The Grand Cherokee lives atop the Jeep lineup as a mid-size SUV that combines the brand's renowned off-road abilities with luxury and powertrain options that allow this truck to keep up with SUVs from more prestigious brands like Porsche and Land Rover.
This Jeep flagship's road-going prowess is amped up for 2018 with the addition of the Trackhawk model, which stuff's the Challenger Hellcat's supercharged 6.2L V8 into the engine bay to lend this truck the kind of performance only 707 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque can provide. Some of its key data include a 3.5-second 0-96 km/h sprint and a 320-km/h top speed.
Other updates for this year include the addition of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality to the Grand Cherokee's Uconnect infotainment system.
There are also new Sterling Edition and High Altitude Edition packages available in Limited and Overland trims, and a number of other new packages and finishes that are standard or optional throughout the rest of the range.
As before, the Grand Cherokee starts out with a 3.6L V6 good for as much as 295 hp and 260 lb-ft, and a 5.7L V8 that generates 360 hp and 390 lb-ft, a 3.0L turbodiesel V6 making 240 hp and 420 lb-ft and a 6.4L V8 in the SRT trim that cranks out 475 hp and 470 lb-ft. All engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission (the Trackhawk gets a heavier-duty version) and full-time 4WD that can be optioned to a system with low-range gearing with either of the V6s or the 5.7L V8.
The diesel combines big torque with fuel economy that can rival that of family sedans. The more common 3.6L gasser's estimates are 12.7/9.6 L/100 km, and the 5.7L is rated at 16.7/10.9. The SRT and Trackhawk's estimates are notably less frugal at 18.3/12.6 and 20.9/13.8, respectively.
If you ask us, it was a stroke of genius to create high-powered versions of the Grand Cherokee to compete with high-end European models at comparatively affordable prices; the SRT is a capable track performer in its own right, but the Trackhawk leaves it -- and the likes of the Porsche Cayenne Turbo and Range Rover Sport Supercharged -- in its dust.
The SRT and Trackhawk models don't shy away from work, either: both can tow nearly 3,300 kg.
Trim levels include Laredo, Limited, Trailhawk, Overland and Summit.
All Grand Cherokee models get niceties like dual-zone automatic climate control, 17-inch aluminum wheels,12-way power driver's seat with lumbar, passive keyless entry, backup camera and rear park assist.
Limited trim adds 18-inch wheels, auto-dimming rearview mirror, heated steering wheel, two USB charging ports and a 115-volt power outlet, hill descent control, leather faced and heated (front and rear) seating, 12-way power front passenger seat, power liftgate, Quadra-Trac II two-speed 4WD transfer case, terrain management system and remote engine start.
Trailhawk is ostensibly the off-road champ of the Grand Cherokee line, though its Quadra-Drive II 4WD setup lacks low-range gearing. However, it does come with an air suspension and adjustable ride height, tow hooks and skid plates under the front suspension, transfer case and gas tank. Luxury touches include Nappa leather seating with front-seat ventilation, and navigation.
Overland is where the Grand Cherokee goes upscale, with 20-inch wheels, premium stereo, HID auto-leveling headlights, power-folding side mirrors, leather-trimmed dash and centre console, rain-sensing wipers and a wood-accented steering wheel.
Summit boasts a few premium trim touches but is more notable for its addition of active safety features like adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision warning and lane departure warning with lane keep assist.
