2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee

2016 Jeep(R) Grand Cherokee: Fuel Economy Improvements to the Most Awarded SUV Ever

09/01/2015

Jeep

Jeep(R) Grand Cherokee - the most awarded SUV ever and the vehicle that has long defined what a premium SUV should be - gets even better for 2016.

For 2016, all gas V-6 and 5.7-liter V-8 Grand Cherokee models will receive improved fuel efficiency due to electric power steering, decreased tire rolling resistance and weight reductions with aluminum suspension.

Also new for 2016, the Pentastar 3.6-liter V-6 engine in the Grand Cherokee adds Engine Stop-Start (ESS) to improve fuel economy and efficiency.

The 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine in Jeep Grand Cherokee receives a bump in horsepower for 2016, increasing output to 295 horsepower.

New Pentastar technology for 2016 also includes cooled Exhaust-Gas Recirculation (EGR), advanced two-step Variable Valve Lift (VVL) system and an upgraded variable-valve timing (VVT) system that reduces pumping losses and improves combustion.

In addition, Grand Cherokee also features a new polystable shifter and Ivory Tri-coat exterior color for Overland, Summit and SRT models.

The 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee delivers consumers an unprecedented combination of best-in-class fuel economy and 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.

Jeep Grand Cherokee delivers a best-in-class 30 miles per gallon (mpg) highway courtesy of an available 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6 engine and standard eight-speed transmission, and best-in-class towing of 7,400 pounds. The 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6 boasts an unmatched driving range of more than 730 miles.

Legendary Jeep capability comes courtesy of four 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. In addition, Grand Cherokee may also be flat-towed when equipped with Quadra-Trac II or Quadra-Drive II systems.

The 2016 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, 3G Wi-Fi access and cloud-based voice texting.

Originally introduced late in the 2015 model year, the Grand Cherokee lineup extends with the High Altitude special edition based on the Overland model. The 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee High Altitude adds upscale dark chrome exterior features, along with premium content, standard Advanced Technology Group and European sport-tuned suspension components.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is available in Laredo, Limited, Overland, Summit and SRT models.

Jeep Grand Cherokee High Altitude

Based on the Overland model, the Jeep Grand Cherokee High Altitude offers customers premium exterior and interior content, along with European sport-tuned suspension components for a sportier on-road experience and standard Advanced Technology Group.

Unique exterior features on the High Altitude model include new dark chrome grille rings, dark chrome lower front and rear fascia applique, dark chrome fog and tail lamp bezels, gloss black finish on HID headlamps, black exhaust tips and gloss black 20-inch wheels.

The Grand Cherokee High Altitude is available in five colors: Bright White, Billet Silver, Granite Crystal, Deep Cherry Red and Brilliant Black.

On the interior, Grand Cherokee High Altitude comes standard with black Nappa leather seats and black accent stitching throughout, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, silver anodized instrument panel and bright silver pedal kit.

Jeep Grand Cherokee powertrain: Fuel efficiency gains for gas-powered models

New for 2016, the Pentastar 3.6-liter V-6 engine adds Engine Stop-Start (ESS) technology to improve fuel efficiency of the V-6 powered Grand Cherokee.

ESS technology, which is standard on Grand Cherokee models equipped with the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine, increases fuel efficiency by shutting the engine off when the vehicle comes to a complete stop. Amenities (radio, gauges, heating or air conditioning, etc.) continue to operate, making the operation transparent to the driver. The engine restarts automatically when the driver releases the brake, allowing seamless acceleration. ESS is activated automatically and requires no input from the driver. A system disable switch is located on the dash if the operator wishes to suspend the feature.

New 3.6-liter V-6 technology for 2016 includes cooled Exhaust-Gas Recirculation (EGR), advanced two-step variable valve lift (VVL) system and an upgraded variable-valve timing (VVT) system.

Featuring VVT, the standard Pentastar 3.6-liter V-6-powered Grand Cherokee models tow up to 6,200 pounds and a driving range of more than 600 miles - best-in-class for gas-powered SUVs.

In addition, 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee gas V-6 and 5.7-liter V-8 models will receive improved fuel efficiency due to electric power steering, decreased tire rolling resistance and weight reductions with aluminum suspension.

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.

All of Jeep Grand Cherokee's engines are mated to the FCA US 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.

New for 2016, drivers may choose to leave steering wheel paddle shifters "on" or "off" via their radio touch screen display. 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 fuel economy is Eco Mode, which optimizes the transmission's shift schedule and, in V-8 models, Fuel Saver cylinder deactivation technology. A button on the center stack allows driver's to disengage Eco Mode if more spirited performance is desired.

