Jeep Grand Cherokee 2010: Focusing on the Future

Check out our new Jeep Grand Cherokee Inventory!

Introductions

Do your SUV requirements include significant off-road ability? If so, the 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee might be your ride of choice. Three different four-wheel-drive systems (Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II) provide escalating off-road abilities, from low-grade trail busting to "Pack Mule Only." And if you need to tow large objects, the JGC's maximum towing capacity is a significant 7,400 pounds.

However, if trail-busting and towing aren't huge priorities for you, the Grand Cherokee might not be the best choice. Its interior and cargo space fall behind those of other midsize SUVs, while its fuel economy is only good news for ExxonMobil's bottom line.

The high-performance SRT8 is an awesome choice for horsepower junkies who like driving SUVs, but that's an admittedly small audience.

Full Preview 2010

The next-generation Grand Cherokee, due in 2010, will feature car-like uni-body construction as well as a new Phoenix V6 engine. Chrysler's new Phoenix V6 motor will be available in the Grand Cherokee in 3.3L and 3.6L displacements. A 4.7L V8 and 5.7L HEMI are likely also in the cards, as well the GM/Chrysler/BMW hybrid power train, used in the short-lived Chrysler Aspen Hybrid and Dodge Durango Hybrid. As always, expect two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive models to be offered. Other tech-bits we've heard about are an aluminum front axle and a tow rating of almost 8,000 lbs. 

Style Changes for 2010 

Once considered the sports car of the SUV segment, the 2010 Grand Cherokee will likely have a noticeably longer wheelbase, longer rear overhang and likely third-row seating to accommodate the spied towing package. Thusly the new Grand Cherokee is anticipated to borrow architecture from Mercedes SUVs like the ML and GL.

Given that engineers tried so hard to prevent our photographers from snapping photos, we suspect there are some pretty significant changes in store for the SRT model.

As part of its viability plan submitted to Congress, Chrysler included an illustration of the all-new 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee in its submission. The new unibody-based model will be built alongside the all-new Dodge Durango at Chrysler's Jefferson North plant.

While the Jeep Commander was originally slated to move to this new chassis, the Commander has now been killed outright. However, this new chassis has enough flexibility so that the 2010 Grand Cherokee will be offered in 5 passenger and 7 passenger configurations.

As indicated by the spy photos and CGI image, there's a seven-slat grill that reminds us of the Trailhawk's nose. Moreover, the doors have a similar stamping to the Trailhawk concept.

Pushing us ever closer to the brink of buying the biggest environmental nightmare we can get our rebellious little hands on, Chrysler LLC has announced their current development of a lighter, smaller, greener Jeep Grand Cherokee for 2010 [our anguish is too great to describe right now]. Although the 2010 Hybrid Jeep Grand Cherokee will be Jeep's first hybrid model, Jeep has also announced that several, as-yet unreleased vehicles will follow suit.

Going Green in the "Plant" 

In preparation for the new model, Chrysler plans to spend more than $1.8 billion to refit its Jefferson assembly plant in North Detroit. The same plant will also be responsible for several yet-to-be revealed models based on the same platform, Chrysler explained to Automotive News reporters. The new platform was jointly developed with Mercedes-Benz, but there won't be much else in common between the future Chrysler and Mercedes products.

Currently, the plant is responsible for the production of the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Jeep Commander but after it completes its 285,000 square foot expansion, an upgraded assembly line and redesigned body shop will be ready to begin producing Jeep's new hybrid models. In keeping with Jeep's new Devotion to Green, the plant will also include several green initiatives.

The plant will include energy-efficient fluorescent lighting fixtures with cleaner air-filtration systems and waste-reducing decanting technology. It also has quieter electro-servo weld guns and Chrysler has replaced unused parking-asphalt areas with grass to reduce heat generation. 

Utilizing reusable paint clips that hold doors in place during the paint process and reusing parts racks, resulting in reduced raw material consumption. Also added is trailer cubing and rack density improvements to reduce fuel consumption.

To help raise funds for the expansion and retooling of the plant, Chrysler will sell up to $1 billion in non-earning assets. Some of these assets include land around its headquarters in Auburn Hills, Michigan, and its Tritec engine plant in Brazil.

First Drive 2010

The base V6 is woefully underpowered and gets poor fuel economy to boot. We'd therefore steer most buyers toward the 4.7-liter V8 or the torquey diesel V6. If you can afford it, the 5.7-liter V8 is the best of the bunch -- it has plenty of power, and its fuel economy is virtually identical to that of the weaker 4.7-liter V8.

Considering the 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee's all-terrain talents, its road manners are surprisingly good. Steering is precise and handling is mostly sure-footed, although the suspension loses composure over crumbling expressway pavement. In off-road situations, the Jeep's generous wheel travel and advanced 4WD hardware earn it true mountain-goat status.

The specialized SRT8 model provides more than just wicked acceleration and intoxicating sounds. A precisely tuned suspension and quick steering allow you to hustle it through turns as if it were a much smaller vehicle, and the oversized Brembo brakes skim off speed quickly and resist fade. Those expecting the Grand Cherokee's typical ride quality will be disappointed, however, as the SRT modifications firm up the suspension considerably.

Conclusions

  Based on what we've seen, the 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee looks prone to grow a bit grander. For more information, specifications, and media check out Jeep.com. Although Chrysler apparently killed off the diesel option on the current model for the new year, it may return for the new model, joining the same range of V6 and HEMI V8 engines that may expand to include a HEMI hybrid (Hymi, anyone?).