SAN FRANCISCO — The all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee has attractive styling, new on-and-off road technology, and more standard features and more standard safety than the vehicle it replaces for prices ranging from $500 to $2,600 less than 2010 models.

On paper it appears to be the perfect formula for success. 

After four hours of highway driving and a short stint of off-road testing, we believe that the Grand Cherokee indeed raises the bar on rugged yet luxurious family transportation.



Most people never take their vehicles off road although Mike Manley, president and CEO of Jeep, told auto writers here that "100 percent of our owners take their Grand Cherokee off road." 

Eyebrows were raised before he pointed out that probably only 5 percent actually take their vehicle four-wheeling.” The other 95 percent dream of doing it,” said Manley.

And for that reason, Jeep must build Grand Cherokees that have outstanding off-road capability.

For the dreamers and users alike a refined automotive experience is crucial. This newest Cherokee provides a compliant ride, a luxury-car quiet interior and a rewarding on-road driving experience.



Improved ride quality comes in part from a new fully independent suspension, the first ever for a Grand Cherokee. To give the grand Cherokee the best of both worlds, an optional Quadra-Lift air suspension, featuring five height settings for optimal on-road and off-road capability, is available.

Under hood, the Grand Cherokee uses Chrysler’s all-new 290-horsepower 3.6-liter V-6. Optional is a muscular 5.7-liter V-8 generating 360 horsepower. Towing capability ranges from 5,000 pounds for the V-6 to 7,400 pounds for the V-8.

Three four-wheel drive systems are available.

Prices start at $30,995 for the Laredo 2X4 and rise to $42,995 for the loaded 4X4 Overland.

The new Grand Cherokee will arrive in showrooms in July.



— Jim Meachen