Jeep Grand Cherokee (05-10) - Review

The previous Grand Cherokee was a comfortable car. This one is improved thanks to its better road-holding, smoother ride and good refinement. Switching from the old five-cylinder diesel to the new V6 has cut engine noise and vibration making it an excellent motorway cruiser, plus wind noise and tyre noise are also low. Front-seat occupants are well catered for in terms of space and although the rear compartment is smaller than you would expect, there is still room for three adults.

There’s room for five adults over short distances, though the rear passengers may feel the squeeze after an hour on the road. The decent-sized boot comes with a separate opening tailgate window for easier loading (especially useful in tight multi-storey car parks), while various storage compartments in the cabin mean the Grand Cherokee is suitably practical. Those in need of a seven seater should take at a look at another, larger Jeep alternative in the shape of the Commander.

The Grand Cherokee offers a pleasant enough driving environment, with some items carried over from the old model, and other features - such as the audio system - shared with the Chrysler 300C. However there are too many hard plastic surfaces to compete with the premium off-roaders that the Grand Cherokee is priced alongside. The range-topping Overland addresses this with attractive two-tone leather, suede seats and real wood trim, but it still lacks that sophisticated feel.