2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee Review: Limited
Test Drive

2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee Review: Limited

So, are you buying a Jeep? Well, I think about it anyway, maybe. Or perhaps you have already bought it and are now reading this, hoping that I will say something nice that will cheer you up? Whatever it is, this Grand Cherokee Limited review is for you.

Oh, and it was also a diesel. What difference does it make that it's a diesel version and not a petrol one? Of course, yes, if you plan to tow, which I cover below, as well as what it was like to ride every day, how much fuel it used for hundreds of kilometers, and even if it is easy to install a child car seat.

Jeep Grand Cherokee 2020: Limited (4 × 4)
Safety Rating
engine's type3.6L
fuel typePremium unleaded gasoline
Fuel efficiency10l / 100km
Landing5 Places
Price fromNo recent ads

Is there anything interesting about its design? 8/10


If the Wrangler is the most iconic member of the Jeep family, then the Grand Cherokee should be the next most recognizable with its jagged seven-bar grille and bulky profile. This is a powerful machine in the world of SUVs with softer lines and more elegant styling.

The Grand Cherokee is a tough looking car.

The interior also has a masculine feel, with chunky dials and large buttons for climate control and driving modes. However, this is a premium and modern cabin that borders on (almost) upmarket looks.

You can tell the Limited from the Laredo underneath by the larger wheels and chrome trim pieces like the lower grille, while the interior is slightly different, with a bigger screen.

Tape history shows that the Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited is 4828mm long, 1943mm wide and 1802mm high.

Our test car was equipped with a Thule Pulse roof box when we raised it, but its overall height exceeded the 2.0m clearance of our underground car park. We ended up removing the box for fear of forgetting it, and then removed it along with the fire suppression system in the supermarket car park.

How practical is the interior space? 7/10


The Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited has five seats, which can be a hurdle for families looking for an SUV with three rows of seats, even if it's a case where seven seats are required.

The Grand Cherokee was roomy up front, with plenty of headroom and elbow room.

The Grand Cherokee was roomy in the front, with enough head and elbow room for me at 191 cm tall, and I also liked those big, wide seats.

The seats in the second row were cramped, but I could just sit in my dive seat and there was plenty of headroom in the back.

The seats in the second row can be a bit cramped for tall adults.

Interior storage space was great, with a large bin in the center console, large door pockets and four cup holders (two in the front and two in the second row). For charging, you'll find four USB ports (two in the front and two in the second row) and three 12-volt outlets (two in the front and one in the trunk).

There are four cupholders in total, two in the front and two in the second row.


The trunk is large at 782 liters, and as you can see, our test car was fitted with a durable rubber mat that kept the gears from slipping and saved me the annoyance of putting wet and dirty shoes in the trunk.

The trunk is large - 782 liters.

Under the boot floor is a compact spare wheel.

Does it represent good value for money? What functions does it have? 8/10


We tested the Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4×4 with a V6 diesel engine that costs $67,500 before tolls. That's $10 thousand more than the entry-level Laredo with the same engine.

The Grand Cherokee Limited comes standard with 20-inch alloy wheels.

Standard equipment includes 20-inch alloy wheels, 8.4-inch touchscreen with sat-nav, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, proximity unlock, leather seats, nine-speaker Alpine stereo, adaptive cruise control, privacy rear window, active noise cancellation, auto tailgate, dual-zone climate control and push-button start.

Is it a good value? Yes, but I think the V6 petrol version is more value for money - it costs $62,500 for a Limited 4×4. The catch is that the diesel has better braking towing capacity. How much better? Go to the engine section to find out.

Our test car was equipped with several options. These include: a towbar ($1440), side steps ($1696), a roof rack ($847), and a Thule Pulse 614 roof rack ($743).

What are the main characteristics of the engine and transmission? 8/10


The diesel does it here with a 6kW/184Nm V570 turbodiesel unit, while an eight-speed automatic does the shifting. I am a fan of this pair because of the huge torque that comes out from 2000rpm and the smooth transmission.

Diesel does it here with a 6kW/184Nm V570 turbodiesel unit.

I just got out of another turbodiesel SUV, something more plush with even more torque, but the Jeep didn't seem to have as much lag as this no-name luxury SUV had every time it shifted into high gear and set off. revs drop.

No, the turbodiesel and automatic in the Jeep impressed me with their satisfying, determined shifts and strong engine response.

The turbodiesel and automatic in the Jeep impress with their satisfying, decisive shifts and strong engine response.

All Limited models are all-wheel drive and feature low gearing, as well as mud, snow, sand and rock modes.

The braking tractive force of the turbodiesel is 3500 kg, and the petrol V6 is 2812 kg. So yes, diesel is king when it comes to towing.




How much fuel does it consume? 7/10


Jeep says the Grand Cherokee Limited's V6 turbodiesel should consume 7.5L/100km on a combination of open and city roads.

After 239.8 km of motorways and daily city driving, I filled up the Grand Cherokee with 16.07 liters of diesel, which is 10.9 l/100 km.

It's not that close to a service offering, but still not terrible for a 2.3-ton all-wheel drive SUV.

What is it like to drive? 7/10


The 4×4 system in the Limited (and also in the Laredo below it in the lineup) is more competent than most "soft roaders" with its two-speed transfer case and downshift.

Terrain control with driving modes also makes the Limited a competent off-roader, as long as traffic doesn't get too rough. Ground clearance is 218mm and fording depth is 508mm.

My family has owned Grand Cherokees of each of the last two generations of SUVs we've used in our woodlands, and I can testify to their sand and mud competence, but this test car was completely left on the road during its week with us.

The Limited's 4x4 system is more competent than most soft road builders.

If you'll only use closed roads with the Limited, that's absolutely fine - it's a comfortable, lightweight SUV that has enough power to overtake on motorways or just get through traffic quickly and easily when needed.

The large turning radius of 12.2m can be disappointing, but the steering is light, if not a little blunt in feedback.

The V6 Limited diesel is not the most dynamic in the Grand Cherokee lineup - this is the work of SRT and Trackhawk. No, the Limited is more of a comfortable cruiser that will easily eat cases on motorways and go off-road to tame adventure time a bit.  

Warranty and safety rating

Basic Warranty

5 years / 100,000 km


guarantee

ANCAP Safety Rating

What safety equipment is installed? What is the safety rating? 8/10


The Limited comes standard with an impressive amount of advanced safety equipment, including AEB, lane departure and blind spot warning, rear cross traffic alert and automatic parking (parallel and perpendicular).

The Jeep Grand Cherokee received the highest five-star ANCAP rating in testing in 2014.

For child seats, there are three top cable attachment points and two ISOFIX anchorages across the second row.

My child seat is the Top Tether kind and it was pretty darn easy to put on and take off.

How much does it cost to own? What kind of guarantee is provided? 7/10


The Grand Cherokee Limited is covered by a five-year Jeep unlimited mileage warranty.

Maintenance is recommended every 12 months/20,000 km and is capped at $665 for the first visit, $1095 for the second, $665 for the third, $1195 for the next and $665 for the fifth.

Verdict

The Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited combines rugged looks with a premium feel, and the diesel is the way to go for those looking to tow. Good value for money with great safety equipment, the Limited truly is the best in the Grand Cherokee lineup. 

Commentary, call to action: Is the Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited the perfect combination of luxury and ruggedness? Tell us what you think in the comments below.

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