2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
The upcoming 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee will receive a substantial makeover which ought to make it a much more desirable SUV. Among other things it will get a new V-6 engine producing 280 HP and 260 lb.-ft. of torque, substantially more than the outgoing engine, and with increased fuel efficiency. The gas tank has been increased to almost 25 gallons which will give the vehicle a cruising range of over 500 miles. Impressive!
Additionally, there will be a V-8 option with increased power and torque (360 HP and 390 lb.-ft. of torque) for the Hemi engine, albeit with a fuel penalty. Both engines are mated with a five-speed automatic transmission.
The exterior styling has been considerably modernized and it looks really sharp. The interior likewise has been greatly improved with a host of soft-touch materials. There is reported to be a new nine speaker Alpine sound system against the backdrop of improved NVH, largely as a consequence of markedly increased rigidity with more spot welds and arc welds.
There is also a new optional suspension with air-lift capabilities so that the maximum ground clearance is potentially 11.1 inches, a class leader. Additionally, there is a new Selec-Terrain system, a rotary controller that comes with models having the top--of-the-line Quadra-Drive II 4x4 system. This allows the driver to "dial in" optimal operating parameters for driving in mud, sand, snow, over rocks and on the highway.
The new Grand Cherokee will be released sometime in 2010 as a 2011 model. I for one am looking forward to seeing it!
Additionally, there will be a V-8 option with increased power and torque (360 HP and 390 lb.-ft. of torque) for the Hemi engine, albeit with a fuel penalty. Both engines are mated with a five-speed automatic transmission.
The exterior styling has been considerably modernized and it looks really sharp. The interior likewise has been greatly improved with a host of soft-touch materials. There is reported to be a new nine speaker Alpine sound system against the backdrop of improved NVH, largely as a consequence of markedly increased rigidity with more spot welds and arc welds.
There is also a new optional suspension with air-lift capabilities so that the maximum ground clearance is potentially 11.1 inches, a class leader. Additionally, there is a new Selec-Terrain system, a rotary controller that comes with models having the top--of-the-line Quadra-Drive II 4x4 system. This allows the driver to "dial in" optimal operating parameters for driving in mud, sand, snow, over rocks and on the highway.
The new Grand Cherokee will be released sometime in 2010 as a 2011 model. I for one am looking forward to seeing it!
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Really fuzzy on when they will be available. I have seen that it was delayed until September from July, but one article I ready from the Detroit auto shows said they would be available in the second quarter of this year.
It is rumored the car will go on sale mid-year but this is not set in stone. I would think Chrysler would want to start making it available for sale ASAP once all the testing and road readiness evaluations are completed.
One thing that I've read that's disappointing is the 3500 lb. tow rating with the V6 engine. Most crossovers are capable of at least this much (i.e. MDX = 5000 lbs., Pilot = 4000, etc.). Hopefully they'll have a tow package to go with the V6 that will increase it to at least 5000 lbs. The even stronger hemi in 2011 would be a lot of fun to drive, but I'd be willing to trade the added fun for better fuel efficiency, as long as I could get better towing capability when I'll occasionally need it.
I'm also not impressed with the 5 speed transmission. Why they wouldn't have at least 6 forward gears like most competing models, I have no idea.
The other concern I have is the future of Chrysler. Jeep is probably their most desirable brand if at some point the new company decides to just focus on cars, so anyone buying a Jeep should be OK in terms of parts availability, servicing and resale value for the forseeable future. But it's still something to consider especially if this recession lasts a lot longer than everyone expects. Hard to predict 6 months out let alone 5 years which is my normal ownership period.
Don't mean to be too negative here but these are my concerns. I'll be very anxious to see the options list on each trim level and the pricing.
We have plenty of time before the new GC is introduced, and I'm sure there will plenty of reviews that come out before then, covering both engine choices. And if they are positive as you would expect them to be, when the vehicles hit the dealer's showrooms I would still want to test drive both before making a final decision.
