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A Mini-Review/Test-Drive of the new 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee
http://www.jeep.com/2017/grand-cherokee/index.html
IN A NUTSHELL: Arguably the best American-market product Fiat/Chrysler produces for the money.
MINI-OVERVIEW:
There's been much talk lately about the latest 4th-Generation Jeep Grand Cherokee, with some people, both in and out of this forum, openly recommending it over even the (usual) star of the forum in this class...the Lexus RX350. I sampled (and reviewed) one of the latest generation models several years ago myself, and was very impressed with its overall competence, fit/finish, opulent interior, docile/comfortable driving manners, and smooth, refined powertrain. The same basic vehicle remains this year for 2017, but with some changes since then.....foremost, the addition of the 8-speed automatic transmission replacing the former 6-speed. Engine choices remain the same......the 3.6L Pentastar V6 and 5.7L or 6.2L Hemi V8s, depending on model.
The Grand Cherokee was first introduced in 1993, and became an immediate success, establishing itself in the marketplace as second-place runner-up only to the huge-selling Ford Explorer (in those days, of course, outside of GM's Blazer and Chrysler's own Durango, there was almost no competition to the Explorer and Grand Cherokee from the dozens of luxury and compact SUVs that are in the market today). The Grand Cherokee was afflicted by some reliability issues, but avoided any major scandals like the Explorer did on the roll-over/tire-failure issue from the front suspension and Firestone tires. Each generation of the Grand Cherokee continued to improve, especially with the superb 4th-generation model now still being produced....this, of course, at a time when Chrysler's general reputation with the public was still basically that of a corporation that produced cheaply-done, rental-grade, throwaway-vehicles that sometimes did and sometimes didn't get you to your destination with a breakdown.
For the review and test-drive, I chose a reasonably-priced (37K list, with a base-price of 32K) V6 Laredo 4X4 model with a moderate list of options, as it seemed a good compromise in price, compared to the high-zoot and SRT models, for what you got. Again, as with my last test-drive of a Grand Cherokee, I was very impressed...although the suspension may (?) be just a hair stiffer this year than last, despite no significant redesign.
WHAT's GOOD:
Smooth, refined, reasonably powerful drivetrain with the V6.
Virtually seamless engine start/stop system smoother and less noticeable than those from some other manufacturers...and it can be switched off, if desired.
On the Laredo model at least, an (IMO) traditional, easier-to-use, fore-aft transmission shifter replaces the T-handle electronic shifter of a couple of years ago. This is (IMO), an excellent move on Chrysler's part, as some other manufacturers are doing the opposite...replacing traditional shifters with the E-shifters.
Excellent, car-like road manners........good ride/handling balance for a mid-sized SUV, effective wind/road/engine noise-control, refined drivetrain, flexible 8-speed transmission, good brakes/brake-pedal location for large feet.
Extremely short turning radius for a vehicle this size.
Good space-efficiency and outward visibility throughout from the conservative two-box design.
Spacious, well-trimmed cargo area.
Attractive (IMO), well-fitted, opulent interior and decent hardware/trim materials a noticeable step up from most other Jeep products (and a number of other Chrysler products).
Good underhood layout allows a lot of engine-component access up front.
Entry/exit height almost ideal for six-footers my size.
A number of different options/equipment levels available for different needs and tastes.
Can be sold and/or serviced at a very wide network of Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep dealerships across the country.
High demand and sales numbers will probably mean relatively low depreciation....and good monthly lease payments.
WHAT's NOT-SO-GOOD.
I found little to complain about with this vehicle, compared to many others I sample, but here is the list.........
The battery is in an awkward location.....under the passenger's seat. I don't quite know what the designers were thinking.
The paint job is good, but not excellent....there are very small (but noticeable) traces of orange-peel texture on the darker colors.
The oil dipstick underhood for the V6 could be a little better located for easy access......it's way in back, and a stretch for some persons.
The cloth seats, though not uncomfortable by any means, could use a little more (and softer) padding in the cushion.
The ride over bumps, though decent and not uncomfortable, is not quite as silky-smooth as on the last JGC I sampled a few years ago.
And, as always..........Happy Car-Shopping.
