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Thanks to Jeremy White (interviews), Jim Choate (photo posting), oh20 (accurate predictions), MooseEater (news).
2011 Jeep Grand Cherokees are set to arrive at dealers in June 2010. An extended version, dubbed the Dodge Durango (possibly Dodge Magnum), is coming. The standard engine is the Pentastar V6 on all models; the 290 horsepower V6 engine is said to be smoother than competitors from Toyota, Honda, and GM, and has variable cam timing to allow for good gas mileage. The Hemi will remain optional across the board, and may be pushed by Chrysler while V6 production ramps up.
Jeep vs Toyota, Mercedes, Honda, GMC
The independent front and rear suspension have isolated cradles. Variable-rate rear springs improve on-road handling and comfort, and the spare tire is stored inside as opposed to underneath. Torsional rigidity has been increased 146%.
Pricing and features
The new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo, with a new, upscale interior, advanced four wheel drive system, 290-horsepower Pentastar V6, six-speed automatic, numerous standard features, and up to 7,400 lbs of towing capacity, will start with a U.S. list price of $32,995 including destination.
Give up the four wheel drive, and the price drops by $2,000 on the Lardeo, $2,500 on the Limited, and $3,500 on the Overland.
Dealer invoices are close to the actual sales prices. A Grand Cherokee Laredo, the well equipped base model, is listed at $32,995 with no options; the dealer cost is $31,402, with a $966 dealer holdback. The Friends & Family Program drops that down to $31,088 with no need to bargain.
The very well equipped Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4x4 is listed at $39,600; the dealer invoice price is $37,402 (including gasoline). Some sample options include the Hemi V8 engine ($1,495 list, $1,331 invoice), aluminum painted wheels ($1,095 list), hard drive/navigation system stereo ($750), and trailer towing ($695). Dealer invoice for options varies quite a bit, with a hefty profit on some options but a very narrow profit on most.
Dealers generally cannot sell vehicles at invoice and break even overall, because of the high costs of carrying inventory, insurance, real estate taxes, commissions, and salaries; and buyers are advised not to try to bargain dealers down to invoice prices. The luxury Jeep has a small dealer markup for its price; Chrysler may be assuming that dealers will be able to survive due to greater sales volumes, smaller negotiated discounts due to the new models' desirability, and the performance-based dealer bonuses announced some time ago.
2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee features and performance
The new V6 increases gas mileage by 11%, for 23 mpg highway (US) — over 500 miles per tank. The interior provides over four inches of increased rear-seat knee and leg room, and 17 percent more cargo volume (as released first on allpar.com). Numerous safety features are standard, and options include Blind-spot/Rear Cross-path detection and Adaptive Cruise Control with Forward Collision Warning, along with FloTV, satellite TV, and Internet router.
The Laredo includes keyless entry, stability control with anti-roll, hill start assist, trailer sway control, side curtain airbags for both rows, active head restraints, power driver's seat, fog lamps, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, satellite radio, and 17-inch aluminum wheels; the 360 horsepower Hemi V8 will be optional. That model starts at $32,995.
The Limited adds Quadra-Trac II® with Selec-Terrain (if you get the 4x4), front and second-row heated leather seats, memory settings, High Intensity Discharge auto-leveling headlamps, CommandView dual-pane panoramic sun roof, rear back-up camera, rear park assist, premium audio, automatic temperature control, 18-inch aluminum wheels, Garmin® navigation, rain-sensitive wipers, and bright door handles. The price for Limited is $39,995 including destination.
The ultimate Grand Cherokee, the Overland model, adds the Quadra-Lift air suspension (if you get the 4x4), premium interior with Nappa leather-trimmed and heated seats, vented front seats, wood/leather-wrapped heated steering wheel with memory, power tilt/telescope steering column, wood bezels, leather-stitched instrument panel/doors/center console armrest, power liftgate, and 20-inch aluminum wheels. That model starts at $42,995 including destination.
Larry Vellequette, one of the few outside of Chrysler to have seen a 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee on the street, wrote in April 2010, “Today I saw parked on the street a 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland, silver with black leather interior, with right-hand-drive. Let me just sum up this vehicle in one word: Spectacular. The gauge cluster is "wrapped" -- for use of a better word -- around the steering column. The only thing missing from the cockpit are a throttle stick for the left hand and a trigger for the wheel. The stitching and wood trim on the leather dash and wheel were beautiful. The exterior screamed "aggressive." I showed the photos to some of my co-workers who weren't lucky enough to be able to check it out in person before it pulled away, and they were awestruck. "That's the hottest Jeep I've ever seen," among other comments.
