Since then, there are now more than two dozen midsize SUVs on the market, each one backed by squads of engineers and marketing types pitching their product as best in the class. With all of these entries fighting for share in a shrinking market, the challenge facing this new Grand Cherokee is to remain loyal to its core buyer, yet attract shoppers new to the brand.
Of course, the Jeep brand and the Grand Cherokee nameplate have an advantage in that they are rightly perceived as quintessential off-road vehicles, while the Grand Cherokee is a great way to get to the boonies and back in comfort and style. Despite those strengths, the outgoing Jeep Grand Cherokee came up a little short when compared to newer sport-utes and crossover vehicles. While utterly capable off-road, the second-generation JGC’s on-pavement performance and cramped back seat left it at a distinct disadvantage in the very areas that most impact the way the majority of SUV buyers typically use their vehicles.
Jeep product planners have addressed this with the redesigned 2005 Grand Cherokee by keeping intact all that was good about previous generations while adding the paved road ride and handling characteristics the vehicle needs to remain competitive. While it may not seem to be a revolutionary redesign at first glance, the result of their efforts is nothing less than the best Jeep Grand Cherokee ever.
|
