Overview

What's New
For the 2007 model year, the Jeep Grand Cherokee gets engine options that can run on diesel or ethanol, as well as the regular gasoline-powered versions. Standard equipment now includes side curtain air bags. The tail lamps have been revised, five new colors are available, and changes have been made to the dashboard surface and some other interior details.

Overview
Jeep launched its midsize Grand Cherokee sport utility vehicle as a 1993 model, and in the ensuing years it has proven its on- and off-road capabilities while becoming more luxurious on the inside. It underwent a major update for the 2005 model year. Now, for 2007, it is available with two new engines-a 4.7-liter V-8 that can operate on gasoline or ethanol fuel, and a 3.0-liter common rail diesel. Also available are a 3.7-liter V-6, a 5.7-liter Hemi V-8, and a 6.1-liter Hemi V-8. The engines link to 5- or 6-speed automatic transmissions that power either the rear or all four wheels through a variety of traction-enducing and "Trail-Rated" front, center, and rear differentials. But while offering optimized traction, the Grand Cherokee also provides seemingly luxury-class accoutrements.

The basic Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo comes with a 3.7-liter, 210-hp V-6 engine, side curtain air bags, electronic stability control with anti-rollover technology, 4-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock control, a tire-pressure-monitoring system, air conditioning, 17-inch wheels, an 8-way power driver's seat, a 60/40 split rear seat, remote keyless entry, an AM/FM/CD audio system with an auxiliary input jack, and a rear cargo storage system. The Grand Cherokee Limited model adds a 235-hp, 4.7-liter flexible-fuel V-8, Quadra-Trac II 4-wheel drive, remote starting, leather seating, power-adjustable pedals, rain-sensing wipers, SmartBeam headlamps, a 4-way power front-passenger seat, a 6-disc CD changer with MP3 capability, Boston Acoustics speakers, and a HomeLink garage door opener.

The Grand Cherokee Overland model adds a 330-hp, Hemi V-8 engine, a rear parking-assist system, power-folding exterior mirrors, a trailer towing package, a DVD-based navigation system and Sirius Satellite Radio, and the option of the diesel engine. The Grand Cherokee SRT8 adds a 420-hp Hemi V-8, special exterior trim, a mesh grille, a special transfer case and rear differential, run-flat tires on 20-inch wheels, Brembo brakes, a modified steering system, performance seats, special instruments, and premium audio.

The Competition
The Jeep Grand Cherokee competes in the Midsize Utility segment, which consists of 16 models. Buyers in this segment look for performance, reliability, and comfort, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2006 Avoider Study^SM and the Escaped Shopper Study.^SM

The top sellers in the segment during calendar year 2006, according to the J.D. Power and Associates Sales Report,^SM were the Honda Pilot (152,154 units sold), Jeep Grand Cherokee (139,148), and Ford Explorer (131,759). The Jeep Grand Cherokee's 139,148 sales in 2006 represent a decrease of 34.9 percent compared to the previous year. Other models offered in the Midsize Utility segment include the Chevrolet Trailblazer, Toyota 4Runner, Jeep Commander, Nissan Pathfinder, and Dodge Durango. Joining the segment in 2007 is the Chrysler Aspen.