2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee features and engines
Quadra-Lift
The Quadra-Lift air suspension system (for 4x4 only) has five height settings, two for off-road use (raising 1.3 and 2.6 inches above normal, to a maximum 11.1 inches of ground clearance), “aero” (lowering .5 inches for aerodynamics at speed), and entry/exit, which lowers the car by 1.5 inches. Quadra-Lift operates four-corner air springs automatically, or via console controls; the Aero control is automatic and speed-controlled.
Selec-Terrain
The Selec-Terrain™ traction control coordinates up to 12 powertrain, braking, and suspension systems, including throttle control, shifting, the transfer case, and stability control. It is included with the Off-Road Group and Hemi, and is standard on Limited and Overland, provided either Quadra-Drive or Quadra-Trac II is specified. The driver can choose between:
Sand/Mud: Traction control and Quadra-Lift are more sensitive to wheel spin, and torque is tuned; 50/50 torque split
Sport: Cuts the traction control back, lowers the Jeep by half an inch, and puts up to 80% of power to the rear wheels
Automatic operation with torque split at around 40/60 front/rear
Snow: Traction and Quadra-Lift tuned for snow-covered roads; the torque split is around 50/50
Rock: The suspension raises to the maximum 11.1 (some documents claim just 10.7) inches height and the transfer case, differentials, and throttle coordinate to provide low-speed control; around 50/50 torque split
The approach, departure, and breakover angles are all improved over the 2009 Grand Cherokee, along with maximum ground clearance (with the air suspension). These angles are superior to those of the 2010 Equinox, Highlander, Pilot, and 4Runner (except ground clearance without Quadra-Lift).
2011 Grand Cherokee* 2009 Grand Cherokee 2008 Liberty* Wrangler Rubicon Toyota, Honda, GM
Approach Angle 35.9 32.3 39.1 44.3 see
Departure Angle 29.2 27.5 32.1 40.4 the
Breakover Angle 25.1 20.4 20.4 25.5 comparisons
Ground Clearance 8.1 - 10.7 8.5 10 page
2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee with Quadra-Lift and air dam removed. Liberty figures are with the air dam removed. Some literature has maximum ground clearance at 11.1 inches.
Two off-road groups are available; group I includes Selec-Terrain, a four wheel drive transfer case with low range, tow hooks, and skid plates. Group II includes those features and adds QuadraLift. Off road groups are not available with 20 inch wheels; 18 inch wheels are substituted.
Four wheel drive systems
Quadra Trac I has full-time four-wheel drive without controls. This light-weight single-speed case is proven and efficient.
Quadra Trac II has a two-speed transfer case and uses Throttle Anticipate to sense quick movement in the throttle from a stop and maximizes traction before slippage occurs. When tire slippage is detected, all available torque can be routed to the axle with the most traction.
Quadra Drive II has a rear (and rumored front in the future) Electronic Limited-Slip Differential which detects tire slip and sends torque to tires with traction. As with Quadra Tac II, in some cases, the Jeep will anticipate low traction and proactively limit or eliminate slip.
All 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokees equipped with either the off-road or the Quadra-Lift group are Trail Rated® which means it passed off-road conditions in traction, ground clearance, maneuverability, articulation, and water crossing.
Jeep Grand Cherokee luxury features
The interiors have better craftsmanship, with soft-touch, premium materials and genuine wood trim; all models have bright chrome accents. The Keyless Go system, optional on some models and standard on others, unlocks and locks the doors without a fob. The CommandView sunroof has fixed glass panels above both rows of seating, with an express power shade to cover it.
Compared with the outgoing Grand Cherokee, the 2011 Jeep has 4 inches more rear seat leg room, with 12° of recline, a standard center folding armrest and rear seat vent controls, and 17% more cargo capacity... with the spare tire now mounted inside.
2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee engines
The base engine is a new 3.6-liter V-6 engine pumping out 290 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque (353 N•m) @ 4,800 rpm; 90% of peak torque is available from 1,600 to 6,400, so it's not a “peaky” or “paper horsepower” engine. The new Jeep Grand Cherokee V6 is not only more powerful - by 80 horses - but gas mileage is 11% higher.
The V6 Grand Cherokee has more horsepower than Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, and GMC Acadia, with more torque than Highlander or Pilot, and similar gas mileage to all three competitors (within 1 mpg) according to Chrysler Canada's materials. Towing is rated at 5,000 lb with the V6, similar to or more than the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, and GMC Acadia; but goes up to 7,200 lb with the Hemi V8 (equipped properly).
The Pentastar V6 is attached to the Mercedes W5A580 five-speed automatic, with Chrysler’s controls and the driver-interactive control. The gas tank has been increased to 24.6 gallons, which allows for a range of around 500 miles.
