Style
Jeep designers drafted the lines of this new Grand Cherokee as an homage to the 1999 to 2004 WJ version. And to our eye the design really works. The new Grand Cherokee looks tough, refined and muscular.
Driving Impressions
On paved roads, the Grand Cherokee felt like a luxury car. The air suspension is pillow soft. The Grand Cherokee rides exceptionally well over rough terrain and could be one of the best SUV choices for urban pothole pounding. The entire chassis imparts a sense of robustness and it’s very quiet too.
Quadra Trac I has full-time four-wheel drive, with a proven, light-weight single-speed transfer case, and a fixed torque distribution of 48/52 front/rear with brake-limited differentials. The redesigned 2011 Grand Cherokee deserves its own parade. With a velvety smooth power delivery, all-wheel drive that won’t leave you stuck in the mud or snow, and a plush interior that is quiet to boot, I foresee this generation of Grand Cherokee taking over the local roads and back-country paths.
The engine-transmission combination is not bad until you need a quick thrust of power. That required a deep stab with the accelerator and even then there was a noticeable lag before everything kicked in, probably in the interest of preserving fuel economy.
Hail to the Chief
The new Grand Cherokee blends an exceptionally refined and solid chassis with a plush interior. It provides nearly full-size SUV roominess, towing capacity and, of course, it maintains the Jeep trail capability. The base Laredo will start at $32,995, the Limited will go for $39,994, and the Overland for $42,995.
For luxury, solid build, all weather and terrain conquering skills, I would have to say that the 2011 Grand Cherokee is one of the best sport utility vehicles I have ever driven. If this is where Fiat wants to take Chrysler, cue up the band.
| BUILD | INTERIOR | PERFORMANCE | HANDLING | STYLING | VALUE | OVERALL | |
| RATING | 5.0 | 5.0 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 5.0 | 4.75/A- |
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Jeep Four Wheel Drive Systems Explained
Quadra Trac I has full-time four-wheel drive, with a proven, light-weight single-speed transfer case, and a fixed torque distribution of 48/52 front/rear with brake-limited differentials.
Quadra Trac II has a two-speed transfer case and uses Throttle Anticipate to sense quick movement in the throttle from a stop and maximizes traction before slippage occurs. When tire slippage is detected, all available torque can be routed to the axle with the most traction.
Quadra Drive II has a rear (and rumored front in the future) Electronic Limited-Slip Differential which detects tire slip and sends torque to tires with traction. As with Quadra Trac II, in some cases, the Jeep will anticipate low traction and proactively limit or eliminate slip.
All 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokees equipped with either the off-road or the Quadra-Lift group are Trail Rated® which means it passed off-road conditions in traction, ground clearance, maneuverability, articulation, and water crossing.
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 The official Jeep website- www.jeep.com/en/ |
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