Jeep Grand Cherokee (WK)

Models

The Laredo was the base trim level of the Grand Cherokee between 2005 and 2010, and continues to be the base Grand Cherokee trim level to this day. Standard features included: the 3.7L Power-Tech V6 engine with 5-speed automatic transmission, seventeen-inch (17") alloy wheels, a full-sized spare tire and spare wheel, cloth seating surfaces, a 6-way power front driver's seat, an A/M-F/M stereo with CD player (and later, an auxiliary audio input jack), 6 speakers, black body-side inserts and front and rear bumper inserts (both chrome in 2010), remote steering wheel-mounted audio system controls, a driver's information center (VIC), keyless entry, and more. Many features available on the luxurious Limited trim were also available on the base Laredo trim level.

The Limited was the top-of-the-line trim level of the Grand Cherokee in 2005, and the luxurious trim level of the Grand Cherokee from 2006 to 2010. It added these features to the base Laredo trim: a full-sized matching spare wheel, dual power front bucket seats, premium leather seating surfaces, an A/M-F/M stereo with six-disc CD/MP3 changer, a premium 276-watt Boston Acoustics sound system with 6 speakers, heated front bucket seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, chrome body-side inserts and front and rear bumper inserts, driver's 2-position memory, a rear-mounted fold-down center console, and more. The standard engine between 2005 and 2009 was the 4.7L Power-Tech V8 engine, while the standard engine in 2010 was the 3.7L Power-Tech V6 engine.

The Rocky Mountain and 65th Anniversary Edition were "value-added" trim levels of the Grand Cherokee in 2005, 2007, 2008, and 2009 (Rocky Mountain) and 2006 (65th Anniversary Edition). These trim levels added the following features to the base Laredo trim: dual power front bucket seats, unique cloth seating surfaces with special embroidery, embroidered carpeted floor mats, chrome body-side inserts, an A/M-F/M stereo with six-disc CD/MP3 changer, a premium 276-watt Boston Acoustics sound system with 6 speakers, special emblems on both front doors, special seventeen-inch (17") alloy wheels, and more.

The S Limited was a "sporty" trim level of the Grand Cherokee in 2009. It added these features to the already-luxurious Limited trim: unique alloy wheels, "S" emblems on both front doors, the 5.7L HEMI V8 engine, unique premium perforated leather-and-suede seating surfaces, a GPS navigational system stereo, and more.

The Overland was the top-of-the-line trim level of the Grand Cherokee between 2006 and 2009. It added these features to the already-luxurious Limited trim: seventeen-inch (17") (2006-2007) or eighteen-inch (18") chrome-clad alloy wheels (these wheels could be downgraded to seventeen-inch (17") alloy wheels from 2008 to 2009), a GPS navigational system radio, Bluetooth with voice command for phone, 'Overland' badges on the tailgate, the 5.7L HEMI V8 engine, side airbags, leather-and-suede seating surfaces with 'Overland' embroidery, a sunroof, and more. The Overland took a hiatus for 2010, returning on the next-generation WK2 Grand Cherokee in 2011.

The SRT-8 was the "performance-oriented" Grand Cherokee trim level from 2006 to 2010. It added these features to the luxurious Limited trim: twenty-inch (20") chrome-clad "Alcoa" forged alloy wheels, twenty-inch (20") Good Year Eagle F1 performance tires, leather-and-suede performance seating surfaces, a sunroof, a 6.1L HEMI V8 engine, mandatory 4X4, a body kit, a center-mounted dual exhaust system, 'SRT' emblems on both front doors and the tailgate, performance-tuned suspension, a special instrument cluster, carbon fiber interior trim, and more.

SRT-8

An SRT-8 (Street and Racing Technology V8) version of the Grand Cherokee debuted at the 2005 New York International Auto Show. Powered by a 420 hp (313 kW) version of the 6.1 L Hemi, it also features upgraded Brembo brakes, large dual performance exhaust with polished tips (exiting out the middle of the rear), Bilstein performance gas charged shocks and modified suspension components, Mercedes-Benz NAG1 (WA580) 5-speed transmission, unique NV146 transfer case, specially designed electronic all-wheel-drive system and interior and exterior updates. A drive shaft from a diesel application, fortified Dana 44 rear differential, and 11.2" (285 mm) wide Goodyear tires in the rear (10" or 255 mm in the front) complement the performance package. The sports tuned suspension allows the Jeep SRT8 to develop 0.92 g on the skid-pad.

