Jeep Grand Cherokee 2WD road test
by Stephen Walker
4th October, 2013
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Jeep Grand Cherokee
updated
5th July, 2013
Jeep Grand
Cherokee Laredo road test
20th July, 2011
The recent release of an updated Jeep Grand Cherokee has provided an
interesting new version of this popular 4x4, a vehicle which is highly admired by the Next Car team.
Oddly enough, Jeep's new version of the updated model is a 4x2 rather than the expected four-wheel drive which is
traditionally associated with the American brand. The intention is to expand the appeal of this larger type of SUV.
Jeep's expansive model line-up is gaining traction, so to speak. In July 2013 some 1,196 Grand Cherokees hit the road
in Australia. An amazing result, reflecting the obvious appeal this model generates. It was the top selling large SUV
across the nation in July. And with 1,319 sales in August, the Jeep Grand Cherokee remained the number one large SUV in
Australia. Then in September, another 1,402 Grand Cherokees were sold cementing it as the most popular large SUV in the
country.
Test Car particulars
We took a Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 2WD for a very pleasant run around Melbourne suburbs. The test car was fitted
with the admired 3.6 litre petrol-fuelled V6, coupled to an automatic transmission.
Prices*
The starting price for Grand Cherokee Laredo 2WD is from $43,000*. Yes, that is the correct figure. The 4x4 version
adds $3,000*. Quite frankly, we are impressed with the price. The Laredo 2WD is a lot a car for the money.
Specifications
The engine for the entry level model is a 3.6 petrol-fuelled V6 with 210kW of power @ 6,350 and 347Nm of torque @
4,300rpm. An 8-speed automatic transmission is standard.
Driving the Grand Cherokee 2WD
The 3.6 litre V6 moves the Grand Cherokee along quite well as you discovered during our 425 kilometres around
Melbourne suburbs. The combination of 2-wheel drive, 3.6 V6 and an auto made the big Jeep a nice car for suburban use. A
reversing camera assists with the parking chore. But the capacious interior providing a high degree of comfort and the
elevated driving position is always appreciated. We didn't take the this car out of town.
We found the ride was pleasing and the handling was good for a large SUV, as was the steering and braking.
Living with the Grand Cherokee 2WD
With doors that open quite wide, the Grand Cherokee is excessively easy to enter and depart providing the seat height
is suitable for your stature. The trim on the base model, in a light shade, was appropriate and I must say that I thought
it was quite good. Sure, leather is nice but there was nothing wrong with the Jeep's interior trim. I liked it in fact
and considered the lighter colour much more attractive than the typical dark coloured trims that abound.
Passenger space was quite good, no complaints from any passengers. With decent legroom in the rear it would be an easy
task to load five people into the Grand Cherokee.
Safety
Standard equipment for the entry level model includes Electronic Stability Control (ESC) — Includes vehicle stability
management system, Electronic Roll Mitigation, All-Speed Traction Control (ATSC), Brake Assist, and four-channel
anti-lock brake system; Air Bags — Advanced multi-stage, driver and front-passenger (inflate with a force appropriate to
severity of the frontal or near-frontal impact), Advanced side-curtain (provide additional protection to front and rear
outboard occupants in the event of a roll-over), Advanced supplemental front-seat-mounted side air bags (provide
additional protection in the event of a side-impact); Driver inflatable knee-bolster; reversing camera.
Fuel and emissions
Our consumption averaged 13.5 litres per 100 kms, which was based on big city suburban travelling. Although we were
on urban highways occasionally.
The V6 petrol automatic, as tested, has a fuel consumption rating, on the combined cycle, of 10.1 litres per 100 km
according to the formal testing procedure. This is quite a reasonable figure, but we didn't come close. However, our
use in an urban environment, more so than on a highway, had to increase the fuel consumption over a routine combined
rating. As a matter of interest, the consumption rating for urban use is 14.0 litres/100km, so we didn't do too bad.
The fuel tank capacity is a handy 93.5 litres.
CO2 emissions are rated at 237 grammes per kilometre (combined cycle).
Dimensions
Length: 4,828 mm
Width: 1,943 mm
Height: 1,820 mm
Wheelbase: 2,915 mm
Weight: 1,998 kg
Boot capacity: 782 litres, expanding to 1,554 litres with rear seats folded.
Towing
With appropriate towing equipment, a Grand Cherokee V6 2WD can tow a braked trailer up to 1,600kg. A heavier weight
can be towed by the 4x4 versions.
After Sales
A manufacturer's warranty covers the Jeep Grand Cherokee for 3 years/100,000 (conditions apply). Roadside assistance
is included for this period, too. Service intervals are 12,000 kilometres for petrol-V6 models.
Conclusion
If you seek value for money with a larger SUV and don't need four-wheel drive, I am convinced you will be well served
by the Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 2WD. It impressed the team with it's driveability, comfort and the extraordinary value.
It goes through the juice somewhat though, but it is an excellent vehicle that should find a home quite easily because it
ticks so many of the boxes that SUV buyers appreciate.
NOTE: * Manufacturer's List Price (MLP) excludes dealer delivery
fees and the numerous statutory charges (commonly known as on-road costs). Additionally, please note that all prices,
fees and charges are subject to change without notice, as are the specifications.
E&OE
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