2005 SUV of the Year Testing
We sampled only one Grand Cherokee, so counterbalancing some of the faults we found with this vehicle was the sheer breadth of the lineup. Three engines are offered, a 3.7-liter SOHC V-6, a 4.7-liter high-output SOHC V-8, and the 5.7-liter Hemi (an SRT-8 high-output Hemi arrives mid-year). Driveline choices include rear drive and three different four-wheel-drive systems, including one that's a hands-free high-range all-wheel-drive system. Two trim levels and a vast array of options help tailor the Grand Cherokee to fit any budget from $26,775 to almost $43,000.
All the above was considered during a spirited debate that nearly degenerated into arm-wrestling and name-calling before the final vote was taken and the Jeep was narrowly defeated.
| 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee |
| Price range | $27,000-$43,000 |
| As-tested price | $41,980 (Limited) |
| Vehicle layout | Front engine, 4WD, 4-door, 5-pass SUV |
| Engine type 90° | V-8, iron blk/alum heads, OHV, 2 valves/cyl |
| Displacement, ci/cc | 345.0 / 5654 |
| Max horsepower SAE net | 330 @ 5000 rpm |
| Max torque SAE net, lb-ft | 375 @ 4000 rpm |
| Transmission | 5-speed auto |
| Curb weight, lb (MT) | 4886 |
| Max cargo capacity, cu ft | 67.4 |
| Max towing capacity, lb | 7200 |
| 0-60 mph, sec | 6.9 |
| 1/4 mile, sec @ mph | 15.1 @ 88.5 |
| Braking, 60-0 mph, ft | 137 |
| Skidpad, g | 0.73 |
| 600-ft slalom, mph | 57.8 |
| MT fig-eight, sec @ avg g | 29.7 @ 0.54 |
| EPA mpg, city/hwy | 14/21 |
| Ratings |
| Engineering | •••• |
| Design | •••1/2 |
| Interior | ••• |
| Performance | ••••1/2 |
| Off-road | ••••1/2 |
| Safety | ••• |
| Value | •••• |
To Sum Up
The best Grand Cherokee yet, but it could've moved the needle more |
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