2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

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.