An elusive trifecta that Jeep manages with a complete redesign and an all-new Pentastar V-6 engine. The only carry-overs from the previous generation Grand Cherokee include the 5.7-liter HEMI and the four-wheel drive system.

The exterior gets cleaned up and though it maintains the Jeep signature 7-slot grill, it gains some elegance that reminds you of the BMW X5 if you look at it from the rear. The interior gets a huge lift with standard features like 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat, an info screen a la Audi between the speedometer and tachometer and spruced up brushed silver finishes.

Whether you opt for the base Laredo ($30,995) or the completely stacked Overland ($42,995), the interior surfaces are soft to touch and attractive. From basic cloth to leather with reverse-colored piping, the seating surfaces are attractive across the lineup, and the base center stack is just as well planned as the stack containing the optional navigation system.

All trims have the option of 4×2 or 4×4 drivetrains as well as the choice between the new V-6 that delivers 290 horsepower and the tried-and-true 5.7-liter Multi-Displacement System-equipped (MDS) HEMI V-8 that delivers 360 horsepower. While both engines are quite capable, the V-6 is a particular favorite that handles acceleration well, tows up to 5,000 pounds and delivers an 11 percent improvement in fuel economy over the outgoing V6 with ratings of 18 city / 23 highway miles per gallon (MPG). During a 2-hour drive in the 2WD model in combined conditions (and a fair amount of gunning it), I averaged 20.8 mpg.

While the capability of the V-8 grows with the ability to tow up to 7,000 pounds, fuel economy dips to 14/20 mpg (2WD) and 13/19 (4WD). It will be interesting to see how the MDS-equipped HEMI fares in extended real-world highway-mile testing, with the suspension lowered in Sport mode.

One downer, however: No plans have been announced to bring a diesel engine Stateside for this vehicle. (With Federal fuel economy requirements tightening, we’re likely to see a diesel-equipped Grand Cherokee by the 2016 model year.)

On road, the Grand Cherokee is a competent cruiser, managing highways and curvy roads equally well. Off road, new optional systems such as Selec-Terrain (which gives driving modes of Sand/Mud, Sport, Auto, Snow and Rock) and the three 4×4 systems (Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II) allow this luxurious cruiser to turn into a go-anywhere vehicle.

Additionally, for 2011 the Grand Cherokee offers 45 safety and security features—most of which are standard—including full-length side-curtain airbags, remote keyless entry, four-wheel brake traction control, electronic stability control and electronic roll mitigation. Thus it shouldn’t be a surprise that this vehicle has already been named an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety “Top Safety Pick.”

The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee is equally at home on the trail as it is on the highway. And, the fact that it has stunning good looks makes it equally parkable in your driveway or with a valet at a nice hotel. So, if you’re looking for a single go-everywhere, do-everything cruiser, this all-new full-size SUV just might be “the one.”

- Jill Ciminillo

Editor’s Note: Jill’s blog, Drive She Said, has a slew of additional 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee pics

The 2010 Jeep Liberty is offered in two-wheel- and four-wheel-drive (4WD) configurations in three levels of trim: Sport, Renegade, and Limited. The Liberty is equipped with a 3.7-liter V6 engine mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. The V6 delivers 210 horsepower (HP) and 235 foot pounds of torque.

The EPA’s fuel economy estimates for the 4WD Jeep Liberty are 15 city / 21 highway miles per gallon (MPG).

We traveled roughly five hundred miles in our Bright Silver Metallic Liberty Sport review unit and squeaked past the official mileage estimates, scoring an average of 22.8 MPG on the Interstate highway and 18.5 MPG combined in winter temperatures and mixed conditions.

Overall test period temperatures ranged from the twenties through the thirties. Interstate highway testing temperatures were in the mid thirties. The test vehicle was equipped with the standard 16-inch aluminum wheels clad with 225/75R16 all season tires and was delivered with just under 3000 miles on the odometer. (The optional 18-inch Aluminum Wheel Group option includes 235/60R18 all season tires, along with a full-size spare.)

2010 Jeep Liberty – Interstate Mileage Testing:
Cruise control set to 68 MPH, A/C off, heat on, windows up: 22.3 MPG
Cruise control off, target speed 60-72 MPH, A/C off, heat on, windows up: 23.4 MPG

The 2010 Jeep Liberty is equipped with a 19.5 gallon fuel tank.

