If you want to buy a new diesel-powered SUV, you can choose from just two manufacturers in the USA: Mercedes-Benz or Jeep.
Make that two manufacturers and one engine …
While it may be news to many folks, Jeep began offering a Mercedes-Benz diesel option in the Grand Cherokee back in 2007. The combination of a Jeep soul with a Mercedes heart is tough to beat.
The 3.0 liter Mercedes-Benz common rail diesel (CRD) is well-suited to the Grand Cherokee, producing 215 horsepower and a very healthy 376 foot pounds of torque. The torque figures put the diesel on a par with the 4.7 liter V-8 (305 HP and 334 foot pounds of torque) and 5.7 liter HEMI V-8 (330 HP and 375 foot pounds of torque). It’s an even match up when it come to grunt, but when it comes to fuel efficiency, the 3.0 liter CRD shines.
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2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4WD EPA Mileage Estimates:
| Engine | City | Hwy |
| 4.7 liter V8 | 14 | 19 |
| 5.7 liter V8 HEMI | 13 | 18 |
| 3.7 liter V6 | 15 | 19 |
| 3.0 liter V6 CRD | 17 | 22 |
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Over the test period, our Grand Cherokee’s turbo-diesel delivered endless torque as it turned in a very respectable 21.6 miles per gallon (MPG) combined, with 24.3 MPG on the highway. Those are excellent numbers for a 5000 pound Trail-Rated SUV with full-time four-wheel drive. When it comes to 4WD capabilities, this isn’t a poseur … it’s the real thing.
Driving the diesel Grand Cherokee is different from any other green SUV. The power comes on right off the line and doesn’t stop. The engine makes its presence known when the throttle is dropped, but the din isn’t obtrusive.
While the steering feels heavier than the Lexus 400h or Ford Escape Hybrid, it’s not heavy in a bad way … it feels solid at freeway speeds where a lighter SUV might dance a bit in crosswinds.
It’s a solid ride with understated luxury.
As it stands, the diesel option is quite compelling. Some tweaks could put it over the top.
At 65 miles per hour, the Grand Cherokee’s CRD engine turns at roughly 2500 RPM. It seems like the transmission might benefit from an additional overdrive gear to drop the revs and pick up a mile per gallon or two at highway speeds.
An aero package could yield benefits, as well … as the Grand Cherokee isn’t the most aerodynamic SUV out there.
Diesel SUVs?
They’re’ as American as German Apple Pie …
After completing a two-week review of the CRD-equipped Grand Cherokee, we’re convinced of not just the domestic viability of diesel-power for SUVs and other passenger vehicles, but of the inevitability of of the technology, if only given the chance to succeed in the United States.
Chrysler is to be commended for sticking to plan. There are huge benefits to come from efficient diesel-powered SUVs running on domestically sourced fuel. We hope to see a full line of Jeep diesels available here in America in the near future.
Grand Cherokee Diesel courtesy of Bosch
9 comments ↓
[…] due to recently tightened emissions regulations. With the exception of the domestically-available Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel, all of Chrysler’s North American manufactured high-MPG diesel-equipped vehicles are being […]
WOW!!!!!!!! What is wrong with this country? It boasts it’s green driven, yet it’s letting the euro’s drive it.
We need to give some emissions conssessions on high mileage diesel vehicles (HMDV’s). At least allow US sales of the HMDV’s till 2011 giving them a chance to catch on while the manafactures catch up on the emissions requirements. Saving fuel should be our highest priority to slow down the Arab pipeline. Note: Production of diesel fuel creates less pollution and energy than gasoline. “WAKE UP AMERICAN LEADERS”
A hot seller would be diesel powered
dual purpose motorcycle. Perhaps
a BMW or the Kawasaki diesel enduro
That was built for the U.S. Military.
I’m ready to buy, as soon as: 1. The transmission is given an extra gear to drop the engine RPM’s on the highway. 2. Jeep warrants the diesel engine and drivetrain for life, like they do for the gasoline counterparts. 3. America decides that diesel technology is a good idea and consumers actually buy the diesel products. I don’t want to get stuck with a one-hit wonder like the diesel Jeep Liberty of a few years ago…
I have an 06 Liberty Diesel LTD and love it. Get one…
[…] The choices thinned for diesel owners in America in the years between 1998 and 2008, with Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz continuing to be the only manufacturers to offer diesel passenger cars in the United States. Budget conscious Jetta, Golf, Passat, and Beetle TDI owners enjoyed excellent mileage throughout the period, benefiting from VWs commitment to the market. 1999 marked the last year for a domestic diesel SUV - with the GMC Yukon and Chevy Tahoe - until Jeep ever-so-briefly bolted a VM Motori diesel under the hood of the domestic Liberty. 1998 saw the last of the light diesel pickup trucks with the GMC and Chevy K2500 and C1500 models, as diesel-power retreated to the heavy-duty trucks. The end of this period offers hints of the clean diesel revolution, with Jeep’s introduction of the world-class six-cylinder Mercedes-Benz diesel in the Grand Cherokee CRD. […]
Volkswagen makes the Touareg with an optional 5.0l diesel. I have considered buying the Jeep CRD but hesitate because the fuel efficiency isn’t as good enough to offset the currently more expensive diesel fuel.
Re: Touareg - it’s overkill. Too big and powerful of an engine, thus no real savings in MPG and the cost of the vehicle was too high. The Mercedes 3.0 L seems much more reasonable, and with a test report of better than 21 mpg overall, the 20-25% better mileage does justify the extra 15% expense of diesel fuel. And with “clean diesel” emissions, this is a great car if you need (not want, but NEED) an SUV of this size. I like it!!
Great review, I just rented a 3.7L gas version and loved it so much im thinking of picking up this diesel as it has more power and 10MPG better! I hope they do lower the rear axle gear as 2500RPM in a diesel IS high, the 3.7L gas only turned 1,900 at 65mph.
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