Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo V6 2011 Review

Price Guide (recommended price before statutory & delivery charges): $45,000 (Laredo V6); $60,000 (limited V8)
Options fitted to test car (not included in above price): Metallic Paint $450; Quadra-Lift Air Suspension $2500 (V6)
Crash rating (ANCAP): TBC
Fuel: 91 RON PULP/E85 (V6); 95 RON PULP (V8)
Claimed fuel economy (L/100km): 11.4 (V6); 14.1 (V8)
CO2 emissions (g/km): 265 (V6); 327 (V8)
Also consider: Ford Territory, Toyota LandCruiser Prado

About our ratings

As I'm handed the key to this week's test car the Chrysler man is quick to assure me the car I've just clambered into is their base model offering. Glancing around the cabin at the high quality finish and sheer volume of equipment fitted I question his guarantee: "Are you sure?"

"Yep," he says smiling. "Pretty good isn't it?"

It's the first time I've seen the new Grand Cherokee in the metal since its local launch this February, and although the squared-off body still conjures familiar family origins, the overall feel, perception of quality and driving experience soon proves this is more than just another facelift.

Moreover, Jeep's latest is a substantial, considered and thorough redevelopment of the much-loved nameplate, deserved of high praise.

We tested both the entry-level Grand Cherokee Laredo (V6) and Grand Cherokee Limited (V8) with starting prices at $45,000 and $60,000 respectively.

That price includes rain-sensing wipers, electrochromatic rear-view mirror, cruise control, keyless entry and starter, eight-way electric driver's seat (four-way for passenger), automatic bi-xenon headlamps with fog lamps, daytime running lamps and high-beam assist, dual zone climate control, heated seats, self-folding mirrors, and a reversing camera -- even on the base model.

The Limited adds a heated steering wheel, premium sound system, panoramic glass sunroof, leather upholstery, memory for the front seating positions, satellite navigation, and an electric tailgate. Plenty in fact!

Chrysler's voice-controlled 'Uconnect Media Centre' with CD/DVD/HDD radio, 3.5mm auxiliary input, 16.5cm touchscreen, 30GB hard drive, Bluetooth steaming and telephony, and steering wheel-mounted remote controls also come as standard fit. For its considerable array of connectivity options, it's unfortunate that the system lacks tonal depth -- its speakers seemingly not up to task at moderate and higher volumes, especially when streaming music wirelessly. 

Upgrade to the '731N' system, packaged with the Luxury Group II pack in Limited (and standard in higher spec Overland models) and the opposite couldn't be truer. The stereo is rich in tonality, with deep bass and crisp treble – and fully integrated iPod connectivity. A shame it's not available optionally on the entry-level Laredo.

The only other quibbles noticed were trivial: auto wipers that are overly eager in deciding upon a faster setting in misty conditions, auto headlamps that suffer from premature illumination and high-beam assist that is at times confused by rain. And that's it... No rattles, no squeaks, no niggling nasties to put the big American offside. Even after considerable punishment offroad, the only rattle heard was my water bottle in the door pouch.

If we're sounding a touch incredulous it's because this level of build quality hasn't always been present in Jeeps gone by, even at the early stages of their working life.

Importantly, none of the big ticket items let this car down either. It's a pleasant surprise. The drive is settled and confident, both on road and off. And with an 11.6m turning circle (and standard reversing camera), is also well behaved when manoeuvring around town, making it a cinch to park.

On balance, Grand Cherokee's steering feel might be a little 'sporty' for some, the rack-and-pinion system is quick of ratio and its weighting substantial. But if like me you prefer a more European (read: direct) feel from the wheel, you'll find the feedback both honest and predictable.

The ride is compliant, perhaps more so on the base model's 18-inch alloys, and though we had little opportunity to test the car's geometry offroad (our usual circuit closed thanks to recent heavy rain), we did have ample opportunity to test the car's traction and articulation, both of which impressed – especially considering the model tested was running stock tyres and was sans Jeep's optional Off-Road Adventure II pack (not available in entry-level Laredo V6).

Jeep's height-adjustable suspension can take a little time to complete its travel between higher and lower settings, but when using Select-Terrain will generally decide the best height for the terrain selected without any further input.

Powered by Chrysler's newly developed Pentastar 3.6-litre V6, the entry-level Laredo develops 210kW/347Nm which is put to the ground via a five-speed automatic transmission and Quadra-Trac II full-time all-wheel drive system with the above-mentioned Select-Terrain control.

It's a smooth driveline, quiet too, and shifts both cleanly and intuitively when prompted. The V6 is still bound to suffer at Grand Cherokee's considerable 2191kg mass and this shows at the bowser --though not nearly as much as you'd think.

Jeep claims an average combined cycle consumption figure of 11.4L/100km -- we managed 14.3L/100km. While it may be heavy, the Grand Cherokee still manages purposeful acceleration, tackling the 0-100km/h jaunt in just 9.1 seconds.

Upgrade to the 5.7-litre HEMI V8 and 0-100km/h time are shaved to 8.7secs with fuel economy rising only slightly to 15.1L/100km (as tested) and CO2 emissions 327g/km. Developing 259kW/520Nm, the bigger engine and five-speed auto have no trouble hauling the Grand Cherokee over any terrain. Braked towing capacity of 3500kg matches all but the heaviest of haulers.

The surprising point for us was the HEMI-powered Grand Cherokee's fuel consumption which actually rated marginally better than its six-cylinder counterpart. At 13.9L/100km the V8's cylinder shutdown technology and increased torque (meaning it doesn't have to work as hard to carry the same weight) a clear advantage. Conversely, we should point out the HEMI wasn't driven offroad which certainly contributed to the Pentastar engine's reduced average result.

Inside, and in addition to the long list of standard equipment listed earlier, Grand Cherokee offers plenty of space for the average family with generously proportioned seating that's well cushioned for longer drives, while still offering adequate support when joggling around offroad. The high-riding driving position is excellent with a commanding view in all directions.

The rear pews too are amply cushioned -- a higher riding position offering a good view out of the side windows, even for children. Ventilation is also well catered for; the console mounted outlets offering either face level or foot level air flow.

Grand Cherokee offers 782-litres of cargo space, covered by a retractable and removable cargo blind. The second-row 60:40 splitfold seats flip forward in one motion, retracting the headrests at the same time for no fuss loading of larger items.

In total, 1554-litres of cargo space is offered. There is no third-row option.

In addition to its stiffer body (torsional rigidity increases 146 per cent over its predecessor, says Jeep), the new Jeep Grand Cherokee's standard safety equipment includes front, side, curtain and knee airbags, stability control, antilock brakes with brake assist, brake-force distribution and rain brake support (a system that occasionally and lightly pulsates the brakes to clear residual water), tyre pressure monitoring, hill descent control, and active full-time all-wheel drive.

On top spec models, active cruise control and blind-spot information system are also offered.

Compare Grand Cherokee to its nearest competitors, the all-new Ford Territory AWD (from $48,240) and Toyota LandCruiser Prado (from $55,990), and you being to see just how much of a bargain the big American SUV has become.

It's a shame it doesn't yet have a diesel variant with which to compete in the larger slice of this marketplace. Chrysler assure us it'll be on the boat soon.

Jeep has a winner in the new Grand Cherokee. If you have any reservations about the brand, it's perhaps time you took another look...

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