NEW JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE MODELS

In Chelsea Michigan we  were first introduced to the new 2014 Grand Cherokee.

SUN ROOF IS LARGE AND LETS IN WIND AND SUN AS I LOVE.

What Jeep and Mopar are doing for avid off-roading enthusiasts. Obviously not a Grand Cherokee.

The Grand Cherokee when put into reverse all can be seen thanks to back up camera.

In the center stack the Grand Cherokee has U Connect to Navigation  and a lot more.

The Acura entertainment tech model delivered to the FWD MDX two screens to control navigation located in center stack. Top one has navigation screen easily seen.  The voice recognition is good but setting up takes some time to do. When sitting in second or third row passengers get superb head phones to view movies or listen to music with the tech entertainment systems. A large 16.2-inch screen works well for second or third row passengers.

When lowering the seats plenty of cargo space.

The Grand Cherokee is a true off-road vehicle. Seen here is protection for the under carriage so transmission and engine are not damaged.

 

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Jeep Grand Cherokee for 2014

Five (5) million Jeep Grand Cherokees have been sold worldwide since 1992. I remember the media event and after driving nearly 700 miles back to Detroit in the Grand Cherokee to experience day and night driving. I was sold on the features of the 1992 Grand Cherokee and so was the buying public. That is why Chrysler-Fiat decided that the new Grand Cherokee’s must satisfy needs of buyers once again world wide.

The new model known as 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee keeps the 70-year heritage moving forward. All models are superb and will keep the growth world wide of Jeep Grand Cherokee climbing.

It has best in class fuel economy according to Fiat-Chrysler.  The New 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 North American off road enthusiasts have been clamoring for a diesel powered Grand Cherokee. Jeep has delivered, and consumers will benefit greatly on the trail, and especially in everyday driving. Producing a class leading 240 horsepower and a massive 420 lb.ft. of torque, Jeep’s 24 valve dual overhead cam 3.0 liter EcoDiesel V6 delivers clean diesel technology with low C2 emissions.  The towing ability with the Diesel will be amazing.

Winter driving is great under most snow conditions.  I have never driven any Jeep with winter tires but believe it would be for Duluth, Rapid City, Marquette a must. Even with snow tires I carry a 40 pound box with survival equipment. My best tool is a come alongs and chains, ropes to pull the vehicle out of a stuck situation.   If the snow is so deep that your car/truck carriage is stuck then I use the come alongs and can pull myself out.  But, only if a tree is 200 feet away to attach the chains, ropes.

Capable of towing a best in class 7,400 pounds, the Eco Diesel powered Jeep Grand Cherokee is expected to deliver 21-mpg city and 30-mpg highway in 4x2 models, resulting in a best in class driving range of more than 730 miles. 4x4 models are expected to deliver 20-mpg city and 28-mpg highway. Fuel economy is 43 percent more than competitive gasoline powered V8 SUVs in the segment. BOSCH and other automotive suppliers and engineers agree with me and of course VW and Audi that diesel is perhaps the best way to go. I have said for years that the extra cost for the diesel is worth it. Great fuel economy but longevity of the engine is so important. Maintenance and longevity make a plus for diesel.  I met a young man from Montana who has owned three VW TDI models. He said no other vehicle could compare for his fuel economy plus little service. He is like myself a lover of diesels and I say Audi and VW are the reason. Bosch has also been promoting the advantages and delivers on their web site why Diesel.

With the new eight (8) speed ZF transmission it took some tuning before introduced. But, now thanks to this transmission fuel savings and performance in all models will be enhanced. Whether the base model to the SRT or Diesel model all will benefit from the transmission.

“We’re very happy with the long list of product and quality accolades the Jeep Grand Cherokee has earned,” said Doug Betts, Senior Vice President Quality, Chrysler Group LLC. “But the most important feedback comes from customers telling us what they’d like to see improved. We are constantly looking at feedback and responding with improvements.”

