Grand Cherokee upstages key rivals to become 4x4 Of The Year

MELBOURNE – Jan 2, 2014: Jeep Grand Cherokee has outclassed talented rivals including those costing more than twice its price to become 4x4 Australia Magazine’s 2014 4x4 Of The Year.

Grand Cherokee Overland CRD diesel beat Range Rover Sport SDV6, Range Rover SDV8, Holden Colorado 7, Holden Colorado ute and Isuzu MU-X to earn the title from the highly respected magazine, which is read by hundreds of thousands of 4x4 enthusiasts every month.

It also comes shortly after Grand Cherokee won Best 4WD in the Drive Car of the Year awards.

4x4 Australia Magazine Editor Matt Raudonikis praised Grand Cherokee’s numerous features and superior specification-for-price offering in honouring the vehicle with the coveted accolade.

“This is a great all road touring vehicle,” Mr Raudonikis said. “Sure it doesn’t have the unstoppable off road ability of a Jeep Wrangler but it does everything else so well.

“The Grand Cherokee Overland has a level of performance, safety, comfort and convenience features that belie its $71k price tag.”

All contenders for the award were put through a demanding week-long drive program that comprised on and off road terrain, highways, country roads, gravel roads, steep rocky tracks and beach driving.

The 4x4 Of The Year judging panel, which includes past and present editors of the magazine and other industry experts, awarded the Jeep SUV in a unanimous decision.

4x4 Australia Magazine Road Test Editor Fraser Stronach said such an outcome further highlighted Grand Cherokee’s all-round abilities.

“Unanimous results are rare in the history of this award and this speaks volumes for the attributes, performance, appeal and, above all, the value of the Grand Cherokee CRD,” Mr Stronach said.

“This is a brilliant back roads tourer that, by 4x4 standards, feels like a sports car.

“At this Overland specification, the equipment level is so long that it’s impossible to detail in the space available here but suffice it to say, could easily justify a $100,000, or more, price tag.”

Fiat Chrysler Australia CEO and President Veronica Johns said the award reinforced the positive impact Grand Cherokee had made on the Australian market.

“We are delighted Grand Cherokee continues to impress everyone who experiences it, from our many satisfied customers to the toughest of critics,” Ms Johns said.

The complete 4x4 Of The Year report will appear in the February 2014 edition of 4x4 Australia Magazine, which is on sale now.

The 4x4 Of The Year Grand Cherokee Overland CRD diesel is available in dealerships across Australia, priced at $71,000.