AZCentral.com's view

Don’t feel bad if you can’t spot the changes in the revamped Jeep Grand Cherokee. The styling differences are subtle, despite the sport utility being lower and longer than the previous version.

Jeep designers retained the basic look of the Grand Cherokee that first appeared in 1992, performing the sort of mild face lift that has kept the classic Jeep Wrangler’s World War II lineage intact.

But Grand Cherokee’s look is indeed different, sharply honed with a raked rear window and sportier profile. The real changes are under the hood and inside the cabin, where the midsize SUV adds refinement and comfort.

The Grand Cherokee is now available with Chrysler’s potent 5.7-liter Hemi V-8, as well as a 4.7-liter V-8 and a 3.7-liter V-6. The test Jeep, a loaded Limited model, was equipped with the smaller V-8, a competent engine though it lacks the thunderous performance of the Hemi or the marginally better mileage of the V-6.

With gas prices through the roof, Grand Cherokee’s mileage during a week of driving was pretty dismal, the needle dropping precipitously in a mix of freeway and city driving.

Drivability is much improved, with good steering response and better handling despite a softer ride.

Grand Cherokee needed an update, with loads of sharp midsize SUVs in competition. A new Ford Explorer and Nissan Pathfinder, along with Toyota 4Runner and General Motors’ latest SUVs, put plenty of pressure on the Jeep.

But few match the Jeep’s off-road ability or the adventurous image that keeps the faithful coming back for more.

– – –

The lowdown

PERFORMANCE: The V-8 was fairly strong, though I’d like to see how that beefy Hemi pulls. The 4.7-liter V-8 accelerates well and felt quiet and refined on the freeway though gas mileage was not good.

The 5.7-liter Hemi has a mileage-improving system that switches off four cylinders when unneeded, such as during highway cruising. Still, the Hemi is no economy champ, EPA rated at 14 city and 19 highway.

The V-6 gets only slightly better mileage, rated at 16 city and 21 highway.

DRIVABILITY: An all-new suspension system improves ride and handling. Gone is the floaty feeling of the previous version, which favored off-road ability over road manners.

The new rack-and-pinion steering feels direct and responsive, and body sway is better controlled. The test Jeep was enhanced with electronic stability control. Four-wheel traction control and anti-lock disc brakes come standard.

For off-roaders, the Grand Cherokee comes with either Quadra-Trac II active four-wheel drive or the new Quadra-Drive II, which has a number of improvements. The test truck had the older system, but because my off-road contact was limited, I didn’t miss much. Quadra-Drive gets raves from reviewers.

STYLING: Grand Cherokee gets a styling boost with a sporty profile that includes a longer hood, lower roof and slanted rear glass.

INTERIOR: The cabin is noticeably bigger, with plenty of room up front, but the back seat was a disappointment. Legroom is scant, the back is too upright, and there’s little of the luxury feel of the front seats. Grand Cherokee doesn’t offer a third row of seating; the new Jeep Commander is designated as the seven-passenger SUV.

BOTTOM LINE: An attractive SUV with good drivability and a reasonable starting price of $26,775.

– – –

RELATED

Vehicle type: Five-passenger, four-door sport utility vehicle, four-wheel drive.

Engine: 4.7-liter V-8, 230 horsepower at 4,700 rpm, 290 pound-feet of torque at 3,700 rpm.

Transmission: Five-speed automatic.

Wheelbase: 109.4 inches.

Overall length: 187 inches.

Curb weight: 4,756 pounds.

EPA rating: 15 city, 20 highway.

Highs: Sharpened styling, luxury features, off-road prowess.

Lows: Paltry gas mileage, tight back seat, no third-row seat.

PRICING

Base price: $34,470.

Price as tested: $38,660.

OPTIONS

* Chrome alloy wheels, $820.

* Electronic stability, $500.

* Side air bags and curtains, $490.

* All-terrain tires, skid plates and tow hooks, $420.

* Towing package, $255.

* Reverse radar, $255.

* Heated front seats, $250.

* Pearl-coat paint, $225.

* Sirius satellite radio, $195.

* Tire-pressure monitor, $85.

* Shipping, $695.

– – –

Read more

For more go to autos.azcentral.com.