At first
blush, the 2014 Grand Cherokee isn’t a tremendous departure from the
model that debuted for 2012. Subtle styling tweaks are apparent, but
it’s what’s in the cabin and under the hood that are cause for
excitement.
Of
particular interest for the 2014 model year is the new EcoDiesel V-6.
Jeep has dipped its toe in the diesel market with a degree of hesitance
over the years. The original Liberty was available with a rather smoky,
2.8-liter, turbo-diesel V-6 in 2005 and 2006. The 2007 and 2008 Grand
Cherokees, meanwhile, were fitted with a 3.0-liter,
Mercedes-Benz-sourced, turbo-diesel that pumped out 215 horsepower and
376 pound-feet of torque.
Now, Jeep
is jumping back into the game. With 240 horsepower and 420 pound-feet
of torque, the 3.0-liter, Fiat-sourced diesel is a quiet but potent
offering. There’s a hint of turbo lag on takeoff, but this is a largely
responsive engine, with plenty of torque to scoot the Grand Cherokee
along. At freeway speeds, this is easily the quietest Grand Cherokee
money can buy.
The
excellent ZF 8HP eight-speed automatic handles shifting duties for the
entire Grand Cherokee range, and feels well suited to a diesel offering.
Its smooth shifts keep the engine in its happy place while contributing
to the powertrain’s overall refinement.
Our
Summit model was also outfitted with the latest goodies from Chrysler’s
tech department. The excellent 8.4-inch touchscreen display is a huge
improvement over the antiquated display in the old Grand Cherokee, and
the instrument cluster’s TFT display delivers pertinent information in a
beautiful way. We did notice a bit of choppiness in the instrument
cluster display’s responses, but overall the new system is a welcome
improvement.
2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit EcoDiesel 4x4
Engine: Turbodiesel V-6, 3.0 liters, 24v
Output: 240 hp/420 lb-ft
0-60 MPH: 7.8 sec (est)
Weight: 5374 lb
Fuel Economy, City/Hwy: 21/28 mpg
Base Price: $50,995
For more information visit http://PPMSuperSale.com
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