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You know, diesel engines aren't just for big rigs anymore -- we're seeing them in all kinds
of vehicles these days. And although this isn't the first time Jeep has offered one
in its Grand Cherokee, this one is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission making it
even more fuel efficient and it's cleaner than ever before, making it 50-state compliant.The
last time I drove a Grand Cherokee diesel it too was a 3.0-liter V6 but instead of being
sourced from an Italian company owned by Fiat it was built by Mercedes-Benz. It was too
dirty to be sold in the 8 green states, was mated to a 5-speed auto producing 376 pound
feet of torque and delivered 22mpg highway.This time around, if you choose a Grand Cherokee
trim at least as high as Limited, you can choose the diesel as a $4,500 option instead
of the gas V6 and V8 engines. In reality, the price is even higher considering, for
example, on this Overland trim if you go diesel you have no choice but to also select the
$1,800 Advanced Technology Group, bundling adaptive cruise control, forward collision
warning, advanced brake assist and blind spot with rear cross path detection.Power, efficiency
and emissions have all improved since then allowing those in any state to opt for the
ECODiesel. It uses urea injection to clean up the exhaust and when pitted against the
HEMI V8, it can save you over $1,000 per year according to the EPA. There's no clear towing
advantage over the HEMI but this engine's mighty torque output combined with its 28mpg
highway rating make it a winner when heading to the cabin. When you call for more power
in the lower gears, you'll get it.This 2014 Grand Cherokee receives a thorough freshening
this year, most of which I've already had the chance to appreciate when I test-drove
the SRT model. The new bi-xenon headlamps with their signature LED treatment highlight
the refined exterior design which looks fantastic. Plus the addition of the 8-speed automatic
with sport mode allows the Grand Cherokee to luxuriously glide about its business.This
3.0-liter engine produces 240 horsepower, 420 pound feet of torque can tow over 7,000
pounds and can travel over 700 miles between fill-ups. And though it doesn't really bother
me, if you're looking for a diesel engine that's really quiet, this one isn't it.This
one lets you know what's under the hood with a bit more clatter than I've heard from competing
engines so if you're sensitive to such things you'll want to check that out. Otherwise,
this Overland 4X4 will please even the most discriminating luxury SUV driver with its
rock solid foundation, sophisticatedly sumptuous ride and a cabin so perfectly crafted that
it should be the benchmark for quality, comfort and tech integration. The Overland is jammed
with all of the goodies AND is easy to use...a rare combo. Plus this UConnect system is not
only the best looking but also the best period, chock full of useful features that actually
work as intended.This Jeep isn't trail-rated but with Selec-Terrain and an adjustable air
suspension, I'd feel extremely confident in most situations. Of course, you can add an
off-road group to get it to that status. As is this one stickers for $53,485 and though
diesel fuel is no bargain at the pump, for some the peripheral advantages of having this
engine will be worth it.