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2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee Full Review
Date Published: 7/16/08
2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee Review
The 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee makes news by getting slightly revised styling and a more powerful available V8 engine. This is the smaller of Jeep's two midsize SUVs. Laredo, Limited, and Overland trims are offered with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive that can be equipped with a low-range gear for off-roading. A high-performance SRT8 model has all-wheel drive without the low-range gear. Laredos have a 210-hp 3.7-liter V6 engine. Optional on those and standard on Limited is a new 305-hp 4.7-liter V8, which replaces a 235-hp 4.7 V8. Optional on Limited and standard on Overland is a 330-hp 5.7-liter Hemi V8 that includes Chrysler's Multi Displacement System cylinder deactivation. SRT8s have a 420-hp 6.1-liter Hemi without cylinder deactivation. Optional on Laredo, Limited, and Overland is a 215-hp 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6. Maximum towing capacity ranges from 3500-7400 lb. All Grand Cherokees have a 5-speed automatic transmission. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. Hill descent control is newly available. A navigation system and mobile satellite television are optional.
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 choices are the Honda Pilot, GMC Acadia, Mazda CX-9, and Saturn Outlook. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Santa Fe, Hyundai Veracruz, and Toyota Highlander.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Toyota Highlander.



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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2008 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 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 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 5.5

