The 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee has received new lights and trim. But the big news is the availability of a thrifty and torquey turbodiesel engine, and a new eight-speed automatic transmission across the board.
Three engines are now available. The base 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 is rated 290 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, while the optional 5.7-liter Hemi V8 puts out 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. The new 3.0-liter turbocharged Ecodiesel V6 is rated 240 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque. The new eight-speed ZF automatic transmission improves performance and mileage. Both the Ecodiesel and Hemi V8 have a tow rating of 7,400 pounds. Also there are three different four-wheel-drive systems available.
The V6 4×4 EPA ratings are 17 mpg city and 24 mpg highway, while the 4×2 Hemi V8 is rated 14 mpg city and 22 mpg highway. The Ecodiesel is EPA city rated 22 mpg for the 4×2 and 21 for the 4×4; the highway mileage for the 4×4 is 28 mpg and the 4×2 hits 30 mpg.
Inside the new Cherokee you’ll find a sleek cockpit with plenty of standard and optional options.
There are four trim levels: Laredo, Limited, Overland and the new top Summit. There’s a 120-volt AC power outlet by the front console. The dash features a standard 7-inch TFT screen between a trio of gauges. An optional 8.4-inch touchscreen is available with satellite radio, Bluetooth and Uconnect that includes a Wi-Fi hotspot, voice-to-text message dictation to your smartphone and other apps. An available dual-screen rear seat entertainment system with Blu-Ray playback replaces the roof-mounted screen.
Quadra-Lift air suspension allows four drive heights and a low park mode. Quadra-Lift is optional on Limiteds and standard on Overland and Summit.
The entry-level Laredo starts at $29,790 with destination charges. Overland includes a Luxury Group II, Quadra-Lift suspension and more for $43,990. The top Summit version lists for $48,990, which includes nearly all high-tech, safety and luxury items. Vehicles should be on sale mid-summer 2013.
