Jeep has just taken the wraps off its Model year 2020 Grand Cherokee SUV range – in all ten 4WD models, all eight-speed automatic bringing more standard safety gear and better value especially at the bottom end of the range. The previous entry Laredo model from $47,990 has been dropped from the Grand Cherokee range, the 3.6-litre petrol V6 Night Eagle now opening the batting much higher at $59,990, the 3.0-litre V6 diesel Night Eagle $6,000 dearer at $65,990.  Night Eagle Grand Cherokee’s get body black out treatment, premium body cladding, exclusive 20-inch alloy wheels and premium black leather with perforated suede inserts.

To counter the higher priced entry point Jeep has upped the safety elements with advanced brake assist, forward collision warning, lane departure warning and auto high beam headlamp control. Also standard is Jeep’s Quadre-Trac 11 4 x 4 system with two speed transfer case, a reversing camera, front and rear parking sensors, Xenon headlights, eight way powered and heated front seats – the equipment impressive across all ten models. The Jeep Grand Cherokee has in recent years dropped well down the sales ladder – in 2014 Jeep sold 16,582, by the end of last year it had delivered just 2,986 – whether this refreshed and value added range can restore the sales numbers remains to be seen with many early customers of the model left unhappy with Jeep’s quality and reliability issues.

I’m David Berthon

Click PLAY to listen!

Download this podcast here