2015 Jeep(R) Grand Cherokee: Premium Upgrades Come To The Most Awarded SUV Ever
09/02/2014
Jeep
Jeep(R) Grand Cherokee - the most awarded SUV ever and the vehicle that has long defined what a premium SUV should be - receives even more content for the 2015 model year. The Grand Cherokee Summit models receive added features as well as a new Summit California Edition appearance package that further enhances Summit's premium exterior aesthetics.
The 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee completely redefines the premium SUV, delivering consumers an unprecedented driving range, a choice of leading powertrain options, available clean-diesel technology, legendary benchmark capability, world-class craftsmanship, premium on-road driving dynamics, and a host of advanced user-friendly technology and safety features.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit has established itself as one of the most luxurious five-seat SUVs on the market today. For the 2015 model year, the Jeep brand has added more premium features to the Summit model that buyers will appreciate. A new Grand Cherokee Summit Argentina Tan leather interior is now available in addition to Morocco Black and Grand Canyon Jeep Brown. Covering the seats, center console armrest, upper door panels and upper dashboard, the new hue is accented with black stitching that complements the black carpeting and dark open-pore wood trim. Other new interior features include illuminated "Summit" door sills and a new Berber carpet cargo mat.
To further enhance the 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit's luxury credentials, an acoustic laminated windshield and second-row side glass are now standard. Combined with a new Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) system, exterior road noise is further reduced within the cabin, taking the already award-winning and quiet interior to a new level.
Partnering with Harman Kardon to develop the system, ANC results in a 10 dB reduction in noise, enhancing music clarity due to the reduced ambient engine noise inside the cabin. This allows the Grand Cherokee Summit's 825-watt, nineteen-speaker Harman Kardon audio system to be heard and appreciated better than ever before.
When the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee made its debut, top-of-the-line Summit models received unique premium exterior features to set it apart from the rest of the Grand Cherokee lineup. For the 2015 model year, customers can enhance Summit's design to yet another level with the available Summit California Edition appearance package. This package features body-color lower body trim, mirror caps and door handles, Platinum Chrome accents on the grille, lower fascias and side sills, fog lamp bezels, rear step pad and badging. Satin Carbon painted 20-inch aluminum wheels are also part of the package.
Jeep Grand Cherokee delivers 30 miles per gallon (mpg) highway courtesy of an available 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6 engine and standard eight-speed transmission. The 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6 boasts an unmatched driving range of more than 730 miles.
Legendary Jeep capability comes courtesy of three available 4x4 systems, Jeep's Quadra-Lift air suspension system and class-leading Selec-Terrain traction management system. Grand Cherokee boasts best-in-class towing of 7,400 pounds, and a crawl ratio of 44.1:1.
A refined exterior design - complete with available bi-xenon headlamps with signature LED daytime running lamps (DRL) - provides a premium appearance. Interior luxury is achieved with premium amenities, including Natura leather, exotic open-pore wood trim and unique color offerings.
The 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee includes more than 70 safety and security features as well as an array of advanced user-friendly technology features, such as the award-winning Uconnect 8.4-inch touchscreen radio with integrated climate and infotainment controls, a 7-inch customer configurable multiview display cluster, Uconnect Access Via Mobile and cloud-based voice texting.
Built in Detroit, the 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee is available in Laredo, Limited, Overland, Summit and SRT models.
Powertrain: Another 30 mpg Jeep SUV
Producing a class-leading 240 horsepower and a massive 420 lb.-ft. of torque, Jeep's award-winning 24-valve dual-overhead cam 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6 delivers clean-diesel technology with low CO2 emissions. Capable of towing a best-in-class 7,400 pounds, the EcoDiesel-powered Jeep Grand Cherokee delivers 22 mpg city / 30 mpg highway in 4x2 models, resulting in a best-in-class driving range of more than 730 miles. The 4x4 models deliver 21 mpg city / 28 mpg highway. Fuel economy is 43 percent more than competitive gasoline-powered V-8 SUVs in the segment.
Featuring variable-valve timing (VVT), the standard flex-fuel Pentastar 3.6-liter V-6 delivers 290 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque. Pentastar-powered Grand Cherokee models tow up to 6,200 pounds and get 17 mpg city / 25 mpg highway on 4x2 models and 17 mpg city / 24 mpg highway on 4x4 models. A driving range of more than 600 miles is best-in-class for gas-powered SUVs.
The available 5.7-liter V-8 packs 360 horsepower and 390 lb.-ft. of torque with best-in-class towing capacity of 7,400 pounds. With VVT and Chrysler Group's seamless Fuel Saver cylinder-deactivation technology - V-8 fuel economy is 14 mpg city / 22 mpg highway on 4x2 models, and 14 mpg city / 20 mpg highway on 4x4 models.
All of Jeep Grand Cherokee's engines are mated to Chrysler Group's eight-speed automatic transmission. In addition to enhancing fuel economy, the robust and durable eight-speed transmission delivers quick acceleration and precise, smooth shifting, enhancing ride quality to luxury car levels. An additional benefit is a low crawl ratio of 44.1:1 to aid in climbing over - or through - tough obstacles, when equipped with a two-speed transfer case.