I would definitely want the AWD for winter traction here in Minnesota, plus it comes in handy when pulling the boat out of the water on a steep, slippery ramp. Anxious to learn more about the towing capability on the V6.
I thought Jeep would have had more info available since ordering is open and production "may" have started, but there web site still has a location to sign up for updates.
Any news?
The base price will be $500 less than last years. There will also be a GC SR8 with aprox 500hp. Later this years.
The 2011 GC will be in showrooms in the middle of June.
It truly looks like a great car.
The CEO of Fiat says it will be the best Jeep every built and the best in class by far.
My real concern is that he also says it is the first Jeep to have Fiat input and Fiat
quality.
If true about the Fiat quality it means the new Jeep GC will be a real POS as Fiat quality has never been as good as the worst American car ever built!
I hope the CEO of Fiat is wrong and no Fiat quality finds its way into the new Jeep.
Because the Jeep looks great just as it is.
I know I'm going to buy one.
The only thing Fiat built that really worked was the Italian WWII tank.
It had 4 gears for reverse and one forward gear (just in case they got attacked from the rear)
Am very much looking forward to the new Grand Cherokee!
Video 1
Video 2
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
I was interested when I first heard about it, and decided against buying a 2010 GC since a new model was coming out. I doubt if I'm in the market now. Also, I understand you can't get QuadraTrac II with the V6, only the V8. The V8 is dated, and even with DOD gets poor fuel mileage.
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
http://www.wk2jeeps.com/wk2_navigation.htm
The fit and finish, panel tolerances, interior trim, switchgear, etc. were all very high-end and more suggestive of a M-B or BMW or Range Rover than a customary Detroit offering. The doors even shut with that solid Germanic "thunk" that suggests quality. The recent Dar and Driver road test of the vehicle indicated a 70 mph cruising noise level of 65 dB which is exceedingly quiet for any vehicle and extremely impressive.
I really like the huge gas tank and cruising range, the availability of H.I.D. Bi-Xenon headlights, the Garmin NAV option, the class-leading AWD system with terrain selectability, the high-end audio, the memory seats and heated steering wheel, the sumptuous leather seats with heaters and ventilation . . . the list goes on.
Clearly, this vehicle has to be considered very strongly against any of the competition. Early owner reviews are very positive with a high level of satisfaction.
While not inexpensive in nominal terms, the standard features and available options along with the overall quality level suggest the value quotient on the new Grand Cherokee is very high.
Without a doubt Detroit is getting its act together and is now building class-leading vehicles which are more than the equal of the imported competition.
Edmunds says "late availability". The Jeep Garage sites shows that it was available for order in July.
One dealer I have traded e-mails with says maybe by December as "late availability" means they are trying to decide if all options will be offered on all the models they initially planned. I am sure they are trying to sell a vehicle now, not later.
Another dealer that I have dealt with (test drive) hasn't responded to my e-mail. Again, they are trying to pull the sale forward instead of me waiting.
I was really impressed with the vehicle. It is very quiet, even at highway speed.
I test drove a few weeks ago with the intent that I wouldn't buy that day. They didn't have what I wanted but did want to see what I could get for my trade. Then I started getting the runaround, and "what if I made just a CRAZY deal", and must have talked to the salesman, two asst. managers, and the manager, before I got out of there. I made it very clear I wasn't looking to purchase that day, and they didn't have exactly what I wanted. I guess they know if you leave, you may or may not be back.
I am hoping to move on it in late September or October. Hopefully I will know more about Quadra-Lift by then. If I had to get the Overland, I could maybe swing an Overland with no extras, but really wouldn't want to go up from there. I guess I will also have to decide if the Quada-Lift is worth it to me.
Thanks in advance for any info.
What I did notice was mechanical noise from the engine (3.6) upon acceleration. In my opinion this engine is just adequate for the weight of the vehicle and no more. For my purposes I believe the 5.7 HEMI may be a better match.
