Always Authentic, Never Old - The 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee is new and improved for 2009.  The 2009 is a much better vehicle than the Grand Cherokee that rose to popularity in the ?90s, yet it manages to keep its classic styling.  There?s quite the range of powertrains available on the Grand Cherokee, from the Laredo?s V6 to the SRT8?s V8 Hemi.  The 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee is capable with off-road ability, especially if you specify a four-wheel-drive model (all include high- and low-range transfer cases). Jeep offers several packages and individual options beyond t he four-wheel-drive system to increase the Grand Cherokee's already formidable off-road capabilities, including locking differentials and skid plates.  One highlight of the 2009 Jeep Cherokee is its SRT8 model;  many manufacturers have created high performance SUVs and crossovers, but this is the only one available with a HEMI. This year's model continues the tradition of delivering both luxury and durability. The Grand Cherokee has a starting price of around $30,000, and is available in the Laredo, Limited, and Overland models, plus the SRT8.

Cabin Features

There are noticeable changes inside the 2009 Cherokee. New for this year is leather that has been added to the armrests, doors and the top of the instrument panel. There is 108.9 cubic feet of passenger space, which is adequate and actually more than many of the competition.  But for cargo space, the Grand Cherokee lags behind its competitors. The 67.4 cubic feet is less than both the Toyota 4Runner and the Ford Explorer. Standard in all trim options are air conditioning, power locks, windows, and mirrors, as well as an eight-way power driver's seat. Options include TV, hands-free communication, remote start, voice activated navigation and audio system, and 30GB hard drive. The Grand Cherokee has a decent 108.9 cubic feet of passenger space.  The interior features a rich two-tone cabin and an LED-illuminated instrument cluster.

Driving the '09 Grand Cherokee

The 2009 Jeep Cherokee's lightweight unibody and trail-rated suspension deliver performance and refinement that compare favorably within the class of five-passenger SUVs. Rear- and four-wheel-drive versions are offered, and the latter driveline comes standard with Hill Descent Control, which is designed to keep the SUV's speed to a crawl when traversing difficult terrain. Options include rear and four wheel drive, as well as Hill Descent Control and Hill Start Assist.

SRT8 Model

The Grand Cherokee SRT8 model is an on-road high performance option.  Its got a deep front air dam, rocker panel extensions and rear bumper cover make the Jeep look even closer to the ground. Its also got four-inch exhaust pipes that exit from the center of the rear fascia. The Jeep SRT8 gets visual and functional enhancements inside and out, turning this off-road beast into a true street performance machine. The body sits one inch closer to the ground with 20-inch forged aluminum wheels at each corner, wrapped in Goodyear Eagle RS-A tires with 255s in front and 285s at the back. Inside those massive hoops are four-pot Brembo calipers grabbing 14.1-inch front- and 13.8 rear rotors, all vented for better cooling.

Grand Cherokee Design

The Jeep Grand Cherokee features classic Jeep styling cues, with a seven-slot grille.  On the out side, the 2009 Cherokee hasn't changed much. It continues to draw from its classic Jeep roots.  The 2009 Grand Cherokee dimensions are 186.7" long by 72.6" wide, which is a bit smaller than the other vehicles in its class, such as the Explorer and Trailblazer. The Laredo and Limited come with 17" chrome wheels while the Overland jumps to 18".  The Grand Cherokee is smallish for its segment, trailing the Explorer and 4Runner's exterior dimensions. It comes in at 186.7 inches long and 72.6 inches wide.

Grand Cherokee Power

There are several powertrains available for the 2009 model. All engines team with a five-speed automatic transmission. The selections begin with a Laredo trim 210-horsepower, 3.7-liter V-6.  As this combo delivers only 1 mpg more than the much-improved-for-2009 305-hp 4.7-liter V-8 and doesn?t feel nearly as peppy, skip the V-6. For 2009, the HEMI V-8 engine puts out 357 hp and 389 pound-feet of torque. The new V-8 also includes a Multi-Displacement System (MDS) to boost fuel economy. For those who want pure performance, the SRT8 is an on-pavement-only edition with a huge 6.1-liter HEMI rated at 420 hp. For 2009, the 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 has been redesigned, now applying variable-valve timing and cylinder deactivation for better fuel economy. 

Summary

In many ways, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is one of the best vehicles in Chrysler's lineup. Along with the Wrangler, it packs real off-road capabilities into an angular, no-nonsense body. It's an authentic Jeep, first and foremost. For another view on the Grand Cherokee, check out Edmunds.com's review. The 2009 Jeep Cherokee has improved safety. Standard features include side and front airbags, antilock brakes, and stability and traction control. Options for additional safety features include parking assist, rear back up camera, and automatic wipers and headlights.  The 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee can accommodate a family road trip, or a weekend climb into the mountains and, its price is reasonably comparable with that of its competitors. For more detailed specificaitons, click here .