Steering wheel paddle shifters offer improved driver control both on- and off-road, including Electronic Range Select when using Selec-Speed Control in extreme off-road situations.
Another contributor to Grand Cherokee's excellent fuel economy is Eco Mode. Eco Mode optimizes the transmission's shift schedule and, in V-8 models, Fuel Saver cylinder deactivation technology. In addition, the Eco Mode activates Grand Cherokee's air suspension system, lowering it to "Aero Ride Height" when the vehicle speed exceeds 56 mph.
Eco Mode is automatically engaged upon vehicle startup. A button on the center stack allows driver's to disengage Eco Mode if more spirited performance is desired.
Capability: Legendary, from Jeep
The 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee features three available 4x4 systems (Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II), an available Quadra-Lift air suspension and a Selec-Terrain traction management system, all of which instill Grand Cherokee with its legendary Jeep capability.
Quadra-Trac I features a single-speed transfer case with full-time four-wheel drive without any switches or levers to pull.
The Quadra-Trac II's two-speed transfer case uses input from a variety of sensors to determine tire slip at the earliest possible moment and takes corrective action. When wheel slippage is detected, as much as 100 percent of available torque is instantly routed to the axle with the most traction.
Quadra-Drive II, with a rear Electronic Limited-slip Differential (ELSD), delivers industry-leading tractive capability. The system instantly detects tire slip and smoothly distributes engine torque to tires with traction. In some cases, the vehicle will anticipate low traction and adjust in order to proactively limit or eliminate slip.
Quadra-Lift air suspension system
The 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee rises above the road and rocks with the rugged, class-exclusive Quadra-Lift air suspension system. The Quadra-Lift system features five height settings for optimum ride performance:
Normal Ride Height (NRH): 8.2 inches of clearance offers improved fuel economy as well as improved aerodynamics during on-road driving
Off-road 1: Lifts the vehicle an additional 1.1 inches from NRH for added height in clearing obstacles (9.3 inches)
Off-road 2: Delivers legendary Jeep off-road capability and provides an additional 2.2 inches from NRH for 10.4 inches of ground clearance and up to 20-inches of water fording depth
Park Mode: Lowers the vehicle 1.6 inches from NRH for easy ingress/egress. NRH and Park Mode are driver selectable allowing the driver full control over vehicle ride height
Aero Mode: Lowers the vehicle 0.6 inches from NRH. Aero Mode is controlled by vehicle speed and adjusts for optimal performance and fuel economy. The vehicle will also lower to Aero Mode when in Sport Mode
Quadra-Lift adds up to 3.8-inches of lift span supported by four-corner air springs that provide a cushioned, premium ride. Quadra-Lift operates automatically, or may be controlled manually with console controls.
With the front air dam removed (N/A on Summit) and the available Quadra-Lift air suspension, the 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee features a 36.1-degree approach angle, a 27.1-degree departure angle and 22.8-degree breakover angle.
Selec-Terrain
In addition to the Quadra-Lift air suspension, the Grand Cherokee's class-leading Selec-Terrain traction control system allows customers to choose the on- and off-road setting for optimum performance. This feature electronically coordinates up to 12 different powertrain, braking and suspension systems, including throttle control, transmission shift, transfer case, Hill-descent Control and Selec-Speed Control.
The Selec-Terrain system offers five different driving conditions to achieve the best driving experience on all terrains: Sand, Mud, Auto, Snow and Rock.
Sport Mode is engaged with the shift lever. Sport Mode provides enhanced on-road "fun-to-drive" capability.
Selec-Speed Control with Hill-ascent and Hill-descent Control allows drivers to control Grand Cherokee's speed both up and down steep, rugged grades with the steering wheel paddle shifters - without the need for throttle or brake pedals.
Jeep Trail Rated
All 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokees equipped with Off-road groups are Trail Rated. The Jeep Trail Rated badge on the Jeep Grand Cherokee indicates that the vehicle is designed to perform in a variety of challenging off-road conditions, identified by five key consumer-oriented performance categories: traction, ground clearance, maneuverability, articulation and water fording.
Exterior and Interior Design
All trim levels of the 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee have a premium look, while simultaneously making each trim level readily identifiable at a glance. Key exterior features include front and rear LED lighting that allow Grand Cherokee to be instantly recognizable, night or day, from a great distance. Standard on Overland and Summit and available on Limited are bi-xenon high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps (adaptive on Summit) that are outlined with signature LED running lamps.
Of course, Grand Cherokee retains Jeep's classic seven-slot grille and trapezoidal wheel arches.
The rear of the 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee features unique lower fascias for every trim level and a large, aerodynamic rear spoiler.
The award-winning interior of the Jeep Grand Cherokee is clearly one of the most technically advanced, well-crafted interiors in the industry. Immediately noticeable is the Uconnect 5-inch or 8.4-inch touchscreen. Controls for radio and climate are found below the screen and have easily identifiable knobs and buttons. Following the center stack down onto the center console reveals a leather-wrapped E-shifter for the eight-speed transmission.
