2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee Review
New models complete recently redesigned lineup.
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Summary
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is an icon among sport utility vehicles and this latest-generation version is far better than older models. It looks wonderful. It's powerful and quiet at the same time. It offers good space efficiency and comes loaded with standard and optional features.
NewCarTestDrive.com correspondent Jim McCraw filed this report from Santa Barbara, California, with Mitch McCullough reporting from Los Angeles.
Model Line Overview
| Model Lineup: | Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 2WD ($27,165); Laredo 4WD ($29,135); Limited 2WD ($33,415); Limited 4WD ($36,005); Overland 2WD ($39,240); Overland 4WD ($42,230); SRT8 4WD ($39,300) |
| Engines: | 5.7-liter ohv 16-valve V8 |
| Transmissions: | 5-speed automatic |
| Safety Equipment (standard): | front airbags, ABS, Brake Assist, electronic stability program, traction control, tire pressure monitor, LATCH system |
| Safety Equipment (optional): | side curtain airbags, rear park assist |
| Basic Warranty: | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Assembled In: | Detroit, Michigan |
Specifications As Tested
| Model Tested (MSRP): | Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4WD ($36,005) |
| Standard Equipment: | dual-zone automatic climate control; leather upholstery; one-touch power windows; power locks with remote keyless entry; eight-way power driver's seat; power passenger seat; power adjustable pedals; memory function for seats, mirrors, and pedals; Boston Acoustics AM/FM/CD six-speaker premium 276-watt AM/FM/6CD with MP3; driver information center; 60/40 split folding rear seat; engine immobilizer; water-resistant storage compartment; automatic headlamps; rain-sensing automatic wipers; electrochromic rearview mirror; HomeLink; TPM with display; adjustable roof rack crossrails; machined-face 17-inch aluminum wheels |
| Options As Tested (MSRP): | side airbags ($560); 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with Quadra-Drive II and front and rear electronic limited slip differential, Sirius Satellite Radio, sunroof, ParkSense rear backup system ($2,745); navigation system ($1200), trailer tow group ($255) |
| Destination Charge: | 695 |
| Gas Guzzler Tax: | |
| Price as tested (MSRP) | 41205 |
| Layout: | four-wheel drive |
| Horsepower (hp @ rpm): | 330 @ 5000 |
| Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm): | 375 @ 4000 |
| Transmission: | 5-speed automatic |
| EPA fuel economy, city/hwy: | 14/21 |
| Wheelbase: | 109.5 |
| Length/width/height: | 186.6/73.3/67.7 |
| Track, f/r: | 62.0/62.0 |
| Turning circle: | 37.1 |
| Seating capacity: | 5 |
| Head/hip/leg room, f: | 39.7/57.6/41.7 |
| Head/hip/leg room, m: | |
| Head/hip/leg room, r: | 39.3/60.6/35.5 |
| Cargo volume: | 67.4 |
| Payload: | |
| Towing capacity: | 7200 |
| Suspension, f: | independent, double-wishbone, coil springs over gas-charged shocks, anti-roll bar |
| Suspension, r: | live axle, upper and lower trailing links, track rod, coil springs, gas-charged shocks, anti-roll bar |
| Ground clearance: | 8.0 |
| Curb weight: | 4613 |
| Tires: | P235/65R17 Goodyear Wrangler HP |
| Brakes, f/r: | disc/disc with ABS |
| Fuel capacity: | 20.8 |
• For more information such as specs, prices, and photos of the 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee, click here: 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
