The Jeep Grand Cherokee Overlander is the top model in the range. As you would expect it is feature packed, has legendary off road capability combined with powerful and economical diesel motor packaged in a stylish body.
The first thing you notice when you sit inside is the Leather-wrapped and stitched instrument panel. The leather seats are exceptionally comfortable with 8 way electrically adjustable front seats that also have 4 way adjustable lumbar support. The heated leather wrapped steering wheel is electronically height and reach adjustable, thick rimmed and delightful to use. Your driving position is also locked into memory for convenience.
All seats are heated, 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 top of the range Media Centre Radio with CD/DVD/MP3 radio with a 16.5 cm touch screen, GPS navigation, 40GB hard-drive, Voice Command and audio jack. There are 7 alpine speakers to burst your eardrums.
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 Overland is the combination diesel engine and Quadra-Drive II, 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.
The Quadra-Drive II, with a rear Electronic Limited-slip Differential (ELSD), delivers industry-leading tractive capability. The system instantly detects tyre slip and smoothly distributes engine torque to tyres with traction. In some cases, the vehicle will anticipate low traction and adjust in order to proactively limit or eliminate slip.
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, ERM, FCW, ACC. Other standard safety features include front, side-curtain and driver knee-bolster air bags 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 Overland V6 Diesel is a superb 4WD that is stylish, great value for money and awesome off road as well as comfortable on city streets.
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 Overland V6 Diesel
Model Price $80,096 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