The 3.7-liter V6 has its work cut out for it off the line, with the 4WD Liberty tipping the scales at just under 4,300 pounds (4,290 pound curb weight).

A new Interactive Decel Fuel Shut Off (iDFSO) and basic ECO indicator help save a bit of fuel and encourage a light-footed driving style, although we’d recommend adding a real-time fuel economy gauge to gain the best advantage.

Jeep’s traditional Trail-Rated prowess is proven in extreme conditions. The Liberty is a well mannered SUV, with a tall design that provides excellent visibility. Command-Trac part-time 4WD is standard. Full-time Selec-Trac is optional. Hill-descent Control and Hill-start Assist are standard.

The Liberty Sport’s roomy and functional interior is devoid of gimmicks.

The standard six-speaker audio system includes SIRIUS satellite radio, plays MP3 CDs and includes an auxiliary input jack for digital music players. The optional eight-speaker Infinity audio system includes a 368-watt amplifier and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls.

UConnect Bluetooth is optional in the Sport model and standard in the Limited. The Liberty provides two 12-volt power outlets: one at the base of the dash and one in the cargo area.

Heated seats are only available in the Limited edition.

Families of six footers take note. Rear seat headroom is excellent for taller passengers.

The Liberty was built to haul stuff. A button on the key fob provides quick access to the tailgate window. The cargo area is cavernous, with 25.2 cubic feet of storage with the rear seats up and 60.9 cubic feet with the 60/40 rear seats folded down. The front passenger seat folds flat to accommodate longer items.

The trailer-tow package provides a 5,000 pound towing capacity.

Our test unit was equipped with the following option packages:

• 28B Customer Preferred Option Package – the towing package includes a full-size spare, Class III receiver hitch, wiring harness and adapter, trailer sway control, and heavy duty engine cooling.
• Skid Plate Group – includes tow hooks, transmission skid plate, fuel tank skid plate, transfer case skid plate, and front suspension skid plate.
• Popular Equipment Group – includes deep tint glass, speed control, fog lamps, security alarm, side roof rails, temperature and compass gauge, 225/75R16 all season tires, and cargo compartment cover.

The 2010 Liberty can be equipped with a conventional sunroof or a jumbo-sized Sky Slider full length open roof that measures a whopping 33 inches by 60 inches, providing a unique open-air driving environment.

All-in-all, the 2010 Jeep Liberty delivers competent 4WD performance and an abundance of interior space in a rugged package. While fuel economy leaves much to be desired, we expect efficiency to rise as Jeep adopts the new Chrysler V6 in upcoming models. We also hold out hope for a return of a fuel-efficient diesel-engine Liberty, down the road.

2010 Jeep Liberty – Parts Content Info
U.S./Canadian Parts Content: 80%
Final Assembly Point: Toledo, Ohio
Country of Origin:
Engine – United States
Transmission – United States

The four-door Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara 4×4 is fitted with a 3.8-liter V6 engine that can be mated to either a six-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. The Wrangler’s V6 produces 202 horsepower (HP) and 237 foot pounds of torque.

The EPA’s fuel economy estimates for the 2009 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 4×4 are 15 city / 19 highway miles per gallon (MPG) with both the manual and automatic transmissions. (The 2WD Sport 4×2 and Sahara 4×2 are rated slightly higher, at 15/20)

We put more than five hundred miles on the odometer of our automatic-equipped Red Rock Crystal Pearl review unit over a range of terrain and were able to squeak past the official mileage estimates with an average of 22.1 MPG on the Interstate highway and 17.9 MPG combined.

Interstate Mileage Testing:
Cruise control set to 68 MPH, A/C off, windows up: 21.2 MPG
Cruise control off, target speed 60-72 MPH, A/C off, windows up: 23.1 MPG

Overall test period temperatures ranged from the mid-fifties through the low eighties, with Interstate highway testing temperatures in the sixties. Highway tests were performed with the removable top on the vehicle.

The Wrangler’s 3.8-liter engine runs on regular unleaded fuel. The 22.5 gallon capacity gas tank provides a good amount of range.

There’s no mistaking the Wrangler for a speed demon, as it takes a leisurely trot up to highway speeds.

