Test drive of the Jeep Grand Cherokee: exploring the pros and cons of this American SUV.
The previous generations of the Jeep Grand Cherokee were not considered a popular model among Ukrainian buyers. However, the new official importer is attempting to change this perception and prove that this "American" can compete effectively with full-size "Japanese" and "European" vehicles. A week with the Jeep revealed that this SUV can impress, not only with its adult appetite for gasoline. But let's go through everything step by step.
Long and Grown-Up
Jeep has been producing the Grand Cherokee for over 30 years, but only in the fifth generation of this full-size SUV, which debuted in 2021, did the vehicle gain an optional third row of seats and the "L" suffix in its name. Interestingly, the two- and three-row versions differ not just in interior design; the key distinction lies in the body length. Our test vehicle is the Long version.
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The fact is that in the US market, over 70% of sales of crossovers and SUVs in this class are accounted for by three-row vehicles. Jeep decided to take a slice of that pie and initially introduced the fifth-generation Grand Cherokee in a "family" format. Interestingly, the short two-row modification in the lineup appeared about a year later.
The new Jeep Grand Cherokee L is noticeably larger than its predecessor. The length has increased from 4820 mm to 5204 mm, while the wheelbase has grown from 2916 mm to 3091 mm. The width (1963 mm) and height (1816 mm) have seen less significant increases. Additionally, the track has been widened by 36 mm. To slightly reduce the weight of this large SUV, the hood and tailgate are made from aluminum.
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It's worth noting that there are no incandescent bulbs in the vehicle – all lighting is LED. The quality of the illumination is quite good; the beams effectively "cover" both the road surface and the shoulders. However, some drivers of oncoming traffic had "concerns" about the "high beam" of the test Jeep, often flashing their lights, hinting at the low sensitivity of the automatic light sensor.
The subject of our test, equipped in the Summit Reserve trim, features an optional air suspension called Quadra-Lift. In its standard position, the vehicle has a ground clearance of 212 mm. There are a total of 5 levels that can be adjusted using a special button near the gearshift lever. Thus, in a parking situation, the vehicle can be lowered closer to the ground, reducing the clearance to 170 mm, while off-road, it can be raised to 277 mm.
Interestingly, the approach angle at the highest body position has increased, although with the longer wheelbase, other geometric parameters have worsened. Nevertheless, the specified wading depth that the American vehicle can conquer is now 610 mm.
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The "Jeep" is Watching
The interior of the Grand Cherokee reflects the character of the vehicle: it is simultaneously somewhat prestigious and technological. The driver is greeted by a virtual instrument panel with a 10.25-inch diagonal, and a projection image is displayed on the windshield, while a dial replaces the traditional gear lever.
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Some may find the instrument graphics a bit simplistic, but they effectively convey the essential information about the vehicle's status and journey, even at high speeds.
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The heart of the dashboard is the Uconnect 5 media system with a 10.1-inch monitor. It's nice that the climate control panel remains entirely analog – with real buttons, switches, and a couple of "knobs." It’s evident that the interior designers considered all control elements for adults – the buttons are large, illuminated, and positioned so they are visible from both the driver’s seat and the front passenger's seat.
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Gadget owners will appreciate that there are 12 USB ports of two standards (USB-A and USB-C) scattered throughout the cabin. One of the most interesting features of our test vehicle is a pair of cameras above the rear rows, allowing for a view of the passengers.
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Previously, this function was performed by panoramic interior mirrors, but with technological advancements, cameras now fulfill this role, allowing for switching between seats and zooming in... In general, rear-seat passengers enjoy nearly as much comfort as those in the front – with heated and ventilated seats, two dedicated microclimate zones, window shades, etc.
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The trunk volume behind the third row is 484 liters. With the third-row seats folded, the compartment holds 1328 liters, and if the second row is also folded down, the trunk volume expands to 2396 liters. Folding and unfolding the rear seats requires minimal effort – just press a couple of buttons in the trunk.
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Among the features of the top Summit Reserve version are seats upholstered in premium leather and genuine wood veneer inserts. To ensure that the trim name is not forgotten, it has been inscribed on the backs of the front seats. The equipment list also includes a surround-view camera system (front camera with night vision capability), a McIntosh audio system with 19 speakers, and adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assist, allowing the driver to let go of the steering wheel on straight sections of the highway.
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What's Under the Hood of the Grand Cherokee
Buyers of flagship "Jeeps" in Ukraine have no choice of powertrains – the vehicle in our market is available with a single 3.6-liter naturally aspirated V6 Pentastar producing 285 hp and 400 Nm of peak torque, paired with an 8-speed transmission from the German company ZF.
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For an SUV with a curb weight of 2.3 tons, this might not seem like much, but such is life; the 5.7-liter Hemi engine producing 362 hp has already been discontinued and is gradually being removed from price lists even in the domestic market in the US. However, statistics show that clients are not interested in such gasoline monsters, as only 4% of all vehicles were equipped with the Hemi. In some markets, a plug-in hybrid version with a 2.0-liter gasoline engine is also available.
Meanwhile, the options for all-wheel-drive transmissions are even more varied than the engine lineup, with three options available. In the already mentioned "base" Limited trim for our market, the Quadra-Trac I system is installed, featuring a clutch on the front axle; the "mid-range" versions have Quadra-Trac II with a transfer case and a reduction gearbox, while the top Grand Cherokee Summit Reserve is equipped with the Quadra-Drive II system with an increased friction differential on the rear axle and the Quadra-Lift air suspension with a closed air circuit.
On the Move
Let’s get straight to the point – don’t expect rapid dynamics from this SUV. However, it does possess a hurricane-like pulling power. There’s a certain impression that the vehicle does not seem to lunge forward sharply. Although it officially accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.1 seconds, which is quite decent for its class.
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If you press the broad accelerator pedal to the floor, the engine starts to roar deeply and simultaneously seems to echo from somewhere far away – thanks to excellent sound insulation and dual side windows. In terms of feel and capabilities, our test vehicle is designed for measured, confident driving, quick but sensible acceleration, and is definitely not meant for racing in the city or on the highway. In sport mode, the Grand Cherokee responds to the gas pedal a bit more eagerly and louder, but there’s no significant change in character. Of course, there’s no talk of "eco" modes here.
It's also worth mentioning the SUV's appetite. The fact that the vehicle loves fuel didn’t surprise the RBC-Ukraine Auto team, but the vehicle's attempt to economize was pleasantly surprising. Just look: on an empty highway at speeds of 110-120 km/h, the vehicle easily achieves 10-10.6 liters per 100 km. In the city, of course, consumption rises somewhat – to 14-15 liters. If you frequently push the "redline" on the tachometer, then 17-18 liters on the display is quite a realistic figure.
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The air suspension provides the full-size Jeep with comfortable handling on roads in nearly any condition. However, due to attempts to maintain good speed and minimize roll in this heavy and tall vehicle, the suspension sometimes shows its firmness over certain uneven surfaces. The vehicle is most "discontent" when faced with a series of small potholes; it absorbs "sleeping policemen" and larger bumps with less disdain.
Price of the Matter
On the website of the Ukrainian representation of the brand, only two versions are offered for the 2024 model year: the long