Jeep Grand Cherokee (WK2)

Jeep Grand Cherokee (WK2)
Overview
Manufacturer	Jeep (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles)
Production	2010–present
Model years	2011–present
Assembly	Detroit, Michigan, United States Valencia, Venezuela (Carabobo Assembly) Cairo, Egypt (AAV)
Designer	Mark Allen[1]
Body and chassis
Related	Dodge Durango Mercedes-Benz M-Class Mercedes-Benz R-Class Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
Powertrain
Engine	3.6 L Pentastar V6 5.7 L Hemi V8 6.4 L Hemi V8 (SRT-8) 3.0 L VM Motori A 630 DOHC V6 diesel
Transmission	5-speed automatic W5A580 5-speed automatic 545RFE 6-speed automatic 65RFE 8-speed automatic 845RE 8-speed automatic 8HP70
Dimensions
Wheelbase	114.8 in (2,915 mm)
Length	189.8 in (4,821 mm)
Width	76.3 in (1,938 mm)
Height	69.3 in (1,760 mm)
Curb weight	4,533 lb (2,056 kg) (V6 2WD) 5,264 lb (2,388 kg) (V8 4WD)[2]
Chronology
Predecessor	Grand Cherokee WK

The fourth-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee (WK2) is a mid-size luxury SUV introduced in late 2010 for the 2011 model year by Jeep.^[3] It was unveiled at the 2009 New York Auto Show.^[4] The fourth-generation Grand Cherokee retains its classic Jeep styling combined with a modern and sleek body style. The interior is luxurious, featuring leather trim and real wood accents, plus state-of-the-art electronics options. The 2011 Grand Cherokee has won 30 awards for off-road capability, luxury, value, best-in-class, and safety, making it the most awarded SUV ever. Among the awards are: Top Safety Pick for 2011 from the IIHS, listed as a Consumers Digest Best Buy for 2011, Safest SUV in America by MSN Autos, and Truck of the Year for 2011 by The Detroit News.

Design

Pre-facelift Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland

Interior (Australia; pre-facelift)

The body design is all new and has undergone testing for aerodynamic efficiency while improving ruggedness with more than 5,400 welds in the body alone. This results in a 146% increase in torsional rigidity compared to the previous design. This improves durability and reduces noise, vibration, and harshness.^[5]

Like the previous generations, the chassis is a steel unibody. Unlike previous models, the new WK2 features four-wheel independent suspension for better on-road handling. The Grand Cherokee (with the 2011 Durango) WK2 platform uses a derivative based on Mercedes-Benz's W166 series.

Four wheel drive systems include Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, and Quadra-Drive II. Using Selec-Terrain, the driver can select modes for Auto, Sport, Snow, Sand/Mud, and Rock.

Optional Quadra-Lift height adjustable air suspension can raise the vehicle's ground clearance up to 11.1 in (282 mm).^[6] Lift modes include Park, Aero, Normal Ride Height, Off-Road 1, and Off-Road 2.

Engines

Engine choices include the all new 3.6 L Pentastar V6 and 5.7 L Hemi V8. The Hemi V8 retains the Multiple Displacement System (MDS) that shuts down four cylinders in low-power driving situations. And the V8 remains coupled with the multi-speed automatic transmission which includes Electronic Range Selection (ERS) to manually limit the high gear operating range. Trailer tow is rated 7,400 lb (3,400 kg) for Hemi models and 5,000 lb (2,300 kg) for Pentastar models.^[7]

The 3.6 L Pentastar V6 replaces the 3.7 L and 4.7 L PowerTech engines. The 5.7 L Hemi engine was retained as the V8 option, although no Hemi badging is used on the exterior of the vehicle. Also, the WK program code remains.

A 3.0 L turbocharged diesel V6 developed and built by Fiat Powertrain Technologies and VM Motori (with Multijet II injection^[8]) rated at 177 kW (241 PS; 237 hp) and 550 N·m (410 lb·ft) of torque will be offered in export markets by mid-2011.^[9] The new 3.0 L CRD turbodiesel engine will also be offered in European markets as 140 kW (190 PS; 188 hp) low-power version.^[10]

In mid-2012, electric vehicle manufacturer Amp Electric Vehicles, announced that it would be producing an electric vehicle version of the Jeep Grand Cherokee, offering a great electric range and the same features of the Grand Cherokee. Slated to be available in early 2013, the AMP Grand Cherokee will have a starting price of around $50,000.00. AMP also produces electric vehicle versions of a step van and the Mercedes-Benz ML.

