New 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Beefs Up, Boosts MPG
A complete redesign sees the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee debuting with more power under the hood and added luxury in the cabin. Though still far from a fuel sipper, the mid-size SUV also boasts improved mileage for the year. Learn about new features for the 2011 Grand Cherokee and review specs, pricing and mpgs.
2011 Jeep Grand
Cherokee Styling
Right from the get-go, you can see that Jeep is attempting to give the Grand Cherokee a more refined and upscale appeal. Thankfully, they've managed to accomplish this without deleting the rugged styling cues for which the Jeep brand is known. On the new model, jagged edges have been replaced with a more shapely design that exudes an overall sophisticated aura. A solid inclusion of chrome helps complete the dramatic improvement in exterior aesthetics.
Inside, the Grand Cherokee's refinement belies the $30,000 base MSRP. Soft-touch materials are found throughout and a lengthened cabin offers substantial comfort for all five passengers. However, the Grand Cherokee still lags in the category of cargo space. In a class where more than 80 cubic feet of maximum storage is the norm, the Grand Cherokee delivers only 68.7 total cubes.
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2011 Jeep Grand
Cherokee Performance
Despite the elegant cosmetic upgrades, the Grand Cherokee is still the same beastly off-road champ that Jeep owners know and love. Base models come with a 3.6-liter V-6 engine that offers 290 horsepower and 260 lb-ft. of torque. An upgrade V-8 boosts performance to 360 horsepower and 390 lb-ft. of torque. New features such as an air suspension and drive-mode selector further enhance off-road capabilities. Impressively, an independent rear suspension also softens on-road manners.
For an off-road vehicle, the Grand Cherokee posts pretty good miles per gallon. EPA estimates suggest a maximum of 16-mpg in the city and 23-mpg on the highway. Four-wheel drive models outfitted with the V-6 lose one mpg on the highway. For those interested in a V-8 Grand Cherokee, expected mileage comes in at 14-mpg in the city and 20-mpg on the highway.
Maximum towing capacity for the new Jeep registers at 7,400 lbs.
Review full 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee specifications.
New 2011 Jeep Grand
Cherokee Safety
The Jeep Grand Cherokee comes with all the standard safety features that are expected in the mid-size SUV class - six airbags, four-wheel anti-lock brakes, stability control, traction control and active front head restraints. Brake assist, hill descent control, hill start assist, rear park assist, backup camera and adaptive cruise control are also available. Crash tests performed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) resulted in a best-possible overall rating of "Good." As one of the few SUVs to score "Good" in roof strength tests, the IIHS also names the Grand Cherokee a "Top Safety Pick" for the year.
2011 Jeep Grand
Cherokee Prices
The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee starts at $30,215. For those looking for a luxury off-road SUV, this price is hard to beat. In fact, the Grand Cherokee's closest competitor - the Land Rover LR4 - comes with a base price that is $17,000 higher than that of the Grand Cherokee. Upper trim models of the Grand Cherokee - which top out around $40,000 - are every bit as luxurious as Land Rover models.
Still, for those who are willing to compromise either luxury or off-road capability, there are more affordable options. Other alternatives worth considering include the Toyota 4Runner and Toyota FJ Cruiser.
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