Mother Proof's view

I’m relieved because I just figured something out. Jeep is getting better fuel efficiency from its SUVs with its turbo-diesel V-6 engine. In the past, I’ve likened the company’s environmental efforts to my son’s feelings about any green vegetable – a strict, “no thanks, I’ll figure something else out” approach. I’ll admit I was a bit worried that Jeep didn’t seem to lift a finger to improve its fuel mileage.

But then a Jeep Grand Cherokee with a turbo-diesel V-6 engine showed up in the MotherProof.com test fleet. Stick with me here, friends. I know you don’t visit us for engine talk, but this is kind of cool. You might be thinking, “What does turbo-diesel V-6 even mean?” or “Why put a turbo-diesel in that car? Why do I want a fast, stinky and dirty SUV?” Here is where I step in and say, no, dear reader, the turbo-diesel is fast, but it’s not stinky or dirty! While the fuel savings don’t look like much, it’s important to remember you’re getting the same power as a V-8. Are you still with me? Lots of power, less CO2.

Of course, there are some hiccups with diesel. “Emission standards in the U.S. favor gasoline engines,” says Nick Cappa, Chrysler’s manager of advanced technology communications. “Diesel engines emit less CO2 (greenhouse gas carbon dioxide) per mile but more NOX (nitrogen oxide) than gas engines. NOX is more regulated than CO2, at least for now. It is expensive to install certain after-treatment systems to clean the NOX.”

Diesel also has a problem with customer acceptance, “People still associate diesel as dirty,” Cappa says. Add to that diesel’s high price these days, and it’s as tough a sell to customers as asparagus is to my son. No deal.

Technical stuff aside, I found several reasons to like the Jeep Grand Cherokee. It’s roomy but not overly so – I can grab my bag off the passenger seat without a huge stretch. Those same seats were comfortable, and I also liked the moderately upscale look of the interior. It wasn’t over the top, just balanced. Visually, the Cherokee is quite zenny, a little fake wood here, some leather and metallic accents there. Now if only there were a water feature, we’d have some sort of cosmic balance, no?

The front cupholders were easy to use, but my kids had a difficult time with the rear cupholders, which are built into the seat bench and pop out toward the front of the SUV. The front center console housed a nifty net under the lid, perfect for my toll pass and a packet of Kleenex. The rear center armrest had a console that can hold a notepad and some colored pencils, or a book or two. The Latch connectors and seat belts were both easily accessible and easy to use. A backup camera is available as an option on base models and comes standard on the Overland and Limited trim levels. Hurrah!

In other areas, however, the Grand Cherokee fell down. The knobs for the climate control were flimsy and jiggled in their sockets (I don’t need things jiggling, people). The back cargo bin was way too thin for anything of use to fit in it, except maybe some file folders. The bin’s cover was held in place by grommets on elastic cords, like bungee cords. They were a good exercise in simplicity, but the execution wasn’t flawless. It seems that the details in this car weren’t handled with as much import as the big items. Sure, the Cherokee is Trail Rated, but if taken offroad some items might loosen up a bit.

You might say I’m being picky, just like my kid and his dietary preferences, but these aren’t problems that would be tough for Jeep to remedy. And that would be the perfect complement to its fuel-efficient, cleaner turbo-diesel engines.

*For more information on the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee and its safety features, visit Cars.com. With questions or comments regarding this review, write to editor@motherproof.com.

LET’S TALK NUMBERS

Latch Connectors: 2

Seating Capacity (includes driver): 5

IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS THAT COUNT

Storage Compartments (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Ample

Cargo/Trunk Space (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Ample

SENSE AND STYLE

Family Friendly (Not Really, Fair, Great, Excellent): Great

Fun Factor (None, Some, Good Times, Groove On): Some – Good Times

Specs

2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee SL

Base price: $38,875

Price as tested: $41,130

Engine: 215-hp, 3.0L V-6

Fuel: 17/22 mpg mpg

Length: 188″

Width: 72.6″

Ground Clearance: 8.3″

Turning Radius: 36.7 ft.

Cargo space: 34.5/67.4 cu. ft.

NHTSA Crash-Test Ratings

Frontal Impact

Driver’s side: 5 Stars

Passenger’s side: 5 Stars

Side Impact

Front occupant: 5 Stars

Rear occupant: 5 Stars

Rollover resistance: 4 Stars