Jeep launches Grand Cherokee five-seater

JEEP has introduced a five-seat Grand Cherokee to join the seven-seat L model that launched around the middle of last year, with Night Eagle trim opening the range from $77,950 plus on road costs.

Compared to the Grand Cherokee L, the two-row model represents a saving of $4800 on the Night Eagle and Limited models (the latter priced from $83,950 + ORC) while the newly introduced Overland ($98,450 + ORC) is some $17,500 less than the Grand Cherokee L Summit Reserve flagship albeit with a different standard equipment mix.

Direct competitors in the large SUV segment, taking into consideration the Jeep’s 3.6-litre V6 petrol engine, pricing, true 4x4 capabilities and five seats are few.

One example is a Land Rover Defender 110 P300 at $84,350 + ORC, its four-cylinder turbo-petrol powerplant developing 221kW and 400Nm to outpunch the Jeep’s sole 3.6-litre 210kW/344Nm Pentastar V6 engine option. Both have an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Later in the year, Jeep says a new plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain will be offered on Summit Reserve 4xe, with details to follow closer to the launch.

The 4914mm-long Grand Cherokee five seater rides on a 2964mm wheelbase while the 5204mm-long L is on a 3091mm wheelbase. The former weighs between 30-50kg less than the L and uses a claimed 9.9-litres/100km versus 10.6L/100km for the L. 

All five-seaters share the same 3.6-litre 210kW/344Nm Pentastar V6 petrol engine driving through an eight-speed auto with ‘good’ Quadra Trac 1 4x4 system on Night Eagle, ‘better’ Quadra Trac 1 with Selec-Terrain Management on the Limited and ‘best’ Quadra-Trac 2 Active 4x4 System with Selec-Terrain, low-range transfer case and Quadra Lift Air Suspension on the Overland.

Standard equipment on all variants includes heated, electrically adjusted front seats with power lumbar support, the latest 10.1-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen multimedia unit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto plus over-the-air updates and height adjustable power tailgate.

On the safety and driver assistance front are automatic LED headlights, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go function, active lane management, automatic emergency braking (with pedestrian and cyclist detection), drowsy driver detection and traffic sign recognition.

Jeep says the 2023 Grand Cherokee offers enhanced levels of comfort and spaciousness in
providing “unsurpassed space and versatility” with 4095 litres of total interior passenger volume (an increase of 116 litres over the previous generation) and up to 1067 litres of cargo space (+40L).

Based on a stiffer new platform, the latest Grand Cherokee retains independent front and rear suspension and a pressed steel monocoque chassis design that, according to Jeep, provides “enhanced 4x4 capability with an all-new architecture”.

The Overland’s Quadra-Lift air suspension with electronic semi-active damping can boost ground clearance to 276mm and a maximum wading depth of 610mm.

Australia was used as part of Grand Cherokee’s validation program with more than 60,000km local testing in harsh and remote environments.

Inside the Night Eagle entry variant are suede and ‘TechnoLeather-accented’ bucket seats in black, a heated steering wheel, 10.25-inch digital instrument panel, wireless phone charging pad and six-speaker audio system.

On the outside are automatic LED headlights and 20-inch gloss black painted alloy wheels.

The Limited adds driver’s seat position memory, front-seat ventilation and a heated second seat row that also gains window shades. Audio gets a bump to nine speakers and ambient LED lighting makes an appearance along with 360-degree surround view cameras, auto high beam and a digital rear view mirror. 

In addition to the 4x4 system and suspension upgrades, Overland trim comes with black Nappa leather seat upholstery, proximity wake-up system, 20-inch polished alloy wheels and a dual-pane sunroof and enhanced multi-colour ambient lighting.

Options include an electronic limited slip differential, all-terrain tyres, skid plates and an uprated rear axle.

According to Jeep Australia Managing Director, Kevin Flynn, the new-generation Grand Cherokee “represents a fundamental shift for Jeep as it is the most technologically advanced model we have released”. 

“This vehicle is a blend of refined sophistication, dynamic performance, cutting-edge technologies, and unsurpassed levels of elegance. The new Grand Cherokee carries an attractive presence and capability that is uncommon in its segment, unquestionably Jeep brand and unmistakably world class.”

2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee pricing*:

*excludes on-road costs: