2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Review

Overview

Jeep Grand Cherokee is essentially the carryover model for the 2012 model year. The all new 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a five-passenger midsize SUV available in Laredo, Limited and Overland trims. The all new capability highlights include a choice of three 4x4 systems, new Jeep Quadra-Lift Air Suspension, new Selec-Terrain system and towing capability of 7,400 lbs.

Power and performance

The 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee comes standard with Chrysler's new 3.6-liter V6 rated at 290 hp and 260 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed automatic transmission is standard. The EPA estimated fuel economy of an AWD Grand Cherokee is 16 mpg city and 22 mpg highway. The optional 5.7-liter V8 engine pumps out 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque and is rated 13 mpg city/19 mpg highway.

Body and styling

The Grand Cherokee is available in 4x2 and 4x4 versions. The standard features of the Laredo trim include Quadra-Trac I 4x4 system (4x4 only), front-seat side air bags and side-curtain air bags for front and rear, Keyless Enter-N-Go, Electronic Stability Control, Hill Start Assist, Electronic Roll Mitigation, Trailer-Sway Control, active head restraints, power 8-way driver seat with power 4-way lumbar adjust, fog lamps, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, SIRIUS Satellite Radio and 17-inch aluminum wheels. Limited models get Quadra-Trac II 4x4 system with Selec-Terrain (4x4 only), front and second-row heated leather seats, memory settings, Bi-Xenon High Intensity Discharge auto-leveling headlamps with SmartBeam, CommandView dual-pane panoramic sun roof, Parkview rear back-up camera, Parksense rear park assist, premium audio, automatic temperature control, 18-inch aluminum wheels, Garmin navigation, rain-sensitive wipers and bright door handles. Overland models add numerous features including Quadra-Lift air suspension (4x4 only), 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 lift gate, and 20-inch aluminum wheels.

Safety Features

The all new 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee comes with abundant safety, security and advanced technology features. Over 45 safety and security features are available including standard active head restraints, full-length side-curtain and seat-mounted side thorax air bags, Electronic Stability Control, Electronic Roll Mitigation, Hill-start Assist, and Trailer-sway Control. The optional features include Blind-spot/Rear Cross-path detection system and Adaptive Cruise Control with Forward Collision Warning.