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Jeep Grand Cherokee Review 2015

 

Good points

  • Great value compared to rivals
  • Smooth, lazy V6 powertrain
  • Looks tough

Needs work

  • Vague handling with loose steering
  • Hardly efficient in petrol form
  • No seven-seat option

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a lot of car for the money: this big, brash American represents great value in family motoring.

The Grand Cherokee is the recipient of a growing number of ‘best SUV’ awards – so we thought it was high time that we borrowed a mid-range example to see what all the fuss was about. After subjecting it to two airport runs, some moderately heavy off-roading, a pilgrimage to Ikea and routine, and daily, rough family motoring, we’re happy to confirm that – mostly – the Grand Cherokee lives up to all that hype.

This isn’t motoring at German levels of sophistication; nor is quality at Japanese levels of precision. But with this proposition, you get plenty of metal per dollar. This is big, durable motoring. There are three powerful engines on offer, including a frugal diesel, and a not-frugal-whatsoever V8. The range spans $40,000, but all Grand Cherokees represent good value, particularly when compared against European rivals.

ChasingCars.com.au borrowed this vehicle for our Jeep Grand Cherokee review:

  • 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited (middle trim), with the 3.6-litre aspirated V6 and eight-speed automatic, in Maximum Steel with black leather, priced at $58,000 before on-road costs.
Budget Direct
Comprehensive cover
/ year
(indicative only)
Budget Direct
Comprehensive cover
/ year
(indicative only)

Key specs (as tested)

Engine
Capacity
3.6L
Cylinders
6
Induction
Naturally aspirated
Power
210kW @ 6350rpm
Torque
347Nm @ 4300rpm
Configuration
Conventional
Power to weight ratio
97kW / tonne
Fuel
Fuel type
Petrol
Fuel capacity
93L
Consumption
10.4L / 100km
Average Range
894km
Drivetrain
Transmission
Automatic
Drivetrain
Four wheel drive
Engine configuration
V6
Gears
8
Dimensions
Length
4828mm
Width
1943mm
Height
1802mm
Unoccupied weight
2169kg
Cargo space seats up
782L
Cargo seats down
1554L

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Budget Direct Insurance arranged by Auto & General Services Pty Ltd ACN 003 617 909(AGS) AFSL 241 411, for and on behalf of the insurer, Auto & General Insurance Company Limited(ABN 42 111 586 353, AFSL 285 571).Because we don’t know your financial needs, we can’t advise you if this insurance will suit you. You should consider your needs and the Product Disclosure Statement before making a decision to buy insurance. Terms and conditions apply.

Indicative quote based on assumptions including postcode , 40 year old male with no offences, licence suspensions or claims in the last 5 years, a NCD Rating 1 and no younger drivers listed. White car, driven up to 10,000kms a year, unfinanced, with no modifications, factory options and/or non-standard accessories, private use only and garaged at night.

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