2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee: Road Test
Archived Review
2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee ▼
Select a Trim ▼
- MSRP: $26,355 -$34,570
- Invoice: $24,236 -$31,582
Reviews & Ratings
Features & Specifications
Compare Vehicle
Related to Jeep Grand Cherokee
Previous Year's Reviews
View Another Vehicle
Our road test for the 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee includes a full evaluation of the 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee help you decide if a 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee is right for you.
Advertisement
ACCELERATION
| 2WD Laredo, V6 | AWD Laredo, 4.7 V8 | AWD Limited w/nav. sys., 5.7 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 5 | 6 | 4.9 |
No opportunity yet to clock 0-60 mph, but V6 only adequate, even with 2WD. Feels sluggish on takeoff, has little passing-power reserve, though OK in highway cruising. The 4.7 V8 is noticeably stronger than V6 and better suited to extra weight of AWD. Muscular 5.7 V8 delivers impressive power quickly. Its Multi-Displacement System is virtually seamless in operation. Automatic transmission smooth, responsive with any engine. Maximum towing capacity is 7200 lb with 5.7 V8.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 2WD Laredo, V6 | AWD Laredo, 4.7 V8 | AWD Limited w/nav. sys., 5.7 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 3 | 3.9 |
No chance to measure with V6. Test AWD Laredo with 4.7 V8 averaged 16.0 mpg in even mix of city/highway driving. Test AWD Limited with 5.7 V8 averaged 17.9 mpg in primarily highway driving, but just 12.0 mpg in mostly city travel. Jeep recommends 87-octane fuel for V6 and 4.7 V8, 89 octane or higher for 5.7 V8.
RIDE QUALITY
| 2WD Laredo, V6 | AWD Laredo, 4.7 V8 | AWD Limited w/nav. sys., 5.7 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.1 |
Quite good for an SUV, especially one with a suspension suited to severe off-road duty. Absorbs most bumps with little harshness. Solid-feeling structure enhances impression of carlike comfort. Only real demerit is some float on dips and swells at highway speeds.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 2WD Laredo, V6 | AWD Laredo, 4.7 V8 | AWD Limited w/nav. sys., 5.7 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.8 |
Balanced, stable, but body lean prompts slowing down for tight, fast turns. Steering has good feedback, but isn't quick or precise by car standards. Braking strong.
QUIETNESS
| 2WD Laredo, V6 | AWD Laredo, 4.7 V8 | AWD Limited w/nav. sys., 5.7 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 6 | 4.8 |
All models muffle tire, wind noise quite well, but AWD Limited with 5.7 V8 suffered modest gear whine at highway speeds. Engines quiet enough at cruise but slightly gruff in full acceleration--especially the somewhat overtaxed V6.
CONTROLS
| 2WD Laredo, V6 | AWD Laredo, 4.7 V8 | AWD Limited w/nav. sys., 5.7 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6 | 6.3 |
Attractive, modern design. Easily read gauges. Simple, logically placed switchgear. Most climate adjustments handled by rotary knobs--a plus--but optional navigation system absorbs too many audio functions, takes time to learn and adjust. Few soft-touch dashboard surfaces or padded interior panels. But materials have rich grain, low-gloss finish, and are assembled with care.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 2WD Laredo, V6 | AWD Laredo, 4.7 V8 | AWD Limited w/nav. sys., 5.7 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.7 |
Head room not generous for 6-footers, but ample leg and shoulder space on supportive seats. Comfortable take-charge driving stance has enough adjustments to suit most anyone. Visibility a bit cluttered to right rear, and thickish windshield pillars hinder view around some corners. Ride height lower than midsize-SUV norm, making entry/exit easier than in taller competitors.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 2WD Laredo, V6 | AWD Laredo, 4.7 V8 | AWD Limited w/nav. sys., 5.7 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 6.2 |
Seat quite firm and not contoured for best comfort. Three adults fit, but none have much foot space. Leg room for outboard passengers tight with seats moved more than halfway back. Head room just OK for 6-footers. Entry/exit hampered by fairly narrow thresholds, doors that should open wider.
CARGO ROOM
| 2WD Laredo, V6 | AWD Laredo, 4.7 V8 | AWD Limited w/nav. sys., 5.7 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7.8 |
Total space ample by absolute standards, but less than in most similarly sized SUVs and even some midsize crossover SUVs. Still, good suitcase room behind split rear seat, which folds easily but doesn't make a fully flat deck. Rear floor panel/tire cover reverses from carpet to plastic for messy loads and has small built-in storage bin. Up-front cabin storage good, not great.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 2WD Laredo, V6 | AWD Laredo, 4.7 V8 | AWD Limited w/nav. sys., 5.7 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 7 | 7 | 5.6 |
Grand Cherokee is let down by rear-seat room and comfort that are just average, and lack of 3rd-row seating may be a deal breaker for many buyers. Still, Jeep's flagship has a lot to like. It's solid, rides comfortably, has fine ergonomics, handles well, and is tenacious off-road. It's also competitively priced. V8 models are worth a look, but the V6 is overtaxed by a vehicle of this size.
Total Score
| 2WD Laredo, V6 | AWD Laredo, 4.7 V8 | AWD Limited w/nav. sys., 5.7 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 52 | 57 | 56 | 55.1 |
Total Score: 55
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
Car Buying Resources
Search
Local Listings
Vehicle
History Report
FREE CARFAX Record Check
Looking at a used car, check for costly hidden problems before
you buy.
