I remember as a kid, wearing my Sunday best and then going out and playing in the mud! With this Jeep, you push a button, hike up the truck, and go have some fun!

The all-new 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a luxury sport ute that attracts a lot of attention.

The body styling went through some major changes this year and is very different to the previous version that had more chiseled and square edges. This vehicle is refined and more rounded. If it wasn’t for the traditional Jeep grille you would think this was a Volvo or an Audi.

The first thing you notice is the new LED lighting that wraps around the HID headlamps, it gives it a very sophisticated and contemporary look.

Jeep did not sacrifice its off road capabilities. Options are; Quadra-Trac 1 that features full time on demand four-wheel drive with single speed transfer case and equal torque split (50 front/50 rear) with brake control. Quadra-Trac 11, with a 2 speed transfer case with low range and variable torque distribution that delivers up to a 100 percent front or rear. Quadra-Lift air suspension that lifts four corners of the vehicle to provide the best in class ground clearance of 272 mm that will allow you to negotiate just about any terrain you encounter.

The Summit model has a gorgeous interior, all the bells and whistles. Premium Nappa leather seats with heated/vented 12 way power front seats. The steering wheel is heated and wrapped in leather with sections of wood.

The instrument panel, doors, and centre console are also leather stitched. The Power lift gate that can be controlled via the remote to make life easier loading and unloading cargo. Be careful at night, with the lift gate open it’s hard to see the bottom of the gate and if you’re not careful you will be wearing the lock mechanism as a tattoo on your forehead, don’t ask how I know.

With this model, you get the navigation screen complete with a backup camera. There is also an optional rear seat DVD system.

There is an optional stability control with anti-roll, hill start assist, trailer sway control. Front air bags with reactive head rest restraints, and side curtain airbags. Forward collision warning system detects whether you are approaching another vehicle too rapidly and alerts you to take action. Parkview/ Park-sense Park assist systems that help see what perhaps you would not see when backing up.

Four engine choices here. The first is a 3.0L Ecodiesel V6 that an amazing 420 lb-ft of torque and 240 horsepower. My tester was equipped with the fuel frugal diesel – 9.8 /7.0 L/100 km (city/highway).

The second is a 3.6 L Pentastar VVT V6 that has been on the Ward’s 10 best engine list for three years. It delivers 290 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque.  There is a 5.7L VVT V8 with 360 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque and delivers a surprisingly 9.9L/100 km on the highway. The last engine choice is the 6.4L HEMI V8 which is available on the SRT model. It delivers 470 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque, all these engines come with an 8 speed automatic transmission. Basic warranty coverage is for three years or 60,000 km

I remember as a kid, wearing my Sunday best and then going out and playing in the mud! With this Jeep, you push a button, hike up the truck, and go have some fun!

I was very surprised that it was able to perform off-road given that it has undergone some dramatic changes to the body and the ride comfort, but like all Jeeps it is built to take a punishment.

Sticker price:

Price as tested – $54,395

Laredo – $39,995

Limited – $47,895

Overland – $55,895

Summit – $60,895

SRT – $63,495

Contact: ian [dot] harwood [at] drivewaybc [dot] ca