Legendary Jeep Capability

The 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee features four available 4x4 systems (Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, Quadra-Drive II and Selec-Track), 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.

New for 2016 Grand Cherokee are 18-inch Goodyear All-Terrain Adventure tires for optimal traction, included with Off-road groups.

Quadra-Lift air suspension system

The 2016 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 2016 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 a new-for-2016 Sport Mode button on the center stack. 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. Unique to its segment, Grand Cherokee Hill-descent Control also works when the vehicle is in reverse.

Jeep Trail Rated

All 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee models 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 capability categories: traction, ground clearance, maneuverability, articulation and water fording.

Exterior and interior design

All trim levels of the 2016 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 front and rear of the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee features unique lower fascias for every trim level and a large, aerodynamic rear spoiler.

The Grand Cherokee SRT sports its signature, seven-slot upper grille with black screen insert flanked by slimmer, adaptive, bi-xenon headlamps that are surrounded by a signature LED character lamp treatment. The headlamps on the SRT model feature a unique black background to distinguish the vehicle from other 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee models while further accenting their jewel-like appearance.

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 new leather-wrapped polystable 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. The steering wheel is designed and positioned to provide optimal view of the gauge cluster that features a 7-inch, full-color, customizable instrument display. This screen allows drivers to select from a multitude of layout and vehicle information to be shown in the center of the gauge cluster.

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 Nappa leather seats, 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. Returning for 2016 is the 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, and available on SRT and Overland models, is a nineteen-speaker, 825-watt high-performance Harman Kardon surround sound audio system. This state-of-the-art system features a 12-channel amplifier, three sub-woofers and surrounds the occupants in high-definition sound. Grand Cherokee Summit and SRT models feature specially-tuned Noise Cancelling Technology.

Overland and Summit models include a CommandView dual-pane sunroof that features a power sunshade (available on Limited and SRT). Laredo and Limited models also 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 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 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee delivers customers an array of innovative advanced technologies for driver safety and passenger enjoyment.

For 2016, Uconnect is introducing new features that include the all-new Drag and Drop menu bar, Siri Eyes Free, Do Not Disturb, SiriusXM Tune Start, and a Vehicle User Guide that can be viewed via the 8.4-inch touchscreen.

-Drag and Drop Menu Bar: FCA vehicle owners now have the ability to personalize their touchscreen controls to fit their lifestyle and have one-button access to the features and services they value most. From Travel Link, to heated or cooled seats and Yelp, drivers now can simply drag their favorite feature or service icon from the apps menu and move them to their Uconnect system's main menu bar.

-Siri Eyes Free: Via the voice button on the steering wheel and compatible with an Apple iPhone 4s or later, with Siri Eyes Free, drivers can speak natural language voice commands to send text messages, play music, set reminders, place phone calls and access turn-by-turn directions. Driver's will simply push and hold the voice recognition button on the steering wheel until the Siri screen appears on the 8.4-inch touchscreen and hear the audible tones.

-Do Not Disturb: Vehicle owners who prefer not be interrupted with phone calls or text messages while driving can choose to turn on the new "Do Not Disturb" and "Reply with Text Message" feature. Located within the Uconnect system's phone screen, once enabled with a push of button or via voice command, the Do Not Disturb icon will route all incoming mobile calls to voicemail and suppress text messages. If the vehicle owner chooses to enable the Do Not Disturb feature, they also have the ability to send a default or customized response once a call or text message is received.

-SiriusXM Tune Start: A SiriusXM feature new to FCA US customers that starts songs from the beginning when switching between their favorite pre-set satellite radio channels, ensuring that drivers and passengers do not miss a beat of their songs they want to hear.

Available Uconnect Access with 3G Wi-Fi, a Uconnect 8.4-inch touchscreen, one-shot voice command navigation and a customer customizable multiview cluster display highlight the state-of-the-art features. 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.

Available on Limited, Overland, Summit and SRT models, 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.

Safety and Security: Class-leading number of advanced features

The 2016 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), Blind-spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Path detection, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), 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.

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. Electric power steering adds new steering options, including Sport, Comfort and Normal.

2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT

The best performing on-road Jeep vehicle ever returns for 2016 with its proven and powerful 6.4-liter V-8 with Fuel Saver Technology that delivers 475 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque. Performance includes 0-60 mph acceleration in 4.8 seconds, 0-100-0 mph in 16.3 seconds, quarter mile in the mid-13 second range and a top speed of 160 mph.

New inside the 2016 Grand Cherokee SRT is a revised instrument panel gauge cluster that takes on a more enhanced and high-performance look. The 7-inch reconfigurable digital display now features the tachometer shown in the middle similar to other high performance SRT vehicles, while the 180-mph speedometer moves to the left side of the cluster.

