[dascrow]

-----------------------------------------------------
USA 4X2 base MSRP
-----------------------------------------------------

Laredo 4X2 - $28,495 + $1700 "E" package (required) + $995 destination
Limited 4X2 - $35,595 + $995 destination
Overland 4X2 - $42,495 + $995 destination
Summit 4X2 - $47,495 + $995 destination

-----------------------------------------------------
USA 4X4 base MSRP
-----------------------------------------------------

Laredo 4X4 - $30,495 + $1700 "E" package (required) + $995 destination
Limited 4X4 - $37,595 + $995 destination
Overland 4X4 - $45,495 + $995 destination
Summit 4X4 - $50,995 + $995 destination
SRT 4X4 - $62,995 + $995 destination

 

[dascrow]

------------------------------------------------------------------------------
USA 4X4 - Detailed Options & Pricing
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. Laredo 4X4 - MSRP $30,495 + $1700 "E" package + $995 destination

with 3.6L V6 VVT ENGINE (ERB) + 8-SPD AUTO 845RE TRANS (DFL) 23E (Standard)

Laredo - Options

18" WHEEL AND 8.4" RADIO GROUP (AEX) [MSRP $1,495 / INV. $ 000]
(Attention! AEX includes WPK18" wheels and RA3 8.4"
screen radio. Attention! RA3 radio does not come with
navigation installed. Navigation requires dealer
activation at additional cost.)

• 18X8.0 Aluminum Wheels (WPK)
• 6 Mo. Trial (Registration Required) (X9J)
• 8.4" Touch Screen Display (RFL)
• P265/60R18 BSW AS On/Off Rd Tires (TP5)
• Roadside Assistance and 9-1-1 Call (RSR)
• RR View Auto Dim Mirror w/Microphone (GN5)
• Uconnect 8.4A AM/FM/BT/Access (RA3)
• Uconnect Access Advantage (RS7)

ALL WEATHER CAPABILITY GROUP (AD3) [MSRP $1,695 / INV. $ 000]
• Daytime Running Headlamps, Low Beam (LM1)
• Engine Block Heater (NHK)
• Heated Front Seats (JPM)
• Heated Steering Wheel (NHS)
• Hill Descent Control (BNH)
• MOPAR Cargo Area Liner (CMK)
• MOPAR Slush Mats (CWA)
• Quadra-Trac II (R) 4WD System (DKA)
• Remote Start System (XBM)
• Selec-Terrain (TM) System (XAB)
• Tow Hooks (XEA)

ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (NHK) [MSRP $95 / INV. $ 000]

MOPAR CHROME EDITION GROUP (AEE) [MSRP $995 / INV. $ 000]
• Chrome Exterior Mirrors (LEN)
• MOPAR Chrome Exhaust Tip (NEB)
• MOPAR Chrome Tubular Side Steps (MRT)
• MOPAR Frt & Rr Door Entry Guards (MUA)

OFF-ROAD ADVENTURE I (AWL) [MSRP $950 / INV. $ 000]
• Front Suspension Skid Plate (XEU)
• Fuel Tank Skid Plate