Jeep V6
(CA lit) Jeep V8
(2009 info)
Jeep V6 Diesel
(Unconfirmed) Pilot TrailBlazer 4Runner
Horsepower 290 360 247 250
Torque 260 390 369 253
2WD mpg 16/23 14/20 17/23 14/20 16/21
Canada: L/100km 13.1 / 9.1 16.3 / 10.5 similar
AWD mpg 16/22 13/19 16/22 14/20 16/20
(Competitors: 2010 figures. CA lit is from info sent to Canadian dealers.)
The Hemi V8 uses cylinder deactivation to increase mileage, and is (we believe) coupled to the reliable, smooth Chrysler-designed 545RFE five-speed automatic transmission, which has a sixth forward speed for highway kickdown.
Diesel engine
Outside the US, the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee will, as in the past, be sold in left- and right-hand drive with either diesel or petrol engines. The diesel engine was to be the Mercedes 3.0, but “Stratus” told us that was yanked in September 2009. Instead, the Grand Cherokee will (he said) use VM Motori’s brand new RA 630 DOHC engine, another 3.0 liter V6, with four valves per cylinder and common rail fuel injection; power output is estimated at 247 hp (184 kW) with torque of 369 lb-ft (500 Nm). We'd expect the transmission to stay the same.
Hill-Start and Hill-Descent modes help drivers to get started on a hill without rolling back, and to descend steep hills.
Models and features (Canadian versions)
The base model, the Laredo E, is a well equipped machine with standard passive entry/keyless go, new double dash construction with acoustic side glass, electronic stability (with hill start, roll mitigation, and trailer sway control), side curtain airbags in front and rear, front side airbags, front active head restraints, power driver seat, 17 inch aluminum wheels, fog lamps, power-adjusted heated mirrors, trip computer (with feature personalization), LED interior lights, and dual zone temperature control. Overall, the base model is as fully loaded as some top line models; but it is the only model that cannot be ordered with the Hemi.
The Laredo X brings leather trim, heated front seats, power front passenger seat, 18 inch wheels, hard-drive based stereo with hands free phone system, 506-watt, 9-speaker Alpine stereo, remote starter, Park-Sense (rear distance detection), and alarm.
The Limited adds a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, Quadra-Trac II, dual-zone automatic temperature control, heated first and secondrow seats, ventliated front seats, power liftgate, heated and tilt/telescope steering wheel, memory settings (for seat, mirrors, and radio), 18” shiny wheels, HID headlamps with SmartBeam, rear backup camera, and rain sensitive wipers.
Finally, the Overland model (shown below) adds a unique interior, real wood/leather wrapped heated steering wheel, premium navigation system with voice recognition, and new 20” aluminum painted wheels.
Options include the Hemi with bright dual exhaust, Class IV trailer tow group, Quadra-Drive II (Hemi only, July availability), and Quadra-Lift (July).
Cargo capacity has increased 17% over the last model, with 36.3 cubic feet of space.
Personal impressions (Jeremy White)
The exterior is nice; the sculpting is dramatic yet smooth. Ralph Gilles told me they are almost at the tear point of the metal and the sculpting could not be made deeper without other design compromises (he also noted that the platform was co-developed with Mercedes). The power liftgate is a new design, seemingly hidden within the rod covering.
The interior is comfortable with just about all surfaces “soft touch” and good wood trim abounds. The control stack aluminum-look plastic is the only part that doesn't seem top notch, but it is still good quality. Interior panel gaps are tight and controls felt good. The sunroof is huge. The dash and seats and instruments are well laid out and ergonomic. The two tone interior on display (Brown/Charcoal) has a nice contrast and color and the leather is very soft. Some of the dash seems to be leather and has stitching similar to the Ram. Back seat room is better than current Grand Cherokee and far better than the Commander.
Body and chassis
The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee’s ruggedness is achieved with more than 5,400 welds in the body alone. Torsional stiffness is 146% more than the current Grand Cherokee and is stiffer than the BMW X5 and Toyota Highlander for improved durability and reduced noise, vibration, and harshness. With more than 3,700 mm of arc welding and 100 m of structural adhesive to augment welding, this marks a 53% increase in spot welds, a 42% increase in arc welds, and a 38% increase in structural adhesive.
The new interior now features rich materials and elegant appointments, as well as more room for both passengers and cargo. An optional CommandView® dual-pane sun roof provides twice as much glass surface than a standard sun roof and extends from the windshield to the rear of the vehicle. The front panel may be opened rearward, providing additional light and fresh air to first-row passengers. The rear panel, which is fixed, allows light and open viewing for second-row passengers and comes standard with a power sun shade.
