Ever since Jeep released its latest version of the Grand Cherokee in 2011 it has been a revelation. Here we have an American 4WD that has legendary off road capability combined with powerful and economical diesel motor packaged in a stylish body. The Laredo is the entry level model.
When you first sit inside the Grand Cherokee Laredo you immediately feel comfortable. The heated, 8 way electrically adjustable front seats also have 4 way adjustable lumbar support. The leather wrapped steering wheel is height and reach adjustable, thick rimmed and delightful to use.
Tall drivers could use a little more slide but overall it’s a comfortable driving position. Note that the foot brake gets in the way especially as the left foot has limited space.
In front of the driver, the dash has two large dials and a MFD in between. All are clear and easy to read. Controls for MFD and radio etc are on the steering wheel. The centre stack houses the Media Centre Radio with CD/DVD/MP3 radio, all controlled through a 16.5 cm touch screen. Features include a 40GB hard-drive, Voice Command(6) and audio jack, Uconnect™ Phone, and Bluetooth® compatible.
Rear passengers are well catered for with adequate head, shoulder and knee room unless there is a tall driver. There is plenty of boot space and with the 60/40 rear seats folded flat there is an enormous area available.
The heart of the Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo is the combination diesel engine and Quadra-Trac 4wd system. The new 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel engine produces 177 kW at 4,000 rpm with 550 Nm of torque at 1,800-2,800 rpm. This power is delivered through a 5 speed automatic.
Jeeps Quadra-Trac II is a two-speed transfer case that uses input from a variety of sensors in order to determine tyre slip at the earliest possible moment and take corrective action. When tyre slippage is detected, as much as 100 percent of available torque is instantly routed to the axle with the most traction.
The all-new Selec-Terrain traction control system lets customers choose the setting for the optimum experience on all types of terrain. This feature electronically coordinates up to 12 different powertrain, braking and suspension systems, including throttle control, transmission shift, transfer case, ASTC and ESC. Quite frankly it is fantastic.
Standard safety features include ESC, Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM), ABS with rough-road detection, ASTC, Trailer-sway Control (TSC), HDC, HSA and front-seat passenger seat-belt pretensioners.
Other standard safety features include air bags for the driver and front passenger, full-length side-curtain air bags for front and rear outboard passengers, seat-mounted side thorax air bags, standard driver inflatable knee bolster and active head restraints that deploy in the event of a rear collision.
Towing with the powerful, torquey V6 Diesel is a breeze with 3500Kg capacity and standard Trailer-sway Control (TSC). Add the Quadra-Lift suspension and it gets better.
All up the Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo V6 Diesel is a superb 4WD that is as comfortable on city streets as it is on the track to Broome.
What is good:
• Drivers Comfort
• Sophisticated Selec-Terrain
• Value for money
What is not so good:
• Left leg room for driver
• Foot brake
• Had to give it back
Model Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo V6 Diesel
Model Price $55,001 RDAP
Drivetrain 4WD 3.0L CRD V6 5-speed auto
Power 177 Kw @ 4,000 rpm
Torque 550 Nm @ 1,800 rpm
Safety 4 Star
CO2 Emissions 218 g/km
Green Vehicle Rating 3 Star
Economy (ADR comb) 8.3 L/100km
Tow Capacity – Max 3500 kg
Tow Ball Rating 350 kg
Servicing capped $ TBC
Warranty 3yr/100,000 km with full roadside assist
Overall OzRoamer Rating 90/100
Behind the Wheel 9
Comfort 9
Equipment 9
Performance 8
Ride & Handling 9
Practicality 9
Fit for Purpose 9
Towing Ability10
Off Road Ability 9
Value for Money 9