A road test of the 2006 production model conducted by Road & Track yielded a 0 to 60 mph time of 4.6 seconds and a quarter mile dragstrip of 13.2 seconds at 104.1 miles per hour (167.5 km/h). Such numbers made the SRT-8 Grand Cherokee the fastest accelerating vehicle within the SRT8 lineup, second only to the Dodge Viper SRT10 among all SRT vehicles. There is no electronic speed governor employed, leaving the top speed rev-limited (revving to redline in top gear) to 170 mph (270 km/h).

To achieve superior on-road handling, off-road gear has been removed to make the SRT-8 lighter. The SRT-8 uses an NV146 transfer case, which uses an electronic-applied clutch pack to transfer 0-50% of torque to the front axle but has no low-range or manual controls. The front and rear differentials are both open, with no limited-slip capability. Its ride stance is significantly lower and the front fascia spoiler gives the vehicle 7 inches (178 mm) of ground clearance. The Grand Cherokee SRT-8 was the first SRT vehicle to wear the Jeep emblem.

Models

Laredo: The Laredo served as the entry-level Grand Cherokee model. It offered a plentiful array of features, including an A/M-F/M radio with single-disc CD player (later, an auxiliary audio input jack was also added), seventeen-inch alloy wheels, power windows, door locks, side mirrors, and driver's seat, lumbar support, keyless entry with security system, cloth seating surfaces, tinted windows, and six speakers. Features such as leather seating surfaces, heated front seats, side airbags, a Boston Acoustics premium sound system, a navigation system and a CD and MP3 changer, as well as a CD/MP3/Cassette combo could be added to further enhance this model.

Limited: The Limited served as the uplevel Grand Cherokee model. It added an A/M-F/M radio with six-disc in-dash CD changer, a Boston Acoustics premium sound system, full-sized spare tire, and leather seating surfaces. Features such as a sunroof, heated front seats, and chrome wheels could also be added.

Overland: The Overland served as the top-of-the-line Grand Cherokee model. Based on the Limited model, the Overland added Uconnect Hands-Free Bluetooth technology, a six-disc in-dash CD/MP3 changer with navigation system, satellite radio, leather and suede seats, heated front seats, a sunroof, and chrome wheels.

A total of 14,921 Jeep SRT8s were produced.

Diesel

In Europe, South America, South Africa and Australia, a V6 CRD engine produced by Mercedes-Benz was available from the Grand Cherokee (WK) introduction in 2005:

Note: MPG figures are based on United States Environmental Protection Agency, European combined consumption is 27.7 mpg_‑imp (10.2 L/100 km; 23.1 mpg_‑US).

In North America the 3.0 CRD was available 2007 and 2008, however the rest of the world - i.e. UK, Europe Australia etc., it had the Mercedes sourced engine for the production life of the vehicle from 2005. The Mercedes-Benz sourced unit meets stringent Euro 4 Emission standards without the need for a diesel particulate filter - which hampers vehicle efficiency, however - it includes a diesel particulate filter (North America only) to apparently further reduce exhaust emissions. It was not however available for sale in California or certain Northeast states, due to new stricter emissions regulations for non-commercial vehicles. Vehicles could be bought used in California and Northeast states, as the regulations only applied to new vehicles.

This engine is also used in the majority of Mercedes-Benz vehicles: C-Class, CLS, E-Class, S-Class, ML-Class, GLK-Class, GL-Class, G-Class, R-Class, the Vito / Viano, and the Dodge / Freightliner / Mercedes-Benz Sprinter.