We had the opportunity to run our test unit through a variety of conditions, including miles upon miles of sand roads crisscrossing Wharton State Forest in the heart of the Jersey Pinelands. We found the Wrangler Unlimited to be most at home when off the beaten path. While the highway ride is smooth, it can be a bit bouncy in-town.

Although the Wrangler includes an average fuel economy display as standard equipment, it lacks a real-time fuel economy gauge. We used an aftermarket AutoMeter EcoMeter throughout testing in order to achieve higher fuel efficiency through light-footed driving.

The Wrangler Unlimited rides on a 116-inch wheelbase that’s stretched 20.6-inches over the standard Wrangler. This allows for a generous amount of passenger room and cargo capacity. 46.4 cubic feet of cargo space is available when the 60/40 rear seats are up and a whopping 83 cubic feet of space is available when the rear seats are down. Underfloor storage provides additional space to store items away from prying eyes.

Rear seating is designed to accommodate three, with plenty of leg and headroom.

A subwoofer-equipped 368-watt 7-speaker Infinity sound system is standard in the Wrangler Unlimited Sahara. Our test unit was fitted with the optional Uconnect Navigation and audio system, which includes a 30 gigabyte hard disk drive (HDD) for music storage.

While there are both USB and audio input jacks, USB performance is limited. The system does not work directly with iPod menus and cannot play music downloaded from the iTunes Store unless converted to MP3 format (or run through the audio input jack). Music files can be downloaded to the HDD from USB devices or ripped from audio CDs.

The look may be retro, but the modern conveniences are covered. True to Jeep tradition, the doors are removable, even though they include power windows and locks. There are two power outlets at the base of the dash. While our test unit was not equipped with it, a Bluetooth option is available. Although we’ve gotten a bit lost in the Pinelands in previous outings, off-roading with a satellite navigation system on-board is like having a little bird on your shoulder.

Make no mistake about it … this is a serious four-wheeler, not a fashion accessory. Four wheel disc brakes, a Dana 44 heavy duty rear axle, skid plates (for the transfer case and fuel tank), Command-Trac Shift-on-the-fly 4WD, and Hill Assist are standard, along with two front two hooks and one rear tow hook. The Wrangler Unlimited rides on 18 x 7.5 inch machined cast aluminum wheels shod with P225/70R18 On-/Off-Road Tires. A full size spare is standard issue.

The Wrangler Unlimited comes standard with Jeep’s Sunrider soft top. We highly recommend adding a hard top. The optional three-piece modular Freedom hard top includes a rear window wiper/defroster and is reasonably priced. One person can easily remove or install the front sections of the Freedom top.

All-in-all, the Jeep Wranger Sahara Unlimited 4×4 continues to fill a unique niche by delivering dependable off-road performance, in-cabin technology, iconic design, and open air motoring, along with plenty of cargo capacity and passenger space. If you want to get there with four doors and an open roof, the Wrangler Unlimited is the only game in or out of town.

Curb Weight: 4,269 pounds – manual, 4,294 – automatic.
Final Assembly Point: Toledo, Ohio
Country of Origin: Engine – United States, Transmission – United States
U.S/Canadian Parts Content: 57%

Not finding the elusive big screen, I trekked down to the show floor only to find an empty space where the Chevy Volt prototype had sat the previous day. With the coffee kicking in, I recalled an email tip. The Volt was over on Capitol Hill, waiting for the cameras and throngs.

So I hopped in a cab with my video gear and headed over to Capitol Hill, not knowing exactly where the cars might be found. A kindly Supreme Court police officer pointed me in the direction of a Senate police outpost, where I was steered to the exact location on the corner of Delaware Avenue and 3rd Street.

As I approached the corner I could see the bow tie on the grille. There it was: the ultra-clean Volt prototype, fresh off the EDTA show floor, along with a generic Malibu and a stickered-up E85 Escape Hybrid, sitting next to the Jeep EV and Dodge EV ENVI cars.

Hardly anyone was around when I got there. I stood there for quite some time, my jaw no doubt agape.

Although I’d shot the Volt earlier in the week inside the Washington Convention Center, seeing it on the street, and seeing it move under its own power, was a very cool experience … it was one of those days where I felt truly blessed to have had my camera and gear with me and to be able to do what I’m doing.

