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