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.