Doug Betts state the key upgrades for the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee include an eight speed automatic transmission to improve performance and fuel economy plus the newest Uconnect system that balances advanced technology and connectivity features with easy to use controls and voice commands.

U connect has been upgraded and now everything the driver sees, touches and even speaks to using voice commands is enhanced to increase function, connectivity and responsiveness.

In addition to the Quadra Lift air suspension, the Grand Cherokee’s class leading Selec Terrain traction control system allows customers to choose the on and off road setting for optimum performance. This feature electronically coordinates up to 12 different powertrain, braking and suspension systems, including throttle control, transmission shift, transfer case, Hill descent Control and Selec Speed Control. The system is one of the best! For years I bragged about Range Rover’s system but now I must also brag about the system Fait-Chrysler put in their Jeeps.

When the Grand Cherokee is operating in Eco Mode, it lowers itself to Aero Mode further enhancing Jeep Grand Cherokees aerodynamics for optimum efficiency.

Quadra Lift adds up to 4.2 inches of lift span supported by four corner air springs that provide a cushioned, premium ride. Quadra Lift operates automatically, or may be controlled manually with console controls. In the February and March snow storms in Michigan this ability of raising the body allows you to move through snow.

With the front air dam removed and the available Quadra

Lift air suspension, the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee features a 35.8 degree approach angle, a 29.6 degree departure angle and 23.5 degree breakover angle.

Another significant interior change for Grand Cherokee is the availability of the new Uconnect 8.4 inch touch screen. Connectivity and touch screens involve rapidly changing technology and ever

increasing consumer expectations both of which have a significant impact on the overall quality assessment of new vehicles. The advanced user friendly technology features for North America such as Uconnect 8.4inch touchscreen radio with integrated climate and infotainment controls, a 7 inch customer configurable multiview display cluster, Uconnect Access Via Mobile and cloud based voice texting.

The new 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee includes even more safety and security features more than 60, including Front Park Assist, Forward Collision Warning with Crash Mitigation, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Selec Speed Control. Among Grand Cherokee’s  advanced safety and security features are standard electronic stability control (ESC) that delivers four security features to improve overall vehicle handling and performance both on and off road: Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM) reacts and applies brakes during extreme situation, while available Selec Speed Control and Hill start Assist (HSA) work with standard trailer sway control (TSC) to enhance off road and towing capabilities.

In addition, standard front row active head restraints, standard full

length side curtain air bags and standard seat mounted side thorax air bags offer enhanced occupant protection to passengers in the

event of a collision.

Looking at the steering wheel you will notice that it has been upgraded. The spoke steering wheel is wrapped in leather, it features

sections of wood on Overland and Summit models. Each Grand Cherokee model has its own unique style of luxury and ambiance based on materials and color patterns. Laredo and Limited models feature dark wood trim on the dash and doors. Door handle

and dash vent bezels, as well as the trim on the center console, feature a slight gold hue to their brush aluminum look. Limited models also have bright insert door sill scuff plates and bright metal accents

that run along the bottom of the wood trim and that adorn the cargo bay. Premium cloth seating is standard on Laredo while Capri leather seating is standard in Limited models.

A redesigned steering wheel that is optimized for driving position while also providing control buttons for frequently used features such as radio, cruise control, phone and voice activated commands.

Cargo volume behind the second row measures 36.3 cu. ft. and includes a storage unit with a rechargeable flashlight and grocery hooks on both sides. The spare tire compartment includes removable dual storage bins for secure storage of muddy gear or other items.

Add the roof and MOPAR accessories you will be able to carry your Canoe or Kayaks.

They took longer than expected to introduce the new Grand Cherokee but once you take a test drive you will appreciate their commitment to perfection.

BRUCE HUBBARD

BRADLEY HUBBARD

BONNIE LYNCH

2014 ACURA MDX TECH ENTERTAINMENT FRONT WHEEL DRIVE MODEL

From above you see a small sunroof but I still enjoyed it.

