Jeep has been the definitive name in the world of 4x4. The Wrangler, without doubts, sits firmly in the halls of fame, not forgetting comrades-in-arms such as the Land Rover Defender, and Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen (more commonly known as the G-Class now).
Sitting on the other side of the scale is the Grand Cherokee - a premium SUV that promises more refinement and comfort than its rugged cousin. Bearing the badge and credentials of Jeep, the Grand Cherokee is blessed with true off-road capabilities.Up close and Personal
Widely considered as a facelift of the fourth generation Grand Cherokee, the 2014 model receives a slew of upgrades.
The 'Summit' variant we have here sits at the top of the range. Befitting its moniker, the 4x4 has a range of tech trickeries up its sleeve - such as air suspension (which also allows you to alter the ride height to clear obstacles) and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC).
Sitting on the other side of the scale is the Grand Cherokee - a premium SUV that promises more refinement and comfort than its rugged cousin. Bearing the badge and credentials of Jeep, the Grand Cherokee is blessed with true off-road capabilities.Up close and Personal
Widely considered as a facelift of the fourth generation Grand Cherokee, the 2014 model receives a slew of upgrades.
The 'Summit' variant we have here sits at the top of the range. Befitting its moniker, the 4x4 has a range of tech trickeries up its sleeve - such as air suspension (which also allows you to alter the ride height to clear obstacles) and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC).
The SUV is also laden with safety technologies such as blind spot monitor, variable torque management and limited slip differential. More notably, it comes with forward collision warning - a system which initiates braking when it senses an imminent crash.
On the outside, the changes are easy to spot. The headlamps are now surrounded by LED daytime running lights, which cut a thinner, more handsome-looking framework for the front facet.
We, too, like what went into the cabin. The 8.4-inch touchscreen system incorporates controls for climatorial, entertainment and vehicle (lights, safety etc.) settings - allowing fuss-free operation even when on the move.
On the outside, the changes are easy to spot. The headlamps are now surrounded by LED daytime running lights, which cut a thinner, more handsome-looking framework for the front facet.
We, too, like what went into the cabin. The 8.4-inch touchscreen system incorporates controls for climatorial, entertainment and vehicle (lights, safety etc.) settings - allowing fuss-free operation even when on the move.
To prove its worth as a true-blue off-roader, the Summit has no less than five levels of adjustable ride height. At the tallest setting, the air suspension will allow for close to 290mm of ground clearance.
Though this may serve limited purpose on our roads, we thought it can come into use during the occasional 'ponding'. And of course, it's one feature you wouldn't mind showing off to your friends.
In 'Aero' mode, the car is lowered by 15mm for better on-road handling and fuel economy. A 'Park' mode is also available - lowering the vehicle by up to 40mm so that occupants have an easier time getting in and out of the vehicle.
The Drive
Unlike the SRT8 which we have driven earlier, the Summit does not have a fire-breathing 6.4-litre V8 with stonking performance underneath. Instead, a more 'sensible' 3.6-litre V6 finds its way into the flagship - producing 286bhp and 347Nm of torque.
On the move, the V6 genuinely suffices for your daily commute, and there is rarely a time when you need more power. Part credit goes to the eight-speed ZF-sourced gearbox, which dishes out the power to all wheels in a smooth and efficient manner. That said, we prefer to leave the gearbox to its own endeavours, as manual overrides can be slightly tardy.
Though this may serve limited purpose on our roads, we thought it can come into use during the occasional 'ponding'. And of course, it's one feature you wouldn't mind showing off to your friends.
In 'Aero' mode, the car is lowered by 15mm for better on-road handling and fuel economy. A 'Park' mode is also available - lowering the vehicle by up to 40mm so that occupants have an easier time getting in and out of the vehicle.
The Drive
Unlike the SRT8 which we have driven earlier, the Summit does not have a fire-breathing 6.4-litre V8 with stonking performance underneath. Instead, a more 'sensible' 3.6-litre V6 finds its way into the flagship - producing 286bhp and 347Nm of torque.
On the move, the V6 genuinely suffices for your daily commute, and there is rarely a time when you need more power. Part credit goes to the eight-speed ZF-sourced gearbox, which dishes out the power to all wheels in a smooth and efficient manner. That said, we prefer to leave the gearbox to its own endeavours, as manual overrides can be slightly tardy.
A 'Sport' mode is available for those wanting a quicker sprint off the line, which works by sharpening the throttle response and holding on to the current gear for longer periods. It's also in this mode when the vehicle will automatically lower itself to 'Aero' mode.
Naturally, the behemoth of a vehicle will not cut apexes as agile as a hot hatch. But for a vehicle its size, the Summit handles and rides better than you'd have expected. For us, we like the overall plush setup, which does strikes a good compromise between comfort and control.
Conclusion
With help from the host of new electronic features, as well as the capable eight-speeder, the Grand Cherokee is more competent than before.
At $218,000 (without COE), the Grand Cherokee Summit seems like a good bargain too, especially when you consider the amount of gadgets it packs.
To top it off, its pedigree - being one of the most highly regarded - adds on to the already appealing package. A cause for worry for the Germans if you ask us.
Naturally, the behemoth of a vehicle will not cut apexes as agile as a hot hatch. But for a vehicle its size, the Summit handles and rides better than you'd have expected. For us, we like the overall plush setup, which does strikes a good compromise between comfort and control.
Conclusion
With help from the host of new electronic features, as well as the capable eight-speeder, the Grand Cherokee is more competent than before.
At $218,000 (without COE), the Grand Cherokee Summit seems like a good bargain too, especially when you consider the amount of gadgets it packs.
To top it off, its pedigree - being one of the most highly regarded - adds on to the already appealing package. A cause for worry for the Germans if you ask us.
