2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee Review

Specifications

“Go Anywhere. Do Anythingâ„¢”

The Grand Cherokee is the flagship of the Jeep lineup and it shows in every corner and detail in this impressive sport utility vehicle.

To the signature seven slot grill, the dual round head lights, the famous trapezoidal wheel opening and the squared off rear end, this the Jeep Grand Cherokee combines history and luxury to produce a vehicle that is just as capable off the road as on. New this year is a two-piece front fascia allowing the lower one easy removal for off-roading.

Trim levels abound with the Laredo, Rocky Mountain, Limited, Overland and SRT8 models and each available in a choice of 2WD or 4WD except the SRT8 which only comes in a 4WD model. The newest of the models is the SRT8. It is the sport model, which boasts 0 to 60 mph in less than five seconds - that is faster then most sport cars! The performance-tuned suspension keeps it sucked to the road. The Overland and Limited are the only models that Jeep recommends using to tow anything and have a max load capacity of 7100 lbs.

The 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee comes with a choice of five engines - from a 3.0-Liter Turbo diesel to a beastly 6.1-Liter HEMI® V8. Top that off with a choice of four four-wheel drive systems. Depending on what you want your Jeep Grand Cherokee to do (or not do) depends on what configuration best suits you. The range starts at the base model 2WD Laredo with the 210 hp and 235 lb-ft torque 3.7-Liter V6 with five speed automatic transmission that gives 15 mpg in the city and 20 mpg at highway speeds. The top end of the scale is the 6.1-Liter SRT V8 HEMI® that produces a whooping 420 hp and 420 lb-ft torque but hurts at 11 mpg in the city and 14 mpg on the highway. It is only available in the SRT8 model. The new 3.0L Turbo diesel is a powerful engine at 215 hp and 376 lb-ft torque while still giving 18 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway.

The cabin of the 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee offers quality materials tastefully appointed. Lines are pleasing to the eye and touch and the seats are contoured beautifully for comfortable long distance traveling. The SRT8 model sports a racing inspired interior with aluminum finishings throughout the dash and center console. Leather heated front seats are standard on the Laredo ‘X’ package as well as the Overland and Limited and heated rear leather seats are optional on some models. Power adjustable pedals and a tilt and telescoping steering wheel mix well with the 8 way power adjustable driver’s seat so everyone is comfortable no matter how big or how small. Finishing touches such as the Power Sunroof and Rain Sensitive Wipers complete the package for a vehicle that is comfortable, versatile and intuitive.

In the same mid-size class as the Toyota Highlander and Ford Explorer, the five passenger Grand Cherokee offers plenty of room for both the people and their gear. The interior of the 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee may belie the true use of the vehicle with its many comforts and richly appointed cabin but it is still built for mud. Small things like the Reversible Storage Tray in the rear cargo area is brilliant - a carpeted panel flips over to become a muddy boot (or anything) tray, keeping dirt where it belongs. There are also cargo straps - perfect for bumpy roads. Power outlets on the dash and on the back side of the center console allow for anything from laptops to fridges to be plugged into 150 watts of power.

MyGig® Multimedia System w/ GPS Navigation allows you not only know where you are going like every other GPS system, it also allows you to take your favorite music, photos and DVDs along for the ride. Inside sits a 30gb hard drive so you can upload 4500 of your favorite songs or a few thousand photos through either a disc or a USB 2.0 port. Movies, Sirius TV and photos can be played on the cockpit nav screen when the vehicle is in park. Bluetooth technology allows for hands free calling and each Grand Cherokee comes with a one-year subscription to Sirius Satellite Radio.

Available in the Overland and Limited Edition Grand Cherokee is Sirius Backseat TVâ„¢, which is displayed on the second row 8″ flip down screen. The TV system can be controlled from the rear seat entertainment unit or at the radio unit in the front seats. Alternatively, enjoy the Rear Seat VES® Video Entertainment System that plays DVDs and has an auxiliary jack for hooking up a camera or video game. This system is optional on the Overland, Limited and Sport models.