New York Auto Show: 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee

For 2008, Jeep wants to change the first impression people get of the Grand Cherokee. The front end gets new, round headlights that significantly change the look of the SUV, even though it’s relatively unchanged from last year’s model in every other regard.

The company says the interior is updated as well, but it hadn’t provided any visual proof by press time. If the past is any indication, we’re guessing the interior changes won’t be immediately noticeable to the average car shopper.

Most important about the 2008 Grand Cherokee is the array of engine choices. There are five, including a diesel V-6. The rest are:

• 3.7-liter V-6 – standard on Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo
• 4.7-liter V-8 – standard on Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited
• 5.7-liter V-8 Hemi – available on Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited, standard on Overland
• 6.1-liter V-8 Hemi – standard on Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8

The 4.7-liter V-8 is new for 2008 and makes 24% more horsepower while remaining flex-fuel capable.

We can’t get too excited about the Grand Cherokee. The SUV has been a slow seller recently, but maybe the available diesel power plant and new V-8 will make it more appealing. More pictures, including a comparison between the 2008 and the 2005 models (the last redesign), are below.