2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel

Jeep last offered a diesel engine in the Grand Cherokee in 2009. Since then, Audi, BMW, Porsche, and Volkswagen have had a decent amount of success selling diesel-powered SUVs in the United States. Turbo-diesels are an ideal pairing with SUVs, offering V-8 torque with better-than-V-6 fuel economy. The new Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel 4x4, for instance, is rated at 21/28 mpg, while the 3.6-liter V-6 4x4 gets 17/24. The 5.7-liter V-8 4x4 produces 30 lb-ft less torque than the diesel and only manages 14/20 mpg. For comparison, the Porsche Cayenne Diesel is rated at 19/29 mpg, and the Volkswagen Touareg Diesel at 20/29.


Subjectively, the Grand Cherokee is comfortable and quiet, and the interior of the topline Summit trim is nearly too good for something expecting to see muddy boots on a regular basis. The dash and door panels are leather-wrapped, the infotainment system offers a Wi-Fi hotspot; and the overall feel is luxurious. The steering is a bit dead on-center and not nearly as precise or communicative as the VW or Porsche offerings, but exactly what you'd expect from a company known for focusing more on dirt than asphalt. The ride is firm and controlled, thanks in part to the air suspension, which allows a lower ride height for highway cruising while also providing up to 11.3 inches of ground clearance in Off-Road mode. Air suspension isn't offered on the VW and is a nearly $4000 option from Porsche. Around our figure eight, the Grand Cherokee returned a respectable 28.8-second lap averaging 0.59 g. A comparable 2011 Touareg TDI from our database did the same in 27.3 seconds at 0.65 g average.

 In a straight line, the Jeep closed the performance gap, managing a 7.8 second 0-60mph compared to the VW's 7.7 seconds. The quarter-mile showed similar results, with the Jeep running 16.0 seconds flat at 83.3 mph, while the VW turned in 15.9 seconds at 85.3 mph. The Jeep did, however, beat the VW in braking by a foot, stopping from 60 mph in 122 feet. It is worth noting the Grand Cherokee has a 339-pound weight disadvantage, tipping our scales at 5401 pounds. Like the VW's, the Jeep's performance comes from the 3.0-liter turbo diesel's brutish low-end torque. While 240 hp looks a bit wimpy on paper, the whopping 420 lb-ft of torque available at 2000 rpm makes power delivery smooth and instantaneous. As much as we love the engine, the real standout in the Grand Cherokee's family of drivetrains is the new ZF-sourced eight-speed transmission. Shifts are smooth and seamless in normal operation, but turn to fast and focused in Sport mode. 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Ecodiesel Engine The Jeep is not quite as competent touring over asphalt as its German rivals, but that has never been Jeep's primary focus. With a choice of three different four-wheel-drive systems, adjustable ride height, and easily removable front and rear fasciae for improved approach and departure angles, the Grand Cherokee's off-road abilities are clearly a bit more of a priority. From a value perspective, the $56,990 Grand Cherokee is arguably better equipped than today's $60,050 2011 Touareg TDI Executive, if for no other reason than the air suspension. Several thousand dollars could be saved by buying the Limited trim of the Grand Cherokee, and that would likely be the choice if it were our money.

Read more: http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/suvs/1303_2014_jeep_grand_cherokee_ecodiesel_first_test/#ixzz2SlLW0ZHg