MM
http://www.jeep.com/2017/grand-cherokee/index.html
IN A NUTSHELL: Arguably the best American-market product Fiat/Chrysler produces for the money.
MINI-OVERVIEW:
There's been much talk lately about the latest 4th-Generation Jeep Grand Cherokee, with some people, both in and out of this forum, openly recommending it over even the (usual) star of the forum in this class...the Lexus RX350. I sampled (and reviewed) one of the latest generation models several years ago myself, and was very impressed with its overall competence, fit/finish, opulent interior, docile/comfortable driving manners, and smooth, refined powertrain. The same basic vehicle remains this year for 2017, but with some changes since then.....foremost, the addition of the 8-speed automatic transmission replacing the former 6-speed. Engine choices remain the same......the 3.6L Pentastar V6 and 5.7L or 6.2L Hemi V8s, depending on model.
The Grand Cherokee was first introduced in 1993, and became an immediate success, establishing itself in the marketplace as second-place runner-up only to the huge-selling Ford Explorer (in those days, of course, outside of GM's Blazer and Chrysler's own Durango, there was almost no competition to the Explorer and Grand Cherokee from the dozens of luxury and compact SUVs that are in the market today). The Grand Cherokee was afflicted by some reliability issues, but avoided any major scandals like the Explorer did on the roll-over/tire-failure issue from the front suspension and Firestone tires. Each generation of the Grand Cherokee continued to improve, especially with the superb 4th-generation model now still being produced....this, of course, at a time when Chrysler's general reputation with the public was still basically that of a corporation that produced cheaply-done, rental-grade, throwaway-vehicles that sometimes did and sometimes didn't get you to your destination with a breakdown.
For the review and test-drive, I chose a reasonably-priced (37K list, with a base-price of 32K) V6 Laredo 4X4 model with a moderate list of options, as it seemed a good compromise in price, compared to the high-zoot and SRT models, for what you got. Again, as with my last test-drive of a Grand Cherokee, I was very impressed...although the suspension may (?) be just a hair stiffer this year than last, despite no significant redesign.
WHAT's GOOD:
Smooth, refined, reasonably powerful drivetrain with the V6.
Virtually seamless engine start/stop system smoother and less noticeable than those from some other manufacturers...and it can be switched off, if desired.
On the Laredo model at least, an (IMO) traditional, easier-to-use, fore-aft transmission shifter replaces the T-handle electronic shifter of a couple of years ago. This is (IMO), an excellent move on Chrysler's part, as some other manufacturers are doing the opposite...replacing traditional shifters with the E-shifters.
Excellent, car-like road manners........good ride/handling balance for a mid-sized SUV, effective wind/road/engine noise-control, refined drivetrain, flexible 8-speed transmission, good brakes/brake-pedal location for large feet.
Extremely short turning radius for a vehicle this size.
Good space-efficiency and outward visibility throughout from the conservative two-box design.
Spacious, well-trimmed cargo area.
Attractive (IMO), well-fitted, opulent interior and decent hardware/trim materials a noticeable step up from most other Jeep products (and a number of other Chrysler products).
Good underhood layout allows a lot of engine-component access up front.
Entry/exit height almost ideal for six-footers my size.
A number of different options/equipment levels available for different needs and tastes.
Can be sold and/or serviced at a very wide network of Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep dealerships across the country.
High demand and sales numbers will probably mean relatively low depreciation....and good monthly lease payments.
WHAT's NOT-SO-GOOD.
I found little to complain about with this vehicle, compared to many others I sample, but here is the list.........
The battery is in an awkward location.....under the passenger's seat. I don't quite know what the designers were thinking.
The paint job is good, but not excellent....there are very small (but noticeable) traces of orange-peel texture on the darker colors.
The oil dipstick underhood for the V6 could be a little better located for easy access......it's way in back, and a stretch for some persons.
The cloth seats, though not uncomfortable by any means, could use a little more (and softer) padding in the cushion.
The ride over bumps, though decent and not uncomfortable, is not quite as silky-smooth as on the last JGC I sampled a few years ago.
And, as always..........Happy Car-Shopping.
MM
