Test drive: Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.0 CRD S Limited In recent years, luxury 4X4s offering real offroading capabilities have tended to migrate towards the realm of the SUV, taking on a more road-oriented profile. This is not really the case with the Jeep Grand Cherokee... In the vast galaxy of 4X4s there are the out-and-out offroaders, Land Rover Defender style, and the predominantly road-oriented SUVs, BMW X5 style. Between the two, the landscape has become somewhat sparse in recent years, the luxury 4X4s with real offroading capabilities having tended to migrate towards the realm of the SUV. This is not really true of the Grand Cherokee: although it has done away with the separate chassis on this generation, which appeared in 2005, it nonetheless preserves a robust live axle at the rear guaranteeing a constant ground clearance, as well as a transfer case with a low-range gearbox. In short, beneath its very large estate-car looks, this big Jeep is a real adventurer, of a kind seldom made these days. Especially since, after its autumn makeover, it now has a particularly well-designed hill descent control system. On the road, the Grand Cherokee will not disappoint. Admittedly, its elephantine weight (nigh on 2.2 tonnes) tends to make itself felt on corners taken a little too fast, but the Grand Cherokee nevertheless remains sound and predictable in its reactions, whilst providing very good comfort. Its 3.0 CRD engine is well known, being of Mercedes origin and already equipping the 300C saloon. An appealing unit packed with torque (510 Nm at... 1,600 rpm!), which propels this juggernaut from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in under 10 seconds, despite the presence of a somewhat slow five-speed automatic gearbox. Sadly, fuel consumption rises rapidly, especially in the city.... The Grand Cherokee 3.0 CRD is not short of assets, combining a certain refinement with veritable offroad capabilities, all at prices that remain reasonable.  © Jeep On the road We tested it in driving rain, on a track furrowed by deep ruts full of muddy water. But it would take much more than that to deter the Grand Cherokee, which can count on good ground clearance and considerable suspension travel. On board this impressive 4X4, comfortably ensconced in the leather seats (with their rather short base) and in front of a luxurious looking dashboard (but with a finish that could be better), you feel ready to take on the world! Swaggering proudly along tracks, the restyled Grand Cherokee also proves particularly talented when going downhill, thanks to a new Hill Descent Control (HDC) which makes it possible to select the speed (from 1 to 7.5 mph) at which you go down the slope, using the automatic gearbox selector. Lastly, the Grand Cherokee now boasts a hill start assist system. This means that it eases the burden on the 4X4 fan, whilst doing without complex air suspension. The Grand Cherokee’s other great asset is its 3.0 CRD engine. Powerful and, most importantly, with a good amount of torque, it proves equally as valuable during tricky offroad manoeuvres as when overtaking on the road. On asphalt the Grand Cherokee preserves the essentials, namely sound handling with no fuss, thanks to its permanent all-wheel drive. However, you will be reminded of its considerable weight (nearly 2.2 tonnes) when cornering...  © Motorlegend Our opinion The Grand Cherokee is a real 4X4 all-rounder, capable of great jaunts in the mud on a Sunday afternoon, following an elegant drive along The Mall on the Saturday evening. Comfortable, spacious and well equipped, it proves pleasant on the road and devilishly efficient off it. Admittedly, the latest fashionable leisure 4X4s will be more agile, but the Grand Cherokee offers a compromise that is more true to type, capable of appealing to more-than-occasional offroaders. Strong points : High-performance flexible engine, offroad efficiency, intelligent downhill control system, comfort, standard equipment. Weak points : Considerable fuel consumption (particularly in the city), rather slow gearbox, considerable weight that penalises on-road agility, trim could be better. Technical data Model tested: Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.0 CRD S Limited Version: 3.0 CRD S Limited Body style : 4X4 Engine Fuel type: diesel Displacement: 2,987 cc Number of cylinders: 6 Cylinder layout: V Number of valves: 24 Fuel supply: common-rail direct injection, turbo Maximum power: 218 hp at 4,000 rpm Maximum torque: 510 Nm from 1,600 rpm Transmission All-wheel drive Gearbox: 5-speed automatic Steering Rack-and-pinion Type: hydraulic Turning diameter : 11.2 m Brakes Front brakes: ventilated discs Rear brakes: discs Option: ABS Suspension Front: independent Rear: live axle ESP: standard, can be fully disconnected Wheels : alloys Tyres: 245/65R17 Dimensions (m) Length : 4.776 Width : 2.149 Height : 1.751 Wheelbase : 2.781 Boot capacity (dm3): 978/1,908 Fuel tank capacity (litres): 80 Unladen weight (kg): 2,143 Performance Top speed : 200 km/h (125 mph) 0 to 100km/h (62 mph) (s): 9.7 Fuel consumption (l/100 km) Urban : 13.1 Extra urban : 8.6 Combined : 10.2 CO2 emissions (g/km): 270 UK prices as yet unannounced (expected to start at around £30,000) |
Motoring and Technology
Send to a friend
Print this article
