Acceleration

2WD Laredo, V6	AWD Laredo, 4.7 V8	AWD Limited w/nav. sys., 5.7 V8	SRT8	Class Average
3	5	6	8	5

V6 feels sluggish on takeoff, has little passing-power reserve, but is OK in freeway cruising. The 4.7 V8 is noticeably stronger, thus a better choice with AWD. Muscular 5.7 V8 delivers impressive power, virtually transparent switching between four and eight cylinders. SRT8 does 0-60 mph in just 5.0 sec, says Jeep, but didn't feel that quick on a brief preview test drive. Automatic transmission smooth, responsive in all models. Maximum tow ratings are 7200 lb with 5.7 V8, 6500 with 4.7 V8, 3500 for V6 models and SRT8.

Fuel Economy

2WD Laredo, V6	AWD Laredo, 4.7 V8	AWD Limited w/nav. sys., 5.7 V8	SRT8	Class Average
4	4	3	2	3.8

No opportunity yet to measure a V6. Ditto SRT8. Test AWD 4.7 V8 Laredo averaged 16.0 mpg in even mix of city/highway driving. Test 5.7 V8 AWD Limited averaged 17.9 in mainly highway driving, but just 12.0 mpg in mostly city work. Jeep recommends 87-octane fuel for V6 and 4.7 V8, 89 octane or higher for 5.7 V8, 91 for SRT8.

Ride Quality

2WD Laredo, V6	AWD Laredo, 4.7 V8	AWD Limited w/nav. sys., 5.7 V8	SRT8	Class Average
6	6	6	5	5.4

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. Main demerit is some float on dips and swells at highway speeds except for taut SRT8, which tends to jiggle on less-than-perfect pavement.

Steering/Handling/Braking

2WD Laredo, V6	AWD Laredo, 4.7 V8	AWD Limited w/nav. sys., 5.7 V8	SRT8	Class Average
4	4	4	6	4.1

Balanced, stable, but body lean prompts slowing down for tight, fast turns, even in handling-oriented SRT8. Steering has well-judged effort, 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	SRT8	Class Average
5	6	6	5	5.2

All models keep tire and wind noise at bay, but test 5.7 V8 AWD Limited suffered modest gear whine at highway speeds. Engines quiet enough at cruise, slightly gruff at full throttle--especially the overtaxed V6. SRT8 V8 provides a NASCAR-style soundtrack.

Controls

2WD Laredo, V6	AWD Laredo, 4.7 V8	AWD Limited w/nav. sys., 5.7 V8	SRT8	Class Average
7	7	6	7	6.3

Easy-read gauges. Simple, logically placed switchgear. Most climate controls are rotary knobs--a plus--but optional navigation system absorbs too many audio functions, takes time to learn and adjust. Few padded soft-touch surfaces, but materials have rich grain, low-gloss finish, and are assembled with care. Overland, SRT8 include swanky leather/suede upholstery.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

2WD Laredo, V6	AWD Laredo, 4.7 V8	AWD Limited w/nav. sys., 5.7 V8	SRT8	Class Average
7	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 thick windshield pillars hinder seeing around some corners. Ride height lower than midsize SUV norm, easing entry/exit.

Room/Comfort (rear)

2WD Laredo, V6	AWD Laredo, 4.7 V8	AWD Limited w/nav. sys., 5.7 V8	SRT8	Class Average
4	4	4	4	6.2

Seat quite firm and not contoured for best comfort. Three adults fit, but none have much foot space. Outboard leg room tight with seats moved more than halfway back. Head room just OK for six-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	SRT8	Class Average
8	8	8	8	8.3

Total space ample by absolute standards but subpar for class. 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	SRT8	Class Average
5	7	7	5	5.7

Rear-seat room and comfort disappoint, as does the lack of 3-row seating, though Jeep's new Commander answers that. But Grand Cherokee is solid, rides comfortably, has fine ergonomics, handles well, and is tenacious off-road. It's also competitively priced. The V6 is too weak for this vehicle's weight, but not the workhorse 4.7 V8 or muscular 5.7 Hemi. And the SRT8 is a hot rod wagon.

Total Score

2WD Laredo, V6	AWD Laredo, 4.7 V8	AWD Limited w/nav. sys., 5.7 V8	SRT8	Class Average
53	58	57	57	56.7

Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		43
Average Score		56
High Score		66