When it’s all said & done: Sweet package deal
There’s a lot to love about this Jeep—but after a long haul in that slightly constricted cabin, it would probably start to feel like a bit of a squeeze—perhaps necessitating an extra “get out and stretch” stop or two. But that is just a minor inconvenience. The Grand Cherokee is an overall pleasure to drive with a great ride, predictable handling, and plenty of foul weather sure footedness.
But then there’s that lovely little diesel crankin’ out gobs of reliable power with a reasonably light fuel appetite. Is the diesel upgrade worth the cost? Well, if you do the math, we think so. Based on 15,000 miles of annual driving, the base gasoline Grand Cherokee consumes $2981 worth of fuel, while the CRD drinks $2588. Figuring in the diesel engine’s $1,655 price premium, the package pays for itself in just a tick over 4 years. After that, it’s yearly credits on the fuel bill ledger.
So … if you’re the kind of person who researches a vehicle to find one that really fits your lifestyle, and then, once found, likes to keep ‘em a good ten years—the diesel upgrade is a no-brainer.
Details and Specs
Technical Features: 3.0-liter V6 turbo diesel, engine block heater, 5-speed automatic transmission, Quadra-Trac II Active Full-time 4WD, 4-wheel traction control, rear back-up camera
Safety Features: Advanced multi-stage front airbags, supplemental side curtain front and rear airbags, enhanced accident response system, anti-lock 4-wheel disc brakes, hill descent control, electronic stability control
Interior Features: Dual zone automatic temperature control, power adjustable pedals, remote keyless entry, steering wheel mounted audio controls, tilt-telescopic steering wheel, Boston Acoustics premium sound system, Sirius satellite radio
Exterior Features: Fog lamps, power heated fold-away mirrors, liftgate flipper glass, full-size spare tire, P245/65R17 all terrain tires
Production location: Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit. 3.0-liter CRD V-6 engine: Berlin Marienfelde Plant, Berlin, Germany (Mercedes-Benz) U.S./Canadian Parts Content = 71 percent
Page One: Initial Impressions, Look & Feel, Fuel-ability and Enviro-meter
Photos from the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee Diesel 4x4 test drive week