In the near future, we'll see a number of diesel-powered cars and trucks on the road, and you won't recognize their arrival by the smoke and noise. That's because the new diesel technology is as clean and nearly as quiet as today's gasoline engines.
I've spent some quality time in the Mercedes-Benz ML320 CDI and came away impressed with how competent that vehicle was with diesel power. The Jeep Grand Cherokee has the same excellent engine, but not quite as quiet or as fuel-frugal in Jeep version. Less noise insulation and a five-speed vs. seven-speed transmission account for the differences.
For most potential buyers, a little clicking under the hood is not much of a sacrifice to make for a power plant that pulls better than Jeep's 4.7-liter V-8 while returning a 21-percent increase in fuel economy. Besides, the modest sound was quite in character with Jeep's rugged persona.
I drove my test Grand Cherokee around Detroit and in and out of Canada during the North American International Auto Show press days in January. My initial reaction to the Limited model was mixed. With nearly every automaker producing smooth crossover vehicles for people-hauling, the Jeep seems a bit dated.
The interior works in a functional way, but seems like a truck that has been promoted to near luxury with the application of a bit of faux wood. Chrysler designers are aware of their interior shortcomings and promise better executions in new model offerings.
On dry pavement, the Grand Cherokee felt firm on the highway but not harsh. It's not a vehicle that I want to drive its 430-mile range without stopping, but the seating position is high and seating reasonably comfortable. And on long journeys, the Boston Acoustics sound system with MyGig music media storage is along to provide entertainment.
Around town, parking maneuvers are dispatched with fewer flicks of the wheel than many other SUVs of similar size. That's because Grand Cherokees are designed to negotiate off-road trails, just like a Wrangler.
Jeep's off-road credentials were a blessing when I left town. I retired the night before with snow starting to fall. Early the next morning, I was brushing four inches of the white powder off the Jeep and scraping ice off the windshield.
Before I began my snow removal operation, I started the engine with the remote key fob and the defrost system turned itself on. In no time, I was entering the slick road with good visibility and sure-footed traction.
On the way to the airport, the Jeep's Quadra-Trac full-time, all-wheel drive kept the vehicle right where it was pointed, even during the occasional lane change through snow. A couple of other commuters weren't so lucky, with guardrails collecting their vehicles. That's when the value of this rugged machine is really driven home. And that confidence is rarely delivered in a crossover.
EPA fuel economy: City: 17, Highway: 22
Base MSRP: $38,555
