Design
At a time when fad diets and an obsession with being svelte are trendy, it's somewhat ironic that oversized sport-utility vehicles (SUV) are in fashion at all. This makes the functionally efficient capability and timeless design of the all-new 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee a breath of fresh air - or, at least, it would if the thing weren't so durn heavy that its gas mileage is no better than that of the Chevy Tahoe.
The signature seven-slot grille has a painted body color look on Loredo, and is plated with chrome on the Limited. High-performance halogen headlamps employ a rounded traditional Jeep appearance. The hood, air dam and exterior mirrors were developed in the Chrysler Group's wind tunnel in Auburn Hills, Michigan, to minimize wind noise and maximize aerodynamics.
The shape of the body has been designed to protect the sides of the vehicle from potential road debris thrown off the tires. The heavy and expensive cladding used on the previous model is replaced with a more efficient body-side shape and moldings that are incorporated into the design. Badges are now injection-molded and chrome-plated to communicate a richness and sense of precision.
A new and inviting interior awaits occupants with a rich two-tone instrument panel treatment, new door trims and upscale interior finishes. The seats are crafted with contours that are precise, firm and ergonomic. They are designed for long-distance comfort with trim styles different for each model: Laredo features cloth and optional leather while Limited seats are two-tone leather with perforated leather seat inserts.
The elegant instrument panel design offers a high degree of precision. Gaps have been reduced and parting lines minimized. The instrument panel features a dark upper color and lighter lower color. Multiple storage bins have been added for additional storage.
"A successful effort was made to limit the amount of joints and pieces in the interior," said Clyde Ney, Chrysler Group Jeep Design Manager and the 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee's interior designer. "Quality isn't just the workings of the interior but the perception the customer feels when they are within the vehicle. The touch points -- elegance, the sound the switches make, the fit and finish, the textures and lighter colors -- are all vital to a quality experience because that's where the occupants literally live while traveling."
A new precise four-gauge instrument cluster with LED illumination features black gauges surrounded by chrome accent rings and red pointers for easy-to-read legibility in all lighting conditions.
The new gated automatic transmission shifter has a chrome bezel. On models with a two-speed transfer case, the traditional manual case lever is replaced with an electric "T-handle" lever that interacts better with the transfer case. A momentary pull rearward on the lever selects between 4-Low and 4-Hi, and returns to its original position. There is a parcel bin for cell phones and other such items to the right of the shifter.
In the cargo area, versatility and storage reign. A new reversible load door panel is carpeted on one side and offers easy-to-clean plastic on the other. The plastic side includes a large shallow tray for additional utility.