2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The Jeep Grand Cherokee has always been known as a solid sport utility vehicle. The 2008 model now leaves a driver with a new, additional impression: plush.

When I sat in the premium leather seating, the element that attracted my attention was the beauty of the Olive Ash Burled Wood trim on the door panels and in the center console area. That's not the only attractive feature. If, for example, I had three kids in the backseat, they would have been watching a movie on the overhead screen presented by the Disney Channel or Cartoon Network or Nickelodeon. This 2008 Jeep also features Sirius Satellite Radio.

The front seat passengers aren't the only ones who can enjoy the comfort of heated seats on cold wintry days. Passengers seated in the second row have heated seats, too. Rarely do you find that feature in an SUV.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee has a four-engine lineup for 2008. Not sold in all states is the Common Rail Turbo Diesel. The other engine choices are the 210-horsepower, 3.7-liter V-6; the 305-horsepower, 4.7-liter V-8; and the top of the line engine, the gutsy 330-horsepower 5.7-liter Hemi V-8. Trim levels include the Laredo, Limited and Overland.

The Jeep people boast that the 2008 Grand Cherokee's exterior design offers an athletic and contemporary appearance. The redesigned grille has been lengthened and made bolder. The headlamps are more circular for an expressive front view. A new High-Intensity Display headlamp assembly includes an internal optic lens for park/turn function. The Jeep folks also said the new two-piece front fascia allows the entire lower piece to be removed before hitting the off-road trails.

Ultimately, the amazing characteristic about this new Grand Cherokee is that it combines a plush interior with rugged off-road capabilities, giving the driver and his or her passengers the chance to explore the beauty of nature in comfort.

EPA fuel economy:

City: 14, Highway: 19

Base MSRP range:

$28,500-$42,500