2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee: Road Test
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2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee ▼
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- MSRP: $27,990 -$43,015
- Invoice: $25,691 -$39,098
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Our road test for the 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee includes a full evaluation of the 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee help you decide if a 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 2WD Laredo, V6 | AWD Laredo, 4.7 V8 | AWD Limited w/nav. sys., 5.7 V8 | SRT8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 5 | 6 | 9 | 5.2 |
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, and it feels that fast.
Diesel engine provides impressive around-town punch but only adequate highway passing power. Automatic transmission smooth, responsive in all models. Maximum tow ratings are 7400 lb with the diesel and 5.7 V8, 6500 with 4.7 V8, 3500 for 3.7 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 | 4 |
No opportunity yet to measure with 3.7 V6. 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. SRT8 averaged 13.7 mpg. Jeep recommends 87-octane fuel for 3.7 V6 and 4.7 V8, 89 octane or higher for 5.7 V8, 91 for SRT8.
Test turbodiesel averaged 20.0 mpg, excellent for the class. Diesel engine requires ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel. Note that diesel engine is unavailable in California and certain Northeastern states.
RIDE QUALITY
| 2WD Laredo, V6 | AWD Laredo, 4.7 V8 | AWD Limited w/nav. sys., 5.7 V8 | SRT8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 5.5 |
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 | 4.5 |
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 | 5.6 |
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. Diesel only slightly louder than gas engines. 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 | 6.6 |
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.
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 | 7 |
Head room not generous for six-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 | 6.1 |
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 far 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 |
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 | 5.9 |
Rear-seat room and comfort may disappoint, and fuel economy is poor on models we tested, but Grand Cherokee is solid, rides comfortably, has fine ergonomics, and is tenacious off-road. It's also competitively priced. The V6 is too weak for this vehicle's weight, but not the gutsy diesel, 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 | 58.4 |
Total Score: 56
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
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