2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee: Road Test
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2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee ▼
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- MSRP: $28,940 -$42,860
- Invoice: $26,582 -$39,005
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Our road test for the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee includes a full evaluation of the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee help you decide if a 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 2WD Laredo V6 | AWD Limited Turbodiesel | AWD Limited 5.7 V8 w/navigation | SRT8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 5 | 6 | 9 | 5.5 |
No opportunity yet to test a 2008 Grand Cherokee with the 305-hp 4.7-liter V8. V6 versions feel sluggish on takeoff and have little passing-power reserve. The muscular 5.7 V8 delivers impressive power. SRT8 does 0-60 mph in just 5.0 seconds, says Jeep, and it feels that fast.
The diesel engine provides impressive around-town punch but only adequate highway passing power. The automatic transmission is smooth and responsive in all models.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 2WD Laredo V6 | AWD Limited Turbodiesel | AWD Limited 5.7 V8 w/navigation | SRT8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 3.6 |
In Consumer Guide testing, an AWD 5.7 V8 Limited averaged 17.9 in mainly highway driving, but just 12.0 in mostly city work. An SRT8 averaged 13.7 mpg.
With the turbodiesel, we averaged an impressive 20.5 mpg. Jeep recommends 87-octane gas for the 3.7 V6 and 4.7 V8, 89 octane for the 5.7 V8, and 91 for the SRT8. The 4.7 V8 can also run on E85 ethanol fuel. Note that the diesel engine is unavailable in California and certain Northeastern states.
RIDE QUALITY
| 2WD Laredo V6 | AWD Limited Turbodiesel | AWD Limited 5.7 V8 w/navigation | SRT8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 5.4 |
Quite good for an SUV, especially one with a suspension suited to severe off-road duty. Grand Cherokee absorbs most bumps with little harshness. Solid-feeling structure enhances impression of car-like comfort. Some float is noticeable on dips and swells at highway speeds, except for the taut SRT8, which tends to jiggle on less-than-perfect pavement.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 2WD Laredo V6 | AWD Limited Turbodiesel | AWD Limited 5.7 V8 w/navigation | SRT8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 4.4 |
Balanced and stable, but body lean prompts slowing down for tight, fast turns, even in the handling-oriented SRT8. Steering has well-judged effort and good feedback, but it isn't quick or precise. Braking is strong.
QUIETNESS
| 2WD Laredo V6 | AWD Limited Turbodiesel | AWD Limited 5.7 V8 w/navigation | SRT8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 6 | 4 | 5.5 |
All models keep tire and wind noise at bay, but one test 5.7 V8 AWD Limited suffered modest gear whine at highway speeds. The diesel makes a slight clattering noise at idle and during full-throttle acceleration, but overall it's very smooth and refined. SRT8 V8 provides a NASCAR-style soundtrack.
CONTROLS
| 2WD Laredo V6 | AWD Limited Turbodiesel | AWD Limited 5.7 V8 w/navigation | SRT8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 6.3 |
Easy-read gauges with simple, logically placed switchgear. Most climate controls are rotary knobs--a plus--but the optional navigation system absorbs too many audio functions and takes time to learn and adjust.
DETAILS
| 2WD Laredo V6 | AWD Limited Turbodiesel | AWD Limited 5.7 V8 w/navigation | SRT8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.4 |
The interior has few padded soft-touch surfaces, but materials have a rich grain and low-gloss finish.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 2WD Laredo V6 | AWD Limited Turbodiesel | AWD Limited 5.7 V8 w/navigation | SRT8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7.1 |
Headroom is not generous for six-footers, but there's ample legroom and shoulder space on supportive seats. Visibility is a bit cluttered to the right rear, and thick windshield pillars hinder seeing around some corners. Ride height is lower than the midsize SUV norm, easing entry and exit.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 2WD Laredo V6 | AWD Limited Turbodiesel | AWD Limited 5.7 V8 w/navigation | SRT8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 6.1 |
The rear bench is quite firm and not contoured for best comfort. Three adults fit, but none have much foot space. Outboard legroom is tight with the front seats moved far back. Headroom is just OK for six-footers. Entry and exit is hampered by fairly narrow thresholds and doors that should open wider.
CARGO ROOM
| 2WD Laredo V6 | AWD Limited Turbodiesel | AWD Limited 5.7 V8 w/navigation | SRT8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8.6 |
Total space is ample by absolute standards but subpar for the class. Still, Grand Cherokee has 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 a small built-in storage bin. Up-front cabin storage is good.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 2WD Laredo V6 | AWD Limited Turbodiesel | AWD Limited 5.7 V8 w/navigation | SRT8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 5.7 |
Rear-seat room and comfort may disappoint, and fuel economy with gasoline engines 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 or muscular 5.7 Hemi. The SRT8 is a hot-rod wagon.
Total Score
| 2WD Laredo V6 | AWD Limited Turbodiesel | AWD Limited 5.7 V8 w/navigation | SRT8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 58 | 64 | 61 | 62 | 63.6 |
Total Score: 61
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
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