Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/183630
Kelley's cool running after topping an obstacle. While most users won't need to navigate a boulder-laden trail in their everyday driving, the confidence provided by the high-torque diesel is also well-suited for pulling a boat up a steep launch ramp, or getting a trailer up a steep mountain road. to deliver 22 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway in 4x2 models, resulting in a driving range of more than 730 miles. The 4x4-equipped models are estimated to post 21 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway. Jeep says these fuel economy stats are 43% better than competitive gasolinepowered V-8 SUVs in the segment. CHANGING LANES While low emissions and high fuel economy/range are great, the diesel really shines when it leaves the pavement. During our recent test of the diesel Grand Cherokee on a purpose-built off-road course, all of the extra torque made climbing over the most extreme obstacles a smoother and more controlled process. Rock-crawling with a gas-engine typically requires some revving up to get maximum torque, frequently causing the vehicle to lurch 16 kelleys cool runnings 1013 cl.indd 2 In spite of its power, Jeep's diesel is superquiet. At road speeds, only the slightest vibration of the throttle pedal gave any indication that the Grand Cherokee was diesel powered, and while idling at a stop, it was necessary to turn the radio and fan off to hear the engine inside the vehicle. Partnered with the diesel in the 2014 Grand Cherokee is a new eight-speed automatic transmission that delivers peppy acceleration and smooth shifting. Anotherl benefit of the eight-speed gearbox is a low-gear, low-range crawl ratio of 44.1:1 when equipped with a two-speed transfer case. This aids in climbing over or through the toughest obstacles. The Grand Cherokee also features new steering-wheel mounted "paddle" shifters that offer improved driver control both on and off road. At a quick glance, there's much to like in the diesel-powered 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Stay tuned for more details once we've completed a longer test drive. OCTOBER 2013 // WWW.CHANGINGLANESDIGITAL.COM 9/5/13 2:42 PM