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Acceleration
"V6 feels sluggish on takeoff, has little passing-power reserve, but is OK in
freeway cruising. The 4.7 V8 is noticeably stronger, thus a better choice with
AWD. Muscular 5.7 V8 delivers impressive power, virtually transparent switching
between four and eight cylinders. SRT8 does 0-60 mph in just 5.0 sec, says Jeep,
but didn't feel that quick on a brief preview test drive. Automatic transmission
smooth, responsive in all models. Maximum tow ratings are 7200 lb with 5.7 V8,
6500 with 4.7 V8, 3500 for V6 models and SRT8."
Value
"Rear-seat room and comfort disappoint, as does the lack of 3-row seating, though
Jeep's new Commander answers that. But Grand Cherokee is solid, rides comfortably,
has fine ergonomics, handles well, and is tenacious off-road. It's also competitively
priced. The V6 is too weak for this vehicle's weight, but not the workhorse 4.7
V8 or muscular 5.7 Hemi. And the SRT8 is a hot rod wagon."
Ride
"Quite good for an SUV, especially one with a suspension suited to severe off-road
duty. Absorbs most bumps with little harshness. Solid-feeling structure enhances
impression of carlike comfort. Main demerit is some float on dips and swells
at highway speeds except for taut SRT8, which tends to jiggle on less-than-perfect
pavement."
Economy
"No opportunity yet to measure a V6. Ditto SRT8. Test AWD 4.7 V8 Laredo averaged
16.0 mpg in even mix of city/highway driving. Test 5.7 V8 AWD Limited averaged
17.9 in mainly highway driving, but just 12.0 mpg in mostly city work. Jeep recommends
87-octane fuel for V6 and 4.7 V8, 89 octane or higher for 5.7 V8, 91 for SRT8."
Noise
"All models keep tire and wind noise at bay, but test 5.7 V8 AWD Limited suffered
modest gear whine at highway speeds. Engines quiet enough at cruise, slightly
gruff at full throttle--especially the overtaxed V6. SRT8 V8 provides a NASCAR-style
soundtrack."
Comfort - Front
"Head room not generous for 6-footers, but ample leg and shoulder space on supportive
seats. Comfortable take-charge driving stance has enough adjustments to suit
most anyone. Visibility a bit cluttered to right rear, and thick windshield pillars
hinder seeing around some corners. Ride height lower than midsize SUV norm, easing
entry/exit."
Comfort - Rear
"Seat quite firm and not contoured for best comfort. Three adults fit, but none
have much foot space. Outboard leg room tight with seats moved more than halfway
back. Head room just OK for 6-footers. Entry/exit hampered by fairly narrow thresholds,
doors that should open wider."
Controls
"Easy-read gauges. Simple, logically placed switchgear. Most climate controls
are rotary knobs--a plus--but optional navigation system absorbs too many audio
functions, takes time to learn and adjust. Few padded soft-touch surfaces, but
materials have rich grain, low-gloss finish, and are assembled with care. Overland,
SRT8 include swanky leather/suede upholstery."
Cargo Room
"Total space ample by absolute standards but subpar for class. Still, good suitcase
room behind split rear seat, which folds easily but doesn't make a fully flat
deck. Rear-floor panel/tire cover reverses from carpet to plastic for messy loads
and has small built-in storage bin. Up-front cabin storage good, not great."
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