Jeep Grand Cherokee CRD

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While diesel technology is popular in Europe, it suffers in the US from the old-school perception that it is still noisy, dirty, and unrefined. To the contrary, today’s diesel is as clean and more efficient than many gas-powered engines, while also delivering more low-end, pulling power for practical uses. Some automakers have acknowledged these virtues and implemented diesel power into their vehicle line-ups. Jeep is one of them. Jeep offered one of the first diesel-powered midsize SUVs in the form of the Jeep Grand Cherokee CRD—designed for real off-road capability (unlike the recent spate of meek crossover SUVs designed for suburban use). Unfortunately, the car-buying republic didn't repond to Jeep's diesel offering. Chrysler discontinued the diesel option for the North American market, although there are probably quite a few still available on the lots.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee has been one of America’s quintessential SUVs for more than a decade and a half. It is versatile enough to be everything from a roomy and comfortable family car, to a competent daily driver, to a trail-rated rough-rider, ready to handle outdoor adventure. Its popularity and wide range of use makes it an excellent candidate for diesel power.

Under the hood lies a 3.0-liter V6 Common Rail Turbo Diesel engine (denoted by ‘CRD’), which is built by Mercedes Benz, one of the few other automakers that has been ardently promoting the diesel movement in America. This clean burning powerplant requires the ultra–low sulfur fuel that is now available at most gas stations nationwide. It produces 20 percent less carbon dioxide emissions than standard gas engines, and allows the CRD to be 42-state legal. It does not, however, pass the stringent air quality standards of California, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

In terms of efficiency, the Grand Cherokee CRD is 30 percent more efficient than its gas-powered counterpart. EPA ratings for this SUV are 18 city/23 highway, with a combined everyday fuel economy of 20 miles per gallon. That may not cause your jaw to drop, but it is a significant improvement over the standard gas-fueled V8’s expected 14 miles per gallon.

The Grand Cherokee CRD also boasts spirited performance on pavement. It can hustle from 0 to 60 in 7.8 seconds, due to its quick, off-the-line jump and initial acceleration, one of the several benefits diesel power offers with its inherent torque-driven characteristics. For this reason, the Grand Cherokee has a commanding presence in traffic.

And for those who vie for towing and off-pavement capabilities, the Grand Cherokee again does not disappoint. Offering two 4X4 packages, combined with the diesel engine’s axle-twisting 376 pound-feet of torque, the Cherokee CRD can handle high degrees of dirt, sand, mud, and rock, as well as being able to tow up to 7,400 pounds of trailer.

Though the Grand Cherokee CRD’s build-quality is high, it should be noted that the long-standing gas-powered Grand Cherokee has suffered from a spotty repair record. Furthermore, the Jeep brand, overall, is historically known for having reliability issues.

Regardless, The Jeep Grand Cherokee CRD makes a strong case for modern diesel technology on several fronts. Available in three trim levels—Laredo, Limited, and the uplevel Overland—this highly sought-after SUV is now cleaner, greener, and more work-capable than ever.

20 / 25 MPG 11.76 / 9.41 L/100km
BODY TYPE:

SUV
TECHNOLOGY:

Diesel
BASE MSRP:

$34,400