Topic: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee; Day 1

[Autos_Editor]

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is all-new for 2011, with a new V6 engine that promises to be more efficient. James tests the top-line Overland edition this week, so let's hope for some snow to put this truck's four-wheel drive system to the test.

Read More...

[5 Wheel Drive]

They must have done something right, I've seen quite a few of these on the road around Ottawa.  I like the restyle, it looks good.  I didn't know you could get the top of the line Overland with the V6.  Godd for Chrysler for not making you take the Hemi just to get all the luxury in the Overland.

[Shnak]

I saw a TV show this weekend where they reviewed the new GC with the V6... even with almost 300hp, the guy really felt let down by the overall performance, a major part of that because of the transmission that was cleary geared for fuel economy (which, let's be honest, will still be horrible because of the weight of the beast). He did 0-100km/h in 9.8s, which isn't bad for the weight, but with almost 300hp, I'd expect a bit more personally.

[Erik]

I saw a TV show this weekend where they reviewed the new GC with the V6... even with almost 300hp, the guy really felt let down by the overall performance, a major part of that because of the transmission that was cleary geared for fuel economy (which, let's be honest, will still be horrible because of the weight of the beast). He did 0-100km/h in 9.8s, which isn't bad for the weight, but with almost 300hp, I'd expect a bit more personally.

Yeah, but it is the torque that gets a big beast like this to 100 more quickly. And while it isn't bad for the size of the engine, you really need a V8 to move this much vehicle.

[Coast]

I think the problem is a combination of 5000 lbs of weight and too tall gearing.  3.04 axle ratio is way too tall for a high reving V6.  Even with the towing package you can't get shorter gears.

I realize they do this to get better EPA numbers but if they want it to be a real success it needs 3.55 or 3.73 gears.

[Shnak]

I think the problem is a combination of 5000 lbs of weight and too tall gearing.  3.04 axle ratio is way too tall for a high reving V6.  Even with the towing package you can't get shorter gears.

I realize they do this to get better EPA numbers but if they want it to be a real success it needs 3.55 or 3.73 gears.

Yep. People don't understand why you need more than 5 gears in a slushbox? Well the GC is just about the perfect example why 6 speeds and 7 speeds make a lot of sense in certain types of vehicles.

[wing]

When did < 10secs to 100 become SLOW for an SUV? 

[dutch]

i think these trucks look great! It is definitely a contender when our last daughter is out of her child seat and we can get rid of our minivan. We had a '96 Grand Cherokee before with the V8 that was pretty good.

Too bad you can't tow something for your review - would be nice to see how it handles 3-4000lbs with the V6 option.

[sailor723]

When did < 10secs to 100 become SLOW for an SUV? 

I think the 0-100km number for my SRX is around mid 8's

I may be wrong but I thought most V6,250-300 HP vehicles of this type were under 9 in recent years?

[coast]

When did < 10secs to 100 become SLOW for an SUV? 

When it got 300 hp.  My old 95 4.0 Grand Cherokee has the same performance with 190hp.  I'd expect more from the new engine.

[tortoise]

More importantly, how is the midrange passing power? 

[wing]

It's 10.4 according to AJAC, okay that's slow.  For comparison sake the Edge is 8.3, the 05 Cherokee tested was 7 seconds but I can only assume that's the V8.

[Brent]

And here's the engine offered in Blighty-get a load of that torque number- heaven forbid ChryCo would offer similar here in the colonies:


Engine & Transmission
Configuration    V6       
Fuel Type    Diesel       
Bore x Stroke - mm    83.0 x 92.0       
Gearbox    5 speed automatic       
Max Power - bhp @ rpm    215 (160 kW) @ 4000       
Max Torque - lb ft @ rpm    376 (510 Nm) @ 1600-2400       
Cubic Capacity - cc    2987       
Compression Ratio    18 : 1       
Valves    24       
Fuel System    Direct injection, high pressure common rail

A buddy has the last-gen GC with the CRD engine- a brilliant combination of performance and fuel efficiency in this class of vehicle...

[Roy]

When did < 10secs to 100 become SLOW for an SUV? 

I thought most of the competitors were posting near 8's.  But maybe we are thinking of different competitors?  Part of the disappointment is that this engine has had some hype and is to be their new modern star in all aspects of output and performance bridging the gap between output and fuel consumption.  Competitive relative displacement output with better fuel economy than the CRD (as claimed by Chrysler); yet acceleration-wise it leaves room for improvement.  Hence the criticism.  

[Shnak]

And here's the engine offered in Blighty-get a load of that torque number- heaven forbid ChryCo would offer similar here in the colonies:


Engine & Transmission
Configuration    V6       
Fuel Type    Diesel       
Bore x Stroke - mm    83.0 x 92.0       
Gearbox    5 speed automatic       
Max Power - bhp @ rpm    215 (160 kW) @ 4000       
Max Torque - lb ft @ rpm    376 (510 Nm) @ 1600-2400       
Cubic Capacity - cc    2987       
Compression Ratio    18 : 1       
Valves    24       
Fuel System    Direct injection, high pressure common rail

A buddy has the last-gen GC with the CRD engine- a brilliant combination of performance and fuel efficiency in this class of vehicle...

Nice numbers, but the transmission more than likely still holds it back.

[aaronk]

It's 10.4 according to AJAC, okay that's slow.  For comparison sake the Edge is 8.3, the 05 Cherokee tested was 7 seconds but I can only assume that's the V8.

I'm sure the new Pentastar is a good motor but it's just hauling too much weight. Put a fat suit on just about any Olympic athlete and they'll be slow too. Mopar needs to seriously consider new technology in shedding the pounds.

[PlanB]

Each time I see one of these units around town, cant help but think wow - great looking package!  Would really like to see a full-blown comparison test between this and the competition. 

[nsmyhte]

When did < 10secs to 100 become SLOW for an SUV? 

I would say about 5-6 years ago.

[Mitlov]

It's 10.4 according to AJAC, okay that's slow.  For comparison sake the Edge is 8.3, the 05 Cherokee tested was 7 seconds but I can only assume that's the V8.

I'm sure the new Pentastar is a good motor but it's just hauling too much weight. Put a fat suit on just about any Olympic athlete and they'll be slow too. Mopar needs to seriously consider new technology in shedding the pounds.

The reason it's so much heavier than, say, a Highlander, is because it's more off-road capable.  The sophisticated 4x4 systems and the chassis reinforcement that makes it so good in the rough stuff has a flipside to it.  If you don't need all that stuff, Chrysler has other vehicles to offer (the updated Dodge Journey springs to mind).

[coast]

It's 10.4 according to AJAC, okay that's slow.  For comparison sake the Edge is 8.3, the 05 Cherokee tested was 7 seconds but I can only assume that's the V8.

I'm sure the new Pentastar is a good motor but it's just hauling too much weight. Put a fat suit on just about any Olympic athlete and they'll be slow too. Mopar needs to seriously consider new technology in shedding the pounds.

The reason it's so much heavier than, say, a Highlander, is because it's more off-road capable.  The sophisticated 4x4 systems and the chassis reinforcement that makes it so good in the rough stuff has a flipside to it.  If you don't need all that stuff, Chrysler has other vehicles to offer (the updated Dodge Journey springs to mind).

Don't buy it.  My 95 Grand Cherokee is likely much tougher and better off road and it only weighs 3750 lbs.  They are even about the same size.