But there is some loss of headroom, as the new one is 1.7 inches shorter. The new model is 3.3 inches longer than before, and an inch wider. To address one of the biggest complaints with the prior Grand Cherokee models - that they were too cramped inside - the new generation is bigger and roomier, although not drastically so. These electronic lockers aren’t quite as good as the simple locking front, center and rear differentials found in many modified Jeep CJs and other serious off-road vehicles, but for a car equipped at the factory, it’s a very good arrangement.
JEEP 4X4 HEMI PLUS
And here is a plus for those with motorhomes: The transfer case can be shifted into “neutral” so the Grand Cherokee can be towed behind the motorhome with all four wheels on the ground.Ĭhrysler says the Quadra-Drive II system uses electronically controlled clutch packs to lock each axle automatically, as needed. With the Quadra-Drive II system, there is a lever on the shift console that puts the vehicle into low range. In some cases, Chrysler says, the system will even anticipate low traction and adjust itself accordingly. The system is designed to detect when a drive wheel begins slipping, and then to re-distribute engine torque to whichever wheels still have traction. Those who don’t care about four-wheel drive - such as most consumers in Texas - can opt for two-wheel-drive versions of the Grand Cherokee, which are less-expensive but not as versatile.Ĭhrysler says the Quadra-Drive II system on our Hemi test vehicle combines the NV245 full-time transfer case from the Quadra-Trac II system with those electronic limited-slip differentials “for best-in-class tractive performance.” This one can’t be put into low range for serious off-roading.
The midlevel system, Quadra-Trac II, has an electronic-locking center differential in the two-speed transfer case (the same one used in the Quadra-Drive system), but no locks for the front and rear axles.įor those who live in snow country and just need basic four-wheel drive there is the Quara-Trac I system, which is full-time four-wheel drive but with no two-speed transfer case. It includes a full-time transfer case with electronic limited-slip differentials in the front, center and rear. The limited-slip differentials are part of a package designed to help make this Grand Cherokee as off-road capable as it can be - the hallmark of a real Jeep.įor serious off-roading, the Quadra-Drive II system is best.
JEEP 4X4 HEMI UPGRADE
In our test vehicle, the 2005 Grand Cherolee Limited model with four-wheel drive (base price $34,045 plus $645 freight), the Hemi engine was a $1,245 upgrade, which also included electronic limited-slip front and rear axles, and an upgrade to Jeep’s Quadra-Drive II four-wheel-drive system from the midlevel Quadra-Trac II system that is included in the base Limited price. The new Grand Cherokee’s Hemi V-8 engine is similar to the ones used in other DaimlerChrysler vehicles, rated at 330 horsepower and 375 foot-pounds of torque. Based on the current Grand Cherokee, but with boxier exterior styling, that vehicle will be called the Commander. Instead, Jeep will introduce an all-new SUV later this year that is a bit larger than the Grand Cherokee, and which has a third seat. Still missing, though, is a third row of seating, which has become almost a requirement for SUVs in this class. (Even more power is coming this fall with the introduction of the 2006 Grand Cherokee SRT-8 model - with a 6.1-liter Hemi V-8 cranking out 415 horsepower.)įor 2005, the Grand Cherokee’s styling has updated, but the changes are subtle so the vehicle still looks like a Grand Cherokee. The most radical change is the addition of the Hemi to the lineup. The newest Grand Cherokee, available with not only the 5.7-liter Hemi but also a base V-6 or a midlevel 4.7-liter V-8, represents the third generation of the modern, unibody SUV that Chrysler introduced in 1992. The latest rendention of Chrysler’s legendary Hemi-type engines is offered as the top upgrade for the redesigned Grand Cherokee, which made its debut this past fall as a 2005 model. Now that’s a novel idea, particularly a 330-horsepower Hemi V-8 with cylinder displacement, which allows it to shut itself down to just four cylinders to save gasoline during highway cruising.