Driven: The Jeep Grand Cherokee
Quick facts:
- 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine
- 8-Speed Automatic Transmission
- Dual Pane Panoramic Sunroof
- 10.1inch Smart Touch Radio (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto)
- Navigation and McIntosh Audio System
- Ambient lighting
Introduction:
We had a chance to experience the legendary model, the new Jeep Grand Cherokee. On test, we had the Overland 5-seater spec. This premium SUV comes packed with safety features and great performance as you would expect, but efficiency is added for a balanced package.
Performance:
The Grand Cherokee is propelled by a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine with an output of 210kW and 344Nm, coupled to an 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. If the all-wheel drive is not required, the car automatically disconnects the front axle to help save fuel (reactivated if the situation changes). The claimed fuel consumption is 10.6L/100km but we didn’t cover enough distance to really test this out.
Exterior:
The Grand Cherokee really stands out and commands attention from the outside. The premium LED lighting and front and rear fog lights give it an extra-special glow. The new grill design retains the famous Jeep shape but with more aggressiveness. The electronic tailgate is also a handy feature.
The Grand Cherokee has different ride heights for diverse terrain but even the standard ground clearance is very high.
Interior:
Luxury features like the quilted leather upholstery, open-pore wood trim, and cutting-edge digital displays are abundant in the Overland trim. Ambient lighting adds to the luxury touch. It has a heated leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel, dual-pane panoramic sunroof, multi-zone climate control functions, a 10.1-inch Smart Touch infotainment screen with navigation and a McIntosh audio system. The electronic seat control and adjustment as well as the heated/cooled seats option comes in very handy in this spec. This spec also comes with a smaller passenger screen, a very useful feature for family road trips.
The Grand Cherokee is very generous with the legroom (for all the occupants) as well as the boot space, even in this two-row variant. Multi USB ports, HDMI and cigarette lighter connections are also galore (for all occupants) in this model.
Drive and Handling:
The Grand Cherokee has a soft ride, not ruggedness even in off-road conditions. The vehicle pulls off very well when required and can be brought to a halt without much effort. The hill-assist (hold) function is such a joy as well as the stop-start function for fuel efficiency. The all-around sensors and reverse camera allow for better manoeuvrability and parking in tight spaces.
Conclusion:
This is a well-rounded vehicle and offers what you would expect from a premium SUV and more. The starting price of R1,3 million is very appealing if you compare it with the German rivals and other models within this market segment.
