Jeep’s current-generation Grand Cherokee SUV has been such a success that it probably didn’t need an update to keep things rolling, but one arrived for 2014 anyway. We aren’t complaining, what with the ’14 GC’s new eight-speed automatic transmission, refined interior, and even more handsome sheetmetal. We have previously driven the Hemi V-8, put the new V-6 diesel in a comparo, and tested the hot-rod SRT, but this is our first full test of the volume V-6 model
The optional V-8 and the new diesel six move the Jeep with more bravado, but the eight-speed brings slightly more verve to the high-strung V-6. The transmission loves to shift, but the changes are as smooth as butter. The ratio spread keeps the V-6’s revs low at higher speeds, but the lower gears make the most of the Pentastar’s power. Still, the transmission’s brain clearly was programmed to upshift early and often, although you can calm it down by moving the shift lever to the Sport setting.
We recorded a 7.5-second 0-to-60 time for this test; that’s 0.6 second quicker than the best sprint registered by our long-termer. For a sub-300-hp SUV weighing 4987 pounds, that qualifies as quick. With the eight-speed, EPA fuel-economy ratings improve by 1 mpg each to 17 mpg city and 24 highway, and we saw 17 mpg. (Our long-termer returned 19 mpg, but its much longer stay provided the opportunity for more mileage-boosting freeway time.)
Specifications
VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, 4-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 5-door wagon
PRICE AS TESTED: $48,985 (base price: $31,790)
ENGINE TYPE: DOHC 24-valve V-6, aluminum block and heads, port fuel injection
Displacement: 220 cu in, 3604 cc
Power: 290 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque: 260 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm
TRANSMISSION: 8-speed automatic with manual shifting mode
DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 114.8 in
Length: 189.8 in
Width: 76.5 in Height: 69.3 in
Curb weight: 4987 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS:
Zero to 60 mph: 7.5 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 20.0 sec
Zero to 120 mph: 35.8 sec
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 7.9 sec
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 3.7 sec
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 5.2 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 15.7 sec @ 90 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 121 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 191 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad*: 0.73 g
No comments:
Post a Comment