Defining something as the best usually creates polarisation and controversy. There are few times when I put my neck on the block when I analyse a vehicle. This is one of them. There is a reason why the Jeep Grand Cherokee L is the best in its category.

Last year, I did with the Toyota Land Cruiser 300s. The demand and sales of the vehicle have proven me right. This year I have with the Jeep Grand Cherokee L. Read on to appreciate why I say so

American car manufacturers have a reputation for producing large family vehicles. The new seven-seat Grand Cherokee is the best large family vehicle currently available on the market, in my opinion.

With the first V8 Grand Cherokee, Jeep produced one of their first large SUVs. They have definitely gone above and beyond with this new huge V6 beastie.

Design

Let’s discuss size. The vehicle I’m examining is the L model, which comfortably seats seven adults and has plenty of room (436 litres) for luggage in the back. It’s the only one currently on the market. This indicates that it is both long and wide (5,20 metres).

Did I mention the space, with the large, comfy touring seats, the picture-perfect roof height and the enormous windows that enable you to see all animals without much ado if you decide to take it to Hwange National Park for that picturesque tourist sight-seeing escapades?

The 2018 Grand Cherokee is a stylish vehicle from all sides, including the front, back and inside. The dash is among the prettiest I have seen in terms of aesthetics and use. The quality is well regarded. Driving is enjoyable, but parking in tiny spaces or garages could be entertaining.

Interior

When you look inside, the eight-way electronically adjustable heated and ventilated seats with memory function and four-way headrests instantly catch your attention. You can also pick between analog or digital instruments on the 10,25-inch digital instrument cluster. The 10,1-inch Uconnect touchscreen infotainment system also has a 10,25-inch interactive screen for the passenger.

The multi-function steering wheel’s leather covering is likewise heated, and it incorporates paddle shifters. Since you can stuff the “boot” all the way up to the top and still see behind you, this is the first production Jeep vehicle to have a fully digital rear view mirror.

There is also a camera to monitor what is going on in the back seats. The 2 396 litres of boot space are available when rows two and three are folded down, allowing you to bring your entire house with you for the weekend. By pressing a button, the second and third rows of chairs can be adjusted.

The McIntosh 19-speaker 950-watt system with a subwoofer and active noise reduction is the audio system of the Overlander model. Nappa leather seats and door trim, three-zone climate control, heated seats in the second row, several cup holders and, get ready for this, 12 USB type A and type C connections throughout the vehicle round out the interior.

The legroom in the third row is exceptional. Adults can sit back and relax effortlessly.

The fully customisable, extremely efficient head-up display comes in full color. The infotainment interface and Bluetooth were especially simple to use.

Performance

This fifth-generation model’s engine bay houses the well-known 3,6-litre V6 Pentastar gasoline engine made of aluminum, which produces 210kW and 344Nm through an eight-speed automatic transmission. In real life, you may anticipate a 13,0 litres/100km average fuel consumption, 9,0 litres/100km on the open road at 110km/h, and 15,0 litres/100km in town.

The Quadra-Lift Air Suspension offers an exceptional 277mm of ground clearance, which you can move up or down to accommodate conditions.

There are simply too many safety features in the Grand Cherokee line-up to list, but thankfully, some of them can be turned off or muted. The system for emergency braking is effective.

Driving the car gives you the idea that the engineers have included all the best features from Jeep and the larger Stellantis Group, which also comprises Citroen, Opel, Peugeot and Fiat.

The Jeep may be the best “urban” Jeep yet. Don’t get me wrong, it has all the tools necessary to perform admirably off the beaten path, but I believe the majority of Grand Cherokees will be used primarily on highways.

However, don’t forget off-roading is in Jeeps DNA; so it’s a given.

Rapid acceleration occurs when moving forward or remaining still. When you give the V6 her due, she sings with ecstasy. With no hint of billowing, the obviously large car feels firmly anchored. This may be because of the air suspension. It handles road irregularities with contempt and rides smoothly over speed bumps and around turns. The ride height can be adjusted to any of the six steps, although for town driving I maintained it at step two.

Driving this Grand Cherokee is enjoyable because of its well-balanced and well-set-up steering, brakes and accelerator. The eight-speed transmission shifts seamlessly, and the V6 provides constant power. It is the ideal large family vehicle and checks all the right boxes.

The instrument cluster and displays can be fully customised and are simple to read and operate. The physical knobs and buttons, which are easy to use with the hand, are a positive.

The front seats and steering wheel of the Overland model are heated and cooled. You may customise the courtesy lighting in the cabin, and when you get out of the car, you can choose how long the courtesy lights and main beams stay on.

When you approach the automobile at night, the door handles are illuminated. To make getting in and out simpler, the driver’s seat slides back and the steering raises. You can customise your display settings for different drivers. All these small luxurious details make this the best value-for-money luxury SUV on the market today.

Following are the prices: The top-of-the-line Summit Reserve costs US$132 000, the Limited costs US$99 500, the Overlander US$127 000 (the model I analysed), and the Limited US$99 500. Although the price looks high, keep in mind that they are extremely well furnished, so you don’t need to purchase any extras.

The SUV that offers you the best value on the current market is this one giving you value for money than the Range Rover, Toyota Prado, Hyundai Palisade and others.

A three-year or 100 000km warranty and a two-year service plan per 60 000km are included as standard, which is a first for Zimoco and probably in Zimbabwe.

My decision

The Jeep Grand Cherokee L is a top-notch large SUV made by a well-regarded brand full of heritage. It has a strong sales potential for it offers the best value for money without compromising on quality, luxury trappings offerings and offroad ability. It can retake leadership in its category with astute, disruptive and incisive marketing. That is my decision. Let me know yours. — andrew@muzamhindo.com