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 5.4

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 5.8

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 63.7
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score
53
Average Score
63
High Score
76
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2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 06/02/2008
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
2WD Laredo 4-door wagon $28,940 $26,582 $730
AWD Laredo 4-door wagon $30,910 $28,370 $730
2WD Limited 4-door wagon $36,285 $33,119 $730
AWD Limited 4-door wagon $38,875 $35,479 $730
2WD Overland 4-door wagon $39,425 $35,913 $730
AWD Overland 4-door wagon $42,860 $39,005 $730
AWD SRT8 4-door wagon $41,145 $37,909 $730
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
Model Rebate & Incentives Type Expires
Grand Cherokee $3500-$8000 cash back or 0%-5.9% financing. Customer 07/31/08
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.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side 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, tilt/telescopic steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, 8-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, center console, split folding rear seat, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, satellite radio, tachometer, trip computer, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, rear wiper/washer.
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.
Safety
Tire-pressure monitor, rear-obstacle-detection system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Dual-zone automatic climate controls, leather upholstery, heated front and 2nd-row seats, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, pedals), power-adjustable pedals, 4-way power passenger seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, power sunroof, remote engine start, Boston Acoustics AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, rearview camera, illuminated visor mirrors, automatic day/night outside and rearview mirrors, universal garage door opener, rain-sensing wipers, cargo cover, automatic on/off and self-dimming headlights, floormats.
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.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel, navigation system w/voice recognition, traffic information, hard drive, wireless cell phone link.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Xenon headlights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Class IV hitch receiver, wiring harness, 245/50R18 tires, chrome alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, front and rear traction control, front and rear limited-slip differentials, hill ascent/descent control, 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, hill ascent control, tire-pressure monitor.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather/suede upholstery, 4-way power passenger seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, Boston Acoustics AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, universal garage door opener, automatic day/night outside and rearview mirrors, illuminated visor mirrors, cargo cover, automatic headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights.
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. 26/28/22X
Laredo
$3,885
$3,419
Leather upholstery, heated front seats, 4-way power passenger seat, leather-wrapped steering w/radio controls, power-adjustable pedals, power sunroof, remote engine start, Boston Acoustics AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, additional auxiliary power outlets, illuminated visor mirrors, universal garage door opener, automatic day/night rearview mirror, cargo cover, automatic headlights, floormats, alarm, fog lights, roof rack.
Rocky Mountain Quick Order Pkg. 26/28W
Laredo
$1,295
$1,140
Power sunroof, Boston Acoustics AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, cargo cover, floormats, fog lights, roof rack, unique alloy wheels. NA w/3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine.
AY1 Option Group I
SRT8
$1,995
$1,756
Rear-obstacle-detection system, dual-zone automatic climate controls, heated front seats, power-adjustable pedals, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, pedals), remote engine start, wireless cell phone link, automatic day/night outside and rearview mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, self-dimming headlights. Requires power sunroof.
AY2 Option Group II
SRT8
$2,425
$2,134
DVD entertainment system, mobile satellite TV, traffic information, hard drive, rearview camera, heated 2nd-row seats, xenon headlights. Requires AY1 Option Group I.
Sun and Sound Group
Laredo
$995
$876
Laredo w/Rearview Monitor Group
$645
$568
Power sunroof, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer.
Navigation and Rearview Monitor Group
Laredo
$1,650
$1,452
SRT8
$1,090
$959
Rear-obstacle-detection system, navigation system w/voice recognition, hard drive, wireless cell phone link, rearview camera. Laredo requires Quick Order Pkg. 26/28X. SRT8 requires AY1 Option Pkg.
Rearview Monitor Group
Laredo
$1,100
$968
Laredo w/Pkg. 26/28X
$750
$660
Rear-obstacle detection system, rearview camera, hard drive. Replaces Quick Order Pkg. 24/28X and Sun and Sound Group in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer w/single-disc CD/MP3 player.
Rearview Monitor DVD Group
Laredo
$1,770
$1,558
Rearview Monitor Group plus DVD entertainment system. Requires Quick Order Pkg. 26/28X, power sunroof.
Driver Convenience Group
Laredo
$350
$308
Cargo cover, roof rack, fog lights.
Popular Equipment Group
Laredo
$695
$612
Heated front seats, power-adjustable pedals, Boston Acoustics sound system, remote engine start, additional auxiliary power outlets.
Chrome Edition Group
Laredo, Limited, Overland, SRT8
$995
$880
Chrome door sills, chrome fuel filler door, taillight guards, chrome side steps.
Quadra-Drive II Group
AWD Laredo/Limited
$795
$700
2-speed transfer case, front and rear electronic limited-slip differentials, hill ascent/descent control, special axle ratio, skid plates, front tow hooks. Laredo requires 4.7-liter V8 engine, Quick Order Pkg. 26/28/X
Touring Plus Group
Laredo
$1,325
$1,170
Unique interior and exterior trim, body cladding, rear spoiler. NA w/Quick Order Pkg. 26/28X.
Trailer Tow Group
Laredo
$205
$180
Class II trailer hitch receiver, trailer sway control, wiring harness. NA w/4.7-liter V8 engine.
Trailer Tow Group IV
Laredo, Limited
$280
$246
Class IV receiver hitch, trailer sway control, 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
$930
$818
AWD Laredo
$1,580
$1,390
AWD includes 2-speed transfer case.
5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine w/cylinder deactivation
Limited
$645
$568
3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 engine
Limited
$1,655
$1,456
Overland
$1,010
$889
2WD Laredo
$2,585
$2,275
AWD Laredo
$3,235
$2,847
Includes engine-block heater. Laredo requires Quick Order Pkg. Quick Order Pkg. 26/28/22X. Not available in Calif., Mass., Maine, Pa., N.Y., Vt.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Power sunroof
Laredo, SRT8
$800
$704
MyGIG Multimedia
Limited
$900
$792
Navigation system w/voice recognition, DVD player, hard drive, wireless cell phone link. Std. Overland.
DVD entertainment system
Limited, Overland
$1,200
$1,056
Mobile satellite TV
Limited, Overland, SRT8
$470
$414
Limited, Overland require DVD entertainment system. SRT8 requires AY2 Option Group II, power sunroof.
UConnect
Laredo, Limited
$310
$273
Wireless cell phone link. Laredo requires Quick Order Pkg. 26/28X.
Floormats
Laredo
$30
$26
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Xenon headlights
Limited
$500
$440
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
245/65R17 all-terrain white-letter tires
Laredo, Limited
$190
$167
NA w/chrome alloy wheels.
245/60R18 all-terrain white-letter tires
2WD Overland
$190
$167
Chrome alloy wheels
Limited
$995
$876
AWD includes 245/60R18 all-terrain white-letter tires.
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2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification Jeep Grand Cherokee 4-door wagon
Wheelbase, in. 109.5
Overall Length, in. 188.0
Overall Width, in. 84.3
Overall Height, in. 68.9
Curb Weight, lbs. 4470
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 305 @ 5650 330 @ 5000 215 @ 3800
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 235 @ 4000 334 @ 3950 375 @ 4000 376 @ 1600
Availability Standard Standard Standard Optional
EPA City / highway mpg
       
5-speed automatic 15/19 14/19 13/18 17/22
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
4WD Rollover 4
Front Impact, Driver 5
Front Impact, Passenger 5
Rollover Resistance 3
Side Impact, Driver 5
Side Impact, Rear Passenger 5
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 Lifetime/-- --
Bumper-to-bumper 3/36,000 --
Corrosion 5/100,000 --
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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