The 2014 Acura MDX is a luxurious Crossover SUV. The 2014 MDX is the third generation of Acura's seven-passenger luxury performance SUV, the first to be developed from the ground up using an all-new, purpose-built platform (body and chassis) fully optimized for the needs of today's luxury SUV buyers. The MDX was in finals for the 2014 North American International Auto show competition that is highly important to manufacturers. 

My tester for the week was the Acura Front Wheel Drive MDX that shares the same engine and six-speed transmission with the All Wheel Drive MDX.  The six-speed transmission is a carry over from previous model. I assume the next generation will offer a seven eight or nine speed transmission but the present one worked well for the week of driving when I was not stuck in snow. The previous model had 300 horses. The new engine has 290 horses 267 foot-pounds or torque and is designed to deliver power and fuel economy. Using Honda Acura’s VTEC technology plus direct injection plus cylinder deactivation the fuel economy is excellent. The torque gets the MDX off the road quickly and in highway driving ability to move through traffic easily. Most of the competitors’ vehicles offer more horsepower. Lexus offers upgrade to 8 speed automatic.  The paddle shifter is from previous model but worked well throughout my driving experience. As I have stated in other auto reviews I love the paddle shifter to save brakes when traversing hills or mountains. It also delivers some excitement in driving.

Acura offers the three row MDX with comfort and all amenities their buyers demand. Neither the Front Wheel Drive nor the All-Wheel-Drive models are capable of serious off- roading.  The new model is over an inch lower also letting me know they do not intend many buyers ever to go off road. I asked Acura if they offer under carriage metal pans to protect if hitting rocks or even logs. No they do not and have never offered the accessory. The PR staff told me outside of dirt roads do not use the Acura MDX in off-road conditions. They designed the MDX for Palm Beach or Rodeo Drive drivers who want a great vehicle that had added stability and luxury built into it.

I have driven the Acura FWD MDX primarily on the flat roads of Florida.  Florida is good for the Front Wheel Drive MDX. The FWD MDX had sunscreens on the second row windows ideal for Florida or hot summers.  You will not need the sunshades for the winter season where temperatures this year were way below normal.

In Michigan I tested the FWD MDX during a week of snow and ice not seen in 20 years proved to me to only purchase the All-Wheel-Drive MDX for winter driving.  When I drive in snow country I carry chains and a survival kit I have used for years. All items are stored in a legal size file box made of high-end plastic. When I get in area with too much snow, ice the chains installed allows me to get out of a stuck situation.  As many states do not allow chains and others will not allow you to traverse mountain roads with out them I always carry them. In Michigan I used them to get me out of two situations where the Acura FWD MDX got stuck. One in deep snow that held the chassis under pressure and the FWD could not move forward or backwards. The chains on FWD allowed me out. Plus I used fencing under other wheels. Had the kitty litter thrown on snow. Plus, before that I used collapsible shovels to move snow from under the car and behind it.  I used my work boots with chains on them to allow me to traverse ice without falling.  Chains for shoes and tires are stored in separate box provided by the tire chain manufacturer. When I have them in Florida luggage inspection has asked me why? I just laugh.

According to 2013 sales Acura sold more than 53,000 vehicles for the MDX Acura stated to me that 70% of sales are the all-wheel-drive model. This year they expect more sales. One of my editors stated no way would they buy. For they are five foot tall and the brake lever is in such a bad location she could not drive FWD MDX in comfort.

Standard on the FWD MDX (AS SO MANY OF THE MANUFACURERS TODAY GIVE US) is a tire inflator kit. Standard on the AWD MDX is a limited use spare. When you blow a tire on the FWD MDX their tire inflator kit will be useless. When rim is damaged and sidewalls gone just call a tow company.  Not only is a tow expensive but also if you are told you need all new tires only person winning is tire dealer. There is tremendous confusion on All-Wheel-Drive vehicles when tire is destroyed.