The vehicle’s 114.8-inch wheelbase is 5.3 inches longer, but overall length is just 1.8 inches longer; coupled with three inches more width, the the size changes should improve cornering as well as interior space. Larger front door openings (1.9 inches wider; 2 inches higher) and rear doors that open 78° (vs. the old model’s 67 degrees) provide better access to the interior.
Inside, premium seating includes room for five passengers. An available fold-flat front-passenger seat provides improved cargo storage room (Laredo models). Rear seats recline 12° and move forward 12° for 24° of variation.
The cargo bay behind the rear seats has 6.8 more cubic feet of room (36.3 cubic feet total), and includes a storage unit with a rechargeable flashlight and new grocery hooks on both sides. The spare tire compartment includes removable dual storage bins for secure storage of muddy gear or other items. A new power rear liftgate is available.
Quality features
Engineers will conduct approximately 7.5 million customer-equivalent miles for durability and reliability testing of the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Testing and validation in various climates include road trips to a variety of locations including Yucca, Arizona, Baudette, Minn. and Morgantown, West Virginia. A full battery of lab testing includes full-frame fatigue testing and a road-test simulator. The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee has gone through more than 244 hours of wind noise and aerodynamic evaluations.
More than 3.3 million customer-equivalent miles were recorded on Pentastar engine dynamometers prior to production. Severity testing was increased 50% versus previous Chrysler V-6 engines — which have had strong durability — to accommodate high-load applications including trailer-towing.
The reduction of noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) was a key objective for every component during the design phase of the engine and was achieved by utilizing an advanced computer-aided engineering technique.
The use of a Quality Assurance Fixture (QAF) assures a high level of compliance at the start of production. The QAF allows engineers to look at the interior of the vehicle on a “simulated perfect body” which is a milled aluminum shell where all attachment points are matched exactly to CATIA modeling earlier in the program. This allows changes and design improvements earlier in the manufacturing process.
The company also employs techniques of Design for Six Sigma (DFSS), which is folding in "voice of the customer" data along with lessons learned to ensure that every vehicle is of the highest quality. The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee is the first new vehicle to have more than 100 DFSS projects.
Exterior design and 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee aerodynamics
Every surface of the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee is new and has been treated for aerodynamics, improving drag by 7% and resulting in a cD of 0.37, down from 0.404. (This might be improved by the time production starts.)
The removable lower front fascia delivers improved fuel economy, on-road performance and off-road capability. The lower front fascia features a large chromed appliqué (Limited and Overland models) that showcases available tow hooks.
Black appliqués on B-pillars give the day-light opening (DLO) an aerodynamic, modern appearance and a sleek profile. Optional chromed mirrors and door handles add to the profile and complement the full-chromed DLO surround on all models.
Taillamps wrap from the rear quarter panel to the back of the vehicle and create a solid form which achieves more of an upscale appearance. The treatment complements the front-end design and resonates with the rest of the exterior.
Seventeen-inch wheels are standard, with optional 18-inch and new-to-Jeep 20-inch wheels for 2011.
Jeep Grand Cherokee models equipped with a HEMI V-8 engine have 3.5-inch dual chromed exhaust tips, and those with the V-6 engine have a 3-inch single exhaust.
2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee safety, security, and infotainment
2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee: Competitive Comparisons
Standard safety features include Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM), four-wheel Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with rough-road detection, four-wheel Brake Traction Control System (BTCS), Passive Entry/Keyless Go, Remote keyless entry, express up/down windows for driver and front-seat passenger, seat-belt pretensioners, Trailer-Sway Control and Remote-Start which is standard on Overland and available on Limited. The Brake Assist System recognizes emergency situations (by seeing how quickly the driver hits the pedal) and increases brake pressure; it's based on research that shows that in many accidents drivers had panic-stopped without fulling activating the brake.
Other standard safety features include standard full-length side-curtain air bags which extend protection to front and rear outboard passengers, seat-mounted side thorax air bags that enhance protection for the driver and front passenger, and active head restraints which deploy (move forward and up) in the event of a rear collision. The body structure is all new and designed to achieve expected safety performance in global markets (new roof-crush standards, side-impact standards and Euro pedestrian impact).
The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee was to feature uconnect Guardian as a standard feature on all models (services provided by Hughes Telematics), but we are not sure if it will still be available. uconnect guardian would provide customers with:
Automatic Crash Notification – In the event of an accident, a call is placed and a request for assistance is dispatched to the vehicle’s location
Emergency Call – With a push of the emergency button, customers are placed in contact with a trained emergency response specialist during an emergency situation
Roadside Assistance Call – Connects customers to a uconnect customer care specialist who can connect them to Chrysler’s road-side assistance for towing or jump starts
Remote Door Unlock – Remotely unlocks doors with a simple phone call
Stolen Vehicle Location Assistance – Works with local authorities via on-demand tracking to provide the current location of the vehicle if it is stolen
2011 Jeep Grand Cherokees are set to arrive at dealers in June 2010. An extended version, dubbed the Dodge Durango (possibly Dodge Magnum), is coming. The standard engine is the Pentastar V6 on all models; the 290 horsepower V6 engine is said to be smoother than competitors from Toyota, Honda, and GM, and has variable cam timing to allow for good gas mileage. The Hemi will remain optional across the board, and may be pushed by Chrysler while V6 production ramps up.
