Strengths

All-new exterior and interior design; many performance and comfort options; serious off-road credibility

 

Changes

Completely redesigned for 2011, the Jeep Grand Cherokee boasts an all-new sculpted body with a sleek exterior, smoother lines and improved aerodynamics. The vehicle's 114.8-inch wheelbase is 5.3 inches longer than the 2010 model, and the lower front fascia is now removable. The 3.6L V6 that comes standard on every Grand Cherokee is a brand-new for 2011.

Each Grand Cherokee trim is available with a choice of Quadra Trac 4-wheel drive systems. Soft-touch interior materials make the luxury more palpable, and more comfortable with more than four more inches of rear-seat, knee and leg room. Jeep's CommandView?, a new dual-pane panoramic sunroof, extends from the windshield to the rear of the vehicle and is optional.

 

Value

Introduced in 1992, the Grand Cherokee is a signature vehicle for the Jeep brand intended to appeal to buyers looking to go off-road and those who enjoy a luxury SUV. It uses the same rear-wheel-drive uni-body platform as the new Mercedes-Benz ML. For 2011, the base Grand Cherokee Laredo 4x2 starts at $30,215, about $500 lower than the outgoing model. Pricing for the Laredo 4-wheel drive starts at $32,215.

 

Overview

The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee will be available in three trims: the base Laredo, the Limited and the luxurious Overland. All feature a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 DOHC engine that makes 280 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The all-new flexible-fuel engine features variable-valve timing and is available with a 5-speed automatic transmission. All three trims are available with either 4-wheel drive or rear wheel drive. An optional Hemi V8 engine is available across the lineup.

New independent front and multi-link rear suspension systems and a new body structure have increased the Grand Cherokee's torsional stiffness by almost 150%. Jeep's new Quadra-Lift air suspension, capable of lifting the vehicle 4.5 inches for more off-road ground clearance, and Selec-Terrain traction control systems are available on 4-wheel drive trims only.

Standard safety equipment across the lineup includes 4-wheel antilock disc brakes, active head restraints, a full array of airbags, including full-length side-curtain and seat-mounted side thorax air bags, electronic stability control, electronic roll mitigation, hill-start assist, auto-on headlights, trailer-sway control and tire pressure monitoring system. A collision preventing blind-spot/rear cross-path detection system is available, as is an adaptive cruise control with Forward Collision Warning.

Standard equipment on the base Laredo includes keyless start, 17-inch aluminum wheels, fog lamps, dual-zone air-conditioning, power driver's seat with lumbar, power accessories, privacy glass, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with controls, an anti-theft system, satellite radio, MP3 player and an auxiliary power outlet.

The Limited trim adds upgraded 18-inch aluminum wheels, a leather interior with heated seats and memory. The panoramic sunroof is an upgrade, as is a premium sound system with hard disk storage. Safety and convenience are enhanced with a rear parking aid, integrated turn signal mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, HID headlights, Comfort enhancements include climate control, electrochromic rearview mirror, cargo shade and heated rear seats

The range-topping Overland gets standard navigation, 20-inch aluminum wheels, Nappa leather inside, a wood/leather steering wheel. It also gains a remote trunk release and a power liftgate

Options available across the lineup include a Hemi V8 engine, entertainment system, aluminum painted wheels, a full-size spare, SIRIUS Backseat TV and UConnect hands-free telephone. An optional towing package allows for a maximum towing capacity of 7,400 lbs. A power/tilting sunroof is available on the Limited and the Overland.