GRAND CHEROKEE CAN DO THE SCHOOL RUN AND MORE

The Grand Cherokee has been the mainstay of Jeep’s offerings for years and still makes for a compelling buy

Last year the big 4WD was Jeep’s best seller, with nearly 3000 sales, and has started off 2020 as No.1 again for the brand with 217 sold, a 19 per cent increase. A new management team at FCA, which distributes Jeeps in Australia, means much improved after-sales care plus a five-year fully transferable factory warranty, “there and back” capped price servicing and lifetime roadside assistance if the vehicle is serviced through a Jeep dealer.

The range starts with the Laredo two-wheel drive from $53,117 and ends with the autobahnstorming V8 Trackhawk at $148,479.

Last weekend’s review vehicle was the Limited with metallic paint at $69,805.

It comes with 20in alloy wheels, Uconnect 8.4in touchscreen, satellite-navigation, leather seats, nine-speaker Alpine sound system, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, rear cross path detection, adaptive cruise control, parallel and perpendicular park assist, advanced brake assist system, powered rear door, tinted glass, heated second row seats and steering wheel.

The Grand Cherokee is big but not cumbersome.

There’s plenty of room for a family of five.

It’s easy to get comfortable, and comfortable best sums up the Jeep.

The main instruments can be a bit hard to read in some light but there is an excellent large speedo read-out.

Whether driving on highways or in the city, the Grand Cherokee is a smooth ride with minimal cabin noise.

Marketed as “the most off-road ready” large SUV, it’s hard to argue with the Grand Cherokee’s ability to head off the asphalt and switch on for rugged terrain.

By selecting “4 Low” on the console, it locks the front and back driveshafts and engages the low range, and there is also a terrain setting for snow, sand, mud or rock.

With its hill descent and ascent control, the Trailhawk is up for, and can handle, most terrain, but despite its rugged appearance, and 18 inch alloys, its greatest appeal is the luxurious interior and technology.

Comfort is guaranteed with heated seats and adjustable support, in a leather and suede combination.

The steering wheel, with integrated audio and trip control and manual-driving paddles, is also heated.

The rear passengers have equally comfortable and spacious heated seats.

The driver’s digital instrument display is customisable, and an 8.4-inch multimedia touchscreen display unit, with easy-to-use controls for digital radio, Bluetooth media, climate control, apps, seat heating, navigation and phone.

The downside is the parking brake is foot operated, taking up unnecessary room in an already narrow space.

Having the turning indicator and windscreen wiper controls on one lever on the left also takes some getting used to.

Its five-star safety rating is assured with its Adaptive Cruise Control-Plus able to bring the vehicle to a complete stop without driver intervention in certain conditions.

The Jeep SUV is a breeze to drive around town with good vision and easy to park as well.

It provided a nice drive to Port Douglas and then up the Rex Range to Mt Molloy, Mareeba and home.

In fact, it was a bit of fun on the bends and corners and didn’t roll as much as I was expecting.

It lopes along smoothly, the 3.6-litre six cylinder providing good punch for overtaking.

The Grand Cherokee is a delight to drive with its power and smooth on-road handling.

The test drive showed reasonable fuel figures on a mix of highway and city driving with an average of 12l/100km over 270km. Jeep suggests 10.

TAKE A TEST DRIVE AT IRELAND JEEP, CAIRNS