Pros
- Acceleration (Hemi V8)
- Passenger and cargo room
Cons
- Fuel economy (exc. diesel)
Acceleration
3/10
V6 versions feel sluggish on takeoff and have little passing-power reserve. SRT8 does 0-60 mph in just 5.0 seconds, says Jeep, and it feels that fast. The automatic transmission is smooth and responsive in all models. No 5.7-liter models have been made available for Consumer Guide evaluation.
Fuel Economy
3/10
In Consumer Guide testing, an SRT8 averaged 13.7 mpg. Jeep recommends 87-octane gas for the 3.7 V6, 89 octane for the 5.7 V8, and 91 for the SRT8.
Ride Quality
6/10
Quite good for an SUV, especially one with a suspension suited to 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
4/10
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
5/10
Non-SRT8 models keep tire and wind noise at bay. SRT8 V8 provides a NASCAR-style soundtrack, as well as noticeable coarse-surface tire thrum.
Controls
7/10
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. Models so equipped could also use a larger display screen.
Details
6/10
The interior has few padded soft-touch surfaces, but materials have a rich grain and low-gloss finish. The SRT8's suede trim is appropriately sporty.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (Front)
7/10
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)
4/10
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
8/10
Total space is ample by absolute standards but subpar for the class. Still, Grand Cherokee has good suitcase room behind the 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
5/10
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. The SRT8 is a hot-rod wagon.
Highlights
The 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee sees no major changes pending a redesign due as a 2011 model. This is the smaller of Jeep's two midsize SUVs. Laredo and Limited trims are offered with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive that can be equipped with a low-range gear for off-roading. The top-end Overland trim level has been discontinued. A high-performance SRT8 model has all-wheel drive without the low-range gear. Standard on Laredo and Limited is a 210-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 engine. Optional on both is a 357-horsepower 5.7-liter Hemi V8 that includes Chrysler's Multi Displacement System cylinder deactivation. The 305-horsepower 4.7-liter V8 and 215-horsepower 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 have been discontinued. SRT8s have a 420-horsepower 6.1-liter Hemi without cylinder deactivation. Maximum towing capacity ranges from 3500-7400 pounds. 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 is optional. Also offered 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.
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 8-passenger seating. This class also includes crossover vehicles.
Our Best Buy choices are the Chevrolet Traverse, Honda Pilot, GMC Acadia, and Mazda CX-9. Our Recommended picks are the Chevrolet Equinox, Dodge Journey, Ford Flex, GMC Terrain, and Toyota Highlander.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Chevrolet Equinox, GMC Terrain, Hyundai Santa Fe, Mazda CX-7, Mazda CX-9, and Toyota 4Runner.