5 Reasons Why the 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee is Truly a Grand SUV

The 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee in Keene NH is an SUV that shouldn’t be taken lightly. It’s received a few new updates for the upcoming model year, and still retains that same classic Jeep styling, feel, and capability that both old and new Jeep fans will appreciate. A fresh and sleek look is the center point of attention, as well as an interior that’s loaded with luxury features on higher-trims, but still available on lower ones. That traditional Jeep capability has been enhanced for the Grand Cherokee, and its performance is arguably now the closest in the Jeep model lineup to rival the Wrangler in terms of off-road capability. But, that’s not all it’s good at. Thanks to an appealing and versatile engine lineup, the Grand Cherokee is also perfectly content being used as a daily driver. Finally, it can do anything and everything.

If you thought the 2016 Grand Cherokee was a great vehicle, then you’ll absolutely love the 2017 model. Let’s take a closer look at the new Grand Cherokee, and why it’s truly a grand SUV.

A Fresh Look

Again, the Grand Cherokee is staring down the market with a confident, rugged, and elegant design. Its design is an ensemble of everything from strength to luxury, and is one of the rare vehicles that’s able to pull off a look like that. Looking at the Grand Cherokee is perhaps the best way to see what Jeep is truly all about: unparalleled off-road capability that’s set the standard for years, combined with constantly evolving luxury and modern ideals when it comes to car making.

But, what about that fresh look I was talking about? It’s a minor styling change, but it truly makes the Grand Cherokee pop more than ever before. Whether it’s the Laredo, Summit, or Trailhawk trim, the exterior styling treatments the GC has received are quite noticeable, and very much appreciated.

An updated grille and fascia are the first thing you’ll notice about the new model, along with updated daytime running lamps and LED fog lamps. The front-end is much more menacing and sleek looking compared to the 2016 model, and the restyled headlights are primarily what make it pop more. If you really want to make it stand out, Bi-Xenon High-Intensity Discharge Headlamps are available. It’s also a lot more aerodynamic in the front, which contributes greatly to the sleek appearance and overall on-road performance.

Loaded Interior — Especially on the Higher Trim Levels

The outside isn’t the only part of the 2017 Grand Cherokee that’s received updated features. On the inside, there is enough luxury to rival even more “prestigious” and high-end automakers like Volvo. The unique thing about Jeep’s idea of luxury though, is that the brand embraces luxury with a purpose. The cabin is meant to make both on-road and off-road travel much more comfortable.

If you want top-of-the-line luxury, you’ll have to nab the Summit trim. It’s a vehicle that’s loaded with plenty of comfort-oriented features, and even has an available package that’s new for the upcoming model year. The all-new Signature Leather-Wrapped Interior Package adds luxurious leather trim that covers nearly every touchpoint – the seats, instrument panel, door panels, center console, and glove box. The quilted leather seats in this package are worth looking at further, and feature quilted bolsters with contrast piping to not only create a unique look, but also feel.

Even the Trailhawk trim is covered in leather and suede from head-to-toe. Showing us that Jeep is clearly taking their GC model and moving it towards a more luxury-oriented lineup. But, without sacrificing off-road capability.

Exceptionally Traditional Jeep Capability

Again, the Grand Cherokee Trailhawk is outfitted with a Trail Rated badge, signifying its exceptional and tested off-road performance. It’s the most capable SUV in its class, and looks to perform almost as well as the Wrangler — just with more comfort.

The Trailhawk has a 25.7 degree approach angle, 22.8 degree breakover angle, 27.1 degree departure angle, and 10.8 inches of ground clearance when the off-road settings are adjusted. Along with those stellar measurements, the Grand Cherokee is also outfitted with Jeep’s most advanced 4×4 system: Quadra-Drive II. All-weather capability is only a fraction of what this system provides, seeing as it can transfer 100% of engine torque to a single wheel if needed. With this system, the Grand Cherokee is able to tackle anything and everything — even rock crawling.

Of course, the Selec-Terrain Traction Control system has a lot to do with that as well. With the turn of a dial, you’re able to choose between five settings that optimize the GC’s performance for whatever condition it’s in — Snow, Sand, Auto, Rocks, or Mud.

It’s also outfitted with a Quadra-Lift Air Suspension system, and Selec-Speed Control.

An Appealing and Versatile Engine Lineup

But, the new Grand Cherokee doesn’t just dominate the off-road trail. Combine the luxury and stellar handling with a versatile engine lineup, and you have a Jeep that can go from crawling rocks to taking the kids to school in the blink of an eye.

A 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine is the standard choice, and puts out 295 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque. Engine Stop/Start technology is on board, and cuts fuel flow and turns off the engine when the vehicle comes to a stop. Couple that with the new aerodynamic hood, and the Pentastar V6 can get over 26 mpg highway, which translates to over 600 highway miles.

The 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 engine is the one if it’s on-road proficiency you’re looking for. With 420 lb.-ft. of torque and 240 horsepower, it’s got plenty of kick to get you down the road. But, it also gets great fuel range, and is able to go 738 highway miles on a single tank of gas, roughly translating to 22 mpg city and 31 mpg highway.

Of course, the 5.7-liter V8 Hemi engine is available for 4×4 models only. But, it puts out 360 horsepower and 390 lb.-ft. of torque, and is good for either off-roading or driving on the street.

It Really Can do Anything and Everything

The fifth and final reason the GC is truly an amazing SUV? Because, it can do anything and everything. Even with the Trailhawk trim, you could go from off-roading to highway driving at the turn of a dial, and the adjustment of the air suspension. Want more luxury? The Summit trim still provides surprisingly decent off-road capability stock, but has all the latest and greatest luxury features on board.

This means the trims found in the 2017 Grand Cherokee make it possible for someone looking for a basic SUV, a high-end luxury SUV, or an off-road SUV to pick and choose from the GC lineup. Something that not every automaker is able to brag about with its SUV.