May I introduce the 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4×4.
The 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4×4. Gorgeous and ready for the holidays.
Source: Victoria Mason
I am always a little sad when I come upon my last vehicle review of the year. However, the 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4×4 did not disappoint me. I was impressed with its interior space and design right from the start as well as its rugged but still refined exterior. As soon as I started posting about it on my social media channels the questions began rolling in. I was sad to give it up, especially when it meant saying good-bye to the heated steering wheel and seats during one of the coldest days of 2016.
Ruggedness and Refinement Through and Through
You will probably keep reading about those two ‘r’ words throughout this post. That’s because Jeep has made a rock star of a mid-size SUV that shows off both ruggedness in looks and performance while maintaining a balance with refinement in its exterior and interior design. I felt the same way when I drove the Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit back in October at the WAPA Rally. It was one of my favorites from the day.
Possessing 18-inch Gray Aluminum wheels, a bright grille and chrome exterior mirrors with a Billet Silver metallic paint job the outside was understated looking but conveyed a masculinity when all tied together. The same went for the inside with the black leather interior and brushed rose gold-like trim mixed with blackened wood that ran through the cabin. Gorgeous!
The second row bench seat is roomy too. While many will state that the absence of a third row and smaller cargo space (36.3 cubic ft.) isn’t comparable to other vehicles in its class I found the space more than adequate. The middle row offers plenty of space for three individuals, not just kids, but actual adults.
That middle seat, which is typically very narrow, isn’t in the Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Source: Victoria Mason
The Jeep Grand Cherokee comes in five trim levels. Laredo, Limited, Trailhawk, Overland and Summit. Each one is available with rear-wheel drive (2WD) or four-wheel drive (4WD), except the Trailhawk. That one comes with 4WD.
In the Limited that I drove I had remote start, wipers with sensors, a 7-inch LCD Instrument screen with tachometer, a U-Connect system with Sirius XM radio and dual-zone temperature control. It also included additional chrome exterior trim, an auto-dimming driver-side and rearview mirror, a power liftgate (interior and key fob buttons), a 115-volt power outlet, a heated steering wheel, heated front and rear seats, and soft leather upholstery. The 8.4-inch touchscreen works without any hiccups or delays. The centerstack is uncluttered and actually soothing to look at on this model. It is intuitive and has adequate storage room for personal items. Inside and exterior illumination on the doors is a nice touch too.
The Drive
It took me longer than I would have liked to get used to driving the Grand Cherokee. There was something about the steering that I couldn’t get a bead on. It felt tight but then it would loosen up at times I could not determine. After a few days of driving through Northern Virginia on lovely I-66, 95 and 495 I got over it and came to love how its acceleration and ability to move through lanes at a moments notice. The only thing lacking was blind-spot monitoring, which not all trim packages contain. Cabin noise was quiet on the highway and it felt safe and solid without being heavy. Safety-wise it gets a five-star government rating for both side and frontal crashes.
Overall, I enjoyed every moment with this SUV. It suited my needs and my style. I like luxury, but I also like an SUV that feels tough or should I say, that is both rugged and refined. I couldn’t resist. That means towing up to 6,200 pounds with the V6 engine (a V8, a diesel and turbo are also available) and getting about 20.4 mpg combined. It’s about 18 mpg in the city and 25 on the highway respectively. Starting at $37,995 the Limited as tested has an MSRP of $45,840. For a car that can really go off-road (Quadra-Trac system) taking you through sand, mud, and other terrains while still looking pretty and keeping your loved ones safe that price isn’t too bad.
*Disclosure: TMC was not paid for this post. Cars received are provided by esi Solutions Int’l. Opinions are 100% my own.
