2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

The 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee adds more available power. 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. Laredo and Limited have a 210-hp 3.7-liter V6 engine. A 305-hp 4.7-liter V8 that can run on E85 ethanol-blended fuel is optional. Optional on Limited and standard on Overland is a 357-hp 5.7-liter Hemi V8 that includes Chrysler's Multi Displacement System cylinder deactivation. The 5.7 makes 27 more hp than 2008 models. SRT8s have a 420-hp 6.1-liter Hemi without cylinder deactivation. Optional on non-SRT models 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 available. A navigation system and mobile satellite television are optional. Also new is Chrysler's uconnect multimedia suite, which can include a wireless cell phone link, 30-gigabyte hard drive for storing digital music and picture files, and a navigation system.

Note that turbodiesel production ended early in 2009, though examples should still be available.

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 Chevrolet Traverse, Honda Pilot, GMC Acadia, Mazda CX-9, and Saturn Outlook. Our Recommended picks are the Dodge Journey, Ford Flex, Hyundai Santa Fe, and Toyota Highlander.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Chevrolet Traverse, Dodge Journey, Ford Flex, Kia Borrego, Nissan Murano, and Toyota Venza. The Hummer H3 adds a crew-cab pickup truck bodystyle for 2009, while the Dodge Durango adds a gas/electric hybrid model.