Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland
Jeeps Grand Cherokee uses the advanced Quadra-Drive II active four-wheel drive system and features no less than three electronic limited-slip differentials. Its also the first vehicle on the market with an electronically-engaging torque bias front axle. The question is how much use will any of this be to the majority of buyers who would never dream of taking their pride and joy offroad? Theyll be far more interested in impressing pedestrians and cutting a dash on their local high street and thats where the Grand Cherokee Overland model comes in.
Jump back to the late nineties and the Grand Cherokee was a luxury 4x4. Buyers wanting the Plushest offroad vehicle they could lay their hands on either bought the big Jeep or a MKII Range Rover. Today, the market has changed unrecognisably. In the current climate, no prestige manufacturers model Range is complete without a large and luxurious mud-plugger.
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Its already an attractive vehicle, or at least as attractive as big offroaders tend to get. The Overland just subtly raises the tone with platinum detailing for the grille, mirror housings, roof rails, window trim and 18" seven spoke alloys. Thats a lot of platinum but it does give the Grand Cherokee Overland a classier edge. Inside, theres less platinum but more wood and leather. Jeep are keen to point out that the material on the steering wheel, centre console and door bezels is real wood too, none of your mahogany-effect plastic here.
Leather adorns the gear and handbrake levers as well as the centre armrest. It also crops up on the door panels and the satellite navigation surround. Naturally, its on the seats too and the front ones feature the Overland logo on their backs - just to remind your rear passengers which Grand Cherokee theyve been lucky enough to wangle a lift in.
"The Overland weighs in with a series of extras designed to pep-up the Grand Cherokees outward appearance"
Only one engine option is now offered with Overland trim, the 3.0-litre V6 CRD diesel that the vast majority of Jeep buyers in this country will want. The 3.0-litre CRD is a strong unit with 215bhp and a 376lb/ft torque rating.
Its economical, with a 27.7mpg average, and it has a decent turn of pace (0-60mph takes 9 seconds) but most importantly its smooth and flexible. The current Grand Cherokee is a world away from its predecessor when it comes to handling. The steering is far sharper with a rack and pinion set-up introduced to replace the old recirculating ball.
This is a substantial 4x4 vehicle that tips the scales at 2,310kg but body roll is less pronounced than youd expect and the ride is nicely composed. The maximum towing weight for all models is a substantial 3,360kg, so the Grand Cherokee is quite at home living up to its sports utility vehicle billing with a quad bike, a speed boat or even a 6-berth caravan hitched onto the back. All Grand Cherokee models feature ABS brakes with traction control and Jeeps Electronic Stability Programme. Then theres the electronic rollover mitigation system which monitors driver inputs and the vehicles behaviour to spot potential rollover situations.
It can then reduce engine torque or apply bursts of hard braking to avert disaster. Should the unthinkable happen, multi-stage front airbags and curtain airbags along with seatbelt pre-tensioners are on hand to help. With an equipment list featuring highlights such as satellite navigation, a six CD autochanger, parking sensors and a powered sunroof, in addition to the styling and interior upgrades, Overland trim makes the Grand Cherokee feel like a luxurious 4x4. The price, however, is significantly less prohibitive than youd expect from most luxury 4x4 products.
Buyers pay £33,990 for this variants 3.0-litre V6 CRD diesel engine but youll need well over £4,000 more to secure an equivalently-equipped BMW X5 3.0d. Of course, the Jeep cant offer the badge kudos or the same inherent quality that these top-end 4x4s can but the Overland trim level masks its relatively minor shortcomings very well and some buyers will doubtless be persuaded.
When pitted against models more of its own ilk, the Grand Cherokee is highly competitive on equipment levels and comfort but falls down a touch on interior space and practicality. Whereas the likes of Land Rovers Discovery and Volvos XC90 incorporate MPV-style family-orientated features and offer 7-seat options, the Grand Cherokee doesnt. In Plush Overland form, it sits somewhere between the luxury and family 4x4 sectors with the up-market feel of the former and pricing from the later. Its a combination that deserves to achieve popularity.
Facts At A Glance
CAR: Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland
PRICES: £33,990 - on the road
INSURANCE GROUPS: 13-16
CO2 EMISSIONS: 270-366g/km
PERFORMANCE: [3.0 CRD] 0-60mph 9.0s / Max Speed 124mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: [3.0 CRD] (urban) 21.6 / (extra urban) 32.8 / (combined) 27.7mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front and side airbags / ABS / ESP/ tyre pressure monitoring, electronic rollover mitigation system
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Heightmm 4755/2251/1742
