Trim levels consist of entry-level Limited Plus, Overland and Summit. Laredo, Limited, Overland, Summit, SRT and 75th Anniversary. Entry-level Limited Plus models include bi-xenon headlights, power folding door mirrors, a reversing camera, electrically adjustable front seats, leather upholstery, heated seats and Fiat's Uconnect 8.4in touchscreen infotainment system complete with DAB radio, Bluetooth and sat nav.
Upgrade to Overland and you get a Nappa leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof and air suspension, while Summit models include adaptive headlights, an Alcantara headlining, acoustic glass, active noise cancellation, Jeep's myriad of safety technology and a 19-speaker Harman and Kardon stereo system.
The range-topping SRT trim is not only fitted alongside the mammoth 6.4-litre V8, but comes with launch control, Pirelli P-Zero tyres, Brembo brakes and an aggressive bodykit, while the limited edition 75th Anniversary trim includes numerous bronze detailings inside and out.
The fact that the cabin is not a total disaster should not, in itself, constitute good news. But if you’re coming at this Jeep Grand Cherokee with prior knowledge of many American cars, it might seem like Christmas.
There’s plenty of room front and rear and a sizeable, well shaped boot for all your clobber. The driving position is perfectly reasonable and visibility good in all directions, apart from over the shoulder, where a massive C-pillar obscures much of your view aft.
The devil, however, lies in the detail, and it’s no good pointing to its impressive list of standard equipment or the fact that it’s considerably cheaper than most rivals. The seats are covered by some of the smoothest, least textured leather we have seen in a while and much of what appears to be metal, both inside and out, transpires to be plastic.
The actual architecture of the driving environment is not much better. The ergonomics pale beside those of German rivals, and the optional navigation system is a nightmare to operate.
Faceflifted versions are notably improved, however. The materials used and build quality feel of a higher standard and the controls are more logically arranged. A new 8.4-inch infotainment system is a good addition and the available TFT instrument display can be configured to show a wide range of information.
On the road, the Jeep is not only comfortable but also commendably quiet – not always a given in tall, bluff-fronted off-roaders. Wind noise is well suppressed, as is the sound of the engine. There is some tyre rumble on concrete surfaces but, again, we think that the standard 18in wheels rather than the 20s on which we've driven the car would improve matters here.
