Jeep Grand Cherokee, 2014
Grand Cherokee's 3.6-liter V-6 engine features a double-overhead cam
(DOHC) and high-flow intake and exhaust ports, which in combination
with variable valve timing (VVT) via dual independent cam phasing, allow
optimum volumetric and combustion efficiency over the full speed and
load range. The results in an exceptional, flat torque curve along with
high specific power. The engine's torque exceeds 90 percent of its peak
value from 1,600 to 6,400 rpm, which provides customers outstanding
drivability and responsiveness.
Jeep® Grand Cherokee - the most awarded SUV ever and the vehicle that has long defined what a premium SUV should be - gets even better for 2014.
The new Jeep Grand Cherokee completely redefines the premium SUV, delivering consumers an unprecedented combination of best-in-class fuel economy and driving range, available clean-diesel technology, a choice of leading powertrain options, legendary benchmark capability, world-class craftsmanship, premium on-road driving dynamics, and a host of advanced user-friendly technology and safety features.
Jeep Grand Cherokee delivers a best-in-class 30 miles per gallon (mpg) highway courtesy of a new 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6 engine for North America and a new eight-speed transmission. The new 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6 boasts an unmatched driving range of more than 730 miles.
A new eight-speed transmission drives the new EcoDiesel, as well as Grand Cherokee's 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine - now achieving up to 25 mpg highway and more than 600-miles driving range - and its 5.7-liter V-8, now achieving up to 21 mpg highway.
Legendary Jeep capability comes courtesy of three available 4x4 systems, Jeep's Quadra-Lift air suspension system and class-leading Selec-Terrain traction management system. Grand Cherokee boasts best-in-class towing of 7,400 pounds, and an improved crawl ratio of 44.1:1 for 2014.
A new, refined exterior design - complete with available new bi-xenon headlamps with signature LED daytime running lamps (DRL) - provides an even more premium appearance. Interior luxury is achieved with premium amenities including Natura leather, exotic open-pore wood trim and new color offerings.
The new Jeep Grand Cherokee includes even more safety and security features - more than 60, including Front Park Assist, Forward Collision Warning with Crash Mitigation, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Selec-Speed Control - as well as an array of advanced user-friendly technology features for North America such as Uconnect 8.4-inch touchscreen radio with integrated climate and infotainment controls, a 7-inch customer configurable multiview display cluster, Uconnect Access Via Mobile and cloud-based voice texting.
Built in Detroit, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is available in Laredo, Limited, Overland and Summit models.
Powertrain
Among all of the many new 2014 Jeep® Grand Cherokee features, two in particular contribute to vastly improved fuel economy and driving performance: a new, clean, 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6 engine and a new eight-speed automatic transmission.
The result: Jeep has taken the most awarded SUV in history and raised the benchmark even further, achieving fuel economy up to 30 miles per gallon (mpg) in EcoDiesel form, and improved fuel economy, drivability and overall performance across the Grand Cherokee lineup.
Jeep Grand Cherokee's new 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6 engine is expected to achieve 30 mpg highway with a driving range of more than 730 miles. The award-winning Pentastar V-6 engine delivers 25 mpg, with a best-in-class range of more than 600 miles. And the legendary 5.7-liter V-8's fuel economy improves 5 percent, now achieving 21 mpg.
All-new clean 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6 engine
Enthusiasts in North America have been clamoring for a diesel-powered Grand Cherokee and Jeep has delivered. Producing a class-leading 240 horsepower and massive 420 lb.-ft. of torque, the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel is capable of towing 7,400 pounds - more than any competitor's V-8 equipped SUVs. With a 30-percent increase in fuel economy and a 56-percent increase in torque versus the Pentastar V-6 engine, the EcoDiesel achieves 21 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway in 4x2 models. This allows for a best-in-class driving range of more 730 miles. Full-time 4x4 models have fuel economy figures of 20 city and 28 highway.
The new, 50-state legal, clean 3.0-liter EcoDiesel engine produces low CO2 emissions. MultiJet II common-rail injection and Selective Catalyst Reduction (SCR) help this new engine achieve these results.
The 24-valve, dual-overhead-cam engine features a block and bed plate crafted from strong compacted graphite iron (CGI), which contributes to stiffness without penalizing performance.
The clean 3.0-liter EcoDiesel's 60-degree cylinder banks enable more efficient packaging, while effectively balancing the potent inertia generated by torque-rich diesels.
Driver and passengers alike can expect a smooth, quiet ride on any journey. The new engine's 1-4-2-5-3-6 firing order helps manage rotation so neatly it needs no balance shaft to deliver the level of refinement for which the Grand Cherokee is known.
Further contributing to quieter performance, as well as optimal fuel economy and emissions reduction, is the clean diesel's common-rail fuel-injection system. Its 29,000-psi (2,000-bar) pressure is unmatched by any solenoid-based system.
