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10 February 2012

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Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.0 CRD Overland Auto road test report

3.0 CRD Overland Auto

Big, butch and mean looking the Jeep Grand Cherokee is one masculine machine and sits just below the Commander as the biggest Jeep on UK roads. It’s also easily the most luxurious Jeep out there. With its chunky aesthetics this car has been designed with the family-orientated SUV car buyer in mind with off-road capabilities played down in favour of on-road performance and comfort. Available with a choice of two engines – a powerful 3.0 diesel which is the most popular, or a whopping 6.1-litre V8 petrol unit, the car is only shipped with an automatic transmission. A key feature across the range is the extremely generous level of equipment that comes as standard. Value for money certainly but is it any good?

A front-facing image of the Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.0 CRD Overland Auto

Image number 2 of the Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.0 CRD Overland Auto

Image number 3 of the Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.0 CRD Overland Auto

Performance

We test drove the 3.0 litre diesel engine, which with its 215 brake horse power provides a satisfying and pleasurable amount of power when pressure is applied to the throttle. With an acceleration of 0 to 62mph in a less impressive 9.7seconds and a maximum speed of 124 miles per hour this big butch brute of a 4x4 is most certainly not quick off the mark, although realistically is more of a cruising vehicle rather than a speed demon. Its gas guzzling, petrol hungry big brother of a 6.1 V8 litre petrol engine will provide you with a 0 to 60mph acceleration in 5 seconds and a maximum speed of 152mph, so if you are feeling pretty flush and can deal with the combined fuel consumption of 17.2mpg’s (ouch!) then there is a more rapid version available. The modest 3.0 litre diesel engine will provide you with almost 10.5 miles per gallon more with an official combined rating of 27.7mpg. It is fairly easy to see why the Jeep Grand Cherokee is a popular option amongst the horse and country folk, producing 376 lb ft of torque it is well capable of towing trailers with a few horses or for the caravanning type a smooth ride on the countries motorways. Motorway driving is trouble free and if required will provide ample amount of power for overtaking manoeuvres. The automatic gearbox is pleasantly responsive and gives you pretty much instant changes.

Ride & Handling

The Grand Cherokee although being a very practical off-road vehicle, benefitting from hill decent and throttle anticipate as standard is also a massively comfortable and well rounded ride on all road conditions. Visibility throughout the vehicle for driver and passengers is surprisingly good given the windows are fairly shallow due to the reduced glass to body proportion. Having been in some of the older models of the Jeep I can safely say they have increased the space in the rear making it more spacious and comfortable for the back seat passenger. Steering and handling is slightly detached with a small amount of body roll, but nevertheless provides a smooth and stable ride.

Build Quality & Reliability

All you need to do is stand back and look at the Jeep Grand Cherokee and you will be able to see it has a secure and planted appearance on the road. The car is undoubtedly well manufactured and with the addition of improved interior materials really does offer a great deal more for your money than the other standard models from other manufacturers. Reliability throughout the Jeep brand has always been of a very high standard and do not see any issues with this. The Overland benefits from a superior sound system, offering quality concert-hall sound, it really was a joy to listen to and you certainly would not be disappointed. For all you music lovers the Jeep Grand Cherokee also offers you the option to download up to 1,600 songs to its 30 gigabyte hard drive and if you really want to will also allow you to download your favourite photos.

Safety & Security

Jeep has managed to incorporate a raft of safety and security features as standard with this model, which is pleasing to know. Independent front suspension to increase steering control, electronic stability programme (ESP) helps with directional stability in almost any driving condition and electronic rollover mitigation (ERM) which will provide a small amount on braking and increase engine torque to stabilise the vehicle in the event of a rollover situation, clever stuff. All this comes as standard plus an optional extra of Trailer Sway Control is available for those of you who wish to take the caravan or whatever else you wish to trail behind you. Even the Quadra-Trac II system for off roading provides a multitude of features to keep you safe even on the roughest terrain. The beast was awarded a Euro N-Cap rating of 4 stars for adult occupants and 3 stars for child protection.

Space & Practicality

The Grand Cherokee is without doubt a huge hunk of a car, with masses of space for passengers and loads in the rear. With it being such a sizeable vehicle it does benefit from a rear view camera assistance function on the Overland model and have to say definitely came in handy when manoeuvring. A nice practical feature which I think should be included in all premium 4x4 vehicles is the reversible load floor panel which is carpeted on one side and conveniently easy to clean plastic on the other, perfect for those muddy off road days.

Ownership & Value

Ok so you are going to get a lot of car for your money at £35,400 you will be hard pressed to find a similar 4x4 which includes all the features that come as standard on the Overland model, but actual running costs are not going to be cheap, you will be frequenting the filling station often and the local Jeep dealership every 12,500 miles for servicing. The standard manufacturers warranty will look after all non wear and tear items for 3 years or 60,000 miles, which ever comes first. Road tax will be expensive being in the highest band along with an insurance group of 15, but if you can deal with the high running costs and insurance premiums you really will get a premium 4x4 for your initial outlay.