Jeep vs Toyota, Mercedes, Honda, GMC
The independent front and rear suspension have isolated cradles. Variable-rate rear springs improve on-road handling and comfort, and the spare tire is stored inside as opposed to underneath. Torsional rigidity has been increased 146%.
Pricing and features
The new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo, with a new, upscale interior, advanced four wheel drive system, 290-horsepower Pentastar V6, six-speed automatic, numerous standard features, and up to 7,400 lbs of towing capacity, will start with a U.S. list price of $32,995 including destination.
Give up the four wheel drive, and the price drops by $2,000 on the Lardeo, $2,500 on the Limited, and $3,500 on the Overland.
Dealer invoices are close to the actual sales prices. A Grand Cherokee Laredo, the well equipped base model, is listed at $32,995 with no options; the dealer cost is $31,402, with a $966 dealer holdback. The Friends & Family Program drops that down to $31,088 with no need to bargain.
The very well equipped Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4x4 is listed at $39,600; the dealer invoice price is $37,402 (including gasoline). Some sample options include the Hemi V8 engine ($1,495 list, $1,331 invoice), aluminum painted wheels ($1,095 list), hard drive/navigation system stereo ($750), and trailer towing ($695). Dealer invoice for options varies quite a bit, with a hefty profit on some options but a very narrow profit on most.
Dealers generally cannot sell vehicles at invoice and break even overall, because of the high costs of carrying inventory, insurance, real estate taxes, commissions, and salaries; and buyers are advised not to try to bargain dealers down to invoice prices. The luxury Jeep has a small dealer markup for its price; Chrysler may be assuming that dealers will be able to survive due to greater sales volumes, smaller negotiated discounts due to the new models' desirability, and the performance-based dealer bonuses announced some time ago.
2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee features and performance
The new V6 increases gas mileage by 11%, for 23 mpg highway (US) — over 500 miles per tank. The interior provides over four inches of increased rear-seat knee and leg room, and 17 percent more cargo volume (as released first on allpar.com). Numerous safety features are standard, and options include Blind-spot/Rear Cross-path detection and Adaptive Cruise Control with Forward Collision Warning, along with FloTV, satellite TV, and Internet router.
The Laredo includes keyless entry, stability control with anti-roll, hill start assist, trailer sway control, side curtain airbags for both rows, active head restraints, power driver's seat, fog lamps, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, satellite radio, and 17-inch aluminum wheels; the 360 horsepower Hemi V8 will be optional. That model starts at $32,995.
The Limited adds Quadra-Trac II® with Selec-Terrain (if you get the 4x4), front and second-row heated leather seats, memory settings, High Intensity Discharge auto-leveling headlamps, CommandView dual-pane panoramic sun roof, rear back-up camera, rear park assist, premium audio, automatic temperature control, 18-inch aluminum wheels, Garmin® navigation, rain-sensitive wipers, and bright door handles. The price for Limited is $39,995 including destination.
The ultimate Grand Cherokee, the Overland model, adds the Quadra-Lift air suspension (if you get the 4x4), premium interior with Nappa leather-trimmed and heated seats, vented front seats, wood/leather-wrapped heated steering wheel with memory, power tilt/telescope steering column, wood bezels, leather-stitched instrument panel/doors/center console armrest, power liftgate, and 20-inch aluminum wheels. That model starts at $42,995 including destination.
Larry Vellequette, one of the few outside of Chrysler to have seen a 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee on the street, wrote in April 2010, “Today I saw parked on the street a 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland, silver with black leather interior, with right-hand-drive. Let me just sum up this vehicle in one word: Spectacular. The gauge cluster is "wrapped" -- for use of a better word -- around the steering column. The only thing missing from the cockpit are a throttle stick for the left hand and a trigger for the wheel. The stitching and wood trim on the leather dash and wheel were beautiful. The exterior screamed "aggressive." I showed the photos to some of my co-workers who weren't lucky enough to be able to check it out in person before it pulled away, and they were awestruck. "That's the hottest Jeep I've ever seen," among other comments.
