting as chosen by the driver. This new feature allows the operator to simply dial-up the setting to match road conditions such as snow, mud and sand, and rock.
Up to 12 systems—including powertrain, braking, suspension and throttle control—are modified with each setting to ensure that the ultimate in traction and control is achieved. A highly effective Hill Descent Control program manages to keep the Grand Cherokee at a virtual crawl when navigating steep, slippery drops.
There’s little argument that Jeep, with its long history of off-road supremacy, is a leader upon the pavement’s end. The 2011 Grand Cherokee is intent on retaining that lead once the pavement resumes.
 |
| The Pentastar produces 290 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. (Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com) |