The Jeep Grand Cherokee is quite a legend in its native states of much unity, plus the odd other market like Australia or southern Africa. Let’s take a quick look at this brand new model…
You should know: This is generation five of the legendary American luxury off-roader, this internally-coded “WL” model appeared in 2021 and is built on the FCA Giorgio platform; which it shares with some Alfa and Maserati SUV’s. Also, other countries have more drive train choices besides this 3.6L Pentastar V6; including a Hemi V8 or 2L hybrid.
More info: To keep things easy (and, presumably, supply flowing) the local distributors wisely chose to offer just three models in escalating trim lines. Limited, Overland or Summit Reserve each have the same drive train: a naturally-breathing 6-cylinder petrol engine, 8-speed automatic gearbox and a highly intelligent 4×4 system.
What else? Prices currently range from about R1.33m to R1.73m with this Overland spec sitting neatly in the middle at around R1.53 million. Considering this car’s boxy but modern design, bold stature and tons of space (all have three rows of seats) plus the amazing level of safety or luxury gadgets, this Yank Tank is a comparable bargain right now.
Why you shouldn’t: Umm, yeah, maybe dealer count or spares supply? The rest is all debatable and par for the course when you’re looking at enormous multi-row luxury barges: it’s thirsty around town, tricky to park in tight spots and its Achilles’ Heel will almost certainly be the road-biased 275/45R21 tyres.
Which the Khorixas BP Werkswinkel most certainly won’t have in stock…
Why you should: Because it’s large and roomy, soft and quiet, fairly easy to pilot and highly capable if you know what you’re doing. This car has multiple on- and off-road drive modes, all comms and comfort features you desire, rather clever furniture and plenty of space for guests and/or luggage.
In other words, it not only retains its crown as a highly popular American luxury SUV but also presents buyers of this segment with a stylish and sophisticated choice.
FULL SPEC LIST
| Engine: | 3,604cc petrol V6 |
| Transmission: | 8-speed Automatic, AWD |
| Max. Power: | 210kW @ 6,400rpm |
| Max. Torque: | 344Nm @ 4,000rpm |
| Avg. cons.: | (claimed 10.6L/100km) |
| 0-100km/h: | No claim |
| Top Speed: | No claim |
| List Price: | R1,529,900 |
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