2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Total Car Score Analysis

Most traditional SUVs don’t fare well against the car-based crossover vehicles in this class, yet the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee earned a high Total Car Score, demonstrating the strength of its dual-purpose design.  
 
All-new for 2011, the Grand Cherokee offers superb, car-like driving manners, ample power and plenty of comfort and amenities for its passengers, while also delivering Jeep’s legendary off-road capabilities.  
 
The 2011 Grand Cherokee is larger, with a new look, fully independent suspension, new powertrain options and a more refined interior.  
 
This marks the fourth major redesign for the Grand Cherokee since its debut in 1992, when its roots went all the way back to the days when Jeep was owned by American Motors. Now the Grand Cherokee shares engineering features with Chrysler’s European partners, and the result is a SUV that combines crossover-vehicle driving traits with Jeep’s trail worthiness. Reviewers rewarded that unique combination with much praise.

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Model Line-Up

The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a four-door midsize SUV that seats five passengers and is available with two engines: the Pentastar 3.6-liter V6 rated at 290 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, and a 5.7-liter V8 that produces 360 horsepower and 390 lb-ft. (The high-performance Grand Cherokee SRT8 version is covered separately.) Both engines are backed by five-speed automatic transmissions.  
 
Several driveline systems are available, giving buyers the option of 2WD, fulltime all-wheel drive or traditional 4WD.  
 
The Grand is offered in five trim levels. Laredo E models feature 17-inch wheels, dual-zone air conditioning, cloth seats and an AM/FM/CD sound system. Laredo X models have 18-inch wheels, leather-trimmed upholstery, heated front seats and automatic climate controls.  
 
Limited versions have heated rear seats, Bi-Xenon headlamps and a nav system, while Overland models roll on 20-inch wheels and are equipped with premium leather, a power lift gate and premium sound. The Overland Summit adds exclusive exterior paint, polished 20-inch wheels and Black Olive burl interior trim to the Overland’s equipment.  
 
The Grand Cherokee can tow up to 7,400 pounds. Fuel economy ranges from 16 mpg city/23 highway for a V6 2WD model to 13 mpg city/19 highway for the V8 versions with 4WD.

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