Chrysler and exciting are two words not often found in logical proximity to each other. But for those with a taste for the offroad and a modern look, the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee may deserve the conjunction. Especially since it's less expensive than the 2010 model.
We'll have to wait and see what the final production vehicles look and drive like to deliver our assessment, but Jeep looks to be on the right track, starting the 2011 Grand Cherokee out at $30,995, a decrease of $495 from last year's model, while delivering a much fresher design and new Selec-Terrain offroad and Quadra-Lift air suspension systems. Four more inches of rear leg room make the SUV a more palatable choice for transporting four adults, as well, while the new 3.6-liter V-6 engine manages 23 mpg--certainly not hypermiler status, but a far cry from the low-mid-teens figures you can easily achieve in many similar SUVs, including previous-generation Grand Cherokees.
The list of new and improved features is long--check out the full preview here--but it serves as much to remind us of how outdated the previous Grand Cherokee was as much as how modern the new one will be. And that's a major hurdle Jeep will have to overcome for the new truck, even as the Chrysler mothership struggles for survival, relevance and legitimacy following the past two years' worth of bad press and political wrangling.
For those with a hankering for (however impractical) fun in a Grand Cherokee-shaped package, there's the recently-previewed but as-yet-unpriced SRT8 variant, promising 500+ horsepower from a 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 engine, due out this summer.
Check out page two for the full details and pricing information.
[Chrysler]
Jeep® Announces Pricing for the Most Capable, Most Luxurious Grand Cherokee Ever (with updated information) |
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Auburn Hills, Mich., May 12, 2010 - Chrysler Group LLC today announced U.S. pricing for the most advanced generation of its Jeep® Grand Cherokee. With roots dating back to Grand Wagoneer and with over 4 million Grand Cherokee’s sold, Jeep continues to redefine the luxury SUV segment.
Pricing for the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4x4 will start at a U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $32,995, while the Laredo 4x2 model will start at $30,995. “The all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee redefines the SUV industry with new levels of 4x4 capability, more luxury courtesy of a refined interior and stunning new exterior, improved fuel economy, and independent front and rear suspensions that deliver a premium, refined on-road driving experience,” said Mike Manley, President and CEO – Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “The new Jeep Grand Cherokee delivers a unique blend of capability, refinement, features and amenities that no other manufacturer can offer, all at a great price.” The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee balances legendary Jeep capability with improved, sophisticated on-road dynamics that deliver a premium driving experience. Capability highlights include a choice of three 4x4 systems, new Jeep Quadra-Lift™ Air Suspension, new Selec-Terrain™ system, and towing capability of 7,400 lbs. On-road dynamics are improved courtesy of new independent front and rear suspension systems and a new body structure that dramatically increases torsional stiffness for reduced Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) levels. The design of the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee boasts an all-new sculpted body and athletic profile that define a sleek exterior and aerodynamic finesse. CommandView® -- a new dual-pane panoramic sun roof – extends from the windshield to the rear of the vehicle. A world-class interior design is highlighted by premium soft-touch interior materials for all models. The interior provides consumers with more than four inches of increased rear-seat knee and leg room, and 17 percent more cargo volume. An all-new 290-horsepower 3.6-liter V-6 engine boasts an 11 percent improvement in fuel economy for the Jeep Grand Cherokee, delivering up to 23 mpg and over 500 miles on one tank of gas. More than 45 safety and security features are available in the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, including standard Active Head Restraints, full-length side-curtain and seat-mounted side thorax air bags, Electronic Stability Control, Electronic Roll Mitigation, Hill-start Assist, and Trailer-sway Control. A Blind-spot/Rear Cross-path detection system and Adaptive Cruise Control with Forward Collision Warning are available. Numerous advanced technology features are offered, including live mobile TV (FLO TV), SIRIUS Backseat TV and UConnect™ Web, which transforms the vehicle into a “hot spot” to deliver the Internet directly to the vehicle. Completely redesigned and reengineered, the all-new 2011 Grand Cherokee will be built at the nearly 3-million square-foot Jefferson North Assembly Plant (JNAP) in Detroit, which went through a complete transformation as part of World Class Manufacturing (WCM). It will arrive in Jeep showrooms next month (June). The all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee will be available in 3 models: Laredo, Limited and Overland. 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo Optional features include a 360-horsepower 5.7-liter V-8 engine and a Trailer Tow Group. Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4x4 pricing: $32,995 (including $780 for destination) 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4x4 pricing: $39,995 (including $780 for destination) 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland 4x4 pricing: $42,995 (including $780 for destination) 2011 vs. 2010 model year pricing comparison - prices include destination |