Submitted: 03/12/2009 14:32:03

Performance

The Grand Cherokee is not the most aerodynamic of vehicles and it needs every one of its 215 brake horse power from the 3 litre diesel unit to propel it forward at a satisfying rate. The diesel engine in our car is undoubtedly the most popular amongst British buyers, miles per gallon issue sees to that, although there is also a 6.1 litre V8 petrol engine should you be feeling particularly generous towards the various oil companies. The diesel engine itself is a nice unit which produces 376 lb ft of torque and acts nicely in conjunction with the auto gearbox and ride of the car. Acceleration isn’t immediate or breathtaking but that is not what the Grand Cherokee is about, more of a cruising vehicle than a racer and the engine compliments the comfortable, cruising ethos of the car. Motorway speeds are effortless and should you need to speed up rapidly on occasions the car is not lacking.

Ride & Handling

A real plus point for the Grand Cherokee is the very comfortable ride, which allows you to effortlessly waft from destination to destination and arrive unflustered. Imperfections in the road surface are negotiated with aplomb and the high seat position gives great visibility for the driver and passengers alike. The handling is not the sharpest, but again it is important to state that this is not what the Grand Cherokee is about. A certain amount of body roll is to be expected when cornering and is evident although the vehicle never feels unstable. The Overland spec which we tested, is the top level spec in the diesel range. It comes with heated leather seats and a leather/wood wrapped steering wheel which certainly help in the comfort stakes!

Build Quality & Reliability

Reliability shouldn’t be an issue here, the engine is the same unit used in other Chrysler products such as the 300c saloon and is sourced from Mercedes-Benz, which does more or less guarantee a certain amount of quality. The car feels well put together and very solid. Where the Grand Cherokee may suffer is in comparison with it’s European competition in the interior stakes. Our car was the very top spec Overland and came with every bell and whistle you can think of but still it is hard to remove the nagging thought that perhaps it may not be quite as well appointed or put together as for example the BMW X-5, Audi Q7 or Lexus RX. You will however get more kit for your money with the Jeep. One thing I feel I must mention is the stereo system in the Overland, the sublime Boston Acoustics Premium. It is probably the best stereo system I have heard in a vehicle! If you don’t opt for the Overland spec then choose this stereo as an option, it is worth the money. It will make a noticeable difference to your quality of life. OK so the premium pack option will set you back £1,500, but for this you get uconnect gps, uconnect, phone, rear back up camera as well as the Boston Acoustic Premium speakers. If you choose one of the two lower spec diesel options, it is worth the added expense.

Safety & Security

With an enhanced accident response system, Quadra Trac II 4WD system, ABS, traction control, panic brake assist, a whole host of airbags, tyre pressure warning light, Thatcham alarm and Sentra Key® engine immobiliser, hill descent control all as standard, the Grand Cherokee is well equipped for almost any event. Add a skid plate group and Quatra Drive II 4WD system to the Overland spec and this 2.5 tonne vehicle will take some shifting to sway it off its course. Tested by EuroNCAP in 2005, the Grand Cherokee achieved four stars for adult protection and three for child.

Space & Practicality

In such a large vehicle, space should never be an issue and the Grand Cherokee is no exception with a massive 1,554 total capacity with the rear seats down. The vehicle is also practicable enough to cope with most situations. Rear view camera assist function inclusive on the Overland model, plus park assist functions make the Grand Cherokee easy to manoeuvre despite its ample proportions.

Ownership & Value

Perhaps it was my driving style or an error on the trip computer but as a 3.0 litre diesel, I would have expected to achieve around 30mpg (officially the combined figure is 27.7mpg) yet I only managed 19mpg during the period of the road test. However despite this disappointing result, at £35,400 the Overland is very competitive when you consider the amount of kit it has on it in comparison to other vehicles in the premium 4x4 sector. The basic model costs just £30,800, even more of a bargain, yet depreciation will no doubt be an issue here though. The Grand Cherokee will struggle to keep up with the residual values achieved by the premium European marques and the hit could be big if you buy one new at full up money. That said Chrysler have always backed their dealers with reasonable offers and support in both the contract hire and personal finance market, so there should be some good deals to be had.

