| Overall Rating |
 |
| Description |
| It's big, brash and expensive to run, but Grand Cherokee is a spacious, reliable and well-equipped 4x4 choice that's civilised enough for the school run yet tough enough for cross-country work. |
| Handling |
|
| Comfort |
 |
| Quality & Reliability |
|
| Performance |
|
| Roominess |
|
| Running Costs |
 |
| Value for Money |
|
| Stereo/Sat Nav |
 |
| Worst Models |
| Overland high-output V8 |
| Replacement |
| 2006 |
|
 |
| Road Test |
| Grand Cherokee is hardly cutting-edge 4x4 technology, with big unstressed 4.0 and 4.7 V8 petrol engines or a newer 2.7 turbodiesel. But it's a proven package, solidly engineered with convincing off-road credentials. It's acceptable on-road, too, with plenty of smooth power giving quite brisk acceleration through the auto 'box. Steering is safe if not very sensitive, and there's not too much body roll to upset handling. Ride gets a bit ragged on some surfaces, especially rough country lanes and urban potholes. Grand Cherokee's interior majors on space - plenty for five plus luggage - plus comfortable seats, good all-round vision and lots of equipment on all versions. The Limited has a generous spec, the top Overland model is positively loaded. What Grand Cherokee doesn't do is economy; under 30mpg from the 2.7 CRD, and well below 20mpg from the petrol engines. It's fair value but used prices are weakening now, especially for petrol cars. |
| Positive Points |
- Imposing large and spacious family 4x4
- Convincing off-road ability; a good tow vehicle
- Generous equipment across the range
|
| Negative Points |
- Ride is inferior to X5 or RX300; some body roll
- Petrol engines have a serious thirst
- High service cosst on 4.0 and 4.7 V8
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