Chrysler is on the brink of anything from filing for bankruptcy to complete collapse as a business. Its business happens to be building cars, trucks and SUVs, and the Jeep brand has been especially good at designing SUVs that its loyal fans enjoy. With the 2011 Grand Cherokee's urban style and revised unibody platform, the brand may be straying too far from what made it what it is for Jeep loyalists.
The style is actually quite sophisticated and can hold its own with the Ford Edge and Nissan Murano in the looks department. However, while it looks slick, we can't help but wonder what a Jeep fan is thinking right now. Is this an SUV that screams Jeep?
The new unibody construction likely means a much better ride on the road than the old Grand Cherokee. It's based on the Mercedes-Benz M-Class, after all. We'd assume the Grand Cherokee will still pass the Rubicon Trail test and be "trail rated," but questions will remain. We give Jeep credit for introducing the very off-road friendly Wrangler Unlimited four-door a few years back, which allows the Grand Cherokee to make this move to be more of a soft-roader. There is a new suspension system the company promises will make it off-road capable with adjustable settings, but it is clearly aimed at the general car shopper.
How does it do on this front? Not so good, at least on paper. The 2011 Grand Cherokee will get a much more powerful V-6 base engine putting out 280 hp compared to the outgoing model's 210 horsepower, while getting slightly better mileage, up to 16/23 mpg city/highway from 16/21 for the two-wheel-drive model. This power bests the Edge and Murano by 15 hp, but the mileage is better for the competition with 17/24 mpg and 18/23 mpg, respectively.
New CAFE standards go into effect for the 2011 model year, and we're wondering that a company without one 31-plus mpg model in its lineup can afford not to get better mileage in the base model. A Hemi V-8 will also be available with 360 hp and 390 pounds-feet of torque and, of course, V-8 mileage at 14/20 mpg for two-wheel-drive models.
Three trim levels will be available at launch: the base Laredo and mid-level Laredo can be had with either engine, while the top Overland trim only comes with the Hemi V-8.
The numbers paint a bleak picture for what otherwise looks like a pretty nice SUV. The interior certainly seems like a big improvement, and there are many creature comforts that we're seeing in other top models.
Bi-xenon headlights come standard on Limited and Overland trims while there is optional equipment including a dual pane panoramic sun roof, a power liftgate and adjustable headlights that adjust to meet outdoor conditions. Safety options like blind spot warning and rear cross-traffic detection systems, adaptive cruise control and a forward collision system are all available. |
|