2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee features and engines
Quadra-Lift
The Quadra-Lift air suspension system (for 4x4 only) has five height settings, two for off-road use (raising 1.3 and 2.6 inches above normal, to a maximum 11.1 inches of ground clearance), “aero” (lowering .5 inches for aerodynamics at speed), and entry/exit, which lowers the car by 1.5 inches. Quadra-Lift operates four-corner air springs automatically, or via console controls; the Aero control is automatic and speed-controlled.
Selec-Terrain
The Selec-Terrain™ traction control coordinates up to 12 powertrain, braking, and suspension systems, including throttle control, shifting, the transfer case, and stability control. It is included with the Off-Road Group and Hemi, and is standard on Limited and Overland, provided either Quadra-Drive or Quadra-Trac II is specified. The driver can choose between:
Sand/Mud: Traction control and Quadra-Lift are more sensitive to wheel spin, and torque is tuned; 50/50 torque split
Sport: Cuts the traction control back, lowers the Jeep by half an inch, and puts up to 80% of power to the rear wheels
Automatic operation with torque split at around 40/60 front/rear
Snow: Traction and Quadra-Lift tuned for snow-covered roads; the torque split is around 50/50
Rock: The suspension raises to the maximum 11.1 (some documents claim just 10.7) inches height and the transfer case, differentials, and throttle coordinate to provide low-speed control; around 50/50 torque split
The approach, departure, and breakover angles are all improved over the 2009 Grand Cherokee, along with maximum ground clearance (with the air suspension). These angles are superior to those of the 2010 Equinox, Highlander, Pilot, and 4Runner (except ground clearance without Quadra-Lift).
2011 Grand Cherokee* 2009 Grand Cherokee 2008 Liberty* Wrangler Rubicon Toyota, Honda, GM
Approach Angle 35.9 32.3 39.1 44.3 see
Departure Angle 29.2 27.5 32.1 40.4 the
Breakover Angle 25.1 20.4 20.4 25.5 comparisons
Ground Clearance 8.1 - 10.7 8.5 10 page
2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee with Quadra-Lift and air dam removed. Liberty figures are with the air dam removed. Some literature has maximum ground clearance at 11.1 inches.
Two off-road groups are available; group I includes Selec-Terrain, a four wheel drive transfer case with low range, tow hooks, and skid plates. Group II includes those features and adds QuadraLift. Off road groups are not available with 20 inch wheels; 18 inch wheels are substituted.
Four wheel drive systems
Quadra Trac I has full-time four-wheel drive without controls. This light-weight single-speed case is proven and efficient.
Quadra Trac II has a two-speed transfer case and uses Throttle Anticipate to sense quick movement in the throttle from a stop and maximizes traction before slippage occurs. When tire slippage is detected, all available torque can be routed to the axle with the most traction.
Quadra Drive II has a rear (and rumored front in the future) Electronic Limited-Slip Differential which detects tire slip and sends torque to tires with traction. As with Quadra Tac II, in some cases, the Jeep will anticipate low traction and proactively limit or eliminate slip.
All 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokees equipped with either the off-road or the Quadra-Lift group are Trail Rated® which means it passed off-road conditions in traction, ground clearance, maneuverability, articulation, and water crossing.
Jeep Grand Cherokee luxury features
The interiors have better craftsmanship, with soft-touch, premium materials and genuine wood trim; all models have bright chrome accents. The Keyless Go system, optional on some models and standard on others, unlocks and locks the doors without a fob. The CommandView sunroof has fixed glass panels above both rows of seating, with an express power shade to cover it.
Compared with the outgoing Grand Cherokee, the 2011 Jeep has 4 inches more rear seat leg room, with 12° of recline, a standard center folding armrest and rear seat vent controls, and 17% more cargo capacity... with the spare tire now mounted inside.
2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee engines
The base engine is a new 3.6-liter V-6 engine pumping out 290 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque (353 N•m) @ 4,800 rpm; 90% of peak torque is available from 1,600 to 6,400, so it's not a “peaky” or “paper horsepower” engine. The new Jeep Grand Cherokee V6 is not only more powerful - by 80 horses - but gas mileage is 11% higher.
The V6 Grand Cherokee has more horsepower than Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, and GMC Acadia, with more torque than Highlander or Pilot, and similar gas mileage to all three competitors (within 1 mpg) according to Chrysler Canada's materials. Towing is rated at 5,000 lb with the V6, similar to or more than the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, and GMC Acadia; but goes up to 7,200 lb with the Hemi V8 (equipped properly).
The Pentastar V6 is attached to the Mercedes W5A580 five-speed automatic, with Chrysler’s controls and the driver-interactive control. The gas tank has been increased to 24.6 gallons, which allows for a range of around 500 miles.
