2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee

• Overall
• Prices
• Performance
• Exterior
• Interior
• Safety
• Reliability
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Performance - What the Auto Press Says

Reviewers feel that the 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee delivers excellent off-road handling and good performance on road from its wide array of engines -- five in all, including a new 6.1-liter Hemi V8.

• "Gutsy with Hemi engine and relatively agile on pavement considering its formidable off-road chops." -- Car and Driver
• "V8 trims pack plenty of confident power, while the V6 engines seem sluggish and undermatched for the SUV's size and weight. Good towing capacity and the versatile 4WD system give owners flexibility and security." -- Car Gurus
• "Grand Cherokee absorbs most bumps with little harshness. Solid-feeling structure enhances impression of car-like comfort. Some float is noticeable on dips and swells at highway speeds, except for the taut SRT8, which tends to jiggle on less-than-perfect pavement." -- Consumer Guide
• "Three different four-wheel-drive systems (Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II) provide escalating off-road abilities, from low-grade trail busting to 'Pack Mule Only.' And if you need to tow large objects, the JGC's maximum towing capacity is a significant 7,400 pounds." -- Edmunds

Acceleration and Power

The 2010 Grand Cherokee offers several engine options: A base 3.7-liter V6, optional 4.7-liter V8, the Overland's 5.7-liter V8, the SRT8's 6.1-liter Hemi V8, and even a 3.0-liter diesel V6 option. Reviewers find power more than adequate, except in the case of the sluggish base engine. They recommend either of the 4.7-litet or 5.7-liter V8 options instead. A five-speed automatic transmission is standard and a multi-speed overdrive automatic is a no-cost option for some models.

According to the EPA, the most fuel efficient Grand Cherokee, the 2WD with the V6 engine, achieves 16/21 mpg city/highway. However, models with the 6.1-liter V8 engine, while very powerful, can achieve as low as 11/14 mpg -- making fuel economy a definite weakness.

• "The V6 is too weak for this vehicle's weight, but not the gutsy diesel. The SRT8 is a hot-rod wagon." -- Consumer Guide
• "Based on our initial drive, buyers can expect adequate power from the V6, despite the fact that the Grand Cherokee gained about 500 pounds in the redesign (regardless of configuration)." -- Edmunds
• "We got a limited drive in the Grand Cherokee CRD and can report it's a much better Jeep diesel than the discontinued Liberty CRD, which Chrysler says sold beyond expectations." -- Automotive.com
• "As the first four-wheel-drive SRT vehicle, the Grand Cherokee SRT8 provides astonishing on-road and all-weather ability and power. The new Jeep SRT8 model boasts a zero-to-60 time of less than five seconds." -- Minneapolis Star Tribune

Handling and Braking

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is fairly carlike in its ride, but according to reviewers, it isn't perfect. Its truck-based chassis makes the on-pavement ride less comfortable than its crossover competitors. Regardless, test drivers love the sporty performance of the SRT8 model.

• "Balanced and stable, but body lean prompts slowing down for tight, fast turns, even in the handling-oriented SRT8. Steering has well-judged effort and good feedback, but it isn't quick or precise. Braking is strong." -- Consumer Guide
• "The long-travel suspension that makes it so tough on 4x4 trails leads to a moderate amount of float and bob over bumps and freeway expansion joints." -- Edmunds

Off-Roading

Reviewers find the 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee solid enough for on-road driving, but where it really stands out is in its off-road performance. The Grand Cherokee is available with a choice of three four-wheel drive systems. Quadra-Trac I, standard on the Laredo 4x4 and SRT8 4x4, is a full-time system that features a single-speed transfer case. Quadra-Trac II, standard on the Limited 4x4, provides a two-speed transfer case. Quadra-Drive II, optional on the Limited 4x4 and V8 Laredo 4x4, features a full-time transfer case with Electronic Limited Slip Differentials.

• "For off-roaders and trailer towers, the Grand Cherokee offers new systems for retarding downhill speeds, starting on a hill and a sway control." -- Popular Mechanics
• "Hardcore off-roaders will be pleased to know...that the new fascia is comprised of two-pieces, the lower of which can be removed when trail-rating your new Grand Cherokee." -- Autoblog