 
2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit. Click image to enlarge |
If you’re comparing the 2014 V6 Summit to a similarly equipped Range Rover Sport HSE (340 hp supercharged 3.0L V6) or BMW X5 xDrive35i (300 hp turbo 3.0L straight-six), you’ll be delighted by the Jeep’s all-in 60 large sticker. The Rangie starts at $80,560, and while the Bimmer bows at just under $63,000, you’re looking at another 10 grand minimum to bring it up to spec.
The 2014 Grand Cherokee Summit comes very well kitted: adaptive cruise, 20-inch wheels, Bi-Xenon headlights with washers, proximity key with push button start, remote start, powered lift gate, front/rear park assist, blind spot and rear cross traffic detection and forward collision warning. The front seats are heated/ventilated and the rears are heated.
On the road the Summit conducts itself in a suitably upscale fashion. The cabin is well isolated and the ride generally civilized, although the slight pitchiness is typical of tall SUVs that struggle to maintain acceptable on-road body control. This chassis carries a lot of Mercedes DNA after all, so the bones are good.
The 3.6L Pentastar V6, here making 290 hp and a peak 260 lb-ft at 4,800 rpm benefits mightily from the new ZF-sourced eight-speed auto.
This engine has its work cut out – the Summit checks in at 2247 kg (4955 lbs) which confirms this SUV as a bonafied porker. It feels heavy.
Acceleration is adequate, but if you really need some go, the V6 doth protest when caned. And while handling is competent, it’s hardly agile in the way the aforementioned BMW and Range Rover are. Plus the latter two’s pressurized engines generate a helping of mid-range punch the Jeep’s naturally-aspirated V6 can’t match.
The Summit’s fuel economy improves slightly over last year’s model thanks to this transmission and a new Eco mode that alters gearbox strategy and reduces throttle sensitivity. Yes, the truck feels more sluggish in this green mode.
A quick fix for this? Pony up $2,150 for the 360hp/390 lb-ft 5.7L Hemi V8. You’re still well below the RR and BMW stickers.
I did enjoy my snowy week in this sure-footed SUV. From its new squinty headlights to the LED taillights, the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit is most certainly the real deal. It may not be as natty or refined as the European representatives of this luxury off road niche, but it sure walks the walk, has all the toys, and in this company can be considered a bargain.
Pricing: 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit V6
Base price: $59,995
Optional equipment: Deep Cherry Red Crystal Pearl Coat $195; single CD player $200
A/C tax: $100
Destination charge: $1,595
Price as tested: $62,085
Competitors:
BMW X6 M
Infiniti FX50
Land Rover Range Rover Sport
Mercedes ML-Class
Porsche Cayenne
Crash Test Results:
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)