It went from great to outrageous. Seeing the Volt was one thing. Riding in the Dodge EV was something else, altogether.

While I was only witness to a few brief bursts of EV acceleration, I have to say it was nothing like anything I’ve experienced in a motor vehicle. With no wait for the power band to kick in, the delivery of high-powered electric propulsion is nothing short of amazing. It’s all about immediate torque. If you love driving diesels, think about 480 foot pounds of instant (and silent) thrust.

Many thanks to the wonderful folks at GM and Chrysler for allowing me to shoot this video with remarkable access, and for the friendliness of the officers in the District. Lou, I owe you one.

The technology in these cars represent the future of the American automobile industry and show, without a doubt, that the electric motor can earn a place in the hearts of all, from those whose interest in cars is purely for transportation to full-bore life long automotive enthusiasts.

The future is electric.

Although a manual transmission had been available starting with the 2002 Liberty, all 2009 Liberty models are fitted with a four-speed automatic transmission, exclusively. A more fuel efficient 2.4-liter four cylinder engine was available in the 2003 through 2005 Liberty.

The 2005 and 2006 model years were a high-water mark for the Jeep Liberty with regard to mileage. 2005/2006 Liberty CRD was fitted with a VM Motori 2.8 liter common rail diesel four cylinder, producing 160 HP and 295 foot pounds of torque. While the diesel produced roughly the same mileage figures as the conventional gasoline-powered four cylinder, the diesel’s torque advantage was massive.

Unfortunately, the VM Motori engine could not pass the tightened emissions requirements in the 2007 model year, forcing Chrysler to discontinue sales of the Liberty CRD in the USA. That did not stop the company from continuing to install the VM Motori engine in overseas-bound vehicles, however. Diesel Liberty sales continue to this day … just not in America.

2002-2009 Jeep Liberty Gas Mileage

The 2009 Jeep Wrangler comes with a standard 3.8 liter V6 producing 202 horsepower and 237 foot pounds of torque. The V6 can be fitted with a 6-speed manual or optional 4-speed automatic transmission. Command-Trac Shift-on-the-Fly 4WD is standard on the base and Sahara packages, while the 4:1 Rock-Trac Part-Time 4WD is standard on the Rubicon. A 3.21 axle ratio is standard issue on the base and Sahara, with optional 3.73 gearing. The Sahara is fitted with 4.10 gearing.

European Jeep Wranglers can be ordered with a VM Motori 2.8 liter common rail diesel four cylinder, producing 174 HP and 302 foot pounds of torque. With a six-speed manual transmission, the two-door diesel Wrangler covers 0-62 MPH in 11.2 seconds. The diesel’s torque advantage is matched by a sizable gain in mileage, with approximate ratings of 28.3 highway / 18.5 city when converted to US gallon equivalents.

Related: Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 4×4 Review

Jeep Wrangler Gas Mileage: 1987 – 2010

After opening remarks from diesel hot rodding legend Gale Banks, attention turned to the race course laid out though the parking lots of the Rio Hotel and a generous selection of Euro-diesel gems from Bosch’s fleet.

Attendees were treated to some of the finest examples of diesel engineering currently prowling the streets of Europe, including a Honda Accord i-CDTi and i-CDTi CR-V, Chrysler 300, BMW 535d M Sport, Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel, and a Mercedes-Benz E320.

Two of the newest and smallest additions to Bosch’s fleet proved to be the hits of the evening, with the MINI Cooper D and BMW 123d M Sport hot hatchbacks especially well suited to the tight curves of the Rio track.

For those that had never driven a modern clean diesel vehicle, the event was an eye opener, with each vehicle delivering exceptional performance and economy in their respective classes.

For attendees that missed the event … there’s always next year …

The tiny Bluetec diesel engine does not propel the car. It’s merely a generator that recharges the Lithium-Ion batteries (a la the Chevy Volt). The Renegade concept’s battery pack has a 40 mile range.

Who could resist a 110 MPG Hot Wheels car sprung to life, complete with a pair of scuba diver propulsion devices on the rear deck lid and a hose-out interior?

The Renegade Concept isn’t just the perfect beach house accessory … it could fill a very cool niche for beach patrols looking for a maneuverable, economical and green solution to lessen the dependence on gas-hungry SUVs and pickup trucks.

