Since its introduction, the Grand Cherokee has been nothing but a major success. Carrying a heavy portion of the brand's sales, it has always been the newsmaker, being faster, more luxurious than any other Jeep and most SUVs while retaining its off-roading pedigree. For the second time in eleven years, the Grand Cherokee has been updated and it is now in its third generation. Arriving just not a moment too soon, it's just what the brand needs to arrest declining sales. With the 2005 model comes fresh new styling, but other areas of improvement to bring the attention of the public back to Jeep. A powerful new motor, advanced all wheel drive systems, and a drastically improved interior are amongst the changes made, plus promises of other models. If all goes well here, the Grand Cherokee will spawn a larger seven-seater version in year or so. But for now, all eyes are on the Grand Cherokee…
A boxier, all-new Grand Cherokee emerges from Jeep for 2005.
The exterior of the Grand Cherokee never followed in Jeep tradition. Where the Wrangler always had its round headlamps, the Grand Cherokee never had a defined look - just a 'following the trend' styling theme with the trademark grille. Compared to the previous generation, the 2005 model arrives departs from the rounded, bloated looking model of the past. Jeep's stylists must have found a new-found interest in sharp edges and crispness as seen in the shapes used around the body. Take for example the tailgate area - it's now angled instead of curved. The same can be said for the shapes of the fender flares, tail lamps and windows. While not a negative aspect (in our opinion) the modern styling will most likely be knocked on for looking too much like Dodge's new Durango or Chrysler's Caravan. Meanwhile, the front end is a new rendition of the Grand Cherokee's heritage. To either side of the seven-slot front grille are round-topped headlamps that remind us of the older Wagoneer. Tasteful applications of chrome create an upscale look.
A variety of new engines including a 5.7L Hemi V8 with variable displacement (4.7 V8 pictured).
Though it is Jeep's largest offering, the Grand Cherokee is small and pert by large SUV standards. The new model is slightly larger than the one it replaces at 4.74 meters long with a 2.78 meter long wheelbase. Much has ended up on the inside, where it's been used to improve on the compact quarters. Improvements have also been made to the look and quality of the cockpit. Two-toned plastics and leathers give an upper-class feel, while overall quality has been upped. Instrumentation, knobs and gauges have been kept, though they have been bumped up in appearance - speedometer, revs and the like are ringed in chrome, while heating and ventilation controls are grouped to look less outdated. To further push the Grand Cherokee up market to meet the likes of Saab's new 9-7X and VW Touareg, it can be equipped with a navigation system displayed on a large LCD screen, rear-seat DVD player with fold-down screen, Boston Acoustics hi-fi speaker system as well as parking sensors.
Still looks very much like a Grand Cherokee. Sports independant front suspension though.
The biggest change to the engine lineup comes in the form of the Grand Cherokee's top engine. Just this past year, Chrysler and its associate companies re-introduced the Hemi V8 engine into several products including the Dodge Ram pickup truck and the Chrysler 300 C Hemi luxury sedan. Jeep, for the first time will receive such an engine. At 5.7 liters in displacement, the engine is both powerful and torquey producing much of the low-down grunt which is necessary for a full-size SUV. Peak power is rated at 325 horses, and 90 percent of its 502 nm of torque is available between 2400-5100 rpm. Keeping in mind fuel economy and emissions, the Hemi-equipped Grand Cherokee will feature Jeep's Multi Displacement System. Similar to GM's Displacement on Demand (DOD), the engine has the ability to shut off half of the engine's cylinders under light loads to keep fuel economy reasonable. The result is plain and simple - up to a 20 percent increase in fuel economy.
Lookin' good: two-toned interior, improved quality and optional LCD screen.
Although the 5.7 liter Hemi V8 is the top of the line motor for the Grand Cherokee, there are two other lesser motors that make up the rest of the lineup. One step down and you'll still find a high-displacement V8 motor. From the previous generation, a 4.7 liter Power Tech V8 will be available. Making 230 horsepower and 393 nm of torque, it has the capabilities to easily move a heavily loaded Grand Cherokee with ease. The base Grand Cherokee comes with a six-cylinder motor, but it isn't the old 4.0 liter straight six. Jeep has swapped out the old motor still featured in the Wrangler for the 3.7 liter V6 found in the top model of Cherokee/Liberty. The V6 is only marginally less powerful than the 4.7 liter V8 producing 210 horsepower and 319 nm of torque. All motors, including the Hemi 5.7 V8 are mated to a five-speed automatic gearbox. Currently Jeep has not announced any information about diesel power, though we wouldn't pass on the idea of the all-new 160 horsepower CRD turbodiesel.
Longer wheelbase means that there's more room in back. Still a 5-seater, though.
As the Grand Cherokee is perceived as a high-end luxury sport utility vehicle, there is immense pressure for Jeep to find the balance between decent handling and a comfortable ride, without compromising off roading ability. The big change, and one that is most likely to hit hard at home in the Jeep community is that the new Grand Cherokee features an independent front suspension. To improve on handling, Jeep has fitted a rack and pinion steering system, a first for the Grand Cherokee. Together the new front suspension and steering setup will yield massively improved handling and ride which is good news for those of us who rarely or never take their vehicles off road. At the same time, it's a compromise in ultimate off roading ability. All isn't lost though; the rear axle is still live. While it's hardly likely that the Grand Cherokee will be a hit with the off roaders, it ought to be tough enough and good enough to be 'Trail Rated'.
7-slot grille matches up with rounded headlights. Adaptive curve headlamps will be optional.
As with previous years, the Grand Cherokee will be available in several drivetrain combinations bar the 5.7 Hemi which is available only in four wheel drive guise. Rear wheel drive is still a popular choice with the Grand Cherokee (believe it or not, it makes up 25% of all Jeep sales) and so it will remain for the new generation. Jeep also offers three kinds of four wheel drive for buyers to suit their needs and driving styles. First up is Quadra-Trac I, utilizing a basic single-speed transfer case, followed by Quadra-Trac II that adds a low-speed gear for tackling tougher off-roading situations. The most complex and advanced system of the three is the new Quadra-Drive II, providing the capabilities of Quadra-Trac II and adding electronic limited slip differentials. The new electric system replaces the old, mechanical Vari-lock axle system and will ensure that the new Grand Cherokee is just as good offroad as previous versions.
Plenty of space in back. Stretched platform could lead to 7-seater in the upcoming years.
Jeep, although worldwide sees most of its sales going to North America, but they are growing elsewhere. In Europe, with the addition of the CRD common rail turbodiesel is becoming an increasingly popular choice for those who want an SUV. Production of the Grand Cherokee has been split up in anticipation of greater sales in other areas of the world. While North American production will still continue in Detroit, European versions will come from Graz, Austria by coachbuilder Magna Steyr. Does this name sound familiar? It's the same company that is responsible for the entire production of BMW's compact sport utility, the X3. When will this new Grand Cherokee be available to the public? Jeep is retooling its North American facilities for production start in the third quarter of this year for a 2005 sales start. The European models and other imports will be available some time in '05 as an '06 model. Prices haven't been announced yet.
New Grand Cherokee-nice car-
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