Jeep ZG Grand Cherokee
1996 to 1999

All the ZG Grand Cherokee models received in Australia were built in the Magna-Steyer plant in Graz, Austria. Some say the quality of the Euro built Grands were superior to the US built cars. Originally designed to replace the popular XJ Cherokee it became a top seller in its own right without taking away sales from the Cherokee. So the kept building the XJ and the Grand Cherokee for many years. With coil springs, constant 4WD and a more refined luxury look and modern interior this model sold very well in Australia.

The Grand Cherokee ZG came in 2 levels, Laredo with cloth seats and Limited with Leather and gold wheels. In 1998 there was a limited edition called a Laredo TSi which had special cosmetic trims and wheels.

ZG Grand Cherokee Limited Specifications

Dual Front Airbag Package, Anti-Lock Braking, Automatic Air Con / Climate Control, Alarm System/Remote Anti Theft, Alloy Wheels, Cruise Control, Central Locking, Limited Slip Differential, Power Mirrors, Power Steering, Power Windows, Radio Cassette with 6 Speakers, On Demand Hi and Low Range 4WD, Braked Tow Rating 2265kg. 😜

Jeep WJ & WG Grand Cherokee 1999 - 2004

Many were quick to point out the second-gen Grand Cherokee’s striking looks, as the WJ took on a “broader in the shoulders” look, in comparison to its earlier counterpart. However, Jeep’s redesigned luxury wagon also came packed with a wealth of new tech, which made it a formidable performer, on both the street and trail. This well-rounded list of attributes would ultimately propel the WJ Grand Cherokee to iconic status, setting a number of sales records along the way.

All these early Grand Cherokees where built in Austria and had different specifications to the American built vehicles.
Available with an improved 4.0L straight 6 or the amazing 4.7L V8 this model took the Australian market by storm. With V8 Power it was "The' tow car to have.

The WG Grand Cherokee - released in November 2000 - was a minor update on its predecessor (and therefore part of the WJ Grand Cherokee generation). Visually, the WG Grand Cherokee was distinguished its body-coloured grille for the Laredo editions and white-faced instrument gauges. The range was initially unchanged, but expanded in February 2002 with the range-topping Overland edition which was powered by a 'High-Ouput' version of the 4.7-litre PowerTech V8 engine.  


Released in March 2003, the WG2 Grand Cherokee introduced a revised range and mechanical upgrades. The WG2 Grand Cherokee range included a 2.7L CRD variant that was powered by a 2.7-litre inline five-cylinder turbo-diesel engine sourced from Mercedes-Benz. Mechanically, the WG2 Grand Cherokee also had a revised suspension setup with lower pressure shock absorbers, greater steering feel, new brake calipers and a more sensitive brake pedal.

Jeep WH Grand Cherokee

2005 - 2010

Released in July 2005, the Jeep WH Series I (WH.I) Grand Cherokee was a five-seat, 4WD wagon. Manufactured in Graz, Austria, the WH Grand Cherokee was available with five engines and in Laredo, Limited and SRT-8 variants; five-speed automatic transmissions were standard across the range. 

The Jeep WH Series II (WH.II) Grand Cherokee - released in August 2008 - introduced a revised range and upgraded 4.7-litre V8 engine. As part of the update, the 3.7 V6 Laredo and 4.7 V8 Laredo were discontinued. The Jeep WH.II Grand Cherokee could be identified by its wider grille, rounder headlights, lower positioned fog lights, two-piece front fascia and new alloy wheel designs. Inside, there was a two-tone colour scheme, soft-touch dashboard materials, new steering wheel and redesigned instrument cluster.

Engines

Of the engines:

• The 3.0-litre Mercedes-Benz OM642 turbo-diesel V6 engine had an aluminium block and cylinder heads, common rail injection, double overhead camshafts, a counter-rotating balance shaft, four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 18.0:1; 
• The 3.7-litre 'PowerTech' V6 petrol engine had a cast iron block and aluminium cylinder heads, single overhead camshafts, two valves per cylinder, a counter rotating balance shaft and a compression ratio of 9.6:1; 
• The 4.7-litre 'PowerTech' V8 petrol engine had a cast iron block, aluminium cylinder heads, chain-driven double overhead camshafts, two valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 9.3:1; 
• The 5.7-litre 'Hemi' V8 petrol engine had a cast iron block, two valves per cylinder actuated by pushrods, hydraulic lifters with roller followers and a compression ratio of 9.5:1. The engine also featured a Multi-Displacement System (MDS) which could shut down half the cylinders when cruising or under light throttle inputs; and,
• The 6.1-litre 'Hemi' V8 petrol engine was based on the 5.7-litre unit, but had a forged crankshaft, lighter pistons, strengthened connecting rods and a compression ratio of 10.3:1. Furthermore, the 6.1-litre V8 engine did not have MDS.

