Sausalito, California – I can’t claim credit for uttering the quip, “putting the grand back in Grand Cherokee.” That line belongs to Reid Bigland, President and CEO of Chrysler Canada. What I can say, is that after examining and driving Jeep’s all-new 2011 Grand Cherokee, the “grand” is back in a grandiose way.
Upscale styling and premium cabin instantly distinguishes new from old
Without losing its Jeep identity, the Grand Cherokee has been widened and lengthened. The upsizing includes the lengthening of its wheelbase, which has grown by approximately 127-mm (5-in). The increased real estate is reflected in much greater rear seat legroom and more cargo capacity, however, the extra sizing does not enable the inclusion of a third row seat.
The new Grand Cherokee exhibits a clean, muscular external appearance that easily makes it worthy of inclusion in “members only” parking at the finest of clubs but it’s the interior of the Grand Cherokee that’s bound to initiate comments such as, “when did you win the lottery?”
Jeep had been taking some heat over the “low rent” environs in the previous generation Cherokee, so they did something about it—and that something is indeed impressive. The 2011 version liberally utilizes “soft touch” materials, ensuring that any interface between man and machine is pleasing rather than disappointing.
The Limited and Overland versions of the Grand Cherokee can be equipped with heated/ventilated front seats, along with heated rear seats. Real wood trim accompanies these editions. A stitched leather instrument panel is featured on the Overland edition.
Needless to say, every inch of the Grand Cherokee’s cabin has been re-thought, re-configured and refined; this includes the cargo area that’s smartly finished with chrome strips in the floor to aid with sliding items in and out. But the improvements for 2011 aren’t all cosmetic or creature related.
New V6 engine is a highlight
Virtually 100-percent of 2010 Grand Cherokees went out the door with a V8 Hemi beneath the hood. Although good for performance, that reality wasn’t good for fuel economy.
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| More refinement, value and capability along with room and comfort defines what’s “grand” about the 2011 Grand Cherokee. (Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com) |
Upscale styling and premium cabin instantly distinguishes new from old
Without losing its Jeep identity, the Grand Cherokee has been widened and lengthened. The upsizing includes the lengthening of its wheelbase, which has grown by approximately 127-mm (5-in). The increased real estate is reflected in much greater rear seat legroom and more cargo capacity, however, the extra sizing does not enable the inclusion of a third row seat.
The new Grand Cherokee exhibits a clean, muscular external appearance that easily makes it worthy of inclusion in “members only” parking at the finest of clubs but it’s the interior of the Grand Cherokee that’s bound to initiate comments such as, “when did you win the lottery?”
Jeep had been taking some heat over the “low rent” environs in the previous generation Cherokee, so they did something about it—and that something is indeed impressive. The 2011 version liberally utilizes “soft touch” materials, ensuring that any interface between man and machine is pleasing rather than disappointing.
The Limited and Overland versions of the Grand Cherokee can be equipped with heated/ventilated front seats, along with heated rear seats. Real wood trim accompanies these editions. A stitched leather instrument panel is featured on the Overland edition.
Needless to say, every inch of the Grand Cherokee’s cabin has been re-thought, re-configured and refined; this includes the cargo area that’s smartly finished with chrome strips in the floor to aid with sliding items in and out. But the improvements for 2011 aren’t all cosmetic or creature related.
New V6 engine is a highlight
Virtually 100-percent of 2010 Grand Cherokees went out the door with a V8 Hemi beneath the hood. Although good for performance, that reality wasn’t good for fuel economy.
 |
| Every inch of the Grand Cherokee’s cabin has been re-thought, re-configured and refined. (Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com) |