From Off-Road Fun to On-Road Performance

The 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee

First debuting in grand fashion at the 1992 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan, the 2009 Grand Cherokee is a 4-door, 5-passenger sport-utility, available in 7 trims, ranging from the Laredo to the on-road high performing SRT-8. For 2009, this Jeep has a starting MSRP of $30,450 ? $44,845, and an average EPA fuel economy 11 ? 18 mpg for the city and 14 ? 23 mpg on the highway. The 2009 Grand Cherokee is a carryover from 2008, with only minor changes. New this year is Chrysler's uconnect multimedia suite, which can include a wireless cell phone link, 30-gigabyte hard drive for storing digital music and picture files, and a navigation system. Also new is Keyless Go remote proximity keyless entry and a new 5.7-liter V8 with variable valve control are standard on Overland and available on the Limited. A navigation system becomes standard on the Limited. This is the smaller of Jeep's two midsize SUVs. Maximum towing capacity ranges from 3500-7400 lb. The 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee retains Jeep's legendary off-road prowess while providing many luxurious and technical amenities.

Grand Cherokee Exterior

On the outside, the 2009 Cherokee continues to draw from its classic Jeep roots.  The 2009 Grand Cherokee dimensions are 186.7" long by 72.6" wide, which is a bit smaller than the other vehicles in its class, such as the Explorer and Trailblazer. The Laredo and Limited come with 17" chrome wheels while the Overland jumps to 18".  The Grand Cherokee is smallish for its segment, trailing the Explorer and 4Runner's exterior dimensions. It comes in at 186.7 inches long and 72.6 inches wide. Platinum accents appear on the bumpers, side molding, roof-rack side rails, liftgate light bar, and mirrors. Wheels are chromed, and the front sill guards are brushed stainless.

  Power for 2009

All Grand Cherokees have a 5-speed automatic transmission. The power selections begin with a Laredo trim 210-horsepower, 3.7-liter V-6.  The new V-8 also includes a Multi-Displacement System (MDS) to boost fuel economy. For those who want pure performance, the SRT8 is an on-pavement-only edition with a huge 6.1-liter HEMI rated at 420 hp. Laredo, Limited, and Overland trims are offered with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive that can be equipped with a low-range gear for off-roading. A high-performance SRT8 model has all-wheel drive without the low-range gear.  For 2009, the 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 has been redesigned, now applying variable-valve timing and cylinder deactivation for better fuel economy.   Optional on non-SRT models is a 215-hp 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6.

SRT8 Model ? Made for Performance

The SRT-8 (Street and Racing Technology V8) version of the Grand Cherokee debuted at the 2005 New York International Auto Show. The Grand Cherokee SRT8 model has a deep front air dam, rocker panel extensions and rear bumper cover make the Jeep look even closer to the ground. Its also got four-inch exhaust pipes that exit from the center of the rear fascia. SRT8 does 0-60 mph in just 5.0 seconds, says Jeep, and it feels that fast. The Jeep SRT8 gets visual and functional enhancements inside and out, turning this off-road beast into a true street performance machine. The body sits one inch closer to the ground with 20-inch forged aluminum wheels at each corner, wrapped in Goodyear Eagle RS-A tires with 255s in front and 285s at the back.  To achieve superior on-road handling, off-road gear has been removed to make the SRT-8 lighter. The SRT-8 has no low range case and no limited slip or locking differentials. Its ride stance is significantly lower and the front fascia spoiler gives the vehicle 7 inches (178 mm) of ground clearance. The Grand Cherokee SRT-8 was the first SRT vehicle to wear the Jeep emblem. The Jeep SRT8 drive-line stayed the same from the 2006 to 2009 model years.

Inside the Jeep Grand Cherokee

New for this year is leather that has been added to the armrests, doors and the top of the instrument panel. The Grand Cherokee has a decent 108.9 cubic feet of passenger space ? larger than the 4Runner's (103.1). The Grand Cherokee has 34.5 cubic feet of cargo space, and almost doubles it with the second-row seats down (67.4).  Standard in all trim options are air conditioning, power locks, windows, and mirrors, as well as an eight-way power driver's seat. The Grand Cherokee has a decent 108.9 cubic feet of passenger space.  The interior features a rich two-tone cabin and an LED-illuminated instrument cluster. The cargo area features a reversible load floor panel that flips over on itself to create a shallow container, for more versatility in the rear storage compartment.

?09 Grand Cherokee Drive

Rear- and four-wheel-drive versions are offered, and the latter driveline comes standard with Hill Descent Control, which is designed to keep the SUV's speed to a crawl when traversing difficult terrain. The Grand Cherokee is balanced and stable, but body lean prompts slowing down for tight, fast turns, even in the handling-oriented SRT8.  Options include rear and four wheel drive, as well as Hill Descent Control and Hill Start Assist.  The steering is reasonably quick, accurate, and nicely weighted. Still, the Grand Cherokee feels more like a truck than the typical crossover SUV.

Lineup for 2009 Grand Cherokee

The 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee comes in four trim levels. The Laredo comes with air conditioning, cloth upholstery, power windows, power locks with remote keyless entry, eight-way power driver's seat, tilt-telescoping steering wheel, AM/FM/CD audio with auxiliary input jack, driver information center, 60/40 split folding rear seat, an engine immobilizer, water-resistant storage compartment and 17-inch wheels.

The Limited comes with rear obstacle detection; rear backup camera; automatic climate control; sunroof; Boston Acoustics six-speaker, 276-watt AM/FM/CD stereo with MP3 capability; power adjustable pedals; power passenger seat; leather-wrapped steering wheel; Sirius satellite radio with one-year subscription; memory function for the seats, pedals, and mirrors; automatic headlamps; rain-sensing automatic wipers; auto-dimming rearview mirror; HomeLink universal garage door opener; an upgraded tire-pressure monitor that displays the status of individual tires; adjustable roof-rack crossrails; and machined-face 17-inch aluminum wheels.

The Overland comes with 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, the high-intensity discharge headlamps with auto leveling, the MyGig Infotainment System with navigation, a trailer-tow group, and chromed 18-inch aluminum wheels.

 The SRT8 comes with sport seats, special trim, and a level of standard features roughly analogous to those of the Limited model. A Skid Plate Group ($295) is available, along with an engine block heater ($40).


Summary

The Grand Cherokee's origins date back to 1983 when American Motors (AMC) engineers were designing a successor to the smaller Jeep Cherokee.  The Grand Cherokee is smallish for its segment; cargo room is smaller than both the Explorer and 4Runner's.  It comes in at 186.7 inches long and 72.6 inches wide. Still, the Grand Cherokee offers off road abilities that stay true to Jeep.  And for those looking for a high performing SUV, the SRT8 excels on the road. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. Hill descent control is available. A navigation system and mobile satellite television are optional.