2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
by Jim Prueter -04/2006

A Grander Grand Cherokee

(This review is representative of model years 2005 & 2006)

The introduction of the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee for 2005 represented the third iteration since it was introduced in 1992 and restyled again in 1999. Despite the new styling, it can’t be mistaken for anything but a Grand Cherokee. Visually the Grand Cherokee remains unchanged for 2006.

The overall height has been lowered two inches. The doorsills are higher, similar to the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum — all products from the Daimler-Chrysler stable of vehicles. The classic seven-slot Jeep grille remains, although more vertical than the previous fanned out version. Jeep has also reintroduced round headlights, a change previously made on the Wrangler and Liberty models.

Compared to the 2004 model, the new Grand Cherokee looks as though it has spent serious time with a personal trainer. Gone is the soft, rounded look in favor of a body with sharper edges and a sculptured, muscular appearance. The ever-familiar beefy wheel openings remain, but thankfully without the cladding of the previous generations. The windshield is more upright, the hood is longer and a front air dam is featured for the first time. Taillamps are larger and feature clear lenses for a more contemporary look.

The Grand Cherokee is available in three trim levels: Laredo ($27,860), Rocky Mountain Edition ($31,230) and Limited ($34,110). The new Overland ($40,085) replaces the Rocky Mountain Edition for 2006. All models come standard as 4x2, with 4x4 available for about $2,000. Quadra-Drive II (4x4) is standard on the Overland. The Laredo and Rocky Mountain Edition both come standard with a 3.7-liter 210-horsepower 6-cylinder engine. A 4.7-liter 235-horsepower V-8 is standard on the Limited and optional on both the Laredo and Rocky Mountain Edition. The 4x4 Limited is available with the much regarded Chrysler 5.7-liter 330-horsepower V-8 Hemi, the standard engine for the Overland.

A high-performance Grand Cherokee SRT8 powered by a 6.1-liter Hemi pumping out 415 horsepower and 410 pound-feet torque is expected to arrive in showrooms before the end of the year. This powerful SUV is said to have 0-60 times under five seconds. The anticipated base price is $39,995. All Grand Cherokees come standard with a five-speed automatic transmission. I tested the Limited 4x4 model with the Hemi engine and while performance was incredible, it drank gas like a world champion. I averaged just over 13 miles per gallon for the week. With the 4.7-liter V-8 delivering ample power and performance, I would advise consumers to think twice about ordering the Hemi, considering the high price of gasoline.

Inside, the dimensions are slightly larger than the previous Grand Cherokee. But for us tall guys, headroom remains inadequate. And because of a narrow wheel-well opening, I never found a comfortable position for my left foot.

The Laredo gets cloth seats while the Rocky Mountain Edition and Limited are outfitted with two-tone leather. Overland gets premium leather and suede seating. Power is standard for the drivers seat on all models, and carries over to the passenger side on the Limited and Overland. The interior is a definite improvement over the previous generation, with the addition of a two-tone dash, attractive wood appointments and faux aluminum trim. Still, Jeep would have done well to abandon the hard plastic in favor of a softer material to improve its look and feel.

I especially liked the layout of the dash. The climate and audio controls are exceptionally easy to use and, thankfully, Jeep has resisted the temptation to add the overly sophisticated controls that many manufacturers find necessary. To compensate, Jeep has made the all-wheel drive systems excessively confusing, an issue that I will address momentarily.

The seats are large, supportive and very comfortable if not a bit on the firm side. The second row seats fold flat and the headrests fold automatically so they don’t have to be removed to complete the maneuver. Unlike other models (like Chevy Equinox) the rear seats are stationary and can’t be reclined or adjusted fore and aft for more leg/cargo room. Also missing are map and storage pockets on the back of the front seats. Currently, the Grand Cherokee does not offer a third row of seats. However, an extend version called the Commander arrives next year and will offer the extra seating.

Even though Grand Cherokee has not changed much in outward appearance, it has changed in the way it drives, rides and handles. It rides significantly better, is noticeably quieter and handles light years better than the previous generation. Then again, I was never much impressed with the previous Grand Cherokee. To begin, the front suspension is now independent and the steering upgrades to a rack-and-pinion setup. I noticed much more precise handling, and excellent off-road performance and capability.

As mentioned, the four-wheel-drive systems are confusing, sporting numerous names and functions. All V-6 models with 4x4 have a Quadra-Trac I system with full-time four-wheel-drive. Nothing here to switch on or off — just all-time all-wheel-drive.

Quadra-Trac II, the best four-wheel drive system that Jeep offers, is basically the same as Quadra-Trac I, but with more off-road capability. It is optional on the Limited model equipped with the optional Hemi engine, and standard on the Overland.

Standard safety features include front smart air bags with four levels of deployment (meaning they are designed to deploy at one of three intensities, depending on the severity of the crash and size of the passenger). In a serious oversight, side torso airbags are not available. But, you can get side curtain airbags that cover the front and rear door windows in the event of a side impact. These are a $490 option on all three trim levels. Other safety features include standard anti-lock braking system and a tire-pressure-monitoring system. Electronic stability control is a $500 option, but only on the 4x4 models.

The 2005 Grand Cherokee achieved the government’s highest five-star crash-test ratings. These crash-test ratings should carry over to the 2006 model.

While its vehicles are still popular, Jeep sales have been falling in recent years because of increased and worthy competition from challengers like the Volvo XC90, Toyota 4Runner, Lexus RX 330, Cadillac SRX, BMW X3 and X5, VW Touareg, Acura MDX, Ford Explorer, Chevy Tahoe and others. But the newly redesigned Grand Cherokee is greatly improved overall while retaining its distinctive Jeep style and unmatched off-road capability. And now, it delivers more luxury than ever before.

Previous Jeeps have suffered from less than desirable quality and reliability levels, according to Consumer Reports. If Jeep can overcome those issues and public demand for SUVs doesn’t wane in light of high gas prices, the new Grand Cherokee will be a hit with consumers.