Wrapped in leather, the three-spoke steering wheel features sections of wood on Overland and Summit models. All Grand Cherokee models include standard paddle shifters mounted on the back of the steering wheel.
Laredo and Limited models feature dark wood trim on the dash and doors. Door handle and dash vent bezels, as well as the trim on the center console, feature a slight gold hue to their brushed aluminum look. Premium cloth seating is standard on Laredo while Capri leather seating is standard in Limited.
Overland models have several touches like standard stitched-leather instrument panel and available open-pore wood, which add a distinct touch of modern luxury. Wood trim is also found on the top portion of the leather-wrapped steering wheel. Rear-seat footwell and rear door-pocket ambient lighting highlight the Grand Cherokee's interior design at night.
Grand Cherokee Summit models continue to carry the torch for premium interiors in the SUV segment. Premium Natura-Plus leather seating with heated, ventilated and memory front seats, open-pore wood trim and Copper accents are available on Summit in Morocco Black or Grand Canyon Jeep Brown. New for 2015 is the availability of Argentina Tan interior with black-accent stitching. Also unique to Summit is a premium suede-like material covering the A-pillars and headliner.
Another impressive feature found on Summit models is a nineteen-speaker, 825-watt high-performance Harman Kardon surround sound audio system. This state-of-the-art system features a twelve-channel amplifier, three sub-woofers and surrounds the occupants in high-definition sound.
Overland and Summit models include a CommandView dual-pane sunroof that features a power sunshade (available on Limited). Laredo and Limited models feature an available single-pane sunroof.
For added passenger comfort, rear seats recline 12 degrees. There also is a 12-degree forward angle to allow 24 degrees of variation.
Cargo volume behind the second row measures 36.3 cu. ft. and includes a storage unit with a rechargeable flashlight and grocery hooks on both sides. With the rear seats folded, there is 68.3 cu. ft. of cargo capacity available. Under the cargo floor, the spare tire compartment includes removable dual storage bins for secure storage of muddy gear or other items.
Technology
The 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee delivers customers an array of innovative advanced technologies for driver safety and passenger enjoyment. Available Uconnect Access, a new Uconnect 8.4-inch touchscreen, one-shot voice command navigation and a customer customizable multiview cluster display highlight the state-of-the-art features.
Grand Cherokee's unique Uconnect Access system is based on powerful embedded cellular technology that leverages Chrysler Group's strategic partnership with Sprint. Uconnect Access connects vehicle occupants directly with emergency personnel with a push of the "9-1-1" button on the Grand Cherokee's rear-view mirror.
Uconnect's powerful cloud-based voice recognition capability allows customers to keep their hands on the steering wheel and interact with devices easily. The cloud also enables voice texting, in addition to one-shot voice commands for navigation and audio controls.
The user-friendly Uconnect 8.4-inch radio with touchscreen display is available on all models, while the instrument cluster features a high-tech appearance with a customer configurable multiview display, with 7-inch Thin-Film Transistor (TFT) liquid-crystal technology.
A dual-screen Blu-ray DVD rear-seat entertainment system has a nine-inch screen on each front seat back. Capable of playing Blu-ray and traditional DVDs, each screen also has HDMI and RCA inputs so rear passengers can hook up their favorite gaming systems. Combine these systems with Grand Cherokee's available WiFi technology, and gamers can play online, on the go.
The rear seat entertainment system also features two wireless headsets and a remote control.
Safety and Security: Class-leading number of advanced features
The 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee offers more than 70 advanced safety and security features - highest in its class. They include features like Forward Collision Warning with Crash Mitigation and Selec-Speed Control, electronic stability control (ESC), Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM), trailer-sway control (TSC), front-row active head restraints, standard full-length side-curtain air bags and standard seat-mounted side thorax air bags offer enhanced occupant protection to passengers in the event of a collision.
Blind-spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Path detection, which aid drivers when changing lanes or in parking lot situations, is also available.
On-road refinement: Premium driving dynamics
Jeep Grand Cherokee is widely known for its outstanding on-road driving dynamics and quietness, thanks in part to its front and rear independent suspension. Variable-rate rear springs deliver improved on-road handling and comfort that complements the vehicle's off-road capability. Premium on-road manners are enhanced with more than 5,400 welds in the body alone.
The independent front and rear suspension features isolated front and rear suspension cradles along with variable-rate rear springs to deliver improved on-road handling and comfort while complementing the vehicle's legendary off-road capability. The rear suspension also allows the spare tire to be stored inside the vehicle as opposed to underneath.
Grand Cherokee's steering also has been carefully calibrated for the right amount of assistance whether cruising the parking lot or a twisty two-lane mountain road. Electrohydraulic assistance is used on EcoDiesel and Pentastar V-6 models.
Manufacturing: Built in Detroit
The 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee is built at the 3-million-square-foot Jefferson North Assembly Plant (JNAP) in Detroit, which has been the site of Grand Cherokee production since its introduction in 1992.