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2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee Full Review
Date Published: 5/28/08
2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee Review
Standard curtain side airbags, a diesel-engine option, and other newly available features make 2007 news for Grand Cherokee. This SUV has a rear liftgate with opening glass and five-passenger seating. Grand Cherokee is offered in base Laredo, midline Limited, luxury Overland, and sporty SRT8 versions. A 210-hp 3.7-liter V6 is standard on Laredo. A 235-hp 4.7-liter V8 is standard on Limited, optional on Laredo. The 330-hp 5.7-liter Hemi V8 from Jeep-parent Chrysler is standard on Overland and optional on Limited. The 5.7 has Chrysler's Multi-Displacement System cylinder deactivation. SRT8 has a 420-hp 6.1-liter Hemi V8 without the system. Newly optional on all but the SRT8 is a 215-hp 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel. All engines use a 5-speed automatic transmission. SRT8 has all-wheel drive. Other Grand Cherokees come in rear-wheel-drive and AWD versions. AWD models with the 3.0-, 4.7-, or 5.7-liter engine include low-range gearing; that system is optional with the 3.7, not offered on the SRT8. All models come with ABS and traction/antiskid control with rollover sensors. Curtain side airbags with rollover deployment are newly standard on all Grand Cherokees; they were standard only on Overland. Available features include DVD entertainment, a navigation system, and a wireless cell phone link. Also offered are power-adjustable pedals, rear obstacle detection, and, new for '07, a rearview camera and remote start. SRT8 exclusives include sport-tuned suspension, Brembo-brand brakes, specific trim inside and out, and sport front seats.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Larger than Compact SUVs, Midsize SUVs offer a mix of car- and truck-type construction, V6 and V8 power, and up to eight-passenger seating. This class also includes crossover vehicles.

Our Best Buy choice is the Honda Pilot. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Explorer, Ford Freestyle, Mazda CX-7, Nissan Murano, and Toyota Highlander.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Dodge Nitro, Ford Edge, GMC Acadia, Hyundai Santa Fe, Mazda CX-7, Mazda CX-9, Saturn Outlook, Suzuki XL-7, and Toyota FJ Cruiser.
News
Word is that Grand Cherokee will basically stand pat until model-year 2010, when a major revamping may be in store.
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2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee Road Test
Pros Cons
Acceleration (Hemi V8) Fuel economy (exc. diesel)
Passenger and cargo room
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
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
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score
48
Average Score
58
High Score
69
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2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 02/23/2007
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
2WD Laredo 4-door wagon $27,990 $25,691 $695
AWD Laredo 4-door wagon $29,960 $27,479 $695
2WD Limited 4-door wagon $35,055 $31,979 $695
AWD Limited 4-door wagon $37,645 $34,319 $695
2WD Overland 4-door wagon $39,580 $36,006 $695
AWD Overland 4-door wagon $43,015 $39,098 $695
AWD SRT8 4-door wagon $40,105 $36,938 $695
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Laredo
Powertrain
3.7-liter V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.
Safety
Dual front airbags, curtain side airbags w/rollover sensors, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system w/rollover sensors, tire-pressure monitor.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats w/lumbar adjustment, 8-way power driver seat, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, trip computer, variable-intermittent wipers, map lights, visor mirrors, rear defogger, rear wiper/washer, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, rear privacy glass.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Full-size spare tire, 245/65R17 all-terrain tires, alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, front and rear traction control.
Limited adds to Laredo:
Powertrain
Flex-fuel 4.7-liter V8 engine (non flex-fuel for vehicles sold in Calif., Maine, Mass., N.Y., Vt.).
Safety
Tire-pressure monitor.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Dual-zone automatic climate controls, leather upholstery, heated front seats, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, pedals), power-adjustable pedals, 4-way power passenger seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, heated power mirrors, power sunroof, remote engine start, Boston Acoustics AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, illuminated visor mirrors, automatic day/night rearview mirror, universal garage door opener, rain-sensing wipers, cargo cover, automatic on/off and self-dimming headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Roof rack, fog lights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
AWD adds: all-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, front and rear traction control.
Overland adds to Limited:
Powertrain
5.7-liter V8 engine w/cylinder deactivation.
Safety
Rear-obstacle-detection system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather/suede upholstery, wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel, navigation system, rearview camera, satellite radio, wireless cell phone link.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Class IV hitch receiver, wiring harness, chrome alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, front and rear traction control, front and rear limited-slip differentials, skid plates, front tow hooks.
SRT8 adds to Laredo:
Powertrain
6.1-liter V8 engine, all-wheel drive, front and rear traction control.
Safety
Uprated brakes, tire-pressure monitor.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather/suede upholstery, 4-way power passenger seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, heated power mirrors, Boston Acoustics AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, universal garage door opener, automatic day/night rearview mirror, illuminated visor mirrors, automatic headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights, rear spoiler.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Deletes: full-size spare tire.
Trailer-wiring harness, performance suspension, 255/45ZR20 front and 285/40ZR20 rear run-flat tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Quick Order Pkg. 26/27/28X
Laredo
$3,980
$3,502
Leather upholstery, heated front seats, 4-way power passenger seat, leather-wrapped steering w/radio controls, power-adjustable pedals, heated power mirrors, remote engine start, Boston Acoustics sound system, additional auxiliary power outlet, illuminated visor mirrors, universal garage door opener, automatic day/night rearview mirror, automatic headlights, upgraded floormats, alarm, fog lights, power sunroof, cargo cover, roof rack.
Rocky Mountain Quick Order Pkg. 26/27/28Y
Laredo
$1,495
$1,316
Power sunroof, Boston Acoustics AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, satellite radio, rear auxiliary power outlet, cargo cover, unique interior and exterior trim, roof rack, fog lights.