Trim

The WK2 Grand Cherokee was available in several distinct trim levels:

The Laredo (2014+) and Laredo E (2011+) trim levels were the most basic Grand Cherokee trim levels from 2011 onwards. They included: the 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine, a five-speed (2011-2013) or eight-speed (2014+) automatic transmission, seventeen-inch (17") alloy wheels, an A/M-F/M stereo with CD/MP3 player and auxiliary audio input jack, 6 speakers, security alarm, cloth seating surfaces, keyless access, and more. The 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine was the only available engine option.

The Laredo X was the midrange trim level of the Grand Cherokee between 2011 and 2013. It added these features to the basic Laredo E trim: eighteen-inch (18") alloy wheels, a touch-screen stereo with SiriusXM Satellite Radio, leather seating surfaces, heated dual front power bucket seats, a 9-speaker premium sound system by Alpine with subwoofer and center-channel speaker with surround-sound, push-button start, Bluetooth for phone and audio, and more. It was discontinued after 2013, replaced exclusively by the Limited model. For the first time, the 5.7L HEMI V8 engine is available on a Laredo trim level for the Laredo X trim level.

The 70th Anniversary Edition was a trim level meant to commemorate Jeep's 70th anniversary in 2011. It added these features to the midrange Laredo X trim: unique twenty-inch (20") alloy wheels, unique leather seating surfaces with unique interior color combinations, and '70th Anniversary' emblems on the front doors. Bronze Star Pearl Coat was an exclusive exterior color choice for the 70th Anniversary Edition trim. The 5.7L HEMI V8 engine was also an available option.

The Altitude was the "sporty" trim level of the Grand Cherokee, available since 2012. Named by a contest winner, the Altitude added these features to the base Laredo E trim: a touch-screen stereo, gloss black accents, twenty-inch (20") alloy wheels, a security alarm, leather-and-suede seating surfaces, push-button start, Bluetooth for phone and audio, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, and more. The 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine was the only available engine option.

The Trailhawk was the "off-road-ready" trim level of the Grand Cherokee, available for 2013 only. It added these features to the Laredo X trim: unique seating surfaces, darkened accents and alloy wheels, tow hooks, remote start, Kevlar-reinforced off-road tires, a hood decal, and a "Trailhawk" emblem on the tailgate. It was discontinued after 2013, and it is unknown as to if, and when, it will return. The 5.7L HEMI V8 engine was also an available option.

The Limited trim level was the midrange trim level of the Grand Cherokee, available since 2011. It added these features to the Laredo X trim: 2-person memory for the driver, eighteen-inch (18") chrome-plated alloy wheels, remote start, and more. For 2014, the Limited took the place of the Laredo X trim, and in 2015, it deleted features such as the premium sound system (which is still available as an option) and chrome-plated alloy wheels and accents. The EcoDiesel Turbodiesel V6 engine becomes an available option in 2014. The 5.7L HEMI V8 engine was also an available option.

The Overland trim level was the "luxury" trim level of the Grand Cherokee, returning, and available since, for 2011. It added these features to the luxurious Limited trim: leather-and-suede seating surfaces, heated-and-ventilated front bucket seats, heated rear seats, GPS navigation, twenty-inch (20") chrome-plated alloy wheels, an "Overland" emblem on the tailgate and "Overland" embroidery on the front bucket seats, a power tailgate, GPS navigation, a panoramic sliding sunroof, and more. The EcoDiesel Turbodiesel V6 engine becomes an available option in 2014. For the first time, a V6 engine option was available, though the 5.7L HEMI V8 engine was also an available option.

The High Altitude trim level has been available since 2015. It added these features to the luxurious Overland trim level: Overland emblem delete on the tailgate, "Overland" front bucket seat embroidery delete, twenty-inch (20") blacked-out alloy wheels, blacked-out exterior accents, and more. The High Altitude trim level is available with the EcoDiesel Turbodiesel V6 engine.

The Overland Summit (2011-2013) and Summit (2014+) trim levels have been available since 2011, renamed the Summit in 2014, and serve as the "ultra-luxury" trim levels of the Grand Cherokee. It adds these features to the base Overland trim: "Summit"-embroidered front bucket seats, a "Summit" emblem on the tailgate, twenty-inch (20") chrome-plated alloy wheels, and more. In 2014, it added a 19-speaker Harman/Kardon premium surround-sound system as standard equipment. The Summit California Edition Package was available starting in 2015, and added darkened twenty-inch (20") alloy wheels and unique exterior and interior accent features. The EcoDiesel Turbodiesel V6 engine becomes an available option in 2014. The 5.7L HEMI V8 engine was also an available option.

The SRT is the "performance-oriented" Grand Cherokee trim level, available since 2012. It added these features to the luxurious Overland trim: unique twenty-inch (20") forged alloy wheels, a body kit, unique exhaust systems, an "SRT" emblem on the tailgate, a 6.4L HEMI V8 engine, "SRT"-embroidered front bucket seats, leather-and-suede performance seating surfaces, performance-tuned suspension, mandatory 4X4, and more.

