2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Vehicle Overview

The Grand Cherokee has a standard 290-horsepower, 3.6-liter V-6. A 360-hp, 5.7-liter V-8 is optional. The Grand Cherokee comes in rear- or four-wheel drive. Initially developed during DaimlerChrysler's tenure, it shares framework with the Mercedes-Benz M-Class crossover. A high-performance SRT8 version joins the Grand Cherokee lineup for 2012.

(Skip to details on the: Grand Cherokee SRT8)

New for 2012

V-6-powered Grand Cherokees now have electro-hydraulic power steering, and V-8-equipped models have a revised automatic transmission that provides six manual-shift gears.

Exterior

Sleeker-looking than the model it replaced, the Grand Cherokee still resembles a Jeep, but it's perhaps the brand's greatest stretch so far. Traditional Grand Cherokee cues remain, including a seven-slot grille and horizontally arranged headlights, but the rear end was completely reworked. Exterior features include:

• Standard 17-inch aluminum wheels; 18- or 20-inch wheels optional
• Standard heated power side mirrors
• Standard fog lights
• Optional power liftgate
• Optional sunroof
• Optional high-intensity-discharge headlights

Interior

The cabin has nice materials, with well-integrated center controls and genuine wood trim on uplevel models. There's an available leather-wrapped dashboard, something usually reserved for luxury cars. Interior features include:

• Standard cloth upholstery; leather available
• Rear seats can recline several degrees or fold flat in a 60/40 split
• Available heated and ventilated front seats
• Available heated rear seats
• Available heated steering wheel with power tilt/telescoping adjustments
• Available navigation system
• Available panoramic sunroof

Under the Hood

A 3.6-liter V-6 is standard; it makes 290 hp and 260 pounds-feet of torque. An optional 5.7-liter V-8 makes 360 hp and 390 pounds-feet of torque. With the V-8, towing capacity is 7,400 pounds. The V-6 maxes out at 5,000 pounds. Mechanical features include:

• Both engines can use regular gas
• Rear-wheel drive or choice of three four-wheel-drive systems
• Available Quadra-Trac I automatically transfers power between the axles without any driver involvement
• Available Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II have low-speed transfer cases for dedicated off-roading; Quadra-Drive II adds a rear electronic limited-slip differential
• With Quadra-Trac II or Quadra-Drive II, the Selec-Terrain system allows drivers to choose among five situations: Sport, Auto, Snow, Sand/Mud and Rock, with the system adjusting drivetrain and suspension settings to suit conditions
• Available Quadra-Lift air suspension can vary ride height

Safety

Standard safety features include front-seat side-impact airbags and side curtain airbags for both rows. Active head restraints, four-wheel-disc antilock brakes and an electronic stability system are also standard. Available safety features include:

• Backup camera
• Rear parking sensors
• Blind spot warning system
• Rear cross path detection, which alerts drivers pulling out of a parking spot if there's oncoming perpendicular traffic
• Collision alert that warns if the driver is overtaking another car too quickly

Grand Cherokee SRT8

Looking for an SUV that will double as a daily driver and a high-performance track machine? The beastly Grand Cherokee SRT8 is that vehicle, and it's back for 2012. Powered by a 6.4-liter V-8, the SRT8 puts out 470 hp and 465 pounds-feet of torque, making it the most powerful Jeep ever. The Grand Cherokee has standard all-wheel drive, and it can sprint from zero to 60 mph in just 4.8 seconds, according to Jeep.

An SRT-tuned adaptive suspension keeps body motions in check, and it's configurable with the Selec-Track system. The Grand Cherokee SRT8 has steering-wheel paddle shifters for driver-initiated gear changes of the five-speed automatic transmission, and massive Brembo-brand brakes bring the SUV to a halt.

The Grand Cherokee SRT8 comes standard with 20-inch five-spoke forged-aluminum wheels wrapped in performance all-season run-flat tires or available summer tires. The SUV is rated to tow 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.

Distinctive styling elements include an aggressive lower front bumper and overall stance, body-colored wheel flares, LED daytime running lamps, a body-colored grille and a dual exhaust with 4-inch tips. The Jeep's hood also features functional heat extractors to help keep the engine cool.

Inside, there are Nappa leather and suede front seats that are heated and ventilated for comfort. The rear bench seat is heated, too. The driver information center can measure zero-to-60-mph acceleration, steering input, horsepower and torque, 60-mph-to-zero braking distance and g-forces, among other things. There's carbon fiber trim on the instrument and door panels. A navigation system is standard while a Harman Kardon stereo is optional.

A unique feature of SRT ownership is the SRT Track Experience. It's a one-day high-performance driving school where owners can develop their driving skills in a controlled environment. The school is held year-round at various tracks. Back to top