Swirl-control intake ports benefit from a variable-geometry turbocharger and intercooler that ensure the required engine response, whether merging on-road or surging off-road.
Temperature extremes are also addressed. The new engine's turbo is water-cooled to handle searing heat, while low-voltage ceramic glow plugs accommodate quicker cold-weather starts.
Other key features and benefits:
Finger-follower actuated valves with hydraulic adjusters
Chain-driven camshafts
Piston-cooling oil jets
Water-cooled exhaust-gas recirculation (EGR) for Tier II, Bin 5 and ULEV II compliance
B5 biofuel compatibility
50-state emission compliance
All-new eight-speed transmission
All three Jeep Grand Cherokee engines are now attached to Chrysler Group's new eight-speed automatic transmission, which provides better fuel economy, quicker acceleration and smoother shifting. Another benefit is a lower crawl ratio of 44.1:1 to aid in climbing over - or through - tough obstacles when equipped with a two-speed transfer case. This is a 46 percent improvement over the previous model's crawl ratio.
Robust enough to accommodate the Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel's prodigious torque, the new-for-2014 gearbox delivers not only the promise of durability, but its precise shift schedule enhances ride quality to luxury-car levels.
Fully electronic, the eight-speed automatic features on-the-fly shift map changing, with manual shifting capability and Electronic Range Select using steering-wheel paddle controls. More than 40 individual shift maps for specific conditions optimize shift quality and shift points for fuel economy, performance and drivability. The intelligent software takes into account variables including engine torque gradients, kick-down events, longitudinal and lateral acceleration, grade changes, friction detection and downshift detection to determine the appropriate shift map. Additional parameters integrated into the control strategy include vehicle speed control, electronic stability control interaction and temperature. The result is automatic shifting ideally attuned to the performance requirements of almost any driving demand.
The transmission efficiency and wide ratio spread provide the best possible fuel economy by operating at a lower engine rpm in both city and highway environments. The addition of more gear ratios also helps reduce the gaps normally associated with upshifting and downshifting.
Gear changes are nearly imperceptible due to the evenly spaced gear steps between each gear ratio. Internally, the transmission has four gear sets and five shift elements (multi-disc clutches and brakes). Only two shift elements are open at any time. With fewer open shift elements, drag losses due to multiple parts rotating relative to one another are reduced, improving fuel efficiency.
Award-winning 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine
Twice named one of Ward's 10 Best Engines, Grand Cherokee's standard 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine boasts 25 mpg on the highway for 2014 - a 9 percent jump from the prior model year.
The standard flex-fuel 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine generates 290 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque. Combined with the new eight-speed transmission, Pentastar-equipped Grand Cherokees are now able to tow 6,200 pounds, a 24 percent increase over the previous year. The transmission also helps the V-6 models to achieve 17 mpg city and 25 mpg highway on 4x2 and 4x4 models. This allows the Grand Cherokee to have best-in-class driving range of more than 600 miles for gasoline-powered SUVs.
Structural, intake and exhaust areas of the 3.6-liter V-6 engine are designed to deliver low levels of overall noise and achieve specific sound quality goals that meet discerning customer requirements.
An environmentally friendly oil filter system with optional integrated oil cooler is used to help protect the environment via incineration of the filter element. The use of long-life spark plugs and a high-energy coil-on-plug ignition system also helps reduce cost of ownership.
Celebrated 5.7-liter V-8 engine
Fuel economy improvements are not exclusive to Jeep Grand Cherokee's V-6 powertrains. The 5.7-liter V-8 engine produces 360 horsepower and 390 lb.- ft. of torque, and boasts best-in-class towing capacity of 7,400 pounds. Now mated to the new eight-speed transmission, and owing in part to VVT and Chrysler Group's seamless Fuel Saver cylinder-deactivation technology, the V-8 models now offer improved fuel economy of 15 mpg city and 21 mpg while 4x4-equipped models get a bump to 14 mpg city and 21 mpg highway.
The 5.7-liter engine's VVT improves fuel economy in two ways. First, it reduces the engine's pumping work by closing the intake valve later. Second, it increases the expansion process of the combustion event. This allows more work to be transferred to the crankshaft instead of being rejected out of the exhaust port as heat. VVT improves engine breathing, which further improves engine efficiency and power.
The 5.7-liter engine's Fuel Saver Technology with cylinder-deactivation seamlessly alternates between smooth, high-fuel-economy four-cylinder mode when less power is needed and V-8 mode when more power is in demand. This optimizes fuel economy when V-8 power is not required, without sacrificing vehicle performance or capability.