Here’s hoping that Jeep gives their little green gem the green light for production …

35 MPG can be an immediate reality, with one domestic manufacturer, if the United States government would only allow it to happen. Our elected representatives need to be aware of the facts and make the appropriate decisions.

Chrysler is uniquely positioned among the Big Three US automakers. Unlike Ford and General Motors, Chrysler is already building a slew of high-MPG diesel-powered vehicles right here in the United States.

Amazing as it may seem in these difficult times, Chrysler is not allowed to sell those cars domestically, 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 shipped abroad.

Each and every one of Chrysler’s European models is available with a diesel engine, with the exception of the Dodge Viper. In fact, a diesel engine can be found under the hood of more than 50% of the vehicles that Chrysler sells in Europe.

All-in-all, a dozen Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep diesel-engined models are currently available outside of the United States, but are not sold domestically.

Here’s the eye-opener … half of those models currently achieve 35 miles per gallon combined.

That’s 35 MPG … right now.

And what’s even more crazy? All of these 35 MPG cars and SUVs are built in North American plants by North American workers … American citizens cannot buy and drive the fuel-efficient cars they build.

The thriftiest of the bunch delivers nearly 50 MPG on the highway … and it’s no dog off the line, turning in 0-62 mile per hour (MPH) times under nine seconds. The fastest in the pack delivers 7.6 second 0-62 times and 35.6 MPG on the highway.

Needless to say, these are wonderful world-class cars, a world apart from your Uncle’s noisy, slow, smelly 80’s-era diesel.

The Mercedes-Benz V6 diesel-equipped Jeep Grand Cherokee is the first US-built passenger vehicle to meet the tougher Federal emissions requirements. With the emissions work done on the Mercedes’ 3.0 liter engine, we expect the Chrysler 300 to be the next diesel-powered domestic, as it shares the same powerplant. (At present, diesel 300s are being built in Graz, Austria.)

Chrysler is using four different diesel engines, in all:

• 2.0 liter Volkswagen turbo-diesel inline four (Avenger, Caliber, Compass, Journey, Sebring, Patriot)
• 2.2 liter Mercedes-Benz inline four (PT Cruiser)
• 2.8 liter VM Motari inline four (Cherokee, Grand Voyager, Nitro, Wrangler)
• 3.0 liter Mercedes-Benz V6 (300, Commander, Grand Cherokee)

What if the federal government temporarily rolled back the emissions requirements for one or two years, to allow the sale of these fuel-sipping vehicles while Chrysler and its partners complete the engineering necessary to meet the current regulations?

Crazier schemes have been implemented to stimulate the economy, no doubt about that. But this one just might work … by spurring investment and putting people back to work.

As you ponder that thought, take a gander at a group of specifications that compare the European diesels with the most fuel-efficient engines in each of the US domestics …

Jeep Patriot Diesel

Plant: Belvedere, IL
Engine: Volkswagen 2.0 liter common rail turbo-diesel inline four cylinder engine, producing 138 HP and 229 foot pounds of torque. 0-62 MPH in 11 seconds when equipped with a six-speed manual transmission.

(Domestic: 2.4 liter I4/5-speed/2WD – more: Jeep Patriot Gas Mileage Ratings)

Jeep Compass Diesel

Plant: Belvedere, IL
Engine: Volkswagen 2.0 liter common rail turbo-diesel inline four cylinder engine, producing 138 HP and 229 foot pounds of torque. 0-62 MPH in 11 seconds when equipped with a six-speed manual transmission.

(Domestic: 2.4 liter I4/5-speed/2WD – more: Jeep Compass Gas Mileage Ratings)

Jeep Wrangler Diesel

Plant: Toledo, Ohio
Engine: VM Motori 2.8 liter common rail diesel four cylinder, producing 174 HP and 302 foot pounds of torque. 0-62 MPH in 11.2 seconds (two door), 11.7 seconds (four door) when equipped with a six-speed manual transmission.

(Domestic: 3.8 liter V6/6-speed/2WD)

Jeep Cherokee (aka: Liberty) Diesel

Plant: Toledo, Ohio
Engine: VM Motori 2.8 liter common rail diesel four cylinder, producing 161 HP and 295 foot pounds of torque. 0-62 MPH in 11.2 seconds when equipped with a six-speed manual transmission.

