Jeep Grand Cherokee 75th Anniversary 2016 Review

Jeep Grand Cherokee 75th Anniversary
Quick Spin

What’s it all about?
This limited edition Jeep Grand Cherokee is a celebration of Jeep’s 75th anniversary and is one of several special edition models created to mark this milestone.

Based on the Limited trim spec, the Grand Cherokee adds new equipment and upgrades expected to be seen in the 2017 Grand Cherokee due in Australia in October of this year. It’s sort of an in-betweener, you might say, for impatient Jeep buyers. But it does have features that won’t be duplicated, too.

How much will it cost?
The limited-edition cache comes at a price, of course. The 75th Anniversary Grand Cherokee is priced from $71,500 – representing a $2500 price hike. Our test vehicle features metallic paint that adds another $650.

So what do you get? At least a few unlikely (never say never) to be repeated features, like 75th Anniversary bronze badges, and special front seat anniversary embossing.

Other features likely to flow onto other models include accent stitching on seats console and armrests, new transmission shifter, restyled grille, headlights and front fascia, 20-inch alloys, and other bronze styling cues.

Gear under the bonnet is unchanged. In our test vehicle you’ll find the 3.0-litre V6 that produces 184kW/570Nm, but it does features Jeep’s new electric steering.

The Grand Cherokee comes with the standard three-year/100,000km warranty and three years roadside assistance.

Why should I buy it?
Perched behind the wheel, it feels well sorted. The ride is very quiet and for our time spent in the suburbs, it felt effortless and refined – notwithstanding its proportions, which are rarely forgotten.

Claimed combined fuel economy is 7.5L/100km (9.3 urban), but 11.8L is what our weeks driving revealed.

Just like its regular spec siblings, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is spacious and with standard equipment levels that set a nice benchmark, fitting of a premium price tag – dual-zone climate control, leather interior, heated seats for front and second-row passengers, heated steering wheel, LED daytime running lights, power tailgate and generous infotainment technology housed in a 8.4-inch touchscreen.

The ill-positioned foot-operated park brake remains.

When is it available in Australia?
There are only 200 examples of the Jeep Grand Cherokee 75th Anniversary, but Cherokee, Renegade, Wrangler Unlimited and Wrangler are privy to the same birthday make over and are all available now.

Who will it appeal to?
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is not without good family friendly credentials. The second row is spacious, comfortable and well equipped for three occupants. Heated seats, dual air vents, two USB outlets and two back of seat pockets will keep passengers well sorted.

Beneath its retractable cover you’ll find 782 litres of space, home to a 12-volt outlet, a torch, four metal anchor points and six bag hooks. Thoughtful details that don’t go unnoticed.

The Jeep’s 4x4 off-road capability and a braked towing capacity of 3500kg is telling of its more adventurous weekender credentials. But with space and versatility (and good looks) in its favour, this vehicle is equally suited to a family friendly urban life.

Where does it fit?
The Jeep Grand Cherokee’s position in the large SUV segment sees it go head to head with some heavy hitters such as Mazda’s new CX-9, Subaru’s Outback, the Toyota Kluger  and Toyota Prado. Each of Toyota’s offerings accommodating seven passengers, too.
It’s a tricky segment when you consider that many of these large SUVs are bought with little weight tied to their off-road abilities, many buyers favouring a tame, urban adventure instead.

So, what do we think?
It’s only fitting that Jeep paid homage to a milestone birthday, but a limited edition?
With an updated model on its way, this 75th Anniversary Limited Edition is a hard sell. Notwithstanding some thoughtful details, it feels like the wait will offer a better value Grand Cherokee in the end.

2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee 75th Anniversary pricing and specifications:
Price: $71,500 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo-diesel
Output: 184kW/570Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Fuel: 7.5L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 198g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP

Also consider:
>> Mazda CX-9 (from $42,490 plus ORCs)
>> Toyota Kluger (from $40,990 plus ORCs)
>> Mitsubishi Pajero Sport (from $48,500 plus ORCs)

Related reading:
>> Jeep Grand Cherokee review
>> Jeep Grand Cherokee video
>> Large SUV Comparison