The Jeep Grand Cherokee is not an Indian legend

The leadership of SUV innovators will only come to our country as a plug-in hybrid. Currently in the more expensive version of the ‘Conference Storage’, the price of which becomes ‘reasonable’ only in relation to the equipment involved. Everything electric, everything hot, everything skin, everything connected, everything safe. The only option is a pair of 10.1-inch screens for passengers. If the entry-level model ‘Mini’ and everything in between are added to the price list, the amount will be between approximately 85,000 and 105,000 euros.

Large and elegant

As the American name can be heard, the appearance can be seen and the level of comfort can be seen, the platform of the Grand Cherokee is basically the same as that of the Alfa Romeo Stelvio. As far as the domestic market is concerned, ‘Grand-ness’ is not so bad. The 578.5 cm long seven-seater Grand Wagoneer (with a ladder chassis) is very large. But with a length of 4.9 meters and a width of almost two meters, we are only talking about a large SUV. Beautiful too, with a design that manages to combine pronounced sharpness with elegant edge on a Land (and Range) Rover level. Because of the seven-part grille and semi-trapezoid-shaped wheel arches, it can still be recognized as a Jeep by a blind person.

Internal affairs

This is also the case in internal affairs at a deeper level. Because although the positive impact of the PSA/Stellantis umbrella organization in the area cannot be denied, the level of the first car costing a ton has not been completely reached. On the surface it doesn’t look bad at all with lots of leather, decorative stitching and wood veneer. It’s a shame that, as with other Jeep models, a bad design language isn’t used that goes back to the brand’s history and core values. Grab handles are also very often answered with small knock doors, folding panels or plastic buttons. Although we can also be happy that at least there are buttons and not everything is hidden in one of the three screens. Yes, three: a digital dashboard, a central touchscreen and an additional screen that the passenger can think about on the way. In keeping with good American custom, front occupants are expected to bring some recliners, but you don’t have to worry about running out of space on the generously-sized and properly padded thrones. It’s just the shape and support that is a little lacking. There is no shortage of comfortable sitting, lounge or rear storage space. But don’t expect a sliding or three-section rear seat or a double cargo floor.

Drive

The family’s ties to Alfa Romeo extend beyond the platform used. The two-liter cylinder under the big hood was first shown in the Giulia in 2016. Here, however, it is supported by a 48V and 61 hp starter generator, which is attached to the crankshaft and a belt, as well as a 145 hp motor of electric, which is separated by a plate clutch between four cylinders and eight speed transmission and transfer case with a low range. This means that the Grand Cherokee can, if necessary, handle the most difficult off-road areas with electric power. Or – more likely – use the combined power to drag a Belgian potato or two (with trailer, weighing up to 2,215 kg) out of the mud. We are talking about 375 hp and 637 Nm, which is more than enough with an empty weight of 2,478 kg. Of course, with a lot of electric torque you can get far from your place well and you have enough speed with a 0-100 race. From the raw sound that the two-liter produces at full load, everything doesn’t seem to be going well. With so much weight, the combustion engine also has to reach very quickly and that doesn’t always go well. Connecting and disconnecting the power sources is clearly visible, because the entire driving car is suspended by a non-powerful ball. However, this does not prevent the four cylinders from producing noticeable vibrations at low revs. A pity, because the interior is quiet. Taking control manually with paddle shifters behind the steering wheel helps prevent unexpected switching and coupling actions. Always sending electric power to the street through permanent four-wheel drive is logically not the best way. The reason why the range, which comes from a 17.3 kWh battery, takes you less than 50 km. 40 km also proved to be a challenge. When the battery is empty, expect fuel consumption of about 1 in 9 to 12.

Standard air suspension and height control and adaptive dampers don’t stop the Grand Cherokee from feeling like it’s big every time you ride. Naturally, a chassis like this is adept at breaking bumps and the Jeep sits like a rock on the road. The big wheels, thick control bars and soft rubber make it short work hops, and make clattering noises. It’s easy to live with on most of our road network. This involves a lot of grappling with the transmission of indirect operation, whose hard resistance is well chosen so as not to completely hide the mass. You can also stop driving on the road directly to the electronics. We’ve driven cars that stay in the center of the lane more disciplined, but still have a slight detour that doesn’t turn into a lazy wander. Adaptive cruise control sees what it needs to see and responds in a timely manner. Parking is also less difficult than you might think with cameras, sensors and assistant. All in all, it’s a fantastic package for someone who has plenty of comfort, plenty of space and good off-road qualities at the top of the priority list. However, the focus on quality and refinement is at a premium, so the range could benefit from a number of reasonably priced models.

Final decision

The Jeep Grand Cherokee has finally been released from the bpm Specter, but with its unrecognizable, but special features, it will probably remain a good product.