Test Complete: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The Jeep Grand Cherokee has long been a popular SUV, but it really hasn't deserved that popularity for quite a few years. When first introduced back in 1992, the Grand Cherokee drove better than the competition. It stood out with its just-big-enough sizing, available niceties, and solid off-roading credentials. But later versions fell behind a rapidly evolving SUV market.

Skip ahead to 2011. Since the original Grand Cherokee blazed its trail, Jeep's corporate parent, Chrysler, survived two brushes with collapse. A merger with Mercedes-Benz brought a slate of stylish but uncompetitive products. As that relationship fizzled, and a new partner found in Fiat, Mercedes provided a parting gift: the next-generation Mercedes ML platform for all-new Grand Cherokee.

Defying the odds of a rocky gestation, the fully-redesigned Grand Cherokee has turned out to be a competent and refined SUV. The interior is nicely done and it's quiet inside. On-road, the Jeep behaves like no Jeep before it. Steering is nicely weighted with decent feedback and the ride is supple and well-controlled. This Jeep manages to compete not only with car-based rivals like the Nissan Murano, but its driving dynamics allows comparisons with more-expensive SUVs like the Volkswagen Touareg, Mercedes ML, and BMW X5.

It isn't perfect, though. The new Pentastar V6 is smooth but needs to pile on revs to deliver power. That's not a great match for a SUV that weighs 4,930 lbs. While the V6 version can tow 5,000 pounds, it struggles even with lighter trailers. The touch-screen radio's logic is frustrating, although Ford's MyTouch system in our Edge makes it look like child's play.

A more worrisome problem is the Grand Cherokee's on-limit handling. While it's balanced and predictable enough on the track, as the video shows, our V6 test vehicle skittered and hopped disconcertingly sideways in our emergency lane change avoidance maneuver test.

We recently bought a Grand Cherokee Limited V8 to see how it performs in our tests, including emergency handling. So far, we prefer the Hemi V8's readily abundant power, but that comes with fuel economy penalty. With the Hemi, the Grand Cherokee has a higher towing capacity-- 7,200 pounds with four-wheel-drive--and the ample torque makes pulling lighter trailers easier.

Despite Jeep's off-roading reputation, not that many buyers actually take their Grand Cherokee truly off-road. Most buyers will opt for the basic Quadra-Trac I four-wheel-drive system found on our Laredo V6. If you want true off-roading capability, you need a few options. Quadra-Drive II adds a four-wheel-drive system with low range with special programs for various terrain types. The off-road-group with skid plates is a wise investment. A height-adjustable air suspension is also available. All of that hardware brings the "Trail Rated" fender badge.

Overall, the Grand Cherokee can cater to many people. It's fundamental on-road demeanor and pleasant cabin make it a rival for car-based SUVs. Tick the right options and you can get a strong towing machine or a highly competent off-roader. But there's a fly in the ointment: Our Grand Cherokee V6 demonstrated disconcerting handling at the limit. And there are higher-rated choices available.

See our full Jeep Grand Cherokee road test and Ratings.

—Tom Mutchler