Skip advert
Advertisement

Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.0 CRD

Can the new version of Jeep's legendary 4x4 lead brand’s fightback? We give our official Verdict.

Overall Auto Express rating

4.0

How we review cars
Find your Jeep Grand Cherokee
Offers from our trusted partners on this car and its predecessors...
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car
Advertisement

The new Grand Cherokee is a big step forward for Jeep. Thanks to new construction methods and technologies implemented by Italian owner Fiat, build quality is better than ever – although it still can’t match class leaders. It’s luxurious on the road and equally rugged off it, which should be enough to convince buyers who want genuine all-terrain ability without sacrificing everyday comfort.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Back in 1992, Jeep claims to have invented the luxury SUV, with its Grand Cherokee. But these days, the flagship car is hardly a trend-setter, with rivals such as the BMW X5 making it appear unsophisticated.
 
Now, with guidance from the Fiat Group, Jeep is aiming to revive its fortunes in Europe with this all-new model. And we’ve driven what’s expected to be the biggest seller – the 3.0-litre V6 diesel.

It uses the Italians’ fuel-saving MultiAir technology to return 34mpg and emit 218g/km of CO2. Plus, it’s punchy on the move, sprinting from 0-62mph in an impressive 8.2 seconds. The new Grand Cherokee can’t quite match the likes of the VW Touareg for refinement, but it’s a real step forward for Jeep – engine noise is only noticeable under hard acceleration.

It rides well, too, and the soft suspension helps to soak up bumps in the road easily. Top-spec models get an air-suspension system, which can lower or raise the body depending on driving conditions.

The steering is geared more towards comfort – light, but short on feedback. Corners aren’t the big SUV’s forte, and body roll is marked if pushed too hard. There’s a reassuring level of grip, though.
 
Where the Jeep is really at home is off-road. We took the big Jeep through a punishing route of near-vertical inclines and drops, as well as deep fords, and the newcomer never missed a beat.

But despite its rugged off-road ability, it looks similar to any other 4x4. While the new design is crisp and stylish, it’s still recognisably Jeep, with the trapezoidal wheelarches and seven-bar grille.

Inside, everything is well put together, although buyers may be hoping for better-quality materials in some areas – only top-spec Overland models get a leather-covered dash. And despite costing £38,000, our basic Laredo version didn’t come with leather seats as standard.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Drivers changing car tyres too early are wasting their money and hurting the planet
Tyre tread

Drivers changing car tyres too early are wasting their money and hurting the planet

Why running tyres all the way to the 1.6mm legal limit makes sense for safety and the environment
Features
7 Nov 2024
New BMW M3 will keep petrol power, but there'll be an EV, too
2028 BMW M3 render (watermarked)

New BMW M3 will keep petrol power, but there'll be an EV, too

Next-generation BMW super-saloon will be available with choice of two powertrains when it goes on sale in 2028
News
7 Nov 2024
Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2024, 2025 and beyond
Best new cars coming soon - header image

Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2024, 2025 and beyond

These are the biggest and most important new cars headed our way, from brands including Audi, BMW, Dacia, Ferrari, Ford, Skoda and more
Best cars & vans
6 Nov 2024