Changes for the 2005-2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee WK

Throughout its five-model-year production run, the Jeep Grand Cherokee WK received many changes:

For 2005', the Grand Cherokee WK was all-new. The 3.7L Powertech V6 engine replaces the 4.0L Powertech Inline Six-Cylinder (I6) engine, and now produces a full 210 horsepower, up 15 horsepower from before. This engine is only available on the base Laredo trim level. The 4.7L Power-Tech High-Output V8 engine is replaced by a newly-available 5.7L HEMI V8 engine featuring Multi-Displacement System (MDS), which allows the Grand Cherokee to run on four cylinders while at cruising speeds to increase fuel economy ratings. The new engine produces 345 horsepower (this engine is only available on the top-of-the-line Limited trim level). The standard 4.7L Power-Tech V8 engine, optional on the base Laredo trim level, and standard on the top-of-the-line Limited trim level, carries over from the previous-generation WJ Grand Cherokee, and still produces 235 horsepower. Seventeen-inch (17") tires and alloy wheels are standard on all models. The Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) moves from the overhead console to the instrument cluster, with controls now located in the center stack, making it easier for the driver to make changes to the settings while the vehicle is in motion. A Mercedes-Benz sourced five-speed automatic transmission is standard with the V6 and HEMI engines, though the 545RFE five-speed automatic transmission carries over on the 4.7L V8-equipped Grand Cherokees. The all-new Grand Cherokee also gets the latest infotainment systems, which include an available full-color 5.8" GPS navigational system, the U Connect hands-free Bluetooth telephone system, Sirius Satellite Radio, and a rear seat DVD entertainment system, known as the Video Entertainment System (VES), which also included a pair of wireless IR headphones. A six-speaker, 276-watt Boston Acoustics premium sound system also replaces the Infinity Gold system. All four-wheel-drive systems are now computer assisted for higher traction control, and a Quadra-Drive II a four-wheel-drive system is now available on most all Grand Cherokees(See other Wiki page on Quadra-Drive 2 for more accurate information). The Selec-Trac manual four-wheel-drive system has been discontinued. A Rocky Mountain Edition trim level debuts midyear 2005.

For 2006, the Grand Cherokee gains a 65th Anniversary Edition, which temporarily replaces the Rocky Mountain Edition trim level. The Overland trim level is new, as is an SRT-8 trim level. The A/M-F/M stereo with both cassette player and six-disc, in-dash CD/MP3 changer is discontinued. A new 3.0L CRD Diesel V6 engine debuts for both the Limited and Overland trim levels in mid-2006.

For 2007, the base Grand Cherokee Laredo gains exterior color-keyed door handles and rear brow. The 26F and 28F Packages for the base Laredo trim level are now discontinued, though a 28E Package is now available for Laredo, for those who desire a base model with a V8 engine. The Rocky Mountain Edition returns for 2007. In some states, the 4.7L Powertech V8 engine is now FlexFuel-capable, and can now run on E85 Ethanol.

For 2008, the Grand Cherokee receives a mid-cycle restyling, with a revised front clip, new tail lamps, and new tire and wheel combinations. A revised interior includes the latest infotainment systems, including touch-screen radios, as well as Sirius Backseat TV for rear seat passengers, a new steering wheel, a revised gauge cluster with white readouts, and revised interior trim. The seat fabrics and trims are revised on all models. Midyear, the 4.7L Powertech V8 gets a power boost, now producing 305 horsepower, up 70 horsepower from its previous power rating. The 3.0L CRD Diesel V6 engine is also discontinued midyear 2008. Heated rear seats are now an option on some models, as is a 115V AC household-style power outlet. The 5.7L HEMI V8 engine also gets a power boost, now producing 360 horsepower, up 15 horsepower from its previous power rating.

For 2009, the 3.0L CRD Diesel V6 engine is discontinued. An S Limited trim level, which had been available in Europe, is now available in the United States.

For 2010, the 4.7L Powertech V8 engine is discontinued. The Overland trim level goes on a one-year hiatus, though returns for 2011 with the all-new 2011 WK2 Grand Cherokee. The S Limited trim level is also discontinued, as is the Rocky Mountain Edition trim level. The base Laredo trim level gains the option of a 5.7L HEMI V8 engine, and the Limited trim level gains the option of a 3.7L PowerTech V6 engine, following the discontinuation of the 4.7L PowerTech V8 engine for all Grand Cherokee models.

Recall

May 2013: Chrysler recalled the Grand Cherokee over a rollaway risk.