The Jeep Grand Cherokee is an icon among sport
utility vehicles and the 2007 model is better than ever. Its looks are
stylish and it is powerful, quiet, and it offers plenty of space and features. It is one of the most comfortable Jeeps available. The 2007 chassis is now
far more sophisticated, which has improved the handling. Jeep widens the range of
fuel choices for its Grand Cherokee SUV for 2007, adding both a diesel engine
and a flex-fuel V-8 to its lineup. Side curtain airbags with rollover detection
are standard, and Jeep adds some new colors and various other exterior and
interior tweaks. The Grand Cherokee SRT8 sees only minor changes. The Grand
Cherokee is sold in SRT8, Overland, Laredo and Limited variations for 2007.
Three four-wheel-drive systems are available. Quadra-Trac I provides full-time
all-wheel-drive operation and requires no attention from the driver. Quadra-Trac
II is a full-time active four-wheel-drive system that has low-range gearing.
Quadra-Drive II includes electronic limited-slip differentials for heightened
offroad capability.
Trims and Features - 2007
The 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee comes in four trim
levels. The Laredo comes with a 210-hp, 3.7-liter V6 and a five-speed
automatic transmission. Cloth upholstery is standard. Air conditioning comes
standard, along with one-touch power windows, power locks with remote keyless
entry, eight-way power driver's seat, AM/FM/CD audio with auxiliary input jack,
driver information center, 60/40 split folding rear seat, an engine immobilizer,
water-resistant storage compartment, tire pressure monitor and 17-inch wheels.
Standard tires are now P245/65R17 Goodyear Fortera, replacing last year's 235mm
Goodyear Wranglers. The 4.7-liter overhead-cam V8 and leather seats are
available in option packages. Laredo 4WD comes standard with
Quadra-Trac I full-time four-wheel drive.
The Limited comes with the 4.7-liter V8 and leather
upholstery. Also standard: automatic climate control, power sunroof, Boston
Acoustics six-speaker, 276-watt AM/FM stereo with six-CD changer and MP3
capability, power adjustable pedals, power passenger seat, memory function for
the seats, pedals, and mirrors, SmartBeam automatic headlamps, rain-sensing
automatic wipers, electrochromic rearview mirror, HomeLink, a more sophisticated
tire pressure monitor that displays the status of individual tires, adjustable
roof-rack crossrails, and machined-face 17-inch aluminum wheels. Limited 4WD
gets all that plus Quadra-Trac II. The Hemi is optional on Limited models.
The Overland comes with the 5.7-liter Hemi, and
adds a wood-and-leather steering wheel, real wood accents on the doors and
console, two-tone leather and ultra-suede seats embroidered with the Overland
logo, leather-covered console and armrest, side airbags, DVD-based navigation,
Sirius Satellite Radio, ParkSense rear park assist with ParkView reversing
camera, a trailer-tow group, and chromed aluminum wheels. Platinum accents
highlight the exterior, and the front sill guards are now brushed stainless.
Overland 4WD adds Quadra-Drive II.
The SRT8 comes with a 6.1-liter Hemi rated 420
horsepower, a lowered suspension and its own electronic all-wheel-drive system.
Distinctive bumper fascias and 20-inch wheels make SRT8 instantly identifiable.
Inside are sport seats, special trim, and a level of standard features roughly
analogous to the Limited's. Options can bring an SRT8 nearly up to the Overland
level of comfort and convenience.
Driving a Grand Cherokee
The Grand Cherokee offers a nice ride and corners
well. The steering is reasonably quick and accurate, and nicely weighted. The V-6 is short on power going up steeper grades, but otherwise its performance
will suffice for most drivers. Jeep's 4.7-liter V-8 is an appealing compromise
closer to the V-6, though more refined. With the Hemi V-8 engine, the Jeep
starts off with a leap. Acceleration is less assertive at highway speeds, but
the automatic transmission performs well on steep upgrades by downshifting
promptly when you push the accelerator. Overall, ride comfort is appealing
in each version. The Hemi edition works best with off-road conditions. The seats
on the 2007 Grand Cherokee are exceptionally comfortable and have good support
and fair side bolstering.
Powertrain Options
Four engines are available: the 5.7-liter Hemi V-8,
rated at 330 horsepower and 375 pounds-feet of torque; a 3.7-liter V-6 that
develops 210 hp and 235 pounds-feet of torque; a 230-hp, 4.7-liter V-8 that
develops 305 pounds-feet of torque; and a turbocharged diesel V-6 that makes 215
hp and 376 pounds-feet of torque. All engines work with one of two five-speed
automatic transmissions. Tow ratings are 3,500 pounds for the 3.7-liter V6,
6,500 pounds for the 4.7-liter V8, and 7,400 pounds (7,200 with 4WD) for the
5.7-liter Hemi or 3.0-liter turbo-diesel. The Laredo comes standard with
Chrysler's 210-hp 3.7-liter V6, with its own five-speed overdrive automatic
transmission. The 3.7-liter uses single overhead cams and has been upgraded for
'07 with electronic throttle control. The V6 gets significantly better mileage
than any of the V8s.
Inside the Jeep Grand Cherokee
Five occupants fit inside the Grand Cherokee, and
the driver faces a symmetrical two-tone instrument panel. The four-gauge cluster
has LED illumination with red pointers. The Grand Cherokee receives a cabin
update in 2007. New touches include an improved finish on the upper panels
and a four-gauge cluster with LED illumination features black gauges with
brilliant red pointers. The Laredo received the same chrome gauge rings that used to
be exclusive to the Limited, plus chrome-accented HVAC controls and a
matching-color bezel on the console. The cabin atmosphere is comfortable, with
a lot of seat adjustment, excellent outward vision around relatively slim
windshield post. All switches and controls are clearly labeled and easy to
find and use. Cup holders are keyed to the interior hue; Jeep says the
cupholders are now colored to match the rest of the interior. Laredo models get
chrome accents on the instrument gauges and climate-control system, as well as a
black bezel for the center console. The seats are large and cushy; on
Laredo the seats are upholstered in cloth with leather as a package option, while
Limited seats are two-tone leather with perforated inserts. In Overland, the
seats are upholstered in high-contrast two-tone Ultrasuede, featuring accent
stitching and embroidered Overland logos. Overland also features real wood trim
on the steering wheel, instrument panel, door panels, and gear selector. The
center armrest is leather-upholstered, and unique colors are employed in the
instrument cluster. A reversible load-floor panel in the cargo area
improves versatility. Available features include a navigation radio, a rear-seat
DVD entertainment system, Boston Acoustics audio and rear park assist. In
the
back is nearly 70 cubic feet of cargo space.
Jeep Design
Outside, Grand Cherokee is angular, clean and
contemporary, while still holding true Jeep trademarks. The Grand
Cherokee's appearance is led by Jeep's signature seven-slot grille, which is
flanked by round headlamps. The grille is body-colored on the Laredo model,
chrome on the Limited and wire lattice on the Overland. For 2007, new
exterior updates include body colored door handles on the Laredo, and redesigned
black bodyside moldings. Five new color options and revised taillights also
distinguish the '07; otherwise Grand Cherokee's outside appearance hasn't
changed significantly since '05. The Grand Cherokee has a fashionably high
waistline and small side windows. The shape of the body is designed to protect
the sides of the vehicle from potential road debris. Limited models still
present a flashier appearance, with a chromed grille, bright inserts in the
bumpers, and accent-color bodyside molding. The Overland is distinguished
by mesh-texture grille inserts between its traditional vertical grille bars,
which are Platinum in finish; Platinum accents also appear on the bumpers, side
molding, roof-rack side rails, liftgate light bar, and side-view mirrors. Built
on a 109.5-inch wheelbase, the Grand Cherokee is 186.6 inches long overall and
67.7 inches tall, with a 62-inch track width.
Safety
Antilock brakes are standard on all trims, as are
side curtain airbags. Other safety features that come on all Grand
Cherokees include an electronic stability program (ESP) with roll mitigation,
traction control, and front air bags with four levels of deployment.
The 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee offers a wide range of
modern engines and options. Grand Cherokee had its last total redesign for
2005. For 2006, Jeep expanded the Grand Cherokee model range with the luxurious
Overland and the high-performance SRT8. For 2007, Jeep has added a number of
refinements. In its physical dimensions and towing capacity, Grand Cherokee is a
mid-size SUV, like the Ford Explorer or Chevrolet TrailBlazer. Uses for the
Grand Cherokee are versatile, from a daily family vehicle, to a weekend
explorer. It can handle city streets, highways, and offroad travel, and is
capable to haul and tow. The Grand Cherokee gets an estimated 22 mpg Hwy,
and 17 mpg City.