Submitted: 14/10/2009 11:57:58

Performance

The 3.0 litre diesel is the engine which appeals to most Jeep Grand Cherokee owners and it’s easy to see why when the only other option is a fire-breathing 6.1 litre petrol engine. However the lack of choice doesn’t mean that we’re left with a bit of a pup engine as the diesel is tried and trusted technology found in different Chrysler-family models and even shows up in the Mercedes-Benz product range. The V6 develops 215bhp and has plenty of torque to call upon which makes this large, hunky brute of a car a pleasure to drive. The automatic gearbox is also pretty responsive, there is none of that waiting, wondering, hoping that you sometimes get with automatic gearboxes when you put your foot down. Here its much more press, slight pause, then feel the torque and your neck muscles tighten! At top speed the car can hit 124mph and takes just under 10 seconds to hit 62mph from a stationary start. During the test drive fuel economy wasn’t too much of an issue either, ok its not great but this is one big heavy car – official figures 27.7mpg on the combined cycle were almost achieved - I was hitting 24mpg. Those people looking to save the planet better glance away now or at least start looking into carbon offsetting as the car suffers from having emissions of 270g/km – placing it in the worst offenders list for VED ratings. Whichever angle you look at it this is not a green car. Simple, easy to drive, uncomplaining at low speeds, assured and comfortable on the motorway, the Grand Cherokee succeeds as an SUV. For those looking for a vehicle which can handle the rough and tumble off-road, the Overland comes with Jeep’s top of the range Quadra-Drive II 4wd drive. This system features front, centre and rear Electronic Limited Slip differentials and means that torque can be distributed (at almost 100%) to any of the four wheels. Throttle Anticipate and Hill Descent control are just a couple of additional features as standard on the Overland, making it one of the best off-roaders in the SUV category. It even comes with handles built in to the A-pillars should you need them!

Ride & Handling

A fault of many American-developed cars is the lack of response (or feel) when it comes to the handling of a car, and the Jeep Grand Cherokee does suffer a little from this affliction. Such is the size of the vehicle and level of driver aids you tend to feel slightly detached from the tarmac; it makes for an imprecise driving experience. Ride as you would expect is excellent, this car is a very capable off-roader so is built to soak up pretty much anything you can throw at it. It manages a great balancing act however of providing a nice smooth ride on roads too.

Build Quality & Reliability

Benefitting from a pretty major refresh in 2008 the quality of materials used in the cabin is fairly impressive. The partially wood veneered, partially leather steering wheel is one of the first things you notice as you climb into the driver’s seat; next you’ll notice the big and comfortable partial leather seats. The central dash has plenty of dials and buttons to play around with, without it becoming overly complex, and the use of the veneer wood again helps to break up the grey plastics. While the word opulent would not do to describe the interior of the car, it does provide you with a high level of comfort, durable plastics, and a plethora of kit, such as – 6.5 “ touch screen, Sat Nav, MP3/iPod connectivity, 30GB hard drive, and some of the best sounding speakers this side of a Bang & Olufsen shop. The car is also available with an option pack which includes a ceiling mounted DVD player for the rear seats and electric sun roof. Reliability has not been an issue with the Grand Cherokee either with many buyers very happy years down the line – it’s a car built to last.

Safety & Security

With a car brimming with kit as standard it’s pleasing to report that Chrysler has also been as liberal with safety equipment. The 3.0 CRD Overland comes with a comprehensive list of active and passive safety technology to ensure the car remains on the road when it needs to, and stays safe off-road when it’s roughing it. The Quadra Drive II 4WD system, Emergency Brake Assist, Electronic Limited Slip Differential, traction control, ESP, and ABS all come with the car, so you can be sure that the technology is there to keep you safe. It doesn’t end there however, as you’ll will find driver and passenger multi-stage airbags, side curtain and side airbags, and tyre pressure monitoring. Thankfully the car also comes equipped with ParkSense – Jeep’s parking assist – and trust me you will need it. Euro NCAP tested the vehicle and awarded the car a respectable 4 star for occupant safety and 3 stars for child safety a couple of years ago.

Space & Practicality

Space is not at a premium in the Grand Cherokee with a cavernous boot with a near 1000 litre capacity (978 litres) with the rear seats up, this expands to 1909 litres with the back seats down – this provides easily enough room for a family of five’s two week camping trip to France! The huge boot doesn’t have an impact elsewhere in the car either with front and rear seats benefiting from copious amounts of leg room. Is the Jeep a practical car? Not really – it’s designed as a premium 4x4 vehicle and it would be pretty pointless (as well as expensive) to simply use it on the school run – however I’m guessing that at least one person somewhere only uses their Grand Cherokee for such a task!

Ownership & Value

There are no two ways about the Jeep Grand Cherokee, ownership isn’t cheap. While it is competitively priced from new, residuals aren’t as strong as other big brand 4x4s out there, it’s also a thirsty car so expect frequent visits to the petrol forecourt. The American manufacturer provides a 3 year/60,000 miles warranty, and service intervals have been set at 12,500 miles. Also factor in a fairly high insurance group of 15, and road tax in the highest band and you’ve got further proof that a car like this isn’t cheap to run. However to some extent this is more a reflection of the 4x4 segment than the Jeep. Comparing this against a similar model such as the Audi Q5 though and the Jeep starts to get a little bit of a pasting, not through it being a particular poor car, more from the fact that the Audi has a much more economical 3.0 litre diesel available – offering superior fuel economy and reduced emissions with a highly desirable badge on the bonnet. The Audi might not be quite the match of the Jeep off-road, or have as many bells and whistles as standard, but for many car buyers in the sector the off-road capability is of secondary importance. There is much to like with the Grand Cherokee but ultimately there are better on-road 4x4s out there.

Submitted: 14/10/2009 12:00:34

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