Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.0 CRD Overland (auto)

Having searched all over for a 4x4 with true off road ability, comfort, space and toys, I ended up at Jeep. Having looked at Landrovers, Toyota, Mitsubishi, VW, Volvo, and many more, it was the Grand Cherokee Overland that ticked all the boxes.

Idiotic reviews by 'experts' stating 0-62 times being too slow or body roll too much taking a bend at 70mph, should be ignored out of hand. 4x4 are not designed to corner like a sports car and then retain peak off road performance. X5s and Touaregs are more car than anything else and this hampers their off road ability. The jeep shares the same Merc platform as the GL/ML and whilst it is a large car, the body roll is only minor, the ride is like silk and comfort on long journeys is great ( this despite most reviews slating on road manners). Off road easily plugged through mud up to the axels and the variable terrain selector worked well. The gadgets onboard are great, the ease of parking, the wipe clean materials and the overall exclusivity of the car make it a practical choice for a family with a dog. I have covered 4k miles in the last two months and can honestly say it is a joy. The downsides. The gearbox does get slightly confused on rare occasions ( the new 8spd box would sort this I am sure), there are two annoying rattles, o e from dash the other from sunroof. Oh, and although it works very well, the GUI on the radio/ICE is very old looking!

In all, great off road and practical. On road it is smooth and relaxing but not a sports car. A few minor quibbles to look into with first service but would recommend it to somebody wanting a go anywhere cruiser which doesn't have the LR marque that you seem to see everywhere.

much improved on the crd limited. coupled with an awesome mercedes benz V6 power plant that is married to a ultra smooth gearbox.