Jeep Grand Cherokee returns as 5 seater eager to top its class
The Grand Cherokee received a much-needed facelift for the 2022 model year that borrowed design cues from its more opulent sibling, the Grand Wagoneer.
Jeep’s SUV front runner returns for a fifth-generational run offering a new higher-riding and tech-ladened five-seater platform. This is all you need to know about the 2023 Grand Cherokee.
The Cherokee is founded on a unibody chassis which is complemented by the firm’s Quadra-Trac II 4X4 system, which features an active transfer case to improve traction by moving torque to aid the wheels with the most grip. Suspension is overseen by the Quadra-Lift air suspension system accompanied by a semi-active electronic damping system which results in the Cherokee possessing a class-leading ground clearance of 287 mm and 610 mm of water fording.
A newly introduced feature in the Cherokee lineup is the front axle disconnect system which automatically switches from two-wheel-drive to 4X4 dependent on the surface the SUV is driving on. The five-seater Grand Cherokee measures in at 2 964 mm, while the Grand Cherokee L is founded on a 3 090 mm wheelbase. The five-seater Grand Cherokee is 289 mm shorter than the Cherokee L.
Related: Jeep Grand Cherokee L continues four generations of full-size SUV
Motivating the five-seater and seven-seater Cherokee is Jeep’s venerated 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine affording the Herculean passenger hauler with a power output of 218kW and 352N.m. Additionally, the beefy six-cylinder is capable of towing up to 2 812 kg and offers a claimed driving range of 800km. The Pentastar V6 is coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission that features longer gear ratios tasked with providing ideal power across the rev range and is capable of being adjusted as a result of the shift-on-the-fly driving profile system.
Touted as the most technologically advanced iteration so far, the latest Cherokee’s interior is characterized by elements such as the full-colour 10-inch HUD, two 10.2-inch digital displays supported by the Connect five system, a new digital rearview mirror, Tom-Tom navigation and a custom sound system consisting of 19 McIntosh speakers.
Related: Jeep Avenger cleans up with coveted Car of the Year award
2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee range pricing
- Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 3,6L 4×4 8AT: R1 329 900
- Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland 3,6L 4X4 8AT: R1 539 900
- Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Reserve 3,6L 4X4 8AT: R1 735 900
The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee is offered a five-year/ 100 000km maintenance plan and a five-year/100 000km warranty.
The post Jeep Grand Cherokee returns as 5 seater eager to top its class appeared first on CAR Magazine.