Jeep WK Grand Cherokee (WK2)

2011 - 2015

First showing in Australia was at the 2010 National Jeep Jamboree! Thats right our sensational MJOC Jambo was the frst showing to anyone,including the media. Jeep Australia brought out 3 WK Left hand drive Grands just for the Jambo.
Launched in Australia in 2011 this all new Jeep was the first sold in Australia that was built in the USA. 

In its redesigned form, the fourth-generation Grand Cherokee now featured a new terrain-management system, known simply as Selec-Terrain. This system allowed drivers to select between five individual driving modes, which included Auto, Sport, Snow, Rock, and Sand/Mud. The selection of a particular mode would optimize the Grand Cherokee’s stance, in order to tackle the conditions at hand.

At the heart of this system was Jeep’s new Quadra-Lift suspension arrangement. This setup allowed for custom ride height adjustment, making it easier than ever to conquer even the most inhospitable of terrain. At full lift, this system allowed the Grand Cherokee to achieve a maximum ride height of 11.1-inches.

The Grand Cherokee also featured an independent front suspension, as well as a consumer’s choice of one of two available 4WD systems (Quadra-Trac II, and Quadra-Drive II). Additionally, the Grand Cherokee came standard in all forms with a five-speed automatic transmission.🤣 

Some of the most noteworthy of the WK Grand Cherokee’s optional features included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot alert, and Rear Cross Path sensing. Additionally, consumers could spring for the purchase of Chrysler’s Uconnect multimedia system, which included live navigation, and cellular connectivity.
The Trailhawk edition launched in 2013 saw a new 'Off Road" oriented version of the Grand Cherokee. In Australia we saw it only in the CRD 3.0L Turbo Diesel and it came ready specified with Quadra -drive 4WD, Quadra-lift suspension, skid plates, red recovery hooks, and luxury leather interior. It also came with a blacked out bonnet and was only available in white.

Late in 2013 saw the first of a number of updated models and this one saw the introduction of the 8 Speed Auto transmission with paddle shifters instead of using the auto gear shift.

Jeep WK Grand Cherokee (WK2)

2015 - 2021

The 8 speed auto was a huge hit in the Grand Cherokee and sales soared in Australia out selling the Toyota Prado on a number of occasions. How ever after sales support could not handle the huge number of Jeeps being sold in Australia and customer complaints and vehicle recalls became a media event. This saw upheaval in management at Jeep Australia with FCA in US sending out senior fix it guys to try and turn things around. It took them quite a while and only in the last few years is Jeeps reputation slowly being restored.
During this time Jeep in the US kept updating the WK2 and we saw some great improvements and features in the 2016 models to 2021.

Jeep WK Grand Cherokee (WK2)
Trailhawk 

2016 - 2021

Grand Cherokee Trailhawk models are equipped with a host of standard off-road capability features, including Jeep’s Quadra-Drive II 4×4 system with rear Electronic Limited Slip Differential (ELSD) for all powertrains, a unique version of Grand Cherokee’s Quadra-Lift air suspension – developed for Trailhawk – that offers improved articulation and total suspension travel, as well as Selec-Speed Control with Hill Ascent Control. Skid plates and a Trailhawk-specific anti-glare hood decal are also standard.

Approach angles on the Jeep Grand Cherokee are 29.8 degrees or 36.1 degrees when the lower front fascia is removed for severe off-roading, while the breakover angle is 27.1 degrees and the departure angle is 22.8 degrees. Grand Cherokee Trailhawk models offer up to 10.8 inches of ground clearance.

The Grand Cherokee Trailhawk exterior features a front fascia and seven-slot Jeep grille that debuted on the 2016 Grand Cherokee 75th Anniversary edition, Trailhawk-signature red tow hooks in the front and rear, standard rugged 18-inch or optional 20-inch Goodyear Adventure off-road tires with Kevlar reinforcement, new Trailhawk and Trail Rated badges with red accents, mirror caps and a roof rack with Neutral Gray accents, and optional Mopar rock rails for added protection.

Inside, Trailhawk models feature a unique black interior with leather and suede performance seats for comfort and control, red accent stitching, brushed Piano Black appliques, gun-metal finish on all painted interior parts, a Trailhawk badge on the Jeep steering wheel, and red accent stitching on the seats, doors and console. A standard 8.4-inch Uconnect touch screen includes updated off-road pages showing wheel articulation and other vehicle 4×4 capability features, such as suspension height and 4×4 and Selec-Terrain modes.

Jeep WL Grand Cherokee L
2022 - current

This model is available only wiuth the 3.6L Pentastar engine.

With mixed reviews and limited off road capability especially with its large wheels and low profile tyres we dont expect to see many in the club. We are awaiting the new Grand Cherokee 5 seat with its Trailhawk version later in 2022 and will feature that model when it arrives.

Check out the 7 seater Grand Cherokee L at Jeep Australia