Eco Mode further improves fuel efficiency
The Jeep Grand Cherokee features a new Eco Mode that contributes to its improved fuel economy. Eco Mode optimizes the Grand Cherokee transmission's shift schedule and - in V-8 models - Fuel Saver Technology with cylinder deactivation as well as throttle sensitivity to maximize fuel economy. The Eco Mode also manages interactive deceleration fuel shut-off (IDFSO), which cuts fuel delivery when the vehicle is coasting to reduce fuel consumption.
The Eco Mode activates the vehicle's air suspension system (if so equipped), lowering the Jeep Grand Cherokee to "Aero Ride Height" earlier to improve fuel economy.
Eco Mode is automatically engaged upon vehicle startup. A button on the center stack allows driver's to disengage Eco Mode if more spirited performance is desired.
Engineering
Since its complete redesign for the 2011 model year, Jeep® Grand Cherokee has received numerous accolades for its premium on-road driving dynamics, given its exceptionally stiff body structure and front and rear independent suspension. Combining that luxurious on-road performance with Jeep's seemingly unending level of capability results in a driving experience that is unquestionably unmatched, on any road or trail.
"No one offers the incredible balance of comfortable, premium everyday on-road driving with the long list of true capability features found in the Grand Cherokee," said Ray Durham, Vehicle Line Executive - Rear-wheel-drive SUVs, Chrysler Group LLC. "Features such as Selec-Speed Control, Quadra-Lift air suspension and Selec-Terrain combine to provide Jeep Grand Cherokee's discerning customers the most technologically advanced, safe and ultra-capable SUV."
Air suspension
The 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee rises above the road and rocks with the rugged Quadra-Lift air suspension system. The Quadra-Lift system features five height settings for optimum ride performance:
Normal Ride Height (NRH): 8.7 inches of clearance offers improved fuel economy as well as improved aerodynamics during on-road driving
Off-road 1: Lifts the vehicle an additional 1.3 inches from NRH for added height in clearing obstacles (10.0 inches)
Off-road 2: Delivers legendary Jeep off-road capability and provides an additional 2.6 inches from NRH for 11.3 inches of ground clearance
Park Mode: Lowers the vehicle 1.6 inches from NRH for easy ingress/egress. NRH and Park Mode are driver selectable allowing the driver full control over vehicle ride height
Aero Mode: Lowers the vehicle 0.6 inches from NRH. Aero Mode is controlled by vehicle speed and adjusts for optimal performance and fuel economy. The vehicle will also lower to Aero Mode when in Sport Mode.
When the vehicle is operating in Eco Mode, it lowers itself to Aero Mode when vehicle speeds are between 52 mph and 56 mph for 20 seconds, or exceeds 56 mph, further enhancing Jeep Grand Cherokees aerodynamics for optimum efficiency.
Quadra-Lift adds up to 4.2-inches of lift span supported by four-corner air springs that provide a cushioned, premium ride. Quadra-Lift operates automatically, or may be controlled manually with console controls.
With the front air dam removed and the available Quadra-Lift air suspension, the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee features a 35.8-degree approach angle, a 29.6-degree departure angle and 23.5-degree breakover angle.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is also available with load-leveling shocks. When payload is added to the vehicle, the shock's gas pressure increases until the vehicle reaches NRH.
Advantages to load-leveling shocks include improved load handling and trailer-tow performance. Load-leveling shocks are available with trailer-tow packages that do not already have the Quadra-Lift air suspension.
Selec-Terrain
In addition to the Quadra-Lift air suspension, the Grand Cherokee's Selec-Terrain traction control system allows customers to choose the on- and off-road setting for optimum performance. This feature electronically coordinates up to 12 different powertrain, braking and suspension systems, including throttle control, transmission shift, transfer case, Hill-descent Control and Selec-Speed Control.
The Selec-Terrain system has been refined for 2014 and offers five different driving conditions to achieve the best driving experience on all terrains:
Sand: Traction control and Quadra-Lift operate with sensitive response to wheel spin, and torque tuned for optimal performance in sand
Mud: Traction control and Quadra-Lift operate with sensitive response to wheel spin, and torque tuned for optimal performance in mud
Auto: Automatically adapts to any on- or off-road situation
Snow: Vehicle traction adjust for ultimate performance over snow-covered roads
Rock: Quadra-Lift suspension raises to maximum height of 11.3 inches, while the transfer case, differentials, and throttle coordinate to provide low-speed control
Sport Mode, previously found on the Selec-Terrain controller, is now engaged with the shift lever. Sport Mode provides enhanced on-road "fun-to-drive" capability.
Selec-Terrain, coupled with the Quadra-Lift air suspension, offers drivers an adjustable suspension span that delivers Trail Rated performance.
Go Anywhere 4x4 Systems
The 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee features three 4x4 systems - Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II.
Quadra-Trac I delivers full-time four-wheel drive without any switches or levers to pull. The system provides smooth operation of the vehicle over a variety of road conditions. This lightweight single-speed transfer case is both proven and efficient for enhanced fuel economy.