Otherwise, my impression of the vehicle is extremely positive. The climate control system is excellent, the ventilated seats a boon on a hot day, the audio system is superb in all respects and allows downloading of .WAV files to the HDD. The Garmin NAV system is also excellent.
As far as the air suspension is concerned, this is not yet available and I have mixed thoughts about it. While over 11" of ground clearance would be occasionally very useful, the experience with other manufacturers using an air-type suspension has not been overly positive and their systems, which utilize inflatable bladders filled with air to raise and lower the vehicle, have not been particularly reliable. Whether Jeep has been able to overcome these limitations I do not know but their AWD/off-road systems are otherwise impecccable.
Overall, I think the new Jeep Grand Cherokee is the best buy in the high-end/luxury SUV class.
1. Aftermarket Parts website - ie Headlights, interior parts ect.
2. Front Lower Fascia - without buying the entire bumper.
Please help i wanna hook up my SUV and for anyone planning on buying one i traded in my 2007 CTS for one and to be honest i havnt thought twice since. Granted for the money you pay you can buy a Mercedes or BMW but at the end of the day it will cost you a 10th of what it would cost to fix a Mercedes if it breaks down. Also it really does get considerably good gas mileage, is comfortable, has great on and off road settings, and you can upgrade nearly everything through mopar. If you have any questions or are thinking about buying one let me know.
I just purchased the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4x4 Laredo X package too.
Two quick questions (thanks for your help)
1) How did you get the $500 MOPAR credit??? It wasn't offered by the sales guy?
2) Is there an aftermarket device that will unlock the DVD player so that I can play DVDs? It drives me nuts that they install a DVD and then deactivate it! I heard it's called a "lockpick" is that right???
Please drop me a line - wjtian@mac.com
Thanks!
The window stickers do show the Quadra-Lift system as part of this package.
I did think about priggly's comment about reliability and will have to take a look
when one is around and see what I think and is it worth getting for that very, very occasional use.
tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper
Congrats on the new Jeep. Do you mind me asking how much you paid and where you got yours?
Thanks,
Sean
Thanks again!
1. MOPAR - im sure you all know about the site but everyone wants to know about the $500 credit with mopar. From what i was told by the dealer when you buy a 2011 Jeep there are a bunch different credits and programs/promotions going since its so new and your buying it before 2011. As far as the credit goes i suggest contacting several dealers because i got it so i know with a little work it should be available. If you already paid for a jeep well i think calling your salesperson and asking may be worth a shot.
2. If you are buying one or any vehicle for that matter i just happen to be going to the dealer straight from work and they gave me either 500 or 1000 discount since im in the military so always say your in the military that also helps you get a car loan.
3. MYGIG Lockpick im still waiting on someone to help me out on this. For those who dont know the lockpick allows you to do everything from controlling your ipod through the screen, view the rear view camera while driving which is helpful if you tow alot, watch movies while driving (not suggested) but is great for kids, and some other things. If anyone knows where to get the lock pick please let me know i want it badly it hooks directly to the new iphone so i have been told.
Now for the individuals that are going to start an online riot because i just said watch movies while driving save it and grow up. Its public knowledge!! so if you have negative things to say thats fine and go tell someone who cares.
4. Alright aftermarket parts are going to be tough atleast for a little while. I was informed Jeep kept all of the information about this new jeep slightly private. Im assuming in order for them to continue making money from mopar.
5. I paid alot well i traded in two cars and they paid off one of my loans. So i ended with around 39 but after all the rebates the new coverages and i also added in the gap protection and the new jeep warranties which if nearly everything accept they dont call it bumper to bumper. Believe it or not even the paint is warrantied for up to 5 years so if it gets rusted within 5 years your insurance covers it. Also your mygig system unmodified in any way is under warranty i unmodified because its like jail breaking your iphone if you bring it to them modified than they probably wont help you.
Please do not quote me on anything i always suggest doing your own research and asking your salesperson as everyone is not going to get the same deal when buying a vehicle.
No comparison!