The 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee aims to maintain its solid reputation with a best-in-class 30 mpg, a 730 mile driving range and best-in-class towing of 7,400 pounds. The vehicle debuted at the Detroit Auto Show this week and has a long list of new features and enhancements.
There’s a new 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6 engine for North America and a new eight-speed transmission that give the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee both its 30 mpg fuel economy and 730 mile driving range. The engine produces 240 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque while clean-diesel technology keeps CO2 emissions low. The eight-speed transmission not only enhances fuel economy, but provides quicker acceleration and smoother shifting.
The 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine that debuted on the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee delivers 290 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque. Mating it with the eight-speed transmission means towing capabilities increase 24% to 6,200 pounds. Owners can look for 17 mpg city/25 mpg highway and a range of over 600 miles which is best-in-class for gas-powered SUVs.
Fuel economy is also improved on the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7-liter V-8 which sees a 5% increase to 15 mpg city/21 mpg highway on 4×2 models and 14 mpg city/21 mpg highway on 4×4 models. This engine has 360 horsepower and 390 lb.-ft. of torque with a 7,400 pound towing capability.
New for 2014 is an Eco Mode that automatically engages when the engine is turned on but can be disengaged with the press of a button. The Eco Mode increases fuel efficiency with cylinder deactivation in V-8 models and activates the air suspension system which lowers the car at speeds of 52-55mph or over 65mph.
The 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee has three 4×4 systems in the Quadra-Trac I, QuadraTrac II or Quadra-Drive II which offer various levels of traction and control so drivers can choose the one that best suits their style from highway driving to tackling rough terrain. This is further enhanced by the Selec-Terrain system which offers five different driving conditions (sand, mud, auto, snow, rock).
Coupled with improvements to the engine are upgrades to the interior and exterior design that offer a more luxurious driving experience. The upper grille is shorter, headlights are thinner and foglights are more pronounced. The rear has larger tail lamps and a redesigned tailgate that gives drivers better visibility.
Inside the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee has a new UConnect 5″ or 8.4″ touchscreen, a leather wrapped shifter and new three-spoke steering wheel. Together these design changes offer a more refined experience for vehicle owners.
Safety has also been improved with over 60 features including forward collision warning, electronic roll mitigation, standard front-row active head restraints, and standard full-length side-curtain air bags. Blind spot monitoring and rear cross path detection are also available options.
Nicole Wakelin fell in love with cars as a teenager when she got to go for a ride in a Ferrari. It was red and it was fast and that was all that mattered. Game over. She considers things a bit more carefully now, but still has a weakness for fast, beautiful cars. When not drooling over cars, Nicole writes for Wired’s GeekMom.
