2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee is redesigned, with freshened styling, a new V6 engine, and new features. This midsize SUV seats five and shares elements of its basic design with the Mercedes-Benz M-Class. This means Grand Cherokee moves to crossover-style unibody construction from a traditional truck-type design. The 2011 model is about 5 inches longer in wheelbase and 2 inches longer overall than the 2010 Grand Cherokee. Trim levels include base Laredo, mid-level Limited, and top-end Overland. Each offers rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive that can be equipped with low-range gearing for off-road use. The standard engine on all models is a new 280-hp 3.6-liter V6, which replaces a 210-hp 3.7-liter V6. This engine is capable of running on E85 ethanol-blended fuel. A 360-hp 5.7-liter V8 is optional across the board. The sole transmission for both engines is a 5-speed automatic. Maximum towing capacity is 3500 lb with the V6 and 7400 lb with the V8. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. Hill-descent control is standard, as is Chrysler's new Uconnect Guardian service, which includes automatic crash notification, the ability to automatically call emergency services or roadside assistance, remote door unlock, and stolen-vehicle-location assistance. Newly available features include adaptive cruise control, blind-spot alert, and Rear Cross Path, a system that activates when the transmission is in reverse; it detects any traffic moving towards the vehicle. Also available is Chrysler's Uconnect multimedia suite, which can include a navigation system with real-time traffic alerts, wireless cell-phone link, and 30-gigabyte hard drive for storing digital-music and picture files. We have not yet tested the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee.