Jeep Grand Cherokee: New and Improved?
I’m writing this article about the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee from a distinct disadvantage: I have yet to get my hands on one. Testing one won’t happen until July, just in time for a review I’ll be working on for one of my print magazines.
Meanwhile, I’m finding myself in the same position you are: reading information shared by other online and print sources and wondering if this time Jeep got it right.
The “got it right” part is important because the Jeep Grand Cherokee has missed the mark in recent years. When it was released in the 1990s as an all new model, the Grand Cherokee compared favorably to most other upscale SUVs. Its competition was new and had yet to exploit the segment.
But those same models from BMW, Mercedes and others quickly stepped up their game by offering luxurious appointments, refinement and room Jeep owners could only dream about. Jeep may not be a luxury brand, but they did launch the SUV segment. You’d expect that its top of the line model would offer class-leading amenities in a worthy package, but this Jeep doesn’t. At least until the 2011 came along.
Jeep Evolution
If you wondered if the 2011 redesign would be revolutionary, it isn’t. But it does appear to be evolutionary as the model is cleaner and crisper on the outside and offers four more inches of rear passenger seating on the inside. Jeep stretched the wheelbase to accommodate rear passengers who have complained that the back seat lacks room.
The good news is that if you are able to get your current Grand Cherokee into your garage, this one should fit too.
Jeep says that the 2011 Grand Cherokee is all-new save for the optional 5.7L HEMI engine, five-speed transmission and four wheel drive package. Yes, it would have been great if a six-speed automatic were offered instead as that should be the bare minimum for a vehicle of this caliber, but parent Chrysler still isn’t in a financial position to go hog wild with engineering refinements.
At least the Grand Cherokee will be the first Chrysler product to be powered by its all-new 3.6L Penstar V6 engine, producing 290 horsepower and 260 pound feet of torque.
Cabin Refinements
The cabin refinements should be a Jeep owner pleaser as hard plastics have been replaced by soft to the touch plastics, leather trim and real wood on the instrument panel and steering wheel.
Indeed, according to Automotive News Grand Cherokee developed “…was centered on five areas that owners and potential buyers criticized: rear seat packaging, interior refinement, fuel economy, ride and exterior styling.”
New front and rear independent suspensions ease the ride while the Pentastar engine will prove to be more economical and more powerful. Better aerodynamics and use of lighter materials will help the Jeep achieve improved fuel economy though at 14 city and 18 highway in either 2WD or 4WD packagings, the base engine isn’t exactly fuel thrifty.
Interestingly, the V8 offers slightly better fuel economy on the highway: 20 mpg in 2WD, 19 mpg in 4WD.
Potential buyers will want to take note of other amenities offered including blind spot detection, forward collision warning, eight-way power seats, adaptive cruise control and an air suspension with six-levels of adjustment.
Sales Bounce
Sales of the 2010 model have increased year to date by 16 percent over a woeful 2009. Expect Jeep to enjoy a significant bounce with the 2011 model as long as gas prices remain stable. Should pump prices jump above four dollars a gallon, the Grand Cherokee and vehicles like it simply won’t meet sales expectations.
And that would be an unfortunate thing given the model’s apparent improvement as well as the Chrysler Group needing a strong performer.
Photo Credit: Chrysler Group LLC