Quadra-Trac II's two-speed transfer case uses input from a variety of sensors to determine tire slip at the earliest possible moment and takes corrective action. The system also uses Throttle Anticipate to sense quick movement in the throttle from a stop and maximizes traction before tire slippage occurs. When wheel slippage is detected, as much as 100 percent of available torque is instantly routed to the axle with the most traction.
Quadra-Drive II, with a rear Electronic Limited-slip Differential (ELSD), delivers industry-leading tractive capability. The system instantly detects tire slip and smoothly distributes engine torque to tires with traction. In some cases, the vehicle will anticipate low traction and adjust in order to proactively limit or eliminate slip.
Selec-Terrain is standard with Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II.
Trail Rated
All 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokees equipped with the Off-road groups are Trail Rated. The Jeep Trail Rated badge on the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee indicates that the vehicle is designed to perform in a variety of challenging off-road conditions identified by five key consumer-oriented performance categories: traction, ground clearance, maneuverability, articulation and water fording.
New for the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee is an increased crawl ratio of 44.1:1 compared to 30.2:1 (3.6-liter V-6) of the previous generation, a 46 percent improvement.
Jeep Trail Rated is a unique methodology used by Jeep Engineering to measure and predict off-road performance for all Jeep vehicles. Through a combination of natural and controlled field tests, Jeep Trail Rated provides a consistent measurement of off-road performance for all Jeep vehicles. Only Jeep vehicles are Trail Rated.
Selec-Speed Control
Jeep Grand Cherokee offers a new, important capability feature for 2014. Selec-Speed Control features both Hill-descent Control - and brand new Hill-ascent Control. This allows the Grand Cherokee to climb and descend steep grades with minimal driver input.
On-road refinement
Jeep Grand Cherokee is widely known for its outstanding on-road driving dynamics, thanks in part to its front and rear independent suspension. Variable-rate rear springs deliver improved on-road handling and comfort that complements the vehicle's off-road capability. Premium on-road manners are enhanced with more than 5,400 welds in the body alone.
The independent front and rear suspension features isolated front and rear suspension cradles along with variable-rate rear springs to deliver improved on-road handling and comfort while complementing the vehicle's legendary off-road capability. The rear suspension also allows the spare tire to be stored inside the vehicle as opposed to underneath.
Grand Cherokee's steering has also been carefully calibrated for the right amount of assistance whether cruising the parking lot or a twisty two-lane mountain road. Electrohydraulic assistance is used on EcoDiesel and Pentastar V-6 models.
Design
When the current-generation Jeep® Grand Cherokee made its debut, it impressed consumers with its cohesive, upscale design that was still able to convey the rugged capability expected in a Jeep vehicle. For 2014, Grand Cherokee takes its successful recipe to a new level of opulence and strength in both exterior and interior design.
All trim levels of the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee have been given a more premium look, and are more readily identifiable at a quick glance. On all Grand Cherokee models, the upper grille is shorter in height and the headlamps are slimmer. The lower front fascia has been slightly elevated and the fog lights have been raised and are more pronounced within the fascia design. Together, these changes give the front of the Grand Cherokee a more substantial appearance while still preserving the vehicle's ground clearance at its lower edge.
Of course, Grand Cherokee retains Jeep's classic seven-slot grille and trapezoidal wheel arches.
The rear of the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee features new, larger tail lamps with signature LED lighting, a larger rear spoiler to aid in efficient aerodynamics and a re-sculpted tailgate that offers greater rear visibility, and a more pronounced Jeep badge, now found directly on the tailgate between the tail lamps. Lower rear fascias are now model-specific, and dual exhaust tips are standard on all Limited, Overland and Summit models.
New premium LED lighting
A key exterior feature of the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee is its signature front and rear LED lighting. These unique lights allow Grand Cherokee to be instantly recognizable, night or day, from a great distance. Standard on Overland and Summit, and available on Limited, are new bi-xenon high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps (adaptive on Summit) that are outlined with signature LED running lamps. The LEDs start at the inner upper edge at the grille, and follow the outer edge of the light. A slight kink upward occurs at the bottom edge of the LED lights as it nears the inner edge. This also allows for the Summit model's hidden headlamp washers to be placed within the headlamp housing as opposed to a separate nozzle located on the bumper.
The signature headlamps also feature full LED turn indicators.
The LED lights in the rear tail lamps follow the same pattern as the headlamps. A red ring of LED lamps follows the outline of the stop lights and illuminates when the headlamps are on. The lower portion of the tail lamp assembly is outlined in chrome and houses the reverse lights. The rear LED lighting features a dispersed pattern for a seamless lighting effect, unlike other LED systems where individual filaments can be seen.
