2015 Jeep® Grand Cherokee
New for 2015
Changes for 2015 are relatively minor, including some new standard features and the availability of a Summit California Edition appearance package.
Grander than Ever
The Jeep® Grand Cherokee is one of the most recognizable SUV nameplates currently in production, and that’s because of Jeep’s ability to consistently build a vehicle that can both perform off road and satisfy the more mundane needs of suburban families.
Over 20 years after the first model rolled onto dealer lots, the 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee maintains that same combination of off-road ability and family friendliness, with an added dose of technology.
Powertrains and Performance
The Grand Cherokee was one of the original premium SUVs, but it stays up to date with a selection of powerful yet fuel efficient engines.
The first of those engines is the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6. Used throughout the Chrysler product range, it produces 290 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. It’s paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and either rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
With rear-wheel drive, the Pentastar returns an EPA-rated 20 mpg combined (17 mpg city, 25 mpg highway),* while the four-wheel drive version gets 19 mpg combined (17 mpg city, 24 mpg highway).*
The Pentastar offers pretty good fuel economy for a large V6 in a big SUV, but the next option on the list does even better. It’s the 3.0-liter turbocharged EcoDiesel V6, one of the few diesel engines available in a U.S.-market passenger vehicle.
The diesel engine produces 240 hp and a titanic 420 lb-ft of torque. Like the gasoline Pentastar V6, it’s mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. It gets EPA-rated fuel economy of 25 mpg combined (22 mpg city, 30 mpg highway)* with rear-wheel drive, and 24 mpg combined (21 mpg city, 28 mpg highway)* with four-wheel drive.
If power is your priority, then there’s no replacement for displacement. The Grand Cherokee is available with Chrysler’s legendary 5.7-liter HEMI V8, producing 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. Like the other engines, the HEMI is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.
Thanks to Jeep’s Fuel Saver cylinder-deactivation technology, the HEMI still gets fairly good fuel economy for a big V8 motor. It’s rated at 17 mpg combined (14 mpg city, 22 mpg highway)* with rear-wheel drive, and 16 mpg combined (14 mpg city, 20 mpg highway)* with four-wheel drive.
The Grand Cherokee offers more than great engines, though. It’s also got impressive off-road capability. There are three available four-wheel drive systems (Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, and Quadra-Drive II), the Selec-Terrain vehicle management system, and Quadra-Lift air suspension. All of this equipment works together to help the Grand Cherokee tackle any kind of terrain.
Features and Trims
The 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a five-door, five-seat SUV. It’s available in four trim levels, with prices starting at $29,995.**
It may wear a Jeep badge, but the Grand Cherokee is a true luxury vehicle. Even the base Laredo model comes with a long list of standard features, including 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic halogen headlights and fog lights, dual-zone automatic climate control, a five-inch touchscreen, leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters, and LED taillights.
The Limited model is the next step up from the Laredo. It incorporates all of the base model’s standard features, and adds (or replaces, where applicable) chrome heated and power-folding exterior mirrors, 18-inch alloy wheels, a memory system for the radio, driver’s seat, and mirrors, heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and a backup camera.
Next up is the Grand Cherokee Overland, which incorporates the applicable standard features from the other two models, along with dual chrome exhaust, bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights, Uconnect Access infotainment system with 8.4-inch touchscreen and navigation, leather seats, ventilated front seats, a power tilt/telescope steering column, and other features.
The top Grand Cherokee model is appropriately named the Summit. On top of the mountain of standard equipment from the other models, it includes 20-inch alloy wheels, a Harman Kardon 19-speaker audio system, and Active Noise Cancellation.
Exterior/Interior
The 2015 Grand Cherokee’s styling is classic Jeep, with the trademark seven-slot grille and trapezoidal wheel arches of previous models blended with modern features like a sleek front fascia with available LED daytime running lights, LED taillights, and a rear spoiler.
On the inside, the Grand Cherokee can put SUVs from more prestigious brands to shame. The optional stitched dashboard, leather seating, and open-pore wood trim create an upscale feel, while the CommandView dual-pane sunroof offers a great way to enjoy the scenery as you explore the wilderness.
There’s plenty of technology too, headlined by the available Uconnect infotainment system and its 8.4-inch touchscreen. The Chrysler Uconnect system is one of the best in the business, with streamlined controls, easy-to-read graphics, and a wide variety of features.
Safety
Standard safety equipment on the 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee includes anti-lock brakes, stability and traction controls, and front, side, curtain, front-seat mounted side airbags. Optional features include a backup camera, blind-spot monitoring, Forward Collision Warning with Crash Mitigation, park assists, and rear cross-path detection.
Bottom Line
The 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee remains one of the best premium SUVs on the market. After over 20 years on sale, it’s still forging new paths.
Be sure to contact us online and visit Hall Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM Virginia Beach to schedule a test drive.
*EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary depending on driving habits and conditions.
**Prices listed are Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price for the vehicle and options chosen by you. These prices do not include transportation, taxes, title, other options, dealer installation costs, or other dealer charges.
Image: Jeep