Why replace all tires when you have a tire flat or blow out on an AWD vehicle. Too many manufacturers say yes. Great way for tires companies to benefit. A lot of money to replace them all. The tire stores have never made so much money on new tires as this 2014 winter. The potholes in Michigan caused tire blowouts and rim destruction never before this high. Tire dealers I talked too have never made so much money replacing tires destroyed by winter of 2014 and Pot Holes.

Some manufacturers of all-wheel-drive, partial all-wheel-drive and four-wheel drive state that their traction control system will be confused because of different size tires when three tires are used 30 or 40% less and then add new tire.  A new tire may have more surface area than the other three used tires confusing traction sensors. . ACURA’S DRIVERS MANUAL SAYS TAKE ACURA MDX AWD TO DEALER AND DEALER WILL REPLACE OR REPAIR TIRE. ACURA DOES NOT APPROVE RUN FLAT TIRES ON THE NEWER MDX MODELS. I HAVE DRIVEN RUN FLAT TIRES ON MANY OF BMW’S AWD VEHICLES AND LOVE THEM. They state also with FWD MDX have dealer advise need one tire or replace all.

THIS WAS IN PRESS RELEASE I RECEIVED IN FEBRUARY 2014. THIS IS CONFUSING TO ME AND OTHERS. When a MAJOR FLAT happens in some cases it’s not entirely true that you HAVE TO replace all 4 tires. According to press release the major AWD manufacturers state the following.  Audi recommends that the tires remain within 4/32nds of one another in tread depth, while Subaru recommends 2/32nds. But if your tires are outside that range there’s still another option. Tire truing or shaving. While it’s primarily used in racing, the same technique can be applied to a new tire to get it within specification of the worn tires for about $25 – $35 per tire. So, it’s going to be up to you if you want to shave down a brand new tire to match the old ones or if it’s just time replace them all.

Some of the older automatic AWD vehicles will need 4 new tires when one is beyond repair (given that the three remaining ones are at 50% or less of their life) - however, if one goes bad and the others are still pretty new, you may replace only the bad one.

Same thing, if two tires are worn down and the other two are still decent (70% or better) - you don't have to buy 4 new ones. If 2 are worn out and the other ones are at 50% or less you will have to buy 4 new tires.

The older automatic AWD systems with viscous couplings will suffer expensive damage when the tires on one axle are slightly larger in diameter than on the other axle. Repair bills of around $1000 are not uncommon.

If the Acura MDX whether FWD or all-wheel-drive had snow tires I may have been able to move through the snow and ice as well as I could with the Tire Chains. I did not have the luxury of having snow tires when so badly needed. Raves from Corvettes chief engineer Tadge Juechter who is head designer at the Corvette division of Chevrolet told me at the GM X-mas party he drives his Corvette Stingray with snow tires and can traverse most of the winter weather. He loves the snow tires. So little is discussed or advertised about the advantage of snow tires.

Power to weight ratio has improved thanks to weight saving design of the 2014 Acura MDX models.  High strength steels, new rear suspension is lighter, plus different frame shared with Odyssey help in delivering reduced fat not needed. The coil over shocks in the new model has improved handling.

Selecting Sport on the MDX’s integrated dynamics system (IDS) sharpens throttle response and adds heft to the wheel. The steering is better than the previous model. It is quicker. Three levels are offered Comfort, Normal, Sport and Acura FWD owners will probably decide on comfort in the IDS mode.

Auto AWD in the MDX can be used full time on all surfaces including pavement. AWD only briefly activates automatically when stability-threatening conditions arise. Essentially a 2WD car with 2WD handling characteristics. Absolutely no adverse terrain capabilities. Clearly built for added road stability and safety.
Not recommended for off-road beyond graded dirt roads.
• 2 wheels are powered most of the time
• 4 wheels are only temporarily powered.