The SRT Alpine Edition, SRT Vapor Edition, and SRT Red Vapor Edition were all special-edition SRT Grand Cherokee trim levels, the Alpine and Vapor Editions being available for 2013 only, and the Red Vapor Edition being available since 2015. They added these features to the base SRT trim: twenty-inch (20") "blacked-out" alloy wheels, and unique exterior and interior accent features.

Issues

Maneuverability and handling, 2012

In 2012, Swedish automotive magazine Teknikens Värld revealed that the Jeep Grand Cherokee failed one of their avoidance maneuver tests known as the "Moose test". Other SUV models in its class had no issues passing the test.^[11] German magazine Auto, Motor und Sport (AMS) later tested the same press vehicle in a slightly different avoidance maneuver test that meets ISO (International Organization for Standardization) standards. Unlike the results of the Swedish test, the Jeep remained on all four wheels and did not lose any tires to a blowout.^[12] Teknikens Värld tested the updated 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee and found that it passed the test; even up to a speed of 44.1 mph (71 km/h).^[13]

Updates

2011

On April 20, 2011, Jeep announced that the SRT8 version would be debuted at the 2011 New York Auto Show. According to Chrysler, it is the most powerful Jeep ever built. 0–60 and quarter-mile times time in at 4.7s, 13.4 seconds respectively.^[14] Auto reviews measured this at 4.5 seconds, making the 2014 SRT the fastest Jeep ever produced.^[15] The 2013-14 SRT Jeep Grand Cherokee includes a 6.4l Hemi motor, producing 475 hp/465 lb-ft tq, the strongest engine ever included in a Jeep, and one of the strongest naturally aspirated versions produced by Chrysler.

The Grand Cherokee SRT8 debuted alongside two other vehicles manufactured by Chrysler Corporation: the Chrysler 300 SRT8 and Dodge Charger SRT8, both of which also took a one-year hiatus while the new models debuted.

The new Grand Cherokee SRT8, which started production on July 16, 2011,^[16] is equipped with a 470 hp (350 kW; 480 PS) 6.4 L Hemi V8 engine. Jeep claims the new SRT8 gets 13 percent better fuel economy than its predecessor. To keep the gas mileage respectable, Jeep has employed a new active exhaust system that lets Chrysler's cylinder-deactivating Fuel Saver Technology operate over a wider rpm band. Chrysler claims that with the larger gas tank, the SUV can now travel up to 500 miles (800 km) on a single tank, while other sources estimate range to be 450 miles (720 km).

2014

2014 model year update

2014 model year update

Interior (Italy; facelift)

On January 14, 2013, Jeep unveiled a revised WK2 Grand Cherokee at the North American International Auto Show at Cobo Center, along with a revised 2014 Jeep Compass and Jeep Patriot. The new Grand Cherokee will offer a 3.0 L DOHC V6 diesel engine that gets up to 30 MPG, a 3.6 L Pentastar V6 engine that gets up to 24 MPG and has 290 horsepower, a 5.7 L HEMI V8 engine that gets up to 21 MPG and has 360 horsepower, and the 6.4 L HEMI engine that produces 470 horsepower (SRT only). The models are the Laredo, the Limited, the Overland, and the Overland Summit Edition model has been renamed Summit. A new front end with a revised body-colored grille, new, smaller headlamps, and new tail lamps round out the exterior changes. The silver bezel on the back was removed. The opening rear tailgate window of previous models has been replaced with fixed glass. There are also new seventeen, eighteen, and twenty-inch wheel and tire choices. The SRT8 model will continue to be offered but as an "SRT" and not an "SRT8" badged model, and for the first time will offer signature details like blacked-out head and tail lamps. Inside, the Summit model receives the SRT's nineteen-speaker Harman/Kardon surround sound system, all Grand Cherokees receive a new steering wheel with standard paddle shifters in every model, an eight-speed TorqueFlite 8 automatic transmission, and an 8.4-inch touch screen display with Garmin navigation software, an optional CD player, and the U Connect Access System first introduced in the all-new 2013 Ram 1500. A U Connect 5.0 touch-screen radio will also be available with an optional CD player. The Selecterrain System receives multiple upgrades on four-wheel-drive Grand Cherokees. New exterior colors, new interior fabrics and materials, and new interior colors become available.

