My major concern with the Grand Cherokee is its real world fuel economy. This is a heavy vehicle and, even with the 3.7L V-6, mileage promises to be lousy. OK, gas at the pumps is still cheap but for how long? Industry experts say the real all-in cost of getting it to the pumps – most of which cost is now absorbed by the US taxpayer – is over seven dollars ($7.00) a gallon.
SUVs sold in Europe invariably come with a diesel engine. For 2006, European-spec Grand Cherokees get a new 3.0L common-rail clean diesel. I had the opportunity to test one last fall on the Mercedes-Benz track near Stuttgart. It’s a spectacular engine with tons of torque, which means great all-round performance. And, it promises fuel economy in the 30mpg range. I hope we get it here.
