Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.0 V6 CRD 250 CV Overland, test drive (Engine, performance, handling and consumption)

When we talk about Jeep, everyone immediately thinks of a 4×4, and when we talk about Jeep Grand Cherokee, we all associate the 4×4 with luxury. The Jeep Wagoner was the pioneer in the luxury 4×4 segment, and in 1992 the Grand Cherokee was born. With its logical evolutions, it has remained faithful to luxury and off-road capabilities (something many have been losing).

This year the Jeep Grand Cherokee has undergone a light restyling to keep it up to date, debuting an eight-speed gearbox and becoming more fuel-efficient. We have tested the Jeep Grand Cherokee with the 3.0 V6 diesel engine producing 250 CV and one of the most complete trims (Overland).

Engine and performance

The powerplant that drives the Grand Cherokee is a three-litre, six-cylinder V engine manufactured in Italy, specifically by VM Motori in Ferrara. This engine has been updated and features turbocharging and the common-rail injection technology of the Fiat Group.

This engine delivers 250 CV (more than enough), although the most interesting figure is the torque of 570 Nm at just 2,000 rpm. In other words, it has a very strong thrust from very low revs, making us forget the 2,400 kg the Grand Cherokee weighs.

Power delivery is very progressive, and the refinement of a six-cylinder block is noticeable. That said, it is not particularly noted for being a quiet engine.

One of the innovations introduced in 2014 is the ZF eight-speed automatic gearbox, which replaces a veteran five-speed unit. The gearbox has a Sport mode, operates very smoothly and shifts gears quickly.

Handling

Behind the wheel, the first thing is getting in, since it is a tall vehicle. Once we are settled into the seats, it’s time to start the engine with a button and operate a gear selector with an unusual shape that takes a little getting used to, but which becomes very comfortable with practice.
3.0 V6 CRD 250 CV diesel engine manufactured by VM Motori
The first thing we notice is that the Grand Cherokee pulls strongly, although miracles do not exist, and moving 2,400 kg along with 20-inch wheels is no easy task. On the road, it is a very comfortable car, helped by the suspension (air suspension on this trim), which lowers its height above 90 km/h for greater stability.

Within its segment there are more dynamic models. The Grand Cherokee, once pushed a little, reveals a tendency to oversteer, though nothing the ESP cannot control, and this is entirely understandable. That said, the sensation of comfort and stability on the road is sublime.

Our Overland-trim unit has the Quadra Track II system

On the motorway is where comfort reaches its peak, because it literally seems to float, and the interior soundproofing is good. When the suspension is set to AERO mode (above 90 km/h or in Sport mode), body roll is reduced and greater stability is noticeable.

Going off-road in an extreme way with the Jeep Grand Cherokee is something few owners will do, but few vehicles offer such capability beyond the asphalt, and the guarantee of this is the Quadra Track II traction system fitted to the Overland.

Off-road performance

Two different systems, both with a centre differential, but aimed at either a less demanding off-road use or a more intensive, harsher one. The 2015 Grand Cherokee range offers the Quadra Track II system in the first four trims, while the Summit offers the Quadra Drive II.

The basic difference between the two is the differentials. The Quadra-Trac II has a two-speed transfer case together with BTCS (Brake Traction Control System) on the front and rear axles, meaning the limited-slip function, front and rear, is achieved through the brakes.

With this controller, no terrain can resist

Whereas the Quadra Drive II is a more sophisticated traction system, with an electronically controlled limited-slip rear differential (ELSD). Another standard feature on our unit (Overland) is the Quadra Lift air suspension, which provides great comfort on the road and versatility off it.

To these two traction systems we must add the low-range gearing (with a ratio of 2.72:1) and Select Terrain, which allows switching between five different programmes: Sand, Mud, Auto, Snow and Rock. In the latter, thanks to the air suspension, the height rises to a maximum of 28 cm and the low-range gearing is activated.

Our unit was equipped with the Quadra Track II system. This may seem very complicated, but it is controlled from a selector on the centre console, where we can select the type of terrain or activate the low-range gearing or hill descent control. We strongly recommend the Quadra Lift air suspension, since it greatly improves the behaviour of the Grand Cherokee both on the road and off-road, while both traction systems cope without problems with very demanding use, and we will rarely need the more complete Quadra Drive II system.

To test it, we subjected it to a level similar to that which we once applied to the Jeep Wrangler, through mud, low-grip surfaces and rocks, and the response of the Grand Cherokee with the Quadra Track II system has been very good, offering off-road capabilities rarely seen in a luxury off-roader like this one.

Consumption

The consumption of the Jeep Grand Cherokee is proportional to its dimensions, weight and power

To conclude this first part of the Jeep Grand Cherokee test, we must discuss consumption, which is not its strong point, but is entirely understandable given its weight, dimensions and power. On the motorway it settles at 8.5 litres per 100 km, but on the road the figure rises.

On country roads we normally average between 9 and 9.5 litres per 100 km, a figure that climbs in town to as much as 12 litres per 100 km. The city is not the best habitat for the Grand Cherokee, either because of its dimensions or its consumption, although it does have a rear camera and parking sensors to make parking easier.

In the second part of the test we will analyse the exterior design of the Jeep Grand Cherokee, as well as the interior and finishes, plus the boot and storage spaces.

Photos | Test team

Technical specifications of this car

Off-RoadJeep Grand Cherokee1 version · from 102,250 €