Grand Cherokee open-air options
The Jeep Grand Cherokee features the CommandView dual-pane sunroof that extends from the windshield to the rear of the vehicle, allowing for perfect views both on- and off-road. CommandView is comprised of two glass panels with the front panel opening rearward providing additional light and fresh air to first-row passengers. The rear panel, which is fixed, allows light and open viewing for second-row passengers. The system comes standard with a power sun shade for those who may not want direct sunlight. CommandView is standard on Overland and Summit models and available on Limited.
A traditional sunroof is available on Laredo and Limited models.
Unique exterior styling for each Grand Cherokee model
Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo models are identified by its body-color grille and chrome headlight treatment. Body-color side mirrors and door handles are also Laredo exclusives. All lower rocker trim is dark gray. Standard wheels are five-spoke 17-inch aluminum wheels painted Tech Silver. Available aluminum 18-inch wheels with a twin five-spoke design are painted Satin Silver. The rear fascia features the new signature tail lamp design along with dark gray lower trim and a single chrome exhaust outlet.
Grand Cherokee Limited models keep the dark gray lower rocker trim and add a body-color grille with chrome grille slot frames and headlight treatment. Bi-xenon headlamps with Grand Cherokee's signature LED running lights are available. Chrome trim outlines the lower fascia opening and skid plate. The wheels on Limited are aluminum 18-inch with a twin five-spoke design and are finished in Satin Chrome. Polished 20-inch five-spoke aluminum wheels with Mineral Gray-painted pockets are optional. The Limited's rear fascia features a chrome trimmed bumper sill protector and dual chrome exhaust outlets.
All Limited (and Overland and Summit) models feature standard chrome side mirrors and door handles.
Grand Cherokee Overland models feature bi-xenon HID headlamps with signature LED daytime running lights, chrome tow hooks in the lower fascia and body-color lower fascia trim. The body-color trim carries over to the wheel arches and surround the polished 20-inch five-spoke polished aluminum wheels with Mineral Gray-painted pockets. The lower rocker panels and trim on the rear fascia also become body color.
The new luxurious Grand Cherokee Summit model tops the range and receives many unique styling cues. The bi-xenon HID signature headlamps are adaptive, and swivel in conjunction with the steering wheel. This improves visibility around bends and turns and is a brand new safety feature for Grand Cherokee. High-pressure headlamp washers are standard.
Between the lamps is a chrome finish on the upper grille's mesh pattern.
The entire lower fascia is unique and features a pronounced chrome trim similar in design to the Grand Cherokee SRT model. The front bumper is larger and features a slimmer opening for the projector fog lamps compared with other models. The lower lip is a contrasting dark gray. Larger, body-color wheel arch moldings are similar to the SRT model, but the Summit has a dark gray lower rocker trim panel with a chrome strip that runs along the top edge of the rocker. This chrome accent helps to visually lengthen the side view of the new Grand Cherokee. Satin clear coat 20-inch aluminum wheels are a unique-to-Summit twin five-spoke design.
The rear fascia is dominated by dual rectangular exhaust outlets and dark gray lower body cladding. These features are unique to Summit models, as is a new Summit badge on the lower right side of the tailgate.
Exterior color options for the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee are: Deep Cherry Red Pearl Coat, Brilliant Black Pearl Coat, Bright White Clear Coat, Pacific Blue Pearl Coat, Cashmere Pearl Coat, Billet Silver Metallic Clear Coat, Maximum Steel Metallic Clear Coat, Granite Crystal Metallic Clear Coat, Black Forest Green Pearl Coat, True Blue Pearl Coat and Auburn Pearl Coat (Summit models only).
Grand Cherokee interior delivers new levels of comfort, technology, convenience and luxury
The award-winning interior of the Jeep Grand Cherokee is elevated for 2014 and is clearly one of the most technically advanced in the industry, while boasting an array of upgraded premium soft-touch materials.
Immediately noticeable is the revised center stack featuring the new 5-inch or 8.4-inch touchscreens. Controls for radio and climate are found below the screen and have easily identifiable knobs and buttons. Following the integrated center stack down onto the center console reveals a new T-handle shifter for the eight-speed transmission. This advanced e-shifter is wrapped in leather and gives Grand Cherokee a leading-edge feel to the cockpit.
Other recognizable change is a new three-spoke steering wheel. Wrapped in leather, it features sections of real wood on Overland and Summit models. All Grand Cherokee models will have standard paddle shifters mounted on the back of the steering wheel.
The new steering wheel perfectly frames the new customer configurable multiview gauge cluster that now features 7-inch Thin-Film Transistor (TFT) technology on every Grand Cherokee model. This screen allows drivers to select from a multitude of layouts and information that can be displayed in the center of the gauge cluster, enhancing personalization of the interior.
Designers took inspiration from legendary locations from around the world when creating the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee's interior. Each Grand Cherokee model has its own unique style of luxury and ambiance based on materials and color patterns.