I love the ability to tow and MDX FWD can tow up to 3,500 pounds. You need to spend nearly $600 for wiring harness and trailer hitch. Installation is extra. With the MDX AWD you need to spend another $277 for Trailer Hitch ATF cooler kit or $882 plus dealer installation cost.

The front wheel drive Acura FWD MDX Tech Entertainment model had MSRP of $49,550.00. The All-Wheel-Drive model is around $2500.00 more. If you wish towing ability it will cost you what I indicated above.

The Acura MDX models have always been a favorite of North American families. I love it but not as an off-road vehicles. But, as stated above in Florida and other Southern states it is a great choice.  Quality of Acura/Honda is seen everywhere in the 2014 model and continues to be a choice of discriminating buyers.

In all wheel drive comparisons look at our BMW X3.5I,Cadillac SRX, Infiniti QX60, Mercedes ML 350 4Matic,Audi and Lexus.

The Front Wheel Drive Acura MDX offers for tire repair an air inflator kit as so many manufacturers do today. The All-Wheel-Drive MDX comes standard with limited use spare tire. Above photo shows storage area I used for cameras and computer.

This shows compartment where I kept gear. On All-Wheel- Drive model compartment is not there for partial spare takes up the area.

Cover over carrier and then if you notice third row seats can be folded. When that is done the cargo space allowed me to carry Video and Camera Sticks/Tripods and gear. When folded with second row amazing what I could carry in cargo.

Going to drivers area we find some of the best seats available with memory and heated ability. I was amazed that my tester did not have heated steering wheel.

The MDX is skinnier for 2014, which allows for easier parking Acura states. The new MDX is longer and I am pleased with the cargo space when all seats are turned flat.

The Acura MDX crossover third row rear seat is for children or animals or friends you do not want to ride in comfort. Too cramped. The front row and second row are luxurious and offer room plus heated seats! However for our crew and me the fact that the second and third row seats now can be folded flat to deliver amazing cargo space. We carried video gear, tripods and still cameras in the flat cargo area.  Below the rear seating area the hidden cargo box was ideal to hide expensive camera gear and computers.

Second row seats are great and offer plenty of room. Plus with entertainment tech model we had lets passengers in second row to view video music on large screen.

This is control center for heated seats, climate control and hook ups for video music.

Head set for entertainment in second and third row seats of Acura MDX.

With winter around and so much snow I used MDX Front Wheel Drive to bring some wood to use in fireplace.  I used tarps and plastic to protect interior.  As I stated above the MDX with seats dropped has amazing cargo area.

Engine compartment that holds horizontally engine that is not only 290 horses but with engine deactivation very fuel efficient.

The Acura entertainment tech model delivered to the FWD MDX two screens to control navigation located in center stack. Top one has navigation screen easily seen.  The voice recognition is good but setting up takes some time to do. When sitting in second or third row passengers get superb head phones to view movies or listen to music with the tech entertainment systems. A large 16.2-inch screen works well for second or third row passengers.

Part of entertainment tech MDX is the two screen control center. Part for navigation and other for all services from heat cool, radio, etc.

Beautiful dash and all functions to run the MDX are redundant as seen in photos.


Functions worked well but I was not happy with being stuck three times for MDX could not move through snow or ICE.

Snow would not stop in 2014 for the Midwest.

When tires get his much snow and ice they do not work properly.  When snow is 14 to 24 inches then carriage of the low MDX causes vehicle to be stuck!

Wen snow was even this low Acura MDX was unable to move out of it!

US Border Patrol could not believe that their vehicle could outperform the MDX in deep snow. As stated previously I used MDX usually in Florida where we have tested vehicles for twenty years. Snow country of Montana, the Dakotas, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Michigan cannot be run in Front Wheel Drive Vehicles unless snow is plowed. Streets must be salted or cleared also.

Bruce Hubbard

Bonnie Lynch

JB Hubbard

Auto Advisor Group