Believe it or not, the Jeep® Grand Cherokee just got even better. It gains a boost in power and fuel efficiency for 2009, plus its interior received technology upgrades that make it a more high-performance ride all-around.
This midsize SUV received its redesign last year. Add this year’s upgrades and the Grand Cherokee continues as hands-down a top pick in its class for 2009. Jeep is well known for its off-road capabilities and towing abilities. The 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee maintains traditional Jeep trademarks while keeping up-to-date with upgrades and features. Consumer Guide says, “Cherokee is solid, rides comfortably, has fine ergonomics and is tenacious off-road. It’s also competitively priced.” If you’re not sold on this well-rounded vehicle yet, read on.
The five-passenger SUV comes in Laredo, Rocky Mountain, Limited, Overland and SRT8 trims. All Grand Cherokee trims except the SRT8 are available with either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive; the high-performance SRT8 trim is available exclusively in a four-wheel drive configuration. The Grand Cherokee has four different four-wheel drive systems: Quadra-Trac I®, Quadra-Trac II®, Quadra-Drive® II and SRT 4WD with Electronic-Active NV146 Transfer Case. While all versions provide outstanding off-road performance, the systems offer differing capabilities. Quadra-Trac I basically functions as all-wheel drive and is offered on four-wheel drive Laredos. The Quadra-Trac II system adds a set of low-range gears and comes standard on the Limited and optional on the Laredo. The Quadra-Drive II includes the works – hill descent control, hill start assist and skid plates; it’s standard on the Overland and optional on the Limited. If towing large loads is a priority, the Grand Cherokee comes through with flying colors, providing a maximum towing capacity of a hefty 7,400 pounds when properly equipped.
One of the Grand Cherokee’s biggest assets is its power. The standard engine on the base 2009 Grand Cherokee is a 3.7-liter V6 that churns 210 hp and 235 lb/ft of torque. Optional on the Laredo and standard on the Limited is a 4.7-liter V8 engine (standard or FlexFuel version) that produces 305 hp and 335 lb/ft of torque. The Overland offers even more power via a new standard 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine that produces 357 hp and 389 lb/ft of torque.
An optional 3.0-liter turbo diesel V6 raises fuel economy on all three of these trims. In fact, Cars.com reports the engine delivers up to 30 percent better fuel economy when compared to regular gasoline engines. The Grand Cherokee SRT8 four-wheel drive is in a league of its own, featuring a 6.1-liter V8 that pumps 420 hp and 420 lb/ft of torque. It zooms from zero-to-60 mph in a speedy 5.0 seconds flat. SRT8’s acceleration and speed are exhilarating, and it sports a firmed up suspension and oversized Brembo brakes. Steering is tight and handling is superb, giving the feeling of a smaller vehicle on the road.
The Grand Cherokee earns fuel economy ratings of 16 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway with the 3.7-liter V6 and five-speed automatic. Overall, its all-terrain talents prevail, offering class-leading off-road capabilities. On the pavement, the Grand Cherokee offers top road manners with a smooth and steady ride.
The Grand Cherokee now sports higher quality materials, easier-to-use controls and new entertainment options. The Laredo trim comes with a number of features as standard including 17-inch alloy wheels, all-terrain tires, a roofrack, a six-speaker stereo with a CD player, an auxiliary audio jack and more. It also offers an array of options that include a sunroof, rear backup camera with parking sensors, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, leather upholstery and heated front seats. Technology buffs will be more than pleased with the available options that include Bluetooth, a navigation system, real-time traffic, an upgraded stereo system with satellite radio, an iPod interface and a hard drive for digital music storage.
All of these options and features are available on the Limited while the Overland adds to the mix HID headlamps and 18-inch chrome-clad wheels. The SRT8 trim comes with 20-inch wheels, a street-biased sport suspension, larger brakes, a performance trip computer, front sport seats and leather trim. A rear DVD entertainment system and SIRIUS TV in the front seatbacks are optional. Inside the cabin, the Grand Cherokee is roomy and refreshed, offering convenient features and refined touches. Cargo capacity reaches 35 cubic feet behind the rear seat and stretches to 69 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.
Safety is not an option on the Grand Cherokee. Standard across all trims are antilock disc brakes, stability control and standard side-curtain airbags with roll-detection. Overland models include trailer sway control, a feature that’s optional on the Laredo and Limited. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the 2009 Grand Cherokee the best rating of “Good” in frontal-offset crash testing.
The 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a solid vehicle that’s great on-road and even greater off-road. It’s reliable, agile and courageous and stands out from the rest of the pack. Call us to arrange an eye-opening test drive.
Tags: Grand Cherokee, Jeep
