Overview

What's New for 2012:

• Slight improvement in fuel economy
• New Overland Summit trim level
• The SRT8 trim returns

Exterior Features
The 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a 4-door SUV, and is offered in four different trims. Seventeen-inch alloy wheels are standard, with larger wheels on higher grades.

Interior Features
The 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee offers seating for 5 passengers. Base Grand Cherokees feature cloth upholstery, full power accessories, dual-zone air conditioning, and a 6-speaker audio system. Upgraded trim levels are fitted with bi-xenon headlamps, leather upholstery, and other premium equipment. The Grand Cherokee SRT8, returning for 2012, features a V-8 engine, as well as oversized brakes, adaptive suspension, performance wheels and tires, and more.

Optional Features
Major option packages on the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee include two off-road packages that add such equipment as off-road tires, tow hooks, skid plates, Quadra-Trac II 4-wheel-drive (4WD) system, electronic limited-slip differential, and the Quadra-Drive II 4WD system.

Under the Hood
Jeep Grand Cherokee models are fitted with one of three different engines. Standard Grand Cherokee models feature a 3.6-liter V-6 engine rated at 290 horsepower, with an optional 5.7-liter V-8 rated at 360 horsepower. The V-6 is fitted with a 5-speed automatic transmission, while the V-8 features a 6-speed automatic. The SRT8 offers a 6.4-liter V-8 engine rated at 470 horsepower. A 5-speed automatic transmission is standard on the SRT8. All Grand Cherokee models are rear-wheel drive (2WD) with 4WD optional-the SRT8 is only offered with all-wheel drive.

Fuel Economy
EPA fuel-economy figures for the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee are:

• Jeep Grand Cherokee 2WD with 3.6-liter V-6 engine: 17/23 mpg (city/highway)
• Jeep Grand Cherokee 4WD with 5.7-liter V-8 engine: 13/20 mpg (city/highway)
• Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 with 6.4-liter V-8 engine: 12/18 mpg (city/highway)

Safety
Standard safety features of note on the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee include stability control and active head restraints. In government crash tests, the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee received an overall rating of 4 (out of 5) stars, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Grand Cherokee received a "Good" rating-the Institute's highest-for frontal-offset, side-impact, and roof crash protection.