Jeep V6
(CA lit) Jeep V8
(2009 info)
Jeep V6 Diesel
(Unconfirmed) Pilot TrailBlazer 4Runner
Horsepower 290 360 247 250
Torque 260 390 369 253
2WD mpg 16/23 14/20 17/23 14/20 16/21
Canada: L/100km 13.1 / 9.1 16.3 / 10.5 similar
AWD mpg 16/22 13/19 16/22 14/20 16/20
(Competitors: 2010 figures. CA lit is from info sent to Canadian dealers.)
The Hemi V8 uses cylinder deactivation to increase mileage, and is (we believe) coupled to the reliable, smooth Chrysler-designed 545RFE five-speed automatic transmission, which has a sixth forward speed for highway kickdown.
Diesel engine
Outside the US, the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee will, as in the past, be sold in left- and right-hand drive with either diesel or petrol engines. The diesel engine was to be the Mercedes 3.0, but “Stratus” told us that was yanked in September 2009. Instead, the Grand Cherokee will (he said) use VM Motori’s brand new RA 630 DOHC engine, another 3.0 liter V6, with four valves per cylinder and common rail fuel injection; power output is estimated at 247 hp (184 kW) with torque of 369 lb-ft (500 Nm). We'd expect the transmission to stay the same.
Hill-Start and Hill-Descent modes help drivers to get started on a hill without rolling back, and to descend steep hills.
Models and features (Canadian versions)
The base model, the Laredo E, is a well equipped machine with standard passive entry/keyless go, new double dash construction with acoustic side glass, electronic stability (with hill start, roll mitigation, and trailer sway control), side curtain airbags in front and rear, front side airbags, front active head restraints, power driver seat, 17 inch aluminum wheels, fog lamps, power-adjusted heated mirrors, trip computer (with feature personalization), LED interior lights, and dual zone temperature control. Overall, the base model is as fully loaded as some top line models; but it is the only model that cannot be ordered with the Hemi.
The Laredo X brings leather trim, heated front seats, power front passenger seat, 18 inch wheels, hard-drive based stereo with hands free phone system, 506-watt, 9-speaker Alpine stereo, remote starter, Park-Sense (rear distance detection), and alarm.
The Limited adds a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, Quadra-Trac II, dual-zone automatic temperature control, heated first and secondrow seats, ventliated front seats, power liftgate, heated and tilt/telescope steering wheel, memory settings (for seat, mirrors, and radio), 18” shiny wheels, HID headlamps with SmartBeam, rear backup camera, and rain sensitive wipers.
Finally, the Overland model (shown below) adds a unique interior, real wood/leather wrapped heated steering wheel, premium navigation system with voice recognition, and new 20” aluminum painted wheels.
Options include the Hemi with bright dual exhaust, Class IV trailer tow group, Quadra-Drive II (Hemi only, July availability), and Quadra-Lift (July).
Cargo capacity has increased 17% over the last model, with 36.3 cubic feet of space.
Personal impressions (Jeremy White)
The exterior is nice; the sculpting is dramatic yet smooth. Ralph Gilles told me they are almost at the tear point of the metal and the sculpting could not be made deeper without other design compromises (he also noted that the platform was co-developed with Mercedes). The power liftgate is a new design, seemingly hidden within the rod covering.
The interior is comfortable with just about all surfaces “soft touch” and good wood trim abounds. The control stack aluminum-look plastic is the only part that doesn't seem top notch, but it is still good quality. Interior panel gaps are tight and controls felt good. The sunroof is huge. The dash and seats and instruments are well laid out and ergonomic. The two tone interior on display (Brown/Charcoal) has a nice contrast and color and the leather is very soft. Some of the dash seems to be leather and has stitching similar to the Ram. Back seat room is better than current Grand Cherokee and far better than the Commander.
Body and chassis
The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee’s ruggedness is achieved with more than 5,400 welds in the body alone. Torsional stiffness is 146% more than the current Grand Cherokee and is stiffer than the BMW X5 and Toyota Highlander for improved durability and reduced noise, vibration, and harshness. With more than 3,700 mm of arc welding and 100 m of structural adhesive to augment welding, this marks a 53% increase in spot welds, a 42% increase in arc welds, and a 38% increase in structural adhesive.
The new interior now features rich materials and elegant appointments, as well as more room for both passengers and cargo. An optional CommandView® dual-pane sun roof provides twice as much glass surface than a standard sun roof and extends from the windshield to the rear of the vehicle. The front panel may be opened rearward, providing additional light and fresh air to first-row passengers. The rear panel, which is fixed, allows light and open viewing for second-row passengers and comes standard with a power sun shade.
The vehicle’s 114.8-inch wheelbase is 5.3 inches longer, but overall length is just 1.8 inches longer; coupled with three inches more width, the the size changes should improve cornering as well as interior space. Larger front door openings (1.9 inches wider; 2 inches higher) and rear doors that open 78° (vs. the old model’s 67 degrees) provide better access to the interior.
