Power window controls and power door locks are located on the upper front quarter of the driver'? door. Puddle lamps under the doors? armrests illuminate your step as you hop out of the vehicle.
Cruise control buttons are located on the steering wheel below the standard driver?s airbag. There?s no passenger airbag - the new Land Rover Discovery leads in this passive safety department - but there are side impact door beams.
The Grand Cherokee Limited seats five - four comfortably - and accommodates a relatively small amount of luggage. The front seats are buckets; the rear seat is a 60/40 split bench. An integrated child safety seat is optional, as are removable rear headrests. A sunroof is also optional.
The Grand Cherokee Limited has less cargo capacity than its Ford and Chevy competitors. The spare tire, stowed in the rear storage compartment, cuts into the cargo space even more.
The rear hatch is a one-piece liftgate. We found the liftgate difficult for short folks to reach and close. With the hefty price tag of the Grand Cherokee Limited, one would think Chrysler could afford to install a handy pull-down strap. In mid-year 1995, a two-piece liftgate with flip-up glass will be available.
The Grand Cherokee Limited is available as 2WD or 4WD. All Grand Cherokee models offer a selection of three transfer cases; the Command-Trac system allows drivers to switch from normal 2WD to part-time 4WD for off-road use or when weather conditions command; the Select-Trac system has all the features of the Command-Trac plus a full-time 4WD mode; and the Quadra-Trac all-time 4WD system automatically adjusts to changing road conditions.
The tested model was equipped with the full-time 4WD system, providing four-season confidence with a virtually invisible system. Off-road, the full-time system has a viscous center differential that locks up only when extra traction is required by spinning wheels. Although Land Rover 4WD systems and suspensions setups have a small edge in off-road performance, the Jeep Quadra-Trac system is about the best all-around system of its kind in this price range.
All Grand Cherokees also are available with a choice of two engines. The standard engine is a 4.0-liter, in-line 6-cylinder with fuel injection. It produces 190 hp and 225 lb.-ft. of torque. The tested model was equipped with the optional 5.2-liter V8 that has been improved for 1995 with a new camshaft.
The Grand Cherokee Limited is one of two compact sport/utilities offering a V8 engine. The smooth-revving V8 provides 220 hp at 4400 rpm and 300 lb.-ft. at 3200 rpm. We enjoyed the low throaty rumble from under the hood; otherwise the ride was quiet. We also enjoyed the way its V8 engine hustled it down the road. With V8 power, the Grand Cherokee?s acceleration is best in class.
Our major complaint with this vehicle was its vague steering. We also experienced some body roll on wide curves at highway speeds.
New for ?95, all grand Cherokee models are equipped with 4-wheel disc brakes. Previously, these brakes were available only on the Limited version.. Anti-lock brakes are standard, which is a Grand Cherokee plus.
Although the Grand Cherokee?s strongest suit is all-around carlike driveability, it?s a capable off-road performer, which is what you?d expect form anything call Jeep
The Grand Cherokee Limited rates as one of the most luxurious sport/utilities on the market, and rates high marks for versatility, too. It strikes the right balance between on-road manners and off-road ruggedness.
