Jeep has given its flagship Grand Cherokee a mid-life facelift. Unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show the 2014 model (or 2013 this side of the Atlantic) has received a new diesel engine, eight-speed transmission and styling upgrades across the range.
Exterior
Always a wide vehicle anyway, the Grand Cherokee's slim new headlights have the effect of widening the front of the big Jeep even more, a look intensified by a lowered ride height and re-profiled front end that includes a smaller seven-slot grille. Summit models get adaptive headlights, while most of the line-up gets LED rear lights that echo the shape of the front lamps.
Interior
Interiors have been refreshed with all new materials and trims, like Natura leather and open-pore wood trim. Some models feature a wood trimmed boot space while the three-spoke steering wheel, previously reserved for the SRT, is standard across the range.
Mechanicals
Is it a sign of the times when an American icon such as the Grand Cherokee sports a diesel engine? The engine in question is a V6 EcoDiesel unit that offers 240hp and 570Nm of torque. That abundance of torque means the diesel has the same towing capacity as the V8 petrol model (for those that are interested).
Engine-wise the rest of the range remains unchanged with V6 and V8 models, including the 6.4-litre Hemi SRT-8, all in place, but all benefit from a new eight-speed transmission that should improve fuel economy and performance.
Anything else?
Along with the eight speeds the new ZF transmission brings with it an update to the SRT's launch control system and a crawler gear for those who like off-roading.