Overview:
This is the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit 4X4. I make no apologies for being devoted to Jeep. It has proven itself to me for many years. I have tested other off road vehicles but they just don’t measure up. I tested all the Hummer models but the memory that remains is how I was got stuck in the original $100,000 Hummer and an old Chevrolet Blazer.
The clincher that reinforced my trust in Jeep came with the Jamboree and Jeep Camps I attended. It was there I learned how amazing Jeeps perform over unbelievable terrain that we were able to traverse.
General Information: It is assembled in Wentzville, MO, USA. Parts – US/Canadian 62%,Mexico 20% Engine – Italy; Transmission – Germany; Classification is Standard SUV. Cars from Jeep: Cherokee, Compass, Grand Cherokee, Patriot, Renegade & Wrangler.
Handling & Performance:
All the Jeeps have a great off road prowess and on road comfort and performance except for the only fair fuel economy, thanks to 4X4 capability. You can’t have both off road 4X4 and high economy. But 28 Highway mpg isn’t bad.
Styling:
Styling is a very traditional Jeep with a rich history for 75 years. The brand has matured from a warrior vehicle of WWII to an out-of-doors adventure vehicle owned by men and women who love the challenge of rough and tumble adventure.
Fit and Finish:
Very well assembled… thanks in part to the Daimler Benz years of ownership and influence. That speaks to how much better we are when we share and work together. Another example of that fact can be seen in how much Jaguar advanced under the ownership and influence of Ford for a time.
Cost:
Grand Cherokee is a little pricey, but it is the top contender of the brand. If off-road is your thing this is just too pretty to get into the weeds. But it is capable if you need it to go where others simply can’t go.
Conveniences and comfort:
When comfort is important the Grand Cherokee is the cat’s meow with the benefit of off-road capability when needed.
Consumer Recommendation:
My next car will be a Jeep Wrangler to tow behind a Motorhome, because I know first-hand how handy they are off-road as well as an ‘easy tow’ vehicle. As a reminder – I recommend Jeep owners consider attending a Jeep Jamboree. It is an experience you won’t regret as you meet some great folks.
Notes regarding the competition listed below: Acura MDX, BMW X5 and Land Rover LR4 seat 7 – others seat 5.
Recognized Competition:
Jeep Grand Cherokee $53,000, Cadillac SRX $53,000, Acura MDX $53,000, Mercedes Benz GLE $53,000, Volkswagen Touarag $64,000, Lincoln MKX $57,000, BMW X5 $57,000, Land Rover LR4 $62,000, Lexus RX $50,000.
Good News:
Equipped well for off road if you must while providing on road comfort and great safety features, competitively priced and decent fuel economy,
Bad News:
n/a
Standard Equipment:
3.0 liter V-6 ECO Diesel engine, 8-speed automatic transmission, Quadra-Trac II 4-WD with Selec-Terain system, Quadra lift Air Suspension, blind spot and cross path detection, adaptive cruise control with stop, park view rear backup camera, full speed forward collision warning , advanced mustistage front airbags, side curtain front and rear airbags, and seat mounted and side curtain front and rear airbags, driver knee airbag, keyless entry and go, Uconnect 8.4 Nav, Harman Kardon speakers, 20” polished aluminum wheels, active noise control system, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second row seats, 8-way power driver and passenger front seats with driver an d passenger 4-way lumbar adjustment, dual zone climate control, 7” LCD instrument cluster with Tachometer, wood and leather wrapped heated steering wheel with shift levers, Remote start system, dual pane panoramic sunroof, rear sunscreen acoustic laminate glass, acoustic windshield, daytime running lights, fog lights, power liftgate, power folding multi-function mirrors and rain sensing wipers.
Gas Stats:
$2.69/ Gal avg. June 4, 2016
for more information.
21 City 28 Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $52,595.