Jeep Grand Cherokee (2011-2022) - Interior, design and technology
Handsome - if occasionally over-the-top - the Grand Cherokee is loaded with premium kit
Just so you know, this is an older review of the 2011-2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee. If you are interested in information about the latest Jeep Grand Cherokee, or news of upcoming Jeep models, please follow the links provided.
The first thing that strikes you about the Jeep Grand Cherokee is its sheer size. It’s longer, taller and wider than many of its rivals, and the chunky styling does nothing to make it look any less imposing. The facelift in 2014 has added sharp-looking LED running lights that are similar to those seen on the Audi Q7, although Jeep’s trademark seven-bar grille is a distinctive styling touch that sits well with the Grand Cherokee’s chunky lines.
The rear also gets a mild makeover with tightened rear lights and more subtle finish. Both Overland and Summit models come with huge 20-inch chrome alloy wheels as standard, while the Trackhawk gets cool-looking bonnet decals and unique alloy wheels.
Climb inside, and the Jeep has a functional layout that is pretty easy to get along with. There’s a touchscreen infotainment system that’s shared with other high-end models from the FCA group. The dashboard gets a TFT display in front of the driver that features a speedometer that can have selectable information displayed within it.
The cabin also comes with well-finished silver trim and plush leather seats, while further down the centre console there’s a set of buttons and a rotary dial to adjust the suspension according to the terrain.
Equipment levels are a real Grand Cherokee plus point, with all models getting cruise control, climate control, a CD auto-changer and alloy wheels. From the Limited model upwards you get leather seats, while the Limited Plus adds sat-nav. The Overland comes with a panoramic roof, air suspension and an electronic limited slip diff, while the Summit adds bi-xenon headlamps, 20-inch polished alloys, and the plushest interior with a high-output sound system.
Sat-nav, stereo and infotainment
All models have a TFT screen display at the centre of the instrument cluster, which is customisable for settings and graphics. It can show a traditional-looking speedo, the sat-nav map, or various vehicle systems.
If you have a model with Jeep’s Uconnect System, there’s a big 8.4-inch touchscreen with 3D navigation, DAB radio plus Bluetooth connectivity and voice commands. The range-topping Harman Kardon sound system has 19 speakers, a subwoofer and an 825-Watt amp.
