Car Reviws |
| 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland, an AW Drivers Log: Posted: 30 Nov 2010 07:57 AM PST      
EXECUTIVE EDITOR ROGER HART: This is the first new product to come out from the Fiat-led Chrysler Corp., and if all the new vehicles are as good as this one, Chrysler will have a bright future. What is especially impressive here, in my opinion, is the ride, the handling and the quietness of the cabin at highway speed. It is many steps up from the previous Grand Cherokee. Also impressive is the interior. The thick wood steering wheel is nice, as are little features such as all the soft-touch plastics and the accent lights in the door panels. Little touches like that make the cabin more inviting. The seats are supportive and comfortable. There are some carryovers from Dodges/Chryslers past, such as the radio/nav interface. While functional and relatively easy to use, it's not one of the highlights of the interior. Thankfully, the rest of the cabin is top-notch, and you can look past the radio. The exterior styling is more rounded than the previous model and it looks fresh. It's pretty immediately recognizable as Jeep. Even though there's a Hemi underhood, you won't spot any badges claiming so. And while the new Pentastar V6 is strong, it's nice having a V8 to haul around more than 5,000 pounds. EXECUTIVE EDITOR--AUTOWEEK.COM BOB GRITZINGER: This Overland version of the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee might as well be called the "Overthetop" edition. Not to take anything away from the Pentastar V6-powered Limited we tested back in August, but this V8-engine version--with all the Overland trimmings--is really something special. I think the Grand Cherokee looks loads better with this softer styling, and the stitched leather work and ambient lighting inside this model (love the door-pocket lights) puts it in league with Land Rovers. That's appropriate considering it has a terrain-control system like the Landies--one-knob shopping for all your snow, sand, rock-crawling and highway-commuting suspension and powertrain settings. The Mercedes-Benz M-class parts shine in the chassis, giving the Grand Cherokee true on-road refinement that only gets better with the cushiness integrated into the Overland. Adding the 5.7-liter V8 may not be a necessity for everyone, given the 290 horses packed in the V6 powertrain, but it'd be nice to have if your chores run to any kind of heavy towing (in excess of 5,000 pounds). I noted that the V8 comes with what Chrysler calls a Multi-Speed automatic, which saves fuel by mimicking a six-speed in terms of ratio "feel" and rpms, but it does it with less complexity and cost by using five actual cogs. Very trick--it works so well I thought for sure it really was a six-speed slushbox. I really like this version of the Grand Cherokee, but any version of this all-new product from Chrysler is pretty strong. 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Base Price: $42,995 As-Tested Price: $45,215 Drivetrain: 5.7-liter V8; 4WD, five-speed automatic Output: 360 hp @ 5,150 rpm, 390 lb-ft @ 4,250 rpm Curb Weight: 5,210 lb Fuel Economy (EPA): 15 mpg Options: Overland including 5.7-liter engine, quadra-drive 4WD system, electronic limited-slip differential, trailer tow group IV, heavy-duty engine cooling, 220-amp alternator, antilock four-wheel disc heavy-duty brakes, dual bright rear exhaust tips ($1,995); Inferno red paint ($225) |
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