You bought a Jeep? NO WE DID’NT. But it’s a catch cry we here at EFTM have been plagued by for 2 weeks. It’s a marketing line that’s clearly proving effective, and we’ve discovered the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee may well be worth the dosh.

JEEP Grand Cherokee (Overland Edition shown)

JEEP Grand Cherokee (Overland Edition shown)

Make: Jeep

Model: Grand Cherokee

Variant: Limited and Overland

Engine / Transmission:

Limited – 3.6 litre ‘Pentastar’ petrol V6. 8-speed automatic with Selec-Terrain

Overland – 3.0 litre V6 turbo-diesel. 8-speed automatic with Quadra-Drive II with an electronic limited-slip rear differential and Quadra-Lift air suspension

Drivetrain: 4WD

Vital Stats:

Limited – 210kW/347Nm (Petrol)

Overland – 184kW/570Nm (Diesel)

Jeep Claimed Fuel Economy:

Limited – 10.1 l/100km

Overland – 7.5 l/100km.

EFTM Claimed Fuel Economy: 

Limited – 11.0 l/100km

Overland – 8.5 l/100km.

MRRP Price:

Limited – 4X4 petrol- $56,000

Overland 4X4 diesel – $71,000

 

Standard Features:

Limited – 20-inch alloy wheels, satellite navigation, nine speaker sound system, leather seats, dusk-sensing bi-xenon headlights with auto high beam, LED daytime running lights, auto wipers, fog lights, auto-dimming interior and side mirrors, dual-plane sunroof, tinted rear glass, power-adjusted and heated front seats with memory, heated leather steering wheel with paddle shifters, dual-zone climate control, 8.4-inch touchscreen, 7-inch instrument display, power rear lift gate, voice-controlled Bluetooth and front and rear parking sensors.

Overland (In addition to Limited) – Nappa leather seats and some leather interior trim, ventilated (cooled) front seats, heated rear seats, wood and leather steering wheel, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitor and forward-collision warning.

Safety Highlights

Limited – Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Brake Assist, All-speed Traction            Control (ASTC), Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM), Rain Brake Support, Ready Alert Braking, Front, side-curtain and driver knee-bolster air bags, ParkView Reversing Camera, ParkSense, Front and rear parking assistance with audio-visual indicators, Security Alarm with engine immobiliser, Keyless Enter-N-Go, keyless proximity entry system with push button ignition.

Overland (In addition to Limited) – Trailer Sway Control (TSC), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), Rear Cross-Path Detection (RCP) and Premium security alarm with engine immobiliser.

Wow Factor: Great, tough looks; off-road abilities are among the best around. Sophisticated, personalised instrument cluster.

Most Impressive: 8-speed automatic is smooth and refined. Handles admirably for a large 4WD.

Not so impressive: Climate control air-conditioning a little erratic, often hard to maintain the ideal temp. Tyres need more grip; some interior details remind you of the price. Has a 4-star ANCAP safety rating

Early verdict: Has a luxurious presence inside and out not befitting of its price.