For 2014, "SRT8" was no longer a model of Jeep, but a separate corporate entity. The "8" was also dropped in the "SRT" line for this year, the Grand Cherokee being referred to as a "SRT Jeep Grand Cherokee." The SRT model received many new and unique features. For example, in the interior, it received a unique steering wheel with the SRT insignia, twenty-inch alloy wheels, performance tires, and additional SRT-only details including:

• SRT-only 6.4l, 475 hp/465 lb-ft tq, the strongest engine offered in a Grand Cherokee ever, propelling it to 0-60 in 4.5 seconds, making it the fastest jeep ever produced^[15]
• four-piston brembo brakes
• 3 season tires (optional)
• SRT-only performance pages in the head unit, displaying engine statistics, quarter mile/0-60, and other metrics
• Napa leather seats with SRT-only alcantara inserts and headliner
• SRT-only facia covering hitch (if so provisioned)
• SRT-only suspension modes, including track mode
• SRT-only "launch" mode, designed to modeled world class professional driver techniques
• upgraded software for transmission, with over 90 gear shift programs

2015

2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT

The 2015 Limited Edition model no longer has the dual exhausts. This feature only comes in the Overland and up editions. There are no other major changes for the 2015 model year. However, the Limited, Summit, and Overland trims will include HD Radio as part of the U Connect feature. The SRT receives a modest 5 hp bump, in part due to a reflash of the PCM. This model became the last to be sold to Canadian market.

2017

At the 2016 New York International Auto Show, the Jeep brand announced new updates for its Grand Cherokee midsized SUV, which included two new trim levels:^[17]

The Trailhawk trim level is the "off-road" oriented trim level, which made its initial appearance in 2013, returns for 2017. It includes Quadra-Drive II four-wheel-drive system along with Quadra-Lift air suspension system, the Selec-Speed control, and Hill Descent Control. It will offer the same seven-slot front grille that was first offered on the 2016 Grand Cherokee Laredo and Limited 75th Anniversary Edition models, red-painted front-mounted tow hooks, standard eighteen-inch and optional twenty-inch alloy wheels, special off-road tires with Kevlar coating, Neutral Gray-painted exterior accents and badges, optional Mopar side rock rails, a standard U Connect 8.4-inch touch-screen infotainment system, red accent stitching throughout the interior, a 'Trailhawk' emblem on the steering wheel, brushed Piano black interior trim panels, and gunmetal finished interior components.

The Summit trim level is the "upscale" version of the Grand Cherokee, which was last revamped in 2014, and is revamped again for 2017. It offers a restyled front grille with LED front fog lamps, and new, twenty-inch polished alloy wheels. It features include cross-stitched leather-trimmed interior, Active Noise Cancellation, an acoustic windshield and front side glass, leather-trimmed dashboard and door panel inserts, a nineteen-speaker, 825-watt Harman Kardon surround-sound system with Green Edge technology, automatically-folding power side view mirrors, a suede-trimmed headliner, a Blind-Spot Monitoring System, Lane Departure Warning, Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist Systems, Berber carpeting, and other Summit-exclusive interior appointments.

New exterior paint color options include Rhino, Diamond Black Crystal Pearl Coat, Light Brown Stone, True Blue, and Ivory Pearl Coat (availability varies by trim level).

All 2017 models received a facelift that features new alloy wheel designs, reshaped headlights and a reshaped grill. The new grill and headlights come from the 75th Anniversary Edition models of 2016, however, without the bronze-painted accents. In addition, all models receive a new 'GRAND CHEROKEE' emblem for the front doors.

The 75th Anniversary Edition models, based on the base Laredo and mid-level Limited, also continue on for 2017.

Engines

Production

In 2009, the company announced a US$1.8 billion, 285,000 square feet (26,477 m²) expansion of its Jefferson North Assembly plant to allow flexible manufacture of the next-generation model, as well as the 2011+ Dodge Durango off the same platform that was developed jointly with Mercedes (ML Chassis).^[20]

Safety

Recall

1.1 million of 2014-2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 2012-2014 Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger are recalled for rollaway risks. Drivers may mistakenly believe they have engaged the vehicles in park mode, allowing the vehicle to roll away. The recall was linked to 41 injuries, 212 crashes and 308 reports of property damage.^[21]

Euro NCAP

Euro NCAP test results
Jeep Grand Cherokee (2011)[22]
Test	Points	%
Overall:
Adult occupant:	29	81%
Child occupant:	34	69%
Pedestrian:	16	45%
Safety assist:	5	71%

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)

^{*vehicle structure rated "Marginal"}

NHTSA

NHTSA 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV 4WD:^[24]

Overall:
Frontal Driver:
Frontal Passenger:
Side Driver:
Side Passenger:
Side Pole Driver:
Rollover:	/ 16.9%

References

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Jeep Grand Cherokee (WK2).

• Jeep Grand Cherokee at the Internet Movie Cars Database