The 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee

                                             The 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee is capable & even more fuel efficient with an EcoDiesel engine. Jeep's current generation Grand Cherokee SUV has been such a success that it probably didn't need an update to keep things rolling,but one arrived for 2014 anyway. We aren't complaining what with the 14 Gc's new eight-speed automatic transmission, refined interior, and even more hhandsome sheetmetal. The driven Hemi V-8, put the new V-6 diesel in a comparo, and tested the hot-rod SRT, but this is our first full test of the volume V-6 model. In our long-term 2011 Grand Cherokee V-6 and a separate 2011 test model, we noted that the 3.6 liter pentastar V-6 felt like it struggled against the SUV's porky curb weight. The six makes its 290 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque high in the rev range, and the outgoing five-speed automatic had to work hard to keep the V-6 on the boil. The features are

• More Speeds, More Shifting, Better use of V-6's power
• Look out, Propeller, Three-Pointed Star, and Four-Ring Badges

More Speeds, More Shifting, Better Use of V-6's Power: 

                                       The optional V-8 and the new diesel six move the Jeep with more bravado, but the eight-speed brings slightly more verve to the high-strung V-6. The transmission loves to shift, but the changes are as smooth as butter. The ratio speed keeps the V-6's revs low at higher speeds, but the lower gears make the most of the Pentastar's power. Still, the transmissions brain clearly was programmed to upshift early and often, although you can calm it down by moving the shift lever to the sport setting. The dynamics carry over to 2014 largely unchanged. It has standard air suspension, delivered a cushy, isolated ride, and it affords the ability to manipulate ride height at the push of a button.

Look out, Propeller, Three-Pointed Star, and Four-Ring Badges:
                            Buyers can step into a four-wheel drive, V-6 Grand Cherokee for as little as $31, 790 in entry-level Laredo trim. Jeep offers the Limited and Summit trim levels as well; the $47, 190 overland tested here slots between these two. The $795 Advanced Technology Group, which brings adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning and mitigation, and blind-spot monitoring with cross-path detection, was our Vehicle's. It makes for an extremely compelling alternative to similarly sized vehicles from Germany.