If only style counted in the highly competitive sport utility market,
Jeep's Grand Cherokee Limited would be the hands-down winner. As it is,
Chrysler's ultimate
Jeep offering has sales figures that fall behind segment leader
Ford Explorer and the
Chevrolet Blazer/
GMC Jimmy offerings. It is held in high regard but penalized by a rather hefty price tag7---nearly $30,000 out the door depending on equipment and market.
The Grand Cherokee Limited leads the segment in power with the optional 220 horsepower 5.2-liter V8. This is an updated version-with sequential multi-port fuel injection-of Chrysler's venerable 318 V8. It is offered in the Limited model with the standard Quadra-Trac full-time four-wheel drive system, distributing power among the wheels as traction needs dictate. The most expensive Grand Cherokee model, the Limited, also includes standard equipment such as an anti-lock brake system (ABS) with disc brakes at all four wheels, automatic climate control and more.
Stomp on the gas in a V8-powered Grand Cherokee Limited and you get forceful motion (285 pound-feet of torque at 3600 rpm) and a satisfying growl from under the hood. With the V8, you also get a trailer towing prep package and towing capacity of up to 6500 pounds.
The standard engine on the Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited and all Grand Cherokees is the rugged, reliable but somewhat noisy 190 hp 4 liter. It improves mileage, but trailer towing capacity is lowered to 5,000 pounds and you lose the smoothness and broader power of the V8.
Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited has a more rounded, aerodynamic look than its predecessor, the Cherokee, or other sport utility brands. The coefficient of drag (resistance as it moves through air) is .44. While nowhere near the sleek contemporary coupe or sedan, this is very respectable for a 4WD vehicle.
The Limited model includes protective body armor in the form of bumper fascias and "cladding"-a stout molding protecting the rocker panels, lower fenders and doors. It is in body color with gold accents. Gold accents seem out of place on a sport utility vehicle-it's like chroming a shovel-but it is distinctive.
Fit and finish, while more truck-like than car-like, appear to be equal to or better than other sport utility brands.
