2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee scores design and equipment upgrades

The Jeep Grand Cherokee has been updated for 2017, with changes spearheaded by a new Trailhawk variant with an even sharper off-road focus.

America’s famous 4WD brand has priced the Grand Cherokee Trailhawk at $74,000, placing it in the middle of a range that comes with some price increases of between $500 and $1000.

The Grand Cherokee already has established off-roading credentials but the Trailhawk earns its ‘trail-rated’ badge with features including a more advanced all-wheel-drive system, air suspension that allows even higher ground clearance, all-terrain tyres, an electronic rear limited-slip differential, four underbody protection plates, and uphill cruise control.

5

There’s also an anti-glare black bonnet plus recovery tow hooks.

The Trailhawk’s extras are available on diesel versions of the Overland and Laredo 4x4 models as part of an optional Off-Road Adventure Group package.

The Grand Cherokee joins the Renegade and smaller Cherokee as Jeeps offering Trailhawk variants.

5

All updated Grand Cherokees now sport a new look to their front, comprising a new mesh grille, reshaped headlights, new fascia, and LED foglights. New alloy wheels ranging between 18- and 20-inches in size are also introduced.

Inside, a subtle makeover includes a new steering wheel, a digital instrument cluster, and revised centre stack – featuring Fiat Chrysler’s 8.4-inch colour touchscreen on all but the base Laredo rear-wheel-drive model.

Also across the range comes new electric power steering, an Eco mode, plus an updated eight-speed automatic gearbox with claimed improvements in durability and shift quality. There’s barely any change in fuel consumption for the carry-over engines despite the Eco mode. The 3.6-litre V6 petrol improves slightly from 10.1L/100km to 9.9L/100km in the base model, or to 10.0L/100km in 4x4 variants.

5

The 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel remains at 7.5L/100km, and the 6.4-litre V8 ‘Hemi’ engine powering the flagship is unmoved at 14.0L/100km.

Jeep’s luxury-focused Overland model is now available only with the turbo diesel, dropping the V6 petrol option. For now, the full bells-and-whistles Summit model is also dropped.

The range is covered by Jeep’s new There & Back Guarantee, which comprises five-year warranty and lifetime roadside assistance.

5

Here’s WhichCar’s quick guide to the new Jeep Grand Cherokee Range.

LAREDO V6 RWD – HIGHLIGHTS

• V6 petrol engine
• 18-inch alloy wheels
• 5.0-inch touchscreen
• 7.0-inch instrument display
• Front and rear sensors plus camera
• Dual-zone climate
• Electric and heated front seats
• Keyless entry and ignition

LAREDO 4X4 – HIGHLIGHTS ABOVE RWD

• V6 petrol or V6 turbo diesel with Quadra-Trac II AWD
• Selec-Terrain Control
• Hill descent control
• 8.4-inch touchscreen

LIMITED – HIGHLIGHTS ABOVE LAREDO

• V6 petrol or V6 turbo diesel with Quadra-Trac II AWD
• 20-inch alloy wheels
• Navigation
• Capri leather seats
• Alpine audio system
• Auto tailgate
• Privacy glass
• Heated steering wheel
• Heated rear bench

TRAILHAWK - HIGHLIGHTS

• V6 turbo diesel with Quadra-Drive II 4x4 system
• Quadra-Lift Air Suspension
• Rear electronic limited-slip differential
• Selec-Speed with Hill-ascent control
• Underbody skidplates x 4
• 18-Inch off-road-style alloy wheels
• All-terrain tyres
• Nappa leather seats with suede Inserts
• Ventilated Front Seats
• Recovery tow hooks (front)
• Black anti-glare bonnet decal

OVERLAND – HIGHLIGHTS

• V6 turbo diesel with Quadra-Trac II AWD
• Quadra-Lift Air Suspension
• Dual-pane panoramic sunroof
• Blind spot monitoring
• Full-speed Forward Collision Warning
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Lane Departure Warning Plus
• Parallel & Perpendicular Park Assist
• Nappa leather seats with ventilated front seats
• Wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel

SRT

• 344kW 6.4-litre V8 with Quadra-Trac Active on Demand 4x4 System
• Brembo performance brakes
• Adaptive suspension
• SRT flat-bottom steering wheel
• SRT leather/suede seats
• Nappa-leather door trim
• Active noise-cancelling system
• Launch control
• Performance instrument cluster

2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Range

• Laredo V6 RWD $47,500 (+$500)
• Laredo V6 $52,500 (+$500)
• Laredo TDV6 $59,000
• Limited V6 $62,500 (+$500)
• Limited TDV6 $69,000
• Trailhawk TDV6 $74,000 (New model)
• Overland TDV6 $80,000 (+$1000)
• SRT $91,000 (+$1000)