Grand Cherokee Laredo and Limited interiors were inspired by the cultures and environments of Morocco and New Zealand. The Black interiors were inspired by the Moroccan lifestyle seen at night with its warm metallic golden accents. The seats, instrument panel, consoles and door panels are a Black monotone and feature a Miknasa Walnut interior trim finish.
The New Zealand interior is two-tone Black and Light Frost. Nador Brown Walnut interior trim finish with light anodized driftwood adorns the instrument and door panels and eases the contrast between the two-tone upper and lower interior.
Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited models have a slight gold hue to their brushed aluminum look and add Capri leather seating, bright sill scuff plates and bright metal accents to the bottom edge of the wood interior finishes.
Open-pore wood is one of the prominent design cues found on the dash and doors of Grand Cherokee Overland models, and adds a distinct touch of modern luxury along with three interior color choices unlike anything ever seen in a Jeep vehicle. Wood trim is also found on the top portion of the leather-wrapped steering wheel.
A new interior color scheme, Jeep Brown and Indigo Blue, is inspired by the blue-hued dark gray walls of Mount Vesuvius, and features two-tone perforated Nappa leather seating with contrasting bright piping and stitching. The dark, rich Indigo Blue leather is found on the seat backs and bottoms, steering wheel, the center of the front armrest and the lower instrument and door panels. Dark Jeep Brown is found on the upper half of the stitched-leather instrument panel, the inner edges of the seat bolsters, the outer edges of the front center armrest and on the door upper panels. Contrasting bright stitching also lines the door panels and center arm rest. Open-pore brown Zebrano wood with contrasting silver trim is found on the instrument panel door panels.
On the opposite end of the spectrum is the Jeep Brown and Light Frost interior derived from the geographic diversity found in the Asian country of Nepal. The perforated Nappa leather seats, center console, and the lower instrument and door panels are finished in Light Frost with the steering wheel and upper instrument and door panels finished in Jeep Brown. Open-pore brown Zebrano wood with contrasting silver trim is found on the instrument panel door panels, and the trim surrounding the shifter, dash vents and door handles takes on a silver hue.
The Grand Cherokee Overland is also available with a Black Nappa leather interior with open-pore Nador Brown Walnut wood trim and contrasting silver trim.
A final touch to the interiors in Overland models is the addition of ambient rear-seat footwell lighting.
Grand Cherokee Summit models continue to carry the torch for premium interiors in the SUV segment. Premium Natura-Plus leather seating with heated, ventilated and memory front seats are featured in Summit, and are available in Black or Jeep Brown with copper accents. The Jeep Brown interior is inspired by the warm brown and amber hues seen in the Grand Canyon in the southwestern United States. Summit Brown open-pore wood is found on the instrument and door panels, and copper leather stitching adorns the leather-covered instrument panel, seats, doors and center armrest.
Also unique to Summit is a suede-like material covering the A-pillars and headliner, and bright trim surrounds the door-mounted speaker grilles.
Other impressive feature found on Summit models is a 19-speaker, 825-watt high-performance Harman Kardon surround sound audio system. This state-of-the-art system features a 12-channel amplifier and three sub-woofers, and surrounds the occupants in high-definition sound.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is still a utility vehicle, and several storage and convenience features have been designed into the rear cargo area including a grated, protective floor accented with a durable and bright finish. The spare tire has a dedicated space underneath the cargo floor that also contains two removable bins ideal for storing beverages or muddy gear. Also in the rear cargo area is a storage unit with a re-chargeable flashlight. Grocery hooks are placed on each side of the rear cargo compartment, and cargo capacity with rear seats up is 36.3 cu. ft. and 68.3 cu. ft. with rear seats folded flat.
The 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee interior is available in four distinctive new colors: Black, Light Frost, Jeep Brown with Indigo Blue (Overland only) and Jeep Brown (Overland and Summit).
Technology
An eight-speed transmission and EcoDiesel engine are not the only new technologies in the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee - 5-inch and 8.4-inch touchscreens, Forward Collision Warning with Crash Mitigation, adaptive head lamps (Summit only), the latest generation of Uconnect Access and a customizable dynamic gauge cluster heighten Grand Cherokee's premium nature while also adding state-of-the-art safety features.
The 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee is the first Jeep product to receive Uconnect Access.
Advanced safety features such as Forward Collision Warning (FCW) system with Crash Mitigation alerts the driver if they're approaching a vehicle in front too quickly, and Adaptive Cruise Control will keep the Jeep Grand Cherokee at a driver-selected distance from the vehicle in front when cruise control is engaged.
Uconnect Access Via Mobile (for North American markets)
The Jeep Grand Cherokee's unique Uconnect Access system is based on powerful embedded cellular technology that leverages Chrysler Group's strategic partnership with Sprint. The advanced service-delivery platform affords the kind of stability that enables direct communication when it's needed most.