Inside, premium seating includes room for five passengers. An available fold-flat front-passenger seat provides improved cargo storage room (Laredo models). Rear seats recline 12° and move forward 12° for 24° of variation.
The cargo bay behind the rear seats has 6.8 more cubic feet of room (36.3 cubic feet total), and includes a storage unit with a rechargeable flashlight and new grocery hooks on both sides. The spare tire compartment includes removable dual storage bins for secure storage of muddy gear or other items. A new power rear liftgate is available.
Quality features
Engineers will conduct approximately 7.5 million customer-equivalent miles for durability and reliability testing of the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Testing and validation in various climates include road trips to a variety of locations including Yucca, Arizona, Baudette, Minn. and Morgantown, West Virginia. A full battery of lab testing includes full-frame fatigue testing and a road-test simulator. The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee has gone through more than 244 hours of wind noise and aerodynamic evaluations.
More than 3.3 million customer-equivalent miles were recorded on Pentastar engine dynamometers prior to production. Severity testing was increased 50% versus previous Chrysler V-6 engines — which have had strong durability — to accommodate high-load applications including trailer-towing.
The reduction of noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) was a key objective for every component during the design phase of the engine and was achieved by utilizing an advanced computer-aided engineering technique.
The use of a Quality Assurance Fixture (QAF) assures a high level of compliance at the start of production. The QAF allows engineers to look at the interior of the vehicle on a “simulated perfect body” which is a milled aluminum shell where all attachment points are matched exactly to CATIA modeling earlier in the program. This allows changes and design improvements earlier in the manufacturing process.
The company also employs techniques of Design for Six Sigma (DFSS), which is folding in "voice of the customer" data along with lessons learned to ensure that every vehicle is of the highest quality. The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee is the first new vehicle to have more than 100 DFSS projects.
Exterior design and 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee aerodynamics
Every surface of the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee is new and has been treated for aerodynamics, improving drag by 7% and resulting in a cD of 0.37, down from 0.404. (This might be improved by the time production starts.)
The removable lower front fascia delivers improved fuel economy, on-road performance and off-road capability. The lower front fascia features a large chromed appliqué (Limited and Overland models) that showcases available tow hooks.
Black appliqués on B-pillars give the day-light opening (DLO) an aerodynamic, modern appearance and a sleek profile. Optional chromed mirrors and door handles add to the profile and complement the full-chromed DLO surround on all models.
Taillamps wrap from the rear quarter panel to the back of the vehicle and create a solid form which achieves more of an upscale appearance. The treatment complements the front-end design and resonates with the rest of the exterior.
Seventeen-inch wheels are standard, with optional 18-inch and new-to-Jeep 20-inch wheels for 2011.
Jeep Grand Cherokee models equipped with a HEMI V-8 engine have 3.5-inch dual chromed exhaust tips, and those with the V-6 engine have a 3-inch single exhaust.
2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee safety, security, and infotainment
2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee: Competitive Comparisons
Standard safety features include Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM), four-wheel Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with rough-road detection, four-wheel Brake Traction Control System (BTCS), Passive Entry/Keyless Go, Remote keyless entry, express up/down windows for driver and front-seat passenger, seat-belt pretensioners, Trailer-Sway Control and Remote-Start which is standard on Overland and available on Limited. The Brake Assist System recognizes emergency situations (by seeing how quickly the driver hits the pedal) and increases brake pressure; it's based on research that shows that in many accidents drivers had panic-stopped without fulling activating the brake.
Other standard safety features include standard full-length side-curtain air bags which extend protection to front and rear outboard passengers, seat-mounted side thorax air bags that enhance protection for the driver and front passenger, and active head restraints which deploy (move forward and up) in the event of a rear collision. The body structure is all new and designed to achieve expected safety performance in global markets (new roof-crush standards, side-impact standards and Euro pedestrian impact).
The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee was to feature uconnect Guardian as a standard feature on all models (services provided by Hughes Telematics), but we are not sure if it will still be available. uconnect guardian would provide customers with:
Automatic Crash Notification – In the event of an accident, a call is placed and a request for assistance is dispatched to the vehicle’s location
Emergency Call – With a push of the emergency button, customers are placed in contact with a trained emergency response specialist during an emergency situation
Roadside Assistance Call – Connects customers to a uconnect customer care specialist who can connect them to Chrysler’s road-side assistance for towing or jump starts
Remote Door Unlock – Remotely unlocks doors with a simple phone call
Stolen Vehicle Location Assistance – Works with local authorities via on-demand tracking to provide the current location of the vehicle if it is stolen
