What: Redesigned affordable midsize SUV
When: Spring or summer 2010
Price: Estimated at about $1,000 more than the previous sticker, which would be roughly $30,600-$45,000, according to Consumer Guide
New for 2011
The Grand Cherokee debuted during April's New York Auto Show. With an all-new rear end and sleeker lines, the Grand Cherokee has lost some of its iconic styling - although it retains the classic seven-slot Jeep grille. In addition to a new exterior, the Grand Cherokee gets a much more luxurious interior, an all-new suspension and a new, more powerful V6 engine.
While reviewers are impressed with the Jeep's refined exterior and luxury feel, they aren't happy about its fuel economy. Though the new flex-fuel base engine will increase fuel economy by 11 percent, it is still only expected to achieve 16/23 mpg city/highway, according to Kicking Tires. These figures may be impressive for a trail-rated Jeep, but they simply aren't good enough to compete with crossover rivals such as the Ford Edge and Nissan Murano.
What the Auto Press Says
Here's what the automotive press is saying about the redesigned Grand Cherokee:
- "Chrysler says the new Grand Cherokee, set to go on sale next year, offers more power, better fuel economy, more room -- while preserving the off-road ability that's a hallmark of the brand. Options range from an air-suspension system that can lift the body 4.5 inches for off-roading to satellite TV for rear-seat passengers. What's not clear is whether Chrysler will get the chance to build it." - Detroit Free Press
- "Chrysler showed us the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee in person last week and frankly, we're impressed. It's the most attractive Chrysler interior and exterior we've seen in a while. But is that enough?" -- Jalopnik
- "We've just had the chance to see Jeep's new SUV in person ahead of its official unveiling later today, and we're even more impressed with the design in person than in pictures. The clean styling is a departure for the brand, which has lately adhered a bit too closely to its traditional utilitarian box design language. The Wrangler look doesn't work on every vehicle, and thankfully Jeep has softened the Grand Cherokee just enough to look sophisticated, but not so much that it appears incapable of traversing trails." -- Autoblog
- "The new Jeep has such improvements as a Quadra Lift air suspension that can elevate the Grand Cherokee as much as 11.1 inches for off-roading -- or for in-town styling and profiling." - Edmunds Inside Line
- "New CAFE standards go into effect for the 2011 model year, and we're wondering if a company without one 31-plus mpg model in its lineup can afford not to get better mileage in a base model. ... The numbers paint a bleak picture for what otherwise looks like a pretty nice SUV. The interior certainly seems like a big improvement, and there are many creature comforts that we're seeing in other top models." - Kicking Tires
- "A redesigned Grand Cherokee is ready to go with fresh styling, better quality, and higher mpg. Chrysler sees it as a near-term revenue booster, but will buyers have to have it?" -- Consumer Guide
The new Grand Cherokee is expected to come with two engine options: an all-new 3.6-liter 280-horsepower V6 (making 70 horsepower more than the outgoing model) and an optional 5.7-liter 360-horsepower HEMI V8. The trail-rated Jeep boasts a choice of three 4x4 systems and a new Select Terrain system.
Stay tuned for the full 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee review.