SRT-exclusive Performance Pages are revised for 2016 with an expanded array of performance timers and gauge readouts, while all-new drive modes allow Grand Cherokee SRT owners the ability to personalize their drive experience whether its on-road or on-track.

The drive modes separately control the all-wheel drive system, transmission, paddle shifters, stability control, suspension and steering. Drive modes are pre-configured for Auto, Sport, Track, Snow and Tow settings via a mode select switch on the center console, while the Custom setting lets the driver customize the drive experience to their favorite settings. -Custom - Allows driver to personalize the vehicle's performance

-Auto - Activates automatically when starting the vehicle

-Sport - Delivers increased vehicle performance capability over the Auto Mode

-Track - Delivers maximum vehicle performance capability on smooth, dry surfaces

-Snow - Delivers optimized snow and ice performance

-Tow - Delivers maximum towing performance

-Eco - Maximizes fuel economy with a revised shift schedule, pedal map and second-gear starts

For added safety and security, the 2016 Grand Cherokee SRT receives a new Valet mode that enables the following vehicle configurations: -Engine is remapped to significantly reduce horsepower and torque; limited to 4,000 rpm

-Transmission locks out access to first gear and upshifts earlier than normal

-Transmission will treat the manual shifter position the same as the drive position

-Traction, steering and suspension are set to their Street settings

-Steering-wheel paddle shifters are disabled

-Drive Mode functions are disabled

-Electronic stability control (ESC) is enabled to Full-on

-Launch control is disabled

Drivers can activate and deactivate Valet mode with a personalized four-digit PIN code.

The standard massive Brembo brakes on the 2016 Grand Cherokee SRT can be upgraded further with the available high-performance brake package that features two-piece aluminum, high-performance rotors front and rear.

Also new for 2016, Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT's weight is reduced due to aluminum suspension components.

The eight-speed automatic transmission in the Grand Cherokee SRT model is specifically engineered to optimize shift quality and shift points for fuel economy, performance and drivability. The intelligent software takes into account variables, including engine torque gradients, kick-down events, longitudinal and lateral acceleration, grade changes, friction detection and downshift detection to determine the appropriate shift map.

Standard launch control mimics a professional driver's inputs to optimize Grand Cherokee SRT's performance by bringing engine, transmission, driveline, stability control, and suspension in line for a textbook launch. Controlled by a button behind the new polystable shifter on the center console, the result is improved and more consistent straight-line acceleration. New for 2016 is the ability to set launch rpm between 1500 and 3500 in 250 rpm increments.

The performance experience of the 2016 Grand Cherokee SRT is further accentuated by transfer case proportioning and dynamic controls for the Selec-Track system when the vehicle is in Track Mode. When this mode is selected, 70 percent of the engine's torque is delivered to the rear wheels for a more pronounced rear-wheel-drive experience. Grand Cherokee SRT drivers will notice a vehicle that is more responsive from mid-corner to exit.

The Selec-Track system on the Grand Cherokee SRT uses performance-tuned software to distinguish the five dynamic modes: Auto, Sport, Tow, Track, and Snow, enabling drivers to choose a vehicle setting that ideally meets their requirements and ambient conditions. Drivers will find the torque split change in Track mode provides a vehicle that is more responsive from mid-corner to exit and one that delivers faster lap times at their favorite track.

The SRT-model exclusive heated three-spoke steering wheel with a flat bottom features a bevy of comfort, convenience and connectivity controls and more pronounced, more ergonomically efficient paddle shifters.

The Grand Cherokee SRT rides on a short- and long-arm (SLA) independent front suspension with coil springs, Bilstein adaptive damping suspension (ADS), upper- and aluminum lower-control arms ("A" arms), aluminum knuckle, aluminum clevis and hollow stabilizer bar. The rear suspension is a multi-link design with coil spring, Bilstein ADS, aluminum lower control arm, independent upper links (tension and camber), plus a separate toe link, and a hollow stabilizer bar.

About Jeep Brand

Built on more than 70 years of legendary heritage, Jeep is the authentic SUV with class-leading capability, craftsmanship and versatility for people who seek extraordinary journeys. The Jeep brand delivers an open invitation to live life to the fullest by offering a full line of vehicles that continue to provide owners with a sense of security to handle any journey with confidence.

The Jeep vehicle lineup consists of the Cherokee, Compass, Grand Cherokee, Patriot, Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited. To meet consumer demand around the world, all Jeep models sold outside North America are available in both left and right-hand drive configurations and with gasoline and diesel powertrain options.

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