Who’d have thought it?
After years of mixing it with off-road heavy hitters the Jeep Grand Cherokee has taken on a certain charm, with its latest version of the Overland making a play to join the SUV aristocracy.
With its new-found power to please and attract, the Aussie Cherokee five-seater new order is represented by three variants – Night Eagle at $77,950, Limited ($83,950) and Overland, starting at $98,450, all before on-road costs. All are powered by a single petrol V6 engine.
The opening pair come with single-speed all-wheel drive, with low range and coil springs, while the Overland (on test here) has a low range transfer case and height adjustable air suspension.
In comparison, the previous Cherokee roster included high spec Summit and S-Overland, with a 3-litre turbo-diesel V6, set back buyers around $85,000, plus on-roads, $10,000 under the petrol new chum.
Two cost options now include a Luxury Tech Group ($4500) and Off Road Group ($2750), pushing the price over $100,000. The test vehicle boasted the luxury pack.
As far as customer care is concerned, the so-called ‘Jeep Wave Commitment’ includes capped servicing, five-year/100,000km warranty and lifetime roadside assistance, providing the regular service schedule at a Jeep dealer is adhered to.
STYLING
Following on from its big brother Grand Cherokee L the WL Grand Cherokee is shorter by around 300 mm of overall length and 128 mm of wheelbase, and in looks is more SUV than Jeep 4×4.
With this modern, upmarket move, however, the newbie refuses to let go completely of its Jeep roots with the company’s trademark seven-slot radiator grille up front.
Twin-pane panoramic sunroof and 20-inch alloy wheels add appeal both inside and out.
INTERIOR
With the trimmed body comes five seats instead of seven, with top-notch Nappa leather cladding, a big twin-pane sunroof opening up the cabin, and LED ambient lighting to set the tone at night. There’s more room (1067 litres to the roof), too, to accommodate the better class of cargo (luggage). This is upped to 2005 litres with the rear seat backs folded. The space includes a 12V power outlet, four tie-down points, and a full-size spare wheel nestled under the floor.
As mentioned above, the test vehicle was also blessed with $4500 worth of the Luxury Tech Group extras, including front seats that are 12-way power adjustable, with memory and massage function, there’s four-zone climate control and second-row ventilated outboard seats and window shades.
Up front digital rear-view mirror is augmented by a wireless charging pad.
INFOTAINMENT
A 10.5-inch screen with wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto, plus a nine-speaker Alpine sound system and satellite navigation, are among standard Overland features. Jeepish by nature, small buttons on the back of the steering wheel, once discovered, are handy for digital radio control, mini paddle gear-shifters there not so convenient.
Power access comes via twin USB-A and USB-C points, as well as a 12V outlet and wireless charging pad up front. The second row includes air vents and power outlets.
Jeep’s Uconnect Services, via a paired smartphone, allows users remotely to lock and unlock the vehicle, send navigation destinations to the car, and check vehicle status for things like fuel level, tyre pressure, along with alerts for possible break-ins.
ENGINES/TRANSMISSIONS
Unlike the previous Grand Cherokees – with optional turbo-diesel or V8 power – the new WL range is limited to a single 3.6-litre V6 petrol engine producing 210 kW and 344 Nm, mated with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
SAFETY
The five-seat petrol models have earned a four-star ANCAP rating, as opposed to the seven-seater’s five-star, due to a problem with the performance of the rear seat belts.
Standard systems include active emergency braking and pedestrian/cyclist detection, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning with active lane keeping, advanced brake assist, front and rear parking sensors and 360-degree camera view.
A word about lane departure warning: there seems to be little consistency in its workings, the beeps come thick and fast or not at all, under pretty much identical driving conditions. Artificial intelligence, indeed.
DRIVING
The accelerator pedal needs some concentrated attention, with the car being a bit skittish from the get-go, especially on inclines with ragged surfaces. Conversely, with peak torque not coming up until 4000rpm, it’s not surprising the new Grand Cherokee Overland feels short on performance on the bitumen.
On road, the Grand Cherokee Overland is said to be capable of fuel consumption of 9.9 litres per 100km on the combined urban/highway cycle. The Tester averaged more than 13 litres per 100km around town and 7.6 on a motorway dash.
Off road, the SUV takes advantage of Jeep’s Quadra-Trac 2 Active 4×4 System with Selec-Terrain, low-range transfer case and Quadra Lift air suspension.
For an extra $2750 the Off Road Group adds 230 mm rear axle, electronic limited-slip differential, Trail Rated badge, 265/60 R18 Goodyear all-terrain tyres, 18-inch polished/painted alloy wheels, fuel tank/transfer case / front suspension skid plate, which is good enough to earn the company’s trail rating won over the Rubicon Trail in Nevada, one of the most testing off-road challenges in the US.
SUMMARY
The new Grand Cherokee Overland won’t be every rusted-on Jeep fan’s favourite, but could attract the attention of a more discerning soft-road adventurer.
RATINGS
Looks: 8/10
Performance: 6/10
Safety: 7/10
Thirst: 5/10
Practicality: 8/10
Comfort: 7/10
Tech: 8/10
Value: 5/10
