The 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a true Jeep at heart, and this model is better than ever. Jeep widens the range of fuel choices for its Grand Cherokee SUV for 2008, offering a diesel engine and a flex-fuel V-8 to its lineup. Side curtain airbags with rollover detection are standard, and Jeep adds some new colors and various other exterior and interior tweaks. Three four-wheel-drive systems are available. Quadra-Drive II includes electronic limited-slip differentials for heightened offroad capability. Quadra-Trac II is a full-time active four-wheel-drive system that has low-range gearing.

Exterior

The Grand Cherokee's appearance is led by Jeep's signature seven-slot grille, which is flanked by round headlamps. The grille is body-colored on the Laredo model, chrome on the Limited and wire lattice on the Overland. The Grand Cherokee has a fashionably high waistline and small side windows. Limited models still present a flashier appearance, with a chromed grille, bright inserts in the bumpers, and accent-color bodyside molding. Built on a 109.5-inch wheelbase, the Grand Cherokee is 186.6 inches long overall and 67.7 inches tall, with a 62-inch track width.

Interior

Five occupants fit inside the 2008 Grand Cherokee, and the driver faces a symmetrical two-tone instrument panel. The four-gauge cluster has LED illumination with red pointers. The cabin atmosphere is comfortable, with lots of seat adjustment, excellent outward vision around relatively slim windshield post. Cup holders are keyed to the interior hue. Laredo models get chrome accents on the instrument gauges and climate-control system, as well as a black bezel for the center console. The seats are large and cushy, on Laredo they are upholstered in cloth with leather as a package option, while Limited seats are two-tone leather with perforated inserts. In Overland, the seats are upholstered in high-contrast two-tone Ultrasuede, featuring accent stitching and embroidered Overland logos. A reversible load-floor panel in the cargo area improves versatility. Available features include a navigation radio, a rear-seat DVD entertainment system, Boston Acoustics audio and rear park assist.

Safety

Antilock brakes are standard on all trims, as are side curtain airbags. Other safety features that come on all Grand Cherokees include an electronic stability program (ESP) with roll mitigation, traction control, and front air bags with four levels of deployment.

Powertrain

Four engines are available: the 5.7-liter Hemi V-8, rated at 330 horsepower and 375 pounds-feet of torque; a 3.7-liter V-6 that develops 210 hp and 235 pounds-feet of torque; a 230-hp, 4.7-liter V-8 that develops 305 pounds-feet of torque; and a turbocharged diesel V-6 that makes 215 hp and 376 pounds-feet of torque. Tow ratings are 3,500 pounds for the 3.7-liter V6, 6,500 pounds for the 4.7-liter V8, and 7,400 pounds (7,200 with 4WD) for the 5.7-liter Hemi or 3.0-liter turbo-diesel. The Laredo comes standard with Chrysler's 210-hp 3.7-liter V6, with its own five-speed overdrive automatic transmission.

Handling

The 2008 Grand Cherokee offers a nice ride and corners well. Acceleration is less assertive at highway speeds, but the automatic transmission performs well on steep upgrades by downshifting promptly when you push the accelerator. Overall, ride comfort is appealing in each version. The Hemi edition works best with off-road conditions. The seats on the 2008 Grand Cherokee are exceptionally comfortable and have good support and fair side bolstering.

The Grand Cherokee gets an estimated 22 mpg Hwy, and 17 mpg City. Uses for the Grand Cherokee are versatile, from a daily family vehicle, to a weekend explorer. It can handle city streets, highways, and off-road travel, and is capable to haul and tow. Grand Cherokee had its last total redesign for 2005, with minor improvements and updates every year.