2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee

NEW FOR 2014:

- New available 8.4-inch UConnect display system, reconfigurable instrument cluster display

Jeep’s flagship sport utility vehicle get a major update for 2014, bringing a new look, powertrain upgrades, better infotainment systems, and a brand new premium trim level to compete against premiere European and Japanese rivals.

Rugged yet handsome, the Grand Cherokee boasts updated nose and tail styling with LED daytime running lights, and restyled front fascias to distinguish the various trim levels. Inside, the Grand Cherokee’s dashboard gets a cleaner appearance thanks to the big and bright 8.4-inch UConnect infotainment system, an available reconfigurable TFT instrument cluster display, and a new electronic T-lever shift knob.

Said shift knob – similar to what you’ll find in an Audi A8 – controls an all-new ZF-designed eight-speed automatic, which is featured as standard equipment on all engines. It’s a big step forward compared to the outgoing five- and six-speed automatics. Also new is an Eco mode which tweaks transmission shift points and throttle response to reduce fuel consumption.

All Grand Cherokees with the exception of the SRT come with the 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine that develops 290 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque; Limited, Overland, and Summit trims can be had with a 5.7-litre Hemi V8, while Overland and Summit models can be had with a brand-new 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel. Dubbed EcoDiesel, the Italian-made motor puts out 240 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque. It is by far the most economical Grand Cherokee on sale. The SRT continues on with the same 392-cubic inch (6.4L) Hemi V8, developing 470 hp.

As you’d expect with a Jeep, four-wheel drive comes standard on the Grand Cherokee. The Laredo features Quadra-Trac I, a full-time 4x4 system that continuously distributes torque 48/52 front to rear. Limited and Overland models receive Quad-Trac II that adds a low range and is capable of sending 100 per cent of torque to either the front or rear axle. Quadra-Drive II, standard on the Summit and optional on others, works similarly but includes an electronic limited-slip differential that can concentrate up to 100 per cent of power to a single wheel. Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II include a Selec-Terrain system that can be dialed in for Auto, Sport, Sand/Mud, Snow and Rock settings. Quad-Lift four-corner air suspension – standard on Overland and Summit, optional on others – can raise and lower the ride height. The SRT uses the Quadra-Trac system, but its setup has been optimized for handling performance and on-track use.

The Grand Cherokee is available in Lardeo, Limited, Overland, Summit, and SRT trims.

Laredo includes 17-inch aluminum wheels, capless fuel filler, automatic headlamps, LED tail lights, fog lights, body colour door handles, accent colour shark-fin antenna, chrome exterior trim, proximity key with push-button start, power heated exterior mirrors, hill-start assist, rain-brake support, trailer-sway control, cloth upholstery, 12-way power driver’s seat with lumbar support, 60/40 split folding rear seat, flat-folding front seat, 5.0-inch display audio system with AM/FM/satellite radio, USB, SD card, auxiliary input jack, 7.0-inch instrument cluster display, interior LED lighting, tilt and telescoping steering column, cruise control, paddles for manual shifting, leather-wrapped shift knob, dual-zone automatic climate control, and dual 12-volt power outlet.

The Limited adds Select-Terrain drive modes, 18-inch aluminum wheels, leather upholstery, heated front and rear seats, memory seats and mirrors, heated steering wheel, power tilt and telescoping steering column, dual exhaust with chrome trips, reverse camera, rear parking sensors, auto-dimming exterior driver’s side mirror, nine-speaker 506-watt sound system, 115-volt power outlet, remote start, alarm, power tailgate, cargo tonneau cover, garage door opener, chrome door handles, chrome exterior mirrors, high-power (180-amp) alternator.

The Overland builds on the Limited and adds air suspension, 20-inch wheels, bright grille and sill inserts, body colour wheel lips, fascia and sills, premium Nappa leather upholstery, wood trim, dual-pane panoramic sunroof, leather-wrapped instrument panel and centre console, wood and leather-wrapped steering wheel, 8.4-inch touchscreen display with navigation, power folding mirrors with approach lamps, bi-xenon headlamps, Class IV hitch receiver, chrome front tow hooks, auto-dimming exterior passenger mirror, rear footwell lighting, body-colour shark-fin antenna.

The Summit adds 20-inch polished aluminum wheels, Natura Plus premium leather, suede cloth headliner, 19-speaker 825-watt harman/kardon speaker system, open-pore wood, adaptive headlamps, body-colour Summit grille with bright inserts, front parking sensors, headlamps washers, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-path detection, adaptive cruise control with forward collision warning.

The SRT features 20-inch SRT wheels, Selec-Trac on-road performance terrain management system, performance-tuned steering and adaptive suspension, Brembo brakes, electronically controlled limited-slip differential, 3.70 rear axle ratio, SRT sport seats with leather and suede upholstery, flat-bottom steering wheel, bright pedals, blacked-out grille, carbon fibre interior trim, LED lower daytime running lights, heavy-duty engine cooling, dual exhaust with black tips, and Performance Pages for navigation system. Removes air suspension, harman/kardon speaker system, and panoramic sunroof.