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Introduced for the 1993 model year, the Jeep Grand Cherokee has been the flagship model for the Jeep fleet, though in recent years it has shared top billing with the Jeep Commander. When compared to the regular Jeep Cherokee, the Grand Cherokee has always been much more refined, enjoyed by people whose cars included Mercedes, Lexus and BMW.
Over the course of time, the Grand Cherokee has slipped, failing to keep up with the top models in its segment, with SUVs from the European and Japanese brands offering better quality and durability. That fact has been a hard one for Jeep to swallow as the brand directly descends from the first mass produced off-road vehicles, Willys MB US Army Jeep, used in World War II.
Fresh Product
The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee offers a clean break from previous models although its looks are more of an evolution than a revolution. Four inches longer than the 2010 edition, the new Jeep resolves an important customer complaint: lack of rear legroom. Jeep took those extra four inches and used them to extend leg room for the rear seating passengers, a noticeable change that will help make this vehicle competitive once again. Importantly, you should still be able to fit your Grand Cherokee in your garage.
Other improvements can be found throughout the cabin as well as under the hood.
Inside, numerous updates were made, quite a few of those changes were safety related. Active head restraints, full-length side curtain airbags and seat mounted thorax airbags are standard, stability control, electronic roll mitigation, hill start assist and trailer sway control are included. You will notice a cleaner cabin design with soft touch materials replacing hard plastic, a dual-pane panoramic sun roof, and in-dash amenities such as Uconnect phone for hands-free calling, leather wrapped steering wheel with audio controls and satellite radio.
New Engine
Under the hood, the Grand Cherokee enjoys the first application of Chrysler's all-new 3.6-liter V-6 engine, offering an 11 percent increase in fuel economy and 500 mile driving range. That 290 horsepower engine is paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. Standard towing capacity is 5,700 pounds with the 4x2 model or 5,900 pounds with the base 4x4. Optionally, a 5.7-liter V-8 pounds out 357 horsepower and increases towing to 6,500 pounds when properly equipped.
Laredo, Limited and Overland trim levels give customers a variety of packages to choose from. All models make use of the new, independent front and rear suspension systems which Jeeps says, "...contribute to on-road refinement."
Lower Price
In addition to the numerous changes offered, Jeep set the base price for the Grand Cherokee at $30,995, which is several hundred dollars lower than the outgoing model. Fully equipped, the Grand Cherokee will be priced in the mid-40s, in the same neighborhood of comparable Mercedes, BMW and Lexus models.
Matthew C. Keegan is a freelance writer who resides in North Carolina. Matt is a contributing writer for Andy's Auto Sport an aftermarket supplier of quality parts including cold air intakes and shocks.