(Domestic: 3.7 liter V6/6-speed/2WD)

(The 2.8 liter diesel engine was available in the domestic Jeep Liberty in the 2005 and 2006 model years.)

Jeep Commander Diesel

Plant: Jefferson North, MI
Engine: Mercedes-Benz 3.0 liter common rail diesel, producing 215 HP and 376 foot pounds of torque. 0-62 MPH in 9.0 seconds when equipped with a five-speed automatic transmission.

(Domestic: 3.7 liter/V6/5-speed Auto/2WD or 4.7 liter/V8/5-speed Auto/2WD)

Chrysler 300 Diesel

Plant: Brampton, Ontario & Graz, Austria (diesels)
Engine: Mercedes-Benz 3.0 liter common rail diesel, producing 215 HP and 376 foot pounds of torque. 0-62 MPH in 7.6 seconds – Sedan (Saloon), 8.6 seconds – Wagon (Touring), when equipped with a five-speed automatic transmission.

(Domestic: 2.7 liter V6/5-speed Auto)

Chrysler Grand Voyager (aka: Town & Country) Diesel

Plant: St. Louis (diesels)
Engine: VM Motori 2.8 liter common rail diesel four cylinder, producing 174 161 HP and 339 265 foot pounds of torque. 0-62 MPH in 12 seconds when equipped with a four-speed automatic transmission.

(Domestic: 3.3 liter V6/4-speed auto – more: Chrysler Town and Country Gas Mileage Ratings)

Chrysler PT Cruiser Diesel

Plant: Toluca, Mexico
Engine: Mercedes-Benz 2.2 liter common rail diesel four cylinder, producing 148 HP and 221 foot pounds of torque. 0-62 MPH in 10.8 second, when equipped with a five-speed manual transmission.

(Domestic: 2.4 liter I4/5-speed Manual – more: Chrysler PT Cruiser Gas Mileage Ratings)

Chrysler Sebring Diesel

Plant: Sterling Heights, MI
Engine: Volkswagen 2.0 liter common rail turbo-diesel four cylinder, producing 138 HP and 229 foot pounds of torque. 0-62 MPH in 12 seconds when equipped with a six-speed manual transmission.

(Domestic: 2.4 liter I4/4-speed auto – more: Chrysler Sebring Gas Mileage Ratings)

Dodge Avenger Diesel

Plant: Sterling Heights, MI
Engine: Volkswagen 2.0 liter common rail turbo-diesel four cylinder, producing 138 HP and 229 foot pounds of torque. 0-62 MPH in 12 seconds when equipped with a six-speed manual transmission.

(Domestic: 2.4 liter I4/4-speed auto – more: Dodge Avenger Gas Mileage Ratings)

Dodge Caliber Diesel

Plant: Belvidere, IL
Engine: Volkswagen 2.0 liter common rail turbo-diesel, producing 138 HP and 229 foot pounds of torque. 0-62 MPH in 8.8 seconds when equipped with a six-speed manual transmission.

(Domestic: 1.8 liter I4/5-speed manual)

Dodge Nitro Diesel

Plant: Toledo, Ohio
Engine: VM Motori 2.8 liter common rail diesel four cylinder, producing 174 HP and 339 302 foot pounds of torque. 0-62 MPH in 10.5 second when equipped with a five-speed automatic transmission.

(Domestic: 3.7 liter V6/6-speed manual)

Dodge Journey Diesel (Coming Soon)

Plant: Toluca, Mexico

Engine: Volkswagen 2.0 liter common rail turbo-diesel four cylinder, producing 140 HP and 229 foot pounds of torque. Equipped with a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.

Mileage figures yet to be released.

Footnotes:

(1) MPG figures were converted from UK urban/extra-urban/combined mile per British gallon estimates for the purposes of this report, using publicly available data.

(2) Chrysler assembles, but does not manufacture, diesel-powered Dodge Sprinter Vans in Charleston, South Carolina. Mercedes-Benz ships the parts from Europe.

(3) Cummins diesel engines are a popular domestic option in heavy-duty models of the Dodge Ram pickup. Dodge is poised to extend diesel engines throughout the range.

Make that three manufacturers and two engines …

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.

2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4WD EPA Mileage Estimates:

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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