Jeep Grand Cherokee

Shopping for a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee? MSRP: $26,995 - $54,470

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If there's a poster child for the rise of the rugged-lux SUV craze that lasted through the '90s and into the '00s, it's arguably the Jeep Grand Cherokee. While a few models like the Range Rover had already combined tough off-road ability with a luxury-car cabin ambiance and room for five, Jeep hit just exactly the right balance to get Americans to abandon their luxury sedans and ubiquitous minivans in droves. Soon enough, Grand Cherokees became something different yet practical for suburban families around America—and its success set the stage for even more luxurious utes like the Mercedes-Benz M-Class, BMW X5, and even the Cadillac Escalade.

Back then, or even today, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is a very off-road-capable luxury sport-utility vehicle, offering rather chunky, rugged styling, along with enough family-friendly practicality inside.

The first-generation Grand Cherokee (termed ZJ by the company and off-road enthusiasts) wasn't an exceptional on-road performer by any measure, but they moved just fine with the long-running and torquey 4.0-liter in-line six-cylinder engine (of AMC origins). The 5.2-liter or 5.9-liter V-8 engines were definitely the choice for those who towed, and the larger 5.9 Limited felt like an all-out muscle truck. During some of this time, the most luxurious versions of the Grand Cherokee were badged Grand Wagoneer, and included a specially trimmed, leather-lined cabin and a wood-paneled look.

Second-generation Grand Cherokee models got a somewhat softer, more rounded appearance, along with an even more luxurious interior, a new five-speed automatic transmission, and a new hydraulic pressure-based Quadra-Drive four-wheel-drive system, though it could also be had with either rear-wheel drive or a more rudimentary 4WD system. Engines offerings remained about the same, though V-8 models were increasingly potent.

The Grand Cherokee was again substantially redesigned for 2005. This time, Jeep threw out the old in-line six, replacing it with an also-dated 3.7-liter V-6, but all-new 5.7-liter and 6.1-liter HEMI V-8 engines joined the range. While the V-8s brought brisk acceleration and plenty of muscle for towing, this generation was widely panned by critics as being a step back in what mattered to much of the Grand's buyer base; most notably, it felt a bit tighter, seating-wise, than the previous generation.

For a short time, Jeep also offered a 3.0 CRD turbo-diesel version of the third-gen Grand Cherokee; it performed well and was quite fuel-efficient, but emissions and slow sales forced an early demise.

In all of its existence through the '90s and '00s, the Grand Cherokee was lacking several things that were increasingly required by suburban families: More precise, carlike handling; a better on-road ride; and top-notch safety. But over the past decade especially its rugged image and Rubicon capability were no longer enough; its sloppy steering and choppy-yet-boundy ride were, in fact, deal-breakers to many, and families moved over to other luxury-brand SUVs that didn't cost much more.

That was finally remedied with the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee introduced in 2010. Now, the Grand Cherokee is quite possibly the best product to emerge from the (now divorced) marriage between Chrysler and Mercedes-Benz (Daimler). With underpinnings very closely related to those in the 2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class, the new Grand Cherokee has the level of chassis sophistication that it always needed—including impressive poise on twisty roads and a precise, well-weighted steering feel.

As before, the 2011 Grand Cherokee can be as extreme as you want it to be—with the top Quadra Drive system sophisticated enough for either negotiating slippery rocks and mud or mindfully gripping with the right wheel in your snow-drift-buried driveway. And even better, Jeep has also introduced a Range Rover-like Selec-Terrain system that simplifies getting through the tough stuff, with an Auto mode plus separate ones for sand/mud, snow, and rock.

With its modern and more refined 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6, in addition to returning HEMI V-8s, the new Grand Cherokee is also bit more fuel efficient in its base form, while tow ratings for the V-8 model range up to 7,400 pounds.

Beginning with the 2006 Grand Cherokee SRT8, Jeep showed that it could appeal to go-fast on-road enthusiasts, too. The performance model packed a 420-hp, 6.1-liter HEMI, a sport-tuned suspension, and a host of upgrades, and this model could not only do modest off-roading but also get to Autobahn speeds and reach 60 mph in well under five seconds. The SRT8 returns for 2012, with a 465-hp, 6.4-liter HEMI fitted to the much-improved, new-generation Grand Cherokee.

The Grand Cherokee has always been ahead of its time with respect to features. Back in its first-gen version the Grand Cherokee offered features like steering-wheel audio controls, plush leather upholstery, heated seats, and keyless entry. The newest models can be had with extensive entertainment and information extras like Uconnect Web (to turn the vehicle into a wireless hotspot).