2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Published Apr 2, 2007
0 Ratings
What is it?
2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
What's special about it?
Now at the halfway point in its model cycle, the third-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee is ready for a refresh, and for 2008 that's exactly what it gets. A new V8 engine, updated electronics and better-quality interior materials are the key improvements you'll see in the '08 models when they show up at dealerships this fall.
Jeep's 4.7-liter V8 is the most popular engine for the Grand Cherokee, but the motor in the 2008 model is significantly altered over the '07 version. In addition to raising the V8's compression ratio and modifying its cylinder head ports and cam design, engineers fitted it with two spark plugs per cylinder plus electronic throttle control. The result is 291 horsepower (up from 235), 322 pound-feet of torque (up from 305) and smoother operation at idle.
Fuel economy has evidently improved as well, although Jeep has yet to offer any numbers. We suspect any gains will be offset by the revised EPA testing procedures for 2008. For those interested, the 4.7-liter remains E85-capable.
The rest of the Grand Cherokee engine lineup remains intact for 2008. Base Laredo models still come with a 3.7-liter V6, and the Limited and Overland can be equipped with either the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 or (in 45 states) the 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 known as the CRD. The Grand Cherokee SRT-8 will continue with its 6.1-liter Hemi. All use a five-speed automatic transmission.
Unless you already own a current-generation JGC, you'll be hard-pressed to spot the differences on the 2008 model. The grille is a tad longer this year, and the headlight clusters are rounder. Peer into those clusters on Limited and Overland models, and you might see an HID unit looking back at you.
In a nod to the small crowd of off-roaders, the front fascia is now a two-piece design, allowing you to remove the lower part before a boulder does the deed for you. Also new this year are hill descent control and hill start assist, which have become must-have bits of technology among the remaining hard-core midsize SUVs. The Jeep also comes with trailer sway control to minimize tail-wagging when you've got a boat hitched to the back.
Inside, Jeep says it has improved the look of the place by installing some much needed soft-touch trim on the dash. Metallic accents are more numerous, and the ritzy Grand Cherokee Overland gets real wood trim and seats upholstered in perforated saddle leather. Redesigned door armrests and a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel should increase driver comfort, while LED lighting in high-line models will make the instruments prettier and easier to read at night.
Entertainment for all is basically guaranteed in the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee, provided you check off the right options. The navigation system is now Chrysler's multipurpose Harman Kardon-designed MyGiG unit, which means that in addition to the usual stuff, owners can rip CDs to the hard drive or take advantage of Sirius-powered real-time traffic rerouting.
If you opt for MyGiG, plus a rear entertainment system, the preschoolers on board your Grand Cherokee will be able to watch Sirius Backseat TV, which provides selected programming from the Cartoon Network, Disney Channel and Nickelodeon. We're guessing Family Guy won't be on the playlist.
What's Edmunds' take?
Although quite capable off-road and a decent performer on-road, the current-gen Jeep Grand Cherokee has been hurt by its low-buck interior. If the material upgrades to the 2008 model are substantive, however, that should put it on more equal footing with rivals like the Toyota 4Runner and Volkswagen Touareg. — Erin Riches, Senior Content Editor
2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
What's special about it?
Now at the halfway point in its model cycle, the third-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee is ready for a refresh, and for 2008 that's exactly what it gets. A new V8 engine, updated electronics and better-quality interior materials are the key improvements you'll see in the '08 models when they show up at dealerships this fall.
Jeep's 4.7-liter V8 is the most popular engine for the Grand Cherokee, but the motor in the 2008 model is significantly altered over the '07 version. In addition to raising the V8's compression ratio and modifying its cylinder head ports and cam design, engineers fitted it with two spark plugs per cylinder plus electronic throttle control. The result is 291 horsepower (up from 235), 322 pound-feet of torque (up from 305) and smoother operation at idle.
Fuel economy has evidently improved as well, although Jeep has yet to offer any numbers. We suspect any gains will be offset by the revised EPA testing procedures for 2008. For those interested, the 4.7-liter remains E85-capable.
The rest of the Grand Cherokee engine lineup remains intact for 2008. Base Laredo models still come with a 3.7-liter V6, and the Limited and Overland can be equipped with either the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 or (in 45 states) the 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 known as the CRD. The Grand Cherokee SRT-8 will continue with its 6.1-liter Hemi. All use a five-speed automatic transmission.
Unless you already own a current-generation JGC, you'll be hard-pressed to spot the differences on the 2008 model. The grille is a tad longer this year, and the headlight clusters are rounder. Peer into those clusters on Limited and Overland models, and you might see an HID unit looking back at you.
In a nod to the small crowd of off-roaders, the front fascia is now a two-piece design, allowing you to remove the lower part before a boulder does the deed for you. Also new this year are hill descent control and hill start assist, which have become must-have bits of technology among the remaining hard-core midsize SUVs. The Jeep also comes with trailer sway control to minimize tail-wagging when you've got a boat hitched to the back.
Inside, Jeep says it has improved the look of the place by installing some much needed soft-touch trim on the dash. Metallic accents are more numerous, and the ritzy Grand Cherokee Overland gets real wood trim and seats upholstered in perforated saddle leather. Redesigned door armrests and a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel should increase driver comfort, while LED lighting in high-line models will make the instruments prettier and easier to read at night.
Entertainment for all is basically guaranteed in the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee, provided you check off the right options. The navigation system is now Chrysler's multipurpose Harman Kardon-designed MyGiG unit, which means that in addition to the usual stuff, owners can rip CDs to the hard drive or take advantage of Sirius-powered real-time traffic rerouting.
If you opt for MyGiG, plus a rear entertainment system, the preschoolers on board your Grand Cherokee will be able to watch Sirius Backseat TV, which provides selected programming from the Cartoon Network, Disney Channel and Nickelodeon. We're guessing Family Guy won't be on the playlist.
What's Edmunds' take?
Although quite capable off-road and a decent performer on-road, the current-gen Jeep Grand Cherokee has been hurt by its low-buck interior. If the material upgrades to the 2008 model are substantive, however, that should put it on more equal footing with rivals like the Toyota 4Runner and Volkswagen Touareg. — Erin Riches, Senior Content Editor