2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Preview

The 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV's roots date back to 1983 when American Motors was chipping away at a successor to the Jeep Cherokee. It was not until 1993, after Ford saw resounding success with the Explorer, the Jeep felt the pressure needed to release the new Grand Cherokee beaten the competition to fight.

Nearly 20 years later, Jeep has catapulted itself to the forefront of the off-road SUV class, but it still compete with the likes of the Explorer and house competition from the Dodge Durango. Equipped with the new 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine is standard 283 horses waiting for orders from your right foot. If that's not enough you can always opt for the 5.7-liter V-8 or the SRT8's 6.4-liter V-8 that produced 360 horsepower and 465, respectively. Refinements both inside and outside the Jeep Grand Cherokee have helped to bring from obscurity to fame.

Body: SUV

Engines: 3.6-liter V-6, 5.7-liter V-8, 6.4-liter V-8

Transmission: five-speed automatic

Models: Laredo, Limited, Overland, SRT8

A new 6.4-liter Hemi V-8 engine with 465 horsepower can be found lurking under the bonnet of the SRT8 model for 2012. The SRT8 brand took a year off last year, but returns with enhancements such as Brembo brakes are under 20-inch wheels and paddle shifters are added. A revised version of the automatic transmission for the V-8 models have also seen some improvements in the latest Grand Cherokee.

Restyled for 2011, the Grand Cherokee carries this record becomes the last edition. The iconic grille and round lights that are synonymous with Jeep styling to remain integrated in the Grand Cherokee, but that's about the only styling cue that remains unchanged from the previous generation. The front end is stretched less, but still stands eight inches clearance from normal ride height. The settings can be changed when the air is in use and can increase the Cherokee as high as 10.7 inches. Fold the sheet metal door panels give the Grand Cherokee an aerodynamic look, and the smoother exterior styling helps boost fuel economy.

The latest Grand Cherokee features an abundance of entertainment and technology, as uConnect and Sirius Satellite Radio. Navigation, real-time traffic and weather updates are also available, along with other media features such as an input for an MP3 player. Speech recognition commands, the driver hands-free input and other orders to communicate to the media center. The interior is sliver and sand-colored accents with soft-to-the-touch materials abound, as one would expect from a higher-end SUV. The three-spoke steering wheel houses enough buttons to a television remote jealous, but it is laid out in an easy to use way. The Selec-Terrain knob, the driver can choose between five different terms 4X4 optimize performance.

The new 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine is a much better engine than the meager V-6 from the previous generation Grand Cherokee. But if it was not enough, a sturdy 5.7-liter or a 6.4-liter Hemi V-8 are also available as a replacement. Quadra-Lift, an air suspension and Selec-Terrain system allows the Cherokee to go off-road, like the previous versions. Selec-Terrain configure brakes, gas, and suspension control, transmission, traction control and electronic stability control.

More than 45 safety features are incorporated into the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Electronic stability control, Electronic Roll Mitigation, anti-lock brakes, traction control, and remote keyless entry are standard safety features. Trailer Sway Control and a remote starter are standard on Limited and Overland and available on the Laredo model. Side-curtain air bags, seat-mounted airbags and active headrests are also standard.

3.6-liter V-6 rear-wheel drive: 17 mpg city/23 mpg highway

3.6-liter V-6 four-wheel drive: 16 mpg city/23 mpg highway

5.7-liter V-8 rear wheel drive: 14 mpg city/20 mpg highway

5.7-liter V-8 four-wheel drive: 13 mpg city/20 mpg highway

SRT8: 12 mph city/18 mpg highway

Laredo Sport Utility

Sticker Price: $26,995

Limited Sport Utility

Sticker Price: $36,795

Overland Sport Utility

Sticker Price: $39,495

SRT8 Sport Utility

Sticker Price: $54,470