Some competitive systems use built-in cellular capability to connect with concierge call centers. Others alert emergency services personnel directly, but they do so through mobile phones, which are subject to unstable connections or, when collisions occur, breakage.
Uconnect Access connects vehicle occupants directly with police, fire department or ambulance service dispatcher with the push of the "9-1-1" button on the Grand Cherokee's rear-view mirror.
Uconnect Access applies the same logic to roadside assistance. One push of the "ASSIST" button summons help directly from Chrysler Group's roadside assistance provider, or the Vehicle Customer Care Center.
Further peace of mind comes from Theft Alarm Notification, which alerts owners via SMS text message or e-mail whenever their vehicles' security alarms are activated. For the greatest convenience and flexibility, up to five people can be notified.
Additional Uconnect Access security features include the ability to remotely sound a vehicle's horn and flash its lights - measures enabled by the Uconnect mobile app that could serve as potential crime deterrents or simply to locate a vehicle at night or in a crowded parking lot. For even more convenience, remote door-locking and unlocking and remote start can be performed with the Uconnect mobile app or via the Jeep owners website.
From the behind the wheel, Uconnect Access is an efficient tool that reduces driver distraction with various means of managing in-vehicle connectivity - the newest of which is Uconnect Access Via Mobile.
In the Jeep Grand Cherokee, customers can put away their smartphones, keep their hands on the steering wheel and still interact with their devices in the ways to which they are accustomed. Media apps from Pandora to iHeart Radio to Slacker are all available via voice command - a function of Uconnect's powerful, cloud-based voice recognition capability.
Flexibility is such that, with Pandora, for example, drivers can register their "likes" and "dislikes" for music using steering-wheel controls, with the app's graphics displayed on Uconnect's distinctive 8.4-inch touchscreen.
Additional convenience is achieved when Uconnect sync's a customer's existing app so their favorite artists and stations will be readily available.
Handsfree (for North American markets)
Uconnect Access also allows the driver to execute many of the normal functions such as climate, audio and Bluetooth, all by voice. The cloud also enables voice texting, a breakthrough feature of Uconnect Access. Again leveraging the Sprint network, paired, Bluetooth-equipped cell phones that use the Message Access Protocol (MAP) can:
Receive a text message
Announce receipt of the text
Identify the sender
Read the message aloud
To respond, drivers can simply dictate. The cloud helps the system's voice-recognition system assemble the response and "read" it back for accuracy before sending. Verbatim. No memorizing pre-approved messages such as, "I'm on my way."
And it can all be done handsfree.
The same advanced voice-recognition protocol simplifies the often-problematic process of entering navigation-system destinations with both hands on the wheel. In the new 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee, the system will accept continuous, single-sentence instructions, such as: "Navigate to Arches National Park, Moab, Utah."
On-road travel is made easier by new 3D maps with graphic representations of well-known landmarks and terrain features.
What if the drivers are unsure of the destination? They can pull over and use the Grand Cherokee as a Wi-Fi hot spot. Or keep driving and access the powerful Bing search engine via voice command. Uconnect navigation then calculates a route, but if the driver wants to provide a heads-up, the system stores the destination's telephone number for handsfree calling.
Technology for even more safety and security
Jeep engineers also integrated advanced safety features in the new Grand Cherokee to help prevent crashes and protect occupants. A Forward Collision Warning system with Crash Mitigation alerts the driver with a flashing light atop the instrument panel and an audible tone when the vehicle senses that it is approaching too quickly to the vehicle in front. It is intended to alert the driver to react to the situation to prevent a possible crash. Crash Mitigation pressurizes the braking system in anticipation of a panic stop. This allows the driver to have full braking power as soon as they press the pedal to help prevent a collision. If the driver does not react to the Forward Collision Warning audible/visual alert the system also will provide a brake pulse followed by partial braking to help the driver avoid or mitigate a pending collision. The driver is still required to apply the brake to stop the vehicle.
Adaptive cruise control will keep the Jeep Grand Cherokee at a driver-selected distance from the vehicle in front when the cruise control is engaged. This allows a safe distance between vehicles with enough time for the driver to react should the vehicle in front slow rapidly. The adaptive cruise control system automatically adjusts the Grand Cherokee's speed using the throttle and brakes to maintain the pre-subscribed distance.
Daytime running lights (DRL) are now standard on all models, and Grand Cherokee Summit models now come standard with adaptive bi-xenon high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps that swivel in the direction of a turn. This allows drivers better nighttime visibility in turns.