AY1 Option Pkg.
SRT8
$2,095
$1,844
Rear-obstacle-detection system, dual-zone automatic climate controls, heated front seats, power-adjustable pedals, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, pedals), remote engine start, power sunroof, satellite radio, wireless cell phone link, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights. Requires power sunroof.
Sun and Sound Group
Laredo
$995
$876
Power sunroof, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer.
Navigation and Rearview Camera Group
Laredo
$2,190
$1,927
Limited
$2,085
$1,835
SRT8
$1,645
$1,448
Navigation system, satellite radio (Laredo, Limited), rear-obstacle-detection system, rearview camera. Laredo requires Quick Order Pkg. 26/27/28X. SRT8 requires AY1 Option Pkg.
Power Convenience Group
Laredo
$595
$524
Heated front seats, power-adjustable pedals, remote engine start.
Premium Sound Group
Laredo
$595
$524
Boston Acoustics sound system, satellite radio.
Quadra-Trac II Group
AWD Laredo
$595
$524
2-speed transfer case, special axle ratio, skid plates, front tow hooks.
Quadra-Drive II Group
AWD Laredo/Limited
$795
$700
2-speed transfer case, front and rear electronic limited-slip differentials, special axle ratio, skid plates, front tow hooks. Laredo requires 4.7-liter V8 engine, Quick Order Pkg. 26/27/28/X
Cargo Convenience Group
Laredo
$295
$260
Cargo cover, roof rack.
Touring Plus Group
Laredo
$1,200
$900
Unique interior and exterior trim, body cladding, rear spoiler. NA w/Quick Order Pkg.
Trailer Tow Group
Laredo
$180
$158
Class II trailer hitch receiver, wiring harness. NA w/4.7-liter V8 engine.
Trailer Tow Group IV
Laredo, Limited
$255
$224
Class IV receiver hitch, 7-wire harness w/4-pin adapter. Laredo requires 4.7-liter V8 engine. Std. Overland.
Powertrain
Flex-fuel 4.7-liter V8 engine
2WD Laredo
$720
$634
AWD Laredo
$1,340
$1,179
Non flex-fuel for vehicles sold in Calif., Maine, Mass., N.Y., Vt. AWD includes Quadra-Trac II 2-speed transfer case.
5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine w/cylinder deactivation
Limited
$845
$744
3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 engine
2WD Limited
$3,050
$2,684
AWD Limited
$3,700
$3,256
Overland
$2,010
$1,769
Not available in Calif., Mass., Maine, N.Y., Vt. Includes engine-block heater. Limited includes satellite radio, rear limited-slip differential. AWD Limited includes front limited-slip differential.
Quadra-Drive II
AWD Limited
$650
$572
Front and rear electronic limited-slip differentials.
Safety
Rear-obstacle-detection system
Laredo, Limited
$255
$244
Laredo requires Quick Order Pkg. 26/27/28X.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Power sunroof
Laredo, SRT8
$800
$704
Power sunroof delete
Limited (credit)
$-500
$-440
DVD entertainment system
Overland, SRT8
$1,200
$1,056
Laredo, Limited
$1,395
$1,228
Includes satellite radio. Laredo requires Quick Order Pkg. 26/27/28X and Navigation and Rearview Camera Group or AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer. SRT8 requires AY1 Option Pkg.
AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer
Laredo
$300
$264
Requires Quick Order Pkg. 26/27/28X. NA w/navigation system.
Satellite radio
Laredo, Limited
$195
$172
Laredo requires Quick Order Pkg. 26/27/28X.
UConnect
Laredo, Limited
$275
$242
Wireless cell phone link. Laredo requires Quick Order Pkg. 26/27/28X.
Upgraded floormats
Laredo
$30
$26
Std. Limited, Overland, SRT8.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights
Laredo
$120
$106
Special paint
Laredo, Limited, Overland
$150
$132
Premium paint
Laredo, Limited, Overland, SRT8
$225
$198
Engine-block heater
Laredo, Limited, SRT8
$40
$35
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Skid plates
AWD Laredo/Limited
$295
$260
Includes front tow hooks.
245/65R17 all-terrain white-letter tires
Laredo, Limited, Overland
$190
$167
Chrome alloy wheels
Limited
$820
$722
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2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification Jeep Grand Cherokee 4-door wagon
Wheelbase, in. 109.5
Overall Length, in. 186.6
Overall Width, in. 84.3
Overall Height, in. 67.7
Curb Weight, lbs. 4488
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 67.4
Standard Payload, lbs. --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 21.1
Seating Capacity 5
Front Head Room, in. 39.7
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 41.7
Rear Head Room, in. 39.3
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 35.5
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
  sohc V6 sohc V8 ohv V8 Turbodiesel dohc V6
Size, liters/cu. in. 3.7 /226 4.7 /287 5.7 /345 3.0 /182
Horsepower @ rpm. 210 @ 5200 235 @ 4500 330 @ 5000 215 @ 3800
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 235 @ 4000 305 @ 3600 375 @ 4000 376 @ 1600
Availability Standard Standard Standard Optional
EPA City / highway mpg
       
5-speed automatic 17/21 15/20 14/19 18/24
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Test Jeep Grand Cherokee 4-door wagon
Front Impact, Driver 5
Front Impact, Passenger 5
Rollover Resistance 3
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
Class Years/Miles Comments
Powertrain None/-- --
Bumper-to-bumper 3/36,000 --
Corrosion None/-- --
Free roadside assistance 3/36,000 --
Free scheduled maintenance None/-- --
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in: USA
Drivewheels: all-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive
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