2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee

NEW FOR 2012:

• Grand Cherokee SRT8 added
• Six-speed automatic transmission replaces five-speed automatic on 5.7-litre V8
• Standard Uconnect hands-free phone operation
• V6 models add electro-hydraulic power steering

For 2012, the Jeep Grand Cherokee reintroduces the SRT8, which now uses a 6.4-litre Hemi V8 engine. The 5.7-litre Hemi V8 now uses a six-speed automatic transmission, and the V6 models receive electro-hydraulic power steering. Uconnect is now standard on all models.

The Grand Cherokee is available with a 3.6-litre V6 engine and five-speed automatic transmission in the Laredo E, Laredo X, Limited and Overland. This can be optioned to a 5.7-litre Hemi V8 with six-speed automatic transmission in the Laredo X, Limited and Overland. The SRT8 uses a 6.4-litre V8 with five-speed automatic.

The Laredo E and Laredo X use Quadra-Trac I, a full-time 4x4 system that continuously distributes torque 48/52 front to rear. Quadra-Trac II, optional on Laredo X and standard on Limited and Overland, adds low range and is capable of sending 100 per cent of torque to either the front or rear axle. Quadra-Drive II, optional on the Laredo X, Limited and Overland, works similarly but includes an electronic limited-slip differential that can concentrate up to 100 per cent of power to a single wheel. Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II include a Selec-Terrain system that can be dialed in for Auto, Sport, Sand/Mud, Snow and Rock settings. Also available is an optional air suspension that raises or lowers the ride height. The SRT8 uses the Quadra-Trac active on-demand 4WD system.

Features on the Laredo E include 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone temperature control, cloth seats, 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, fold-flat front passenger seat, 60/40 split-folding rear seat, Uconnect hands-free phone, fog lamps, automatic headlamps, keyless entry with proximity sensor, heated mirrors, tilt and telescopic leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, Media Centre 130 with auxiliary input and six speakers, Sirius satellite radio, electronic vehicle information centre and variable intermittent wipers.

The Laredo X adds 18-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, Media Centre 430 with 6.5-inch touch screen and 28 GB hard disc drive, rearview camera, rear park assist, nine-speaker Alpine Audio system, heated leather seats, 12-way power passenger seat, remote starter, security alarm, 115-volt power outlet and tire pressure monitoring display.

The Limited adds 18-inch polished aluminum wheels, ventilated Nappa leather-faced seats with perforated inserts, heated rear seats, dual-pane panoramic sunroof, power tilt and telescopic heated steering wheel, rain-sensing wipers, auto-levelling SmartBeam xenon headlamps, driver’s side memory, bright mirrors and door handles, and mirrors with integrated turn signals.

The Overland adds 20-inch alloy wheels, Nappa leather-faced seating with edge welting, air lift suspension, wood and leather-wrapped steering wheel, and Media Centre 730N with navigation system.

The SRT8 adds 20-inch forged SRT aluminum wheels with run-flat tires, Nappa leather-faced seats with perforated suede inserts, steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, electronic rear limited-slip differential, LED daytime running lights, active damping suspension, monochromatic exterior, carbon fibre interior accents, and driver and front passenger lower LED lights.