Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 2013 Review

Price Guide: (recommended price before statutory and delivery charges):$43,000
Options fitted: (not included in above price): N/A
Crash rating: Four-star (Euro NCAP)
Fuel: 95 RON PULP
Claimed fuel economy (L/100km): 10.1
CO2 emissions (g/km): 244
Also consider: Ford Territory (From $39,990 ); Hyundai Santa Fe (from $37,990); Kia Sorento (from $38,490); Toyota Kluger (from $40,490)

Soft roaders are big sellers Down Under, so it’s no surprise Chrysler Australia finally relented and added an entry level, two-wheel drive version with the recent facelift of the popular Grand Cherokee.

Still, it feels slightly odd to slide into the now familiar, upmarket confines of the range-topping Jeep, only to look down and see empty space around the gear lever where all the four-wheel drive-related dials and buttons usually go.

Particularly when you’re constantly reminded of Jeep’s offroad heritage by the words “Since 1941” etched on the steering wheel -- harking back to the first military-spec World War II-era Jeeps.

But despite the fact it’s been hobbled as a bush basher, at first glance the rear-drive Jeep seems a pretty good deal. At $45,000 drive-away, it’s $3000 less than the cheapest 4WD variant, so for those who rarely get out of the city, it makes financial sense.

Apart from a few cosmetic details, it shares many of the improved design and features of the top-spec Overland model at less than two-thirds the price. These include bi-xenon headlights and LED daytime running lights, heated front seats with eight-way electric adjustment, dual-zone climate control, tyre pressure monitors, and the UConnect infotainment system, albeit with a six-speaker set-up.

It also gets the slick-shifting, fuel-saving eight-speed automatic fitted across the range. Although just one engine is available: the free-revving Pentastar 3.6-litre V6 petrol.

Penny pinching is only really evident in the fitment of a smaller 5.0-inch touchscreen -- instead of the bigger 8.4-inch display in other variants. It’s not a deal-breaker, but the larger display is definitely more legible and easier to use.

The 2WD Jeep also misses out on driving aids like Hill Descent Control and Hill Start Assist, and it isn’t available with Quadra Lift air suspension. Towing is also reduced to 1600kg, whereas 4WD versions can tow a least 2800kg.

But with the same 218mm ground clearance as most 4WD variants, the coil sprung 2WD Jeep is still handy for light offroad duties, not to mention dispatching bothersome kerbs and speed bumps in the ‘burbs.

Otherwise, the Laredo-spec 2WD Grand Cherokee misses out on such luxuries as bigger 20-inch alloys, leather upholstery, powered tailgate, heated steering wheel and rear seats, front and rear parking sensors, and sat nav, which add up to an additional $13,000-worth in the 4WD Grand Cherokee Limited.

Of these, sat nav and parking sensors are missed most around town, particularly when backing the big wagon into tight spaces. The issue was exacerbated with our test car which was not yet fitted with a reversing camera. Apparently, the Melbourne dealer was still waiting for a shipment of new reverse camera units after an initial batch from another supplier was not up to scratch.

Despite our best attempts to generate some wheelspin, the 2WD Jeep remains as civilised off the mark as 4WD-equipped vehicles, at least on bitumen and in the dry. We know this because we drove a 4WD Laredo just after hopping out of the 2WD version.

At just under two tonnes, the 2WD model is 86kg lighter than the 4WD (or 329kg lighter than the top-spec diesel Overland), and it does feel distinctly lighter in the front end. That said there’s still a tendency to understeer accompanied by noticeable body roll when pushed hard.

The V6 petrol remains a sweet, polished performer, but with 210kW at 6350rpm and 347Nm at 4300rpm, requires a few revs to get the two-tonne Jeep up to speed in a hurry.

In conjunction with the eight-speed auto, it rarely skips a beat, cruising sedately in top gear on the freeway at 1600rpm before quickly dropping down a cog or four for effortless overtaking. There’s also a ‘Sport’ mode and paddle shifters, but it can get rowdy if you’re a leadfoot keen to repeatedly bounce off the 6500rpm redline.

Officially, fuel consumption is a class-leading 10.1L/100km, and our slightly higher average of 12.0L/100km still compares favourably with a petrol-powered Toyota Kluger or Ford Territory based on past experience.

The base Laredo cabin misses out on a few glossy accoutrements, but while we like the fresh new design we’re not fans of the dull ‘faux’ woodtrim. Raising the mood in our test vehicle was a pleasant light beige cloth seat trim, and leatherette material on the centre console and side doors.

A highlight is the all-digital colour instrument display ahead of the driver, which combines retro-look analogue dials with trick computer graphics -- including a giant digital speed readout. However, a computer malfunction on one drive home resulted in a blank display (with no indication of speed!). After calling the dealer, who suggested bringing it in for a ‘reboot’, it subsequently returned to normal the following day upon restarting the car.

The central gear selector presented another digital dilemma. Apart from the extra care required when selecting Park, Reverse, Neutral and Drive, the small, illuminated ‘indicators’ on the T-bar knob proved hard to read in direct sunlight.

Compared to similarly-spec’ed mid-$40K versions of the Ford Territory and Toyota Kluger, the 2WD Grand Cherokee shapes up well -- although the Jeep’s five seats instead of seven of its main rivals make it less practical as a family hauler.

For heavy duty towing, the more expensive 4WD turbo-diesel Grand Cherokee remains a better option, as does the air-suspended, 4WD oiler for those wanting to head bush.

But for those wanting a stylish, comfy and well-equipped family runabout who aren’t too fussed about missing out on a few luxuries, the Grand Cherokee Laredo 2WD is right on the money.

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