I remember a time, not too long ago, when the Jeep Grand Cherokee was the most coveted vehicle in Quebec and in many other parts of the country. This was so true at the time that it also starred on or near the top of the most stolen vehicles list.
The Grand Cherokee featured so prominently in people's psyche that even if it turned out to be a lacklustre performer, hard on gas and far from being a reliable vehicle, consumers of SUVs still flocked to Chrysler-Jeep dealers to buy one. If up until a few months ago, I would have recommended something other than the Jeep, today I'm singing a different tune.
The new Jeep Grand Cherokee realigns the SUV segment by slotting itself at the top of the heap, at least we think so as it was voted our Mid-size Utility of the Year. How is this possible? Read on.
Looks like a King
The new Grand Cherokee swaps the old “I wanna be a big bad brute” image for a more sophisticated and regal style, more akin to the liking of those considering this vehicle me thinks. What I especially appreciate about the new GC is that there is no excess anything to be found, only classy touches of chrome and the odd accent for elegance.
Also, from a ¾-front view point, the GC reminds me ever so much of the concept. When it was unveiled, enthusiast and journos alike saw their jaws hit the floor; how could a Jeep be this hot? This specific angle, where the hood and the fender meet above the headlight is a favourite detail of mine. Subtle as the remainder of the truck may be, its new-found elegance and statuesqueness are both refreshing and practically confidence-inspiring. As well, I don't think Jeep's signature 7-slat grille has ever been more attractive.
The cabin is fit for a king. Chrysler has clearly set out to shut everyone up about the less-than-everything interiors. The GC's is posh and clean. Every emphasis and detail has its reason. I haven't said this for a while about a Chrysler product but the whole passenger quarters is extremely pleasing.
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| The new Grand Cherokee swaps the old “I wanna be a big bad brute” image for a more sophisticated and regal style. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |
The Grand Cherokee featured so prominently in people's psyche that even if it turned out to be a lacklustre performer, hard on gas and far from being a reliable vehicle, consumers of SUVs still flocked to Chrysler-Jeep dealers to buy one. If up until a few months ago, I would have recommended something other than the Jeep, today I'm singing a different tune.
The new Jeep Grand Cherokee realigns the SUV segment by slotting itself at the top of the heap, at least we think so as it was voted our Mid-size Utility of the Year. How is this possible? Read on.
Looks like a King
The new Grand Cherokee swaps the old “I wanna be a big bad brute” image for a more sophisticated and regal style, more akin to the liking of those considering this vehicle me thinks. What I especially appreciate about the new GC is that there is no excess anything to be found, only classy touches of chrome and the odd accent for elegance.
Also, from a ¾-front view point, the GC reminds me ever so much of the concept. When it was unveiled, enthusiast and journos alike saw their jaws hit the floor; how could a Jeep be this hot? This specific angle, where the hood and the fender meet above the headlight is a favourite detail of mine. Subtle as the remainder of the truck may be, its new-found elegance and statuesqueness are both refreshing and practically confidence-inspiring. As well, I don't think Jeep's signature 7-slat grille has ever been more attractive.
The cabin is fit for a king. Chrysler has clearly set out to shut everyone up about the less-than-everything interiors. The GC's is posh and clean. Every emphasis and detail has its reason. I haven't said this for a while about a Chrysler product but the whole passenger quarters is extremely pleasing.
 |
| The cabin is fit for a king. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |