Jeep Grand Cherokee (05-10) - Review

Review by Matthew Proud on
The Grand Cherokee is a much improved large 4x4, with convincing off-road capabilities and the rugged looks to boot. The familiar shape and style is carried over from the previous model, while a handful of new engines and better road manners have broadened the car's appeal. Four engines are offered but it's the 3.0-litre diesel which is more popular than the three petrol V8 units, as it strikes a more acceptable balance between power and fuel economy. The Grand Cherokee isn’t flawless and rivals like the Land Rover Discovery offer more room and a higher-quality finish for similar money. But overall, it's a stronger package than ever.
3.5 out of 5

Other Jeep reviews

2 out of 5

Running costs

Early Grand Cherokees were very pricey from new and represented poor value for money, though this was addressed in 2006 with some hefty price cuts and better value Predator models. Fuel consumption and tax costs are high plus servicing the petrol models twice every 15,000 miles won’t be cheap either, so buyers will need deep pockets. The diesel is more economical, but with an average of just 28mpg it's less than impressive compared to other large diesel 4x4s.

* based on most recent data

Estimated fuel cost for 10,000 miles per year

Unleaded

£3,230 - £3,410 *

Diesel

£2,374 - £2,374 *

The estimated fuel cost figure is a guide to how much this model will cost to fuel each year, so you can compare between cars. It's calculated by using the model's average mpg (calculated from both town centre and motorway driving) and the average fuel price. It's based on the following cost-per-litre: petrol 135p and diesel 141p. Prices are updated daily.

Summary Running Costs

Servicing period

12,000 miles diesel, 7500 miles V8.

Warranty

Three years/60,000 miles.

Road tax (12 months)

£270.00 - £475.00

Vehicle excise duty (VED) varies according to the CO2 emissions and the fuel type of the vehicle. For cars registered after March 1st 2001 VED or road tax is based on the car's CO2 emissions. For cars registered before March 1st 2001 it is based on engine size.

Full running costs data

1 out of 5

Green credentials

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CO2 emission figure (g/km)

Fuel economy rating

The arrows indicate the best and worst CO2 bands for this model.

Emissions summary

Buyers in need of a heavy-duty off-roader tend to be hit with expensive road tax, as large 4x4s are thirsty and emit high levels of CO2. The Grand Cherokee is no different, with the hefty 4.7-litre and 5.7-litre petrol engines producing 352g/km CO2 and 366g/km CO2 respectively. That puts them well into the higher tax bands and both only return around 18mpg. The 3.0-litre diesel fares slightly better - it manages 28mpg but although emissions are lower at 270g/km CO2, it's just as pricey to tax.

Find the exact engine and CO2