One of the key exterior features of the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee is its signature front and rear light-emitting diode (LED) lighting. These unique lights allow Grand Cherokee to be instantly recognizable, night or day, from a great distance. Standard in Overland and Summit, and available on Limited, are bi-xenon headlamps (adaptive on Summit) that are outlined with LED running lamps. The LEDs start at the inner upper edge by the grille, and follow the outer edge of the light. A slight curve upward occurs along the bottom row of the LED lights as it nears the inner edge. This also allows for the hidden headlamp washers to be placed within the headlamp housing as opposed to a separate nozzle located on the bumper.
The signature headlamps also feature full LED turn indicators.
The LED lights in the rear tail lamps follow the same pattern as the headlamps. A red ring of LED lamps follow the outline of the stop lights and illuminates when the headlamps are on. The lower portion of the tail lamp assembly is outlined in chrome and houses the reverse lights.
Technology for convenience
Immediately noticeable upon entering the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee's cabin are new touchscreens integrated into the center stack. Standard on Laredo and Limited models is a new 5-inch touchscreen that controls audio, climate, phone and other vehicle functions such as the heated seats or how long the headlamps stay on after the ignition has been turned off. The high-resolution screen is intuitive to use, yet Jeep designers still installed redundant controls for audio and climate below the touch screen.
Standard on Overland and Summit, and available on Laredo and Limited models, is an 8.4-inch touchscreen that controls navigation, audio, climate, phone, vehicle functions and the new Uconnect Access system. This system provides large, easy to read graphics with intuitive, easy to use controls.
The most looked at area of the interior, the instrument cluster, was also given a premium high-tech appearance with the new dynamic gauge cluster. Featuring a customer configurable multiview 7-inch Thin-Film Transistor (TFT) liquid-crystal display, the cluster can be configured one hundred different ways for the ultimate, driver-customized experience. Navigation, audio and fuel economy info, as well as Selec-Terrain modes and warning indicators can all be displayed in the 7-inch screen, keeping the driver's eyes - and attention - closer to the road.
Enabled by LED technology more commonly found in consumer electronics, the display's pixel illumination is more precisely controlled, which makes for "blacker" blacks and more vivid colors. Such advancement allows crisper graphics, which are critical to the kind of instant recognition drivers need to maintain proper focus on the task at hand: driving.
Front-seat occupants aren't the only ones who benefit from high-tech displays. Second-row passengers can treat themselves to video entertainment via an available seatback Blu-ray video system (delayed availability). This new system will play standard DVDs as well as Blu-ray discs, and has inputs for high-definition media interface (HDMI) cables or RCAs for each screen integrated into the seat backs. Wireless headphones are included as is a wireless remote.
For the ultimate audio experience, Summit models feature a 19-speaker, 825-watt Harman Kardon audio system. Renowned as being a leader in the audio industry, this amazing Harman Kardon system features:
9 tweeters
5 mid-range speakers
2 mid-woofers
3 subwoofers
12-channel Class D amplifier
Featuring GreenEdge speaker and amplifier technology, the system outperforms traditional amplifier efficiency by up to 55 percent.
Quality: Improving the most awarded SUV ever
How do you improve the most awarded SUV ever? The Jeep team starts by listening to its customers.
Key upgrades for the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee include an eight-speed automatic transmission to improve performance and fuel economy plus the newest Uconnect system that balances advanced technology and connectivity features with easy-to-use controls and voice commands.
From the driver's seat, everything the driver sees, touches - and even speaks to using voice commands - is enhanced to increase function, connectivity and responsiveness. Not only does it work better, it looks better packaged in more premium materials and elegant graphics. This includes a redesigned steering wheel that is optimized for driving position while also providing control buttons for frequently-used features such as radio, cruise control, phone and voice-activated commands. Customer feedback helped designers and engineers determine the ideal location for fingertip controls so that drivers could comfortably keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.
Other significant interior change for Grand Cherokee is the availability of the new Uconnect 8.4-inch touchscreen. Connectivity and touchscreens involve rapidly changing technology and ever-increasing consumer expectations - both of which have a significant impact on the overall quality assessment of new vehicles. The Uconnect team constantly evaluates consumer feedback, placing a high priority on designing systems that are intuitive for both tech-savvy customers as well as tech-averse drivers who prefer hard knobs to adjust the climate or radio station.
For the past two years, Jeep Grand Cherokee has earned the title as the Total Quality leader for the medium-size SUV segment by Strategic Vision. The honor is based on new vehicle owner surveys that holistically assess consumers' good and bad experiences with their new vehicle. Similarly, the Jeep team values all comments from customers - especially feedback that leads to enhanced quality and customer satisfaction.
Manufacturing: Built in Detroit
The new 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee is built at the 3-million-square-foot Jefferson North Assembly Plant (JNAP) in Detroit, which has been the site of Grand Cherokee production since its introduction in 1992. To meet consumer demand, a third crew of 1,100 workers was added at JNAP in the fourth quarter of 2012.