New drivetrains, more luxury and a bevy of options for off-road prowess define the updated 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Its sizzling sibling - the high-performance, lap-of-luxury Grand Cherokee SRT - is also updated.
Jeep Grand Cherokee's exterior strikes a solid visual balance between refinement and ruggedness. The redesigned grille gives more luxo character overall, with distinguishing trim around each of the signature vertical slots. Slimmer headlamps and a shorter upper grille put a check in the "more refined" category, while 17-inch all-season tires and a beefy lower grille have "rugged" creds. The rear has new larger taillamps with smart LED lighting, a larger, more aerodynamic rear spoiler, and a re-sculpted tailgate.
Inside, passengers sit in a roomy and comfortable space dominated by technology features. The updated center stack has either a five-inch or 8.4-inch touchscreen, depending on the trim level, with climate and audio controls easy to reach and use. A leather-wrapped shifter is a punctuated stake in the ground below the stack.
Grand Cherokee's new leather-wrapped, three-spoke steering wheel has paddle shifters and sits in front of a curved information display. The standard audio system is a six-speaker set-up with AM/FM/CD/MP3/Sirius XM; dual-zone climate control is included on all models, as are two 12-volt power outlets.
Under the hood, the Grand Cherokee is powered by the same Pentastar 3.6-liter V6 motor that delivers 290 hp and 260 lb ft of torque. Also on board is an improved, lower crawl ratio of 44.1:1, a 46 percent improvement from previous models. EPA fuel economy estimates are up, however, and are rated at 17 miles per gallon city, 25 mpg highway for the front-wheel drive version and 17/24 mpg with four-wheel drive.
Two optional motors can be ordered. The 240-hp, 3.0-liter, V6 EcoDiesel grinds out 420 lb ft of torque. This V6 is more efficient, with EPA estimates coming in at 22/30 mpg (2WD) and 22/28 mpg (4WD). Jeep's 5.7-liter V8 is rated at 360 hp and 390 lb ft of torque and delivers an expected 14/22 mpg (14/20 mpg in 4WD). All engines are matched to an eight-speed automatic transmission, with manual control through the steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
We were impressed by the 2014 Jeep's on-road ride during a day of motoring from Austin to the Texas Hill Country, over a course of more than 160 miles. The new Grand Cherokee feels tighter (less body roll), as well as more refined and responsive. There's a lot to appreciate with the paddle shifters that bring sporty, immediate shifting response, but the eight-speed transmission is also calibrated to make smooth upshifts and even "blip" the throttle to match rpms for slowing and hard braking.
For true off-roaders, this Jeep SUV rates an impressive 35.8-degree approach angle, a 29.6-degree departure angle and 23.5-degree break-over angle with Quadra-Lift and the front air dam removed. And if three motors, eight transmission gears and two suspension systems aren't enough variety, buyers also can also opt for Jeep's Selec-Terrain traction control master plan.
Selec-Terrain manages with 12 different powertrain, braking and suspension systems, including throttle control, transmission shift, transfer case, hill-descent control and speed control. There are settings for off-road terrain that accommodates rocks, mud, sand and snow, for instance, and the system lets the vehicle speed up and slow down without having to brake or throttle in a graduated fashion that aids with steep slopes or compromised traction surfaces.
As we drove the new Grand Cherokee over an off-road course that included sand wash, in addition to rock and boulder climbs, we gained respect for its lower crawl ratio and new uphill Selec-Speed Control that allowed us to dial in speeds of one, two or three mph with an easy click of the paddle shifter.
One of the first midsize luxury SUVs to come to market back in 1992, the new 2014 model is a worthy competitor to Land Rover, BMW, VW and other high-end SUVs. Jeep pricing ranges from $28,795 to $50,995.
© Motor Matters, Inc., 2013
2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo
Vehicle Type: Five-
passenger midsize
2WD SUV
Base Price: $28,795
(as tested: $29,790)
Motor Type: 24-valve DOHC V6 w/SMPFI
Displacement: 3.6-liter
Horsepower: 290 at
6,400 rpm
Torque: 260 pound feet at 4,800 rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Length: 189.8 inches
Curb Weight:
4,545 pounds
Fuel Capacity:
24.6 gallons
Mileage Rating: 17 mpg city/25 mpg highway


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