The EFTM Garage – Jeep Grand Cherokee – Limited & Overland

You bought a Jeep? NO WE DID’NT. But it’s a catch cry we here at EFTM have been plagued by for 2 weeks. It’s a marketing line that’s clearly proving effective, and we’ve discovered the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee may well be worth the dosh.

Make: Jeep

Model: Grand Cherokee

Variant: Limited and Overland

Engine / Transmission:

Limited – 3.6 litre ‘Pentastar’ petrol V6. 8-speed automatic with Selec-Terrain

Overland – 3.0 litre V6 turbo-diesel. 8-speed automatic with Quadra-Drive II with an electronic limited-slip rear differential and Quadra-Lift air suspension

Drivetrain: 4WD

Vital Stats:

Limited – 210kW/347Nm (Petrol)

Overland – 184kW/570Nm (Diesel)

Jeep Claimed Fuel Economy:

Limited – 10.1 l/100km

Overland – 7.5 l/100km.

EFTM Claimed Fuel Economy: 

Limited – 11.0 l/100km

Overland – 8.5 l/100km.

MRRP Price:

Limited – 4X4 petrol- $56,000

Overland – 4X4 diesel – $71,000

Standard Features:

Limited – 20-inch alloy wheels, satellite navigation, nine speaker sound system, leather seats, dusk-sensing bi-xenon headlights with auto high beam, LED daytime running lights, auto wipers, fog lights, auto-dimming interior and side mirrors, dual-plane sunroof, tinted rear glass, power-adjusted and heated front seats with memory, heated leather steering wheel with paddle shifters, dual-zone climate control, 8.4-inch touchscreen, 7-inch instrument display, power rear lift gate, voice-controlled Bluetooth and front and rear parking sensors.

Overland (In addition to Limited) – Nappa leather seats and some leather interior trim, ventilated (cooled) front seats, heated rear seats, wood and leather steering wheel, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitor and forward-collision warning.

Safety Highlights

Limited – Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Brake Assist, All-speed Traction            Control (ASTC), Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM), Rain Brake Support, Ready Alert Braking, Front, side-curtain and driver knee-bolster air bags, ParkView Reversing Camera, ParkSense, Front and rear parking assistance with audio-visual indicators, Security Alarm with engine immobiliser, Keyless Enter-N-Go, keyless proximity entry system with push button ignition.

Overland (In addition to Limited) – Trailer Sway Control (TSC), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), Rear Cross-Path Detection (RCP) and Premium security alarm with engine immobiliser.

Wow Factor: Great, tough looks; off-road abilities are among the best around. Sophisticated, personalised instrument cluster.

Most Impressive: 8-speed automatic is smooth and refined. Handles admirably for a large 4WD.

Not so impressive: Climate control air-conditioning a little erratic, often hard to maintain the ideal temp. Tyres need more grip; some interior details remind you of the price. Has a 4-star ANCAP safety rating

Early verdict: Has a luxurious presence inside and out not befitting of its price.