Jeep Grand Cherokee 2017 facelift review: big native American does not surrender

The design certainly has never been the main feature and advantage of Jeep Grand Cherokee, the car that feels best in off-road terrain. But with the last facelift, this has slightly changed as well. Even some “fine” ladies might find it appealing.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee success originates from a long time ago

Jeep Grand Cherokee predecessors: Willys (1946) and Grand Wagoneer (1984).

Much has been said and written about the Jeep brand. The rise of the brand happened in times of war, probably the hardest test ground to prove its skills. And as they say at Jeep, 1946 Willys Wagon was the first sports utility vehicle (SUV) in the world.

After almost 20 years, it was succeeded by the Jeep Wagoneer, then in 1984 by Grand Wagoneer. All these vehicles paved the way to Jeep Grand Cherokee we know today. From its birth in 1992 its production runs in Detroit, US, and so far it managed to persuade more than 5.5 million customers. This year Grand Cherokee celebrates the 25th anniversary.

Teel us what you like and we’ll tell you which Jeep Grand Cherokee to choose…

Grand Cherokee lineup: Laredo, Limited, Trailhawk, Overland, Summit, SRT, and 2018 Trackhawk.

But anyway, the latest 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee facelift design is otherwise not significantly different from its predecessor. But with some changes in body styling, however, brings a fresh and pleasing appearance.

The exterior appearance also strongly depends on the equipment and intended use. Thus Trailhawk is made for off-road driving, Summit pampers with comfort and luxury, and the top of the range SRT and Trackhawk are designed for drivers whose blood pressure rises from the authentic sound of petrol V8.

From Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk…

2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk

Although we doubt that the majority of Grand Cherokee owners are going to experience the rough terrain, the facelifted Trailhawk version is definitely not afraid of that kind of surface. Air suspension, four-wheel drive with electronic differential lock, a Hill Descent Control and protective plates under the belly of the car turn out better than you could think.

Watching the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk in action on the testing ground on a demanding off-road course definitely take your breath away. More than two tons heavy vehicle thanks to all-wheel drive breakthrough steep ascents impassable for pedestrians, and also offers an amazing performance on the way down.

2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk hill descent control

2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk on rough terrain: hill descent control is a must.

Although it maybe seems the ride downhill is something that should not pose problems, of course, that is not the case. Driving on a slippery surface downward the driver can not afford mistakes. Even the slightest slip can lead to two tons of weight begin to move in the direction you don’t want to. It can cause the vehicle to rotate sideways, and can easily tip over and roll.

Hill Descent Control in 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee ensures a constant speed that can be set with Paddle Shift, plus or minus 1 kilometer per hour. And it is not rare that on most demanding and steep hills it is best to set the speed at exactly one kilometer per hour.

The system monitors each wheel and, consequently, adds power or brakes where necessary. It is also important that the driver trusts the system and leaves the brake pedal alone. As a result, the car may begin to slide, and an adventure would quickly turn into a tragedy.

… to Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit…

2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit: full of luxury and comfort.

Putting muddy, snowy and terrain surface aside, Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit is the best choice for people accustomed to luxury and comfort. Even from the outside, Summit trim is nobler. The mask is different, new are LED daytime lights, as well as the headlights. Comfort continues in the interior, which offers the home to the best (leather) materials and numerous safety assistance systems.

…and last but not least, Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT

2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT

And for those more demanding drivers, there is a Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT. The external appearance of the car is more aggressive, and the maximum amount of attention definitely goes to its 6.4-liter petrol V8. In general, Jeep Grand Cherokee is also available with 3-liter turbocharged diesel, 3.6-liter petrol V6, and with a 5.7-liter eight-cylinder petrol engine.

6.4-liter V8 offers 468 hp and 624 Nm of torque. It is needless to say that the sound coming from this engine is a balm for the ears. And the performance is stunning. Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT despite the nearly 2.5-ton weight accelerates from a standstill to 100 kilometers per hour in just five seconds, and the speedometer stops at the maximum speed of 257 kilometers per hour. That makes the SRT one of the fastest in its class.

2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT interior dashboard

2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT interior: a dashboard with a large screen.

The poetry starts as soon as the driver presses the start engine button. In the blink of an eye, it begins to bubble with typical petrol V8 sound that intensifies with each press on the gas pedal. Of course, such an engine is exceptionally thirsty, but in such story that is the least important thing. Nevertheless, the buyer who can afford such a car will be able to pay a bit more for the fuel.

Update: SRT not enough? Then go for Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk

2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is the most powerful and quickest SUV ever.

The latest addition to the Jeep Grand Cherokee range is still warm. It is called Trackhawk and is presumably the most powerful and quickest SUV ever. Let’s get to the point. Trackhawk hides no less than 707 horsepower under the bonnet with 875 Nm of torque, hidden in the 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine. The performance this car offers is absolutely amazing. Only 3.6 seconds from null to 100 kilometers per hour (0-62 mph) and a top speed of 290 kilometers per hour (180 mph). In an SUV!

But! If you more or less follow the automotive world, than you probably heard of Tesla. And Model X. And its ludicrous acceleration from 0-100 km/h in under 3 seconds. So why Jeep claims Trackhawk is the quickest SUV? Well, simply because Tesla Model X is under some classifications not an SUV but a CUV. While this may be true, it still throws a bad light on the Jeep advertising. Jeep, why? This is an incredible car with amazing performance, do not destroy it by finding holes in paperwork.

Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is not for sale yet, presumably, it will leave the production line in Detroit and hit the dealerships towards the end of the year.

Jeep Grand Cherokee still not for all tastes…

2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit interior

The interior is still a bit too noisy.

Of course, every stick has two ends. At one end the Jeep Grand Cherokee impresses with its performance and speed, but on the other, it should be a bit better as far as its final touch, the arrangement of the cabin and in particular its sound insulation is concerned, although a noise cancellation system is used. In comparison with some main competitors, the interior of the cabin is still too loud.

Also, the interior is different, not necessarily worse. Perhaps it is more plastic than we are used to, but that’s just a fact that testifies the car is being produced in America. American taste, of course, is not the same as a European, and therefore the Jeep Grand Cherokee is paying the price of a global car.

…but for those who know what they want and what to expect

2017 Grand Cherokee tries to combine the US and European taste. It is still more on the US side. Fortunately.

Below the line, this means that Jeep Grand Cherokee will first and foremost satisfy a specific customer. The driver, who knows what to expect. The 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee is not worse than rivals, but it is different. Also, because they are united under US (Jeep) and a European giant (Fiat). The experience of the first and second are very welcomed and certainly ensure that the Jeep Grand Cherokee, whatever it is, it is not below the average.