Parked on the crossroads of off-road and race day, the Jeep Grand Cherokee covers floor like few crossovers or SUVs can.
There’s not a foul decide amongst its lengthy record of accessible engines, and we land at a 7 for its snug journey and supreme off-roadability.
The bottom engine, and extra common amongst consumers, is a 3.6-liter V-6 rated at 295 hp mated to an 8-speed computerized and rear- or all-wheel drive. The V-6 is customary on all Grand Cherokees besides SRT and Trackhawk variations, which get sizzling V-8s and many extra kick.
Optionally available on Restricted, Trailhawk, Overland, and Summit variations is a 5.7-liter V-8 that makes 360 hp and customary four-wheel drive. Identical because the V-6, it’s paired to a smooth-shifting 8-speed computerized, however its greatest trick is best towing capability versus the V-6: 7,200 kilos vs. 6,200 kilos, when correctly outfitted.
The final two V-8s, a 6.4-liter or 6.2-liter supercharged model on SRT and Trackhawk fashions respectively, take the Grand Cherokee out of the woods and towards the horizon—shortly.
The 6.4-liter V-8 is pulled from the Dodge Charger and Challenger and it makes 475 hp. It slingshots the large Jeep as much as 60 mph in lower than 5 seconds due to four-wheel-drive traction, and it could be hilariously overpowered if it weren’t for what’s subsequent.
The Grand Cherokee’s 6.2-liter supercharged Hellcat V-8 is 707 hp of fury and blasts the two.5-ton SUV to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds. It will get worse fuel mileage than you’ll be able to think about, one thing we’re certain consumers keen to shell out practically $100,000 for a Grand Cherokee couldn’t care much less about.
Off-road, journey, and dealing with
Again right here in the true world, each Jeep with out an SRT badge provides superior off-road functionality.
There are 4 completely different four-wheel-drive techniques obtainable, every fitted to funds or wants.
The bottom four-wheel-drive system obtainable on Laredo fashions solely, Quadra-Trac I, splits energy 50/50 entrance to rear, however doesn’t provide low-range gears.
Quadra-Trac II does. It’s non-obligatory on Laredo and customary on each different model, besides SRT fashions. It features a low-range gearbox and hill-descent management for trickier grades.
The step-up Quadra-Drive II system is customary on Trailhawk, and Summit fashions outfitted with a V-8, and provides an electronically managed restricted slip differential on the rear for higher traction. Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II embrace driver-selectable traction modes that embrace Sand, Mud, Snow, Rock, and Auto modes, relying on the terrain.
An air suspension is included on fashions outfitted with Quadra-Drive II that may increase or decrease the Jeep for as much as 11.3 inches of floor clearance, or down low for higher gasoline financial system.
The final four-wheel-drive system is included on SRT Grand Cherokees and is geared for greatest efficiency, not off-road traction. It’s paired to adaptive dampers to place their prolific energy to the bottom.
Assessment continues beneath