Just a few months after Stellantis debuted the seven-seat version of the new Jeep Grand Cherokee to South Africa, their Pentastar V6-powered model has now ditched two seats a more compact and capable derivative. Kyle Kock spent the day testing the fifth-generation Overland model both on and off-road – here are his thoughts.
Why is the Grand Cherokee significant?
Late last year, Stellantis launched the bigger version of the all-new Grand Cherokee, dubbed L (take that as long, or long-wheelbase if you will) here in South Africa. It’s a full 289 mm longer than the five-seater model that was just introduced and if you remember the range-topping Commander from 15 years ago then think of the Grand Cherokee L as a spiritual successor to that model. On the local launch, members of the media got to do a short gravel road, but nothing that really put the model through its paces off the beaten track.
It’s all worked out actually, because they really left the proper off-roading for this model. And that’s apt because the Grand Cherokee is a pioneer for Sport Utility Vehicles – one of the first of its kind to mix legitimate 4×4 credentials with luxurious items like all-around electric windows, cruise control, heated mirrors, keyless entry and heated seats.
By today’s standard, the aforementioned features are by no means groundbreaking, and in fact most buyers in this segment would probably expect them to be standard fitment, but bear in mind that this was way back in 1993 and that every generation has gradually improved with luxury, along with rivals like the Land Rover Discover, to appeal to the needs of affluent buyers.
What’s the Grand Cherokee Overland like to drive?
All the models are powered by the brand’s venerable Pentastar 3,6-litre V6 motor. This engine has been around the block, and is battle-tested, which is why we get it here. Well, that and the fact that the diesel motors that would be available in the Grand Cherokee would require a higher grade of diesel than we have available to us in Mzansi.
That being said, while you’ll not set any timing sheets alight with acceleration, the engine sounds quite fruity when you rev it and it’s definitely no slouch either. On day one of the launch, with the sizable Jeep-only convoy headed north in the direction of the Waterberg, we sat at the national limit in the N1, and the 344 N.m easily dispatched of slow-moving traffic before settling back down to cruise with a smoothness that one expects of luxury sedans.
Average fuel consumption hovered around 13,0 L/100 km, and I can only imagine that the 5,7-litre V8 Hemi, which is still offered in other markets, to be significantly thirstier than this.
What I really appreciate about how Stellantis has specced these vehicles. Buyers have just three trim levels to choose from, and no options to tick if you only opt for a base model, save for the colour.
How much are we talking about for the Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland?
The model we drove, the Grand Cherokee Overland, comes in at R1 539 900, with the base Limited model R210 000 less and the range-topping Summit R196 000 more. This compares favourably with the likes of the Land Rover Defender 110 and its numerous derivatives, and even Toyota’s Prado, which comes in significantly cheaper but has nowhere near the same level of standard specification.
Verdict
I must add that we did some decent off-roading with the Grand Cherokee, which Stellantis opted not to do with the launch of the Grand Cherokee L last year. At Serendipity Eco Trails near Mookgopong, we scrambled up a few rocky sections, waded in some belly-depth water, had to engage low-range and hill-descent control and experience some wheel articulation after choosing lines through some difficult terrain.
The Grand Cherokee managed all that we threw at it, and handled itself admirably. Is this the sort of activity that most who buy in the segment partake in? Probably not. But still, to be able to do it because you can, if you need to, makes all the difference here. And with a Grand Cherokee, you most definitely can.
Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Fast Facts
Price: R 1 539 000
Engine: front-mounted, 3 604 cc V6
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
Power: 210 kW @ 6 400 r/min
Torque: 344 Nm @ 4 000 r/min
Driven wheels: all
Braked towing capacity: 2 813 kg
Fuel consumption: 9,9 L/100 km
CO2 emissions: 263 g/km
Rivals: Land Rover Defender 11o, Toyota Land Cruiser Prado
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