Review

I’m in the process of getting a new SUV. I’ve been seeing commercials about the new Jeep Grand Cherokee, so, I decided to drive it. But, I want to acknowledge all of the things I heard about it before I drove it and say upfront; It still doesn’t cost as much as European SUV’s, so, dollar-for-dollar, you get a great deal.

I read – probably in Automobile magazine – that it was designed in conjunction with the Mercedes M class. I can see that. I also read that Chrysler went above and beyond to upgrade the fit and finish. We’ll get to that. AND, I read that they completely upgraded the suspension, which, is apparently a never-ending battle for Jeep.

Jeeps have this tendency to wiggle. All of them. One time I test drove a Wrangler with two of my friends in the back seat and I thought they’d be car sick it was such an unstable ride. We should’ve stopped for dramamine. But, a Grand Cherokee is not a Wrangler, right? Ah huh…

My sister had a Cherokee Limited many years ago – the boxy one. It had, THE WIGGLE. So, I’m hearing what Chrysler has to say; I’m looking for no wiggle. Guess what – I got a little bit of THE WIGGLE. Much, much improved, but, I think it’s just the nature of the four-wheel independent suspension in combination with the clearance that Jeep just can’t get around.

But, beyond the *slight* wiggle, there was one thing that I could not deny – The 3.6 Pentastar V6 is kick-ass. It’s the strongest V6 in its class and hauled ass like a champ. So, at this point, I’m stuck at zero. The two things that keep a vehicle in the running are: The engine and the handling. So I’m stuck at zero…

How about the amenities? The driving position is a bit tight, visibility is not as good – I think it’s a sacrifice to better styling. Instrumentation is light-years better. Definitely giving European SUV’s a run for the money. Moonroof is nice, but, most other SUV’s in its class have upgraded to the panorama as the only option. Seats are better, but, still a bit flat/stiff.

I think in an attempt to want to like this better than anything else, I’m making excuses. For everything that is great, there is something that is not great. Leaves me even. This new Grand Cherokee is a great effort in progress for Jeep, but, still doesn’t get it all the way there. For those of you who drive European SUV’s, you know what I’m talking about. Jeep still hasn’t captured that feel, but, I applaud them for getting ALOT closer…




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