I test drove the Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland. By German SUV standards, the price is reasonable at 70 to 80 million units even though it has a large body and substantial luxury specifications such as McIntosh audio and air suspension. In particular, there are plans to reduce volume in 2024, so the year-end proportion in the 10 million won range is the last opportunity.
The Jeep brand planned the 5th generation Grand Cherokee (WL) as a premium SUV targeting the premium market. To achieve this, we not only upgraded the interior and exterior, but also applied a high-end sound system, Macintosh, and maintained rough road driving performance through air suspension, while also working on on-road driving performance.
The new Grand Cherokee has significantly increased body size compared to the 4th generation, and is divided into a normal wheelbase model and a long wheelbase model, the Grand Cherokee L. In Korea, the Grand Cherokee L was first introduced in November 2021, followed by the normal wheelbase Grand Cherokee and the PHEV model 4xe in December 2022.
The prices of the domestic model lineup are Grand Cherokee Limited 76.9 million won, Overland 84.7 million won, plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model Grand Cherokee 4xe Limited 94.4 million won, Summit Reserve 111.9 million won, three-row long body model Grand Cherokee L Overland 89.1 million won, Summit Reserve It is 98.8 million won.
The model we test drove was the Grand Cherokee Overland, which has a two-row, five-seat configuration. Because the long-body model Grand Cherokee L was released first, its presence seems relatively weak, but the vehicle’s basics and completeness, such as driving performance and ride comfort, which are the strengths of the Alfa Romeo Giorgio FR rear-wheel drive platform, are actually ahead.
The Grand Cherokee has a large body with a total length of 4900mm, a total width of 1980mm, a total height of 1790mm, and a wheelbase of 2965mm. As a domestic model, it is similar in size to the GV80. Imported models are similar to the BMW X5 and Mercedes GLE. Not only the body size, but also the curb weight and powertrain layout are common.
The front design features Jeep’s unique 7-slot grille and shark nose, creating a sporty and luxurious atmosphere. Based on rear-wheel drive, the short front overhang is also an element of good design balance. As for the rear design, it would be a good idea to use it together with the L model’s rear lamp configuration and design.
The interior is centered around a horizontal dashboard, and the electronic infotainment monitor and electronic instrument panel convey a modern atmosphere. In addition to providing a variety of layouts, the T-map and Korean language translation are extensive, so although it is an imported car, it has the familiarity of a domestic car. Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto are provided.
The interior space is quite spacious, with legroom in the first row being 1012mm and legroom in the second row being 970mm, so there is no room for disappointment. The reclining range of the second row backrest is wide. The trunk space provided as standard is 1,068 liters, as the space devoted to the third row is eliminated. When the second row is folded, the space expands up to 2005 liters.
The powertrain combines a 3.6-liter V6 gasoline engine, 8-speed automatic transmission, and Quadra-Track 2 four-wheel drive system to produce a maximum output of 286 horsepower and a maximum torque of 35.1kgm. Acceleration from standstill to 100 km/h takes 7 seconds, and the maximum speed is 210 km/h. The curb weight is 2190kg and the combined fuel efficiency is 7.4km/l (city 6.6, high speed 8.8).
Noise and vibration are effectively blocked when stopping. The idling stop operates even in cold weather, reducing unnecessary fuel consumption in the city. Unlike most competitors in the same class with similar output, which require a turbocharger-based high-quality oil setup, the output and torque as specified are achieved even with regular oil.
The ride comfort in daily driving is quite smooth. It is a different sensation from simply gently loosening the damper and shaking, but it shows the smooth ride that can be experienced in a large SUV with a generous load design. Rather, the ride quality of the long-bodied Grand Cherokee L feels relatively firm.
If you press the accelerator pedal hard, you can hear an engine sound that is unexpected for a 6-cylinder engine. It is a different approach from the German high-performance model that emphasizes the exhaust sound, but the unique American sensibility of admiring muscle cars is also conveyed in the 6-cylinder Grand Cherokee. Nevertheless, the engine’s basic rotational texture pursues smoothness.
The stability when driving at high speeds is at a high level. Although it is equipped with all-season tires, it is not lacking compared to large German SUVs that use summer tires. In the same chassis, the balance of the normal wheelbase model is better than that of the long wheelbase model. This is the same for X5 and X7, GLE and GLS.
Adaptive cruise control reduces fatigue during long-distance high-speed driving and sectional speed driving. The level of completeness is average and supports stop and go. The lane keeping assist function is supported, but it is disappointing that it is a version one level lower than the 4xe Summit Reserve. It’s a different story, but the steering assistance of large SUVs is unstable.
Luxury home audio McIntosh’s 950W sound system includes a 17-channel amplifier, 19 speakers, and a 10-inch subwoofer, delivering sound that exceeds expectations. It is slightly different from the recently popular systems that emphasize the sound field, but it delivers a sound that is close to the original sound based on excellent hardware.
Overland models feature Quadra-Lift air suspension and Quadra-Track 2 all-wheel drive system with a 2-speed transfer case with a 2.72:1 low-range gear ratio. It has a height adjustment function and even supports driving on rough roads. The minimum ground clearance is 278mm, and the depth of the water reaches a whopping 610mm.
If I talk about the disappointing parts, the lack of high-quality materials is noticeable. It looks stylish with Nappa leather seats, leather covering, and stitching, but more careful effort is needed to compete with full-fledged luxury SUVs. This is also to differentiate it from the top trim, Summit Reserve.
The 5th generation Grand Cherokee is a symbolic model that shows the Jeep brand’s desire for luxury. It inherited the luxury elements of the ultra-large SUV Wagoneer on the chassis of the group’s luxury brand Alfa Romeo. It is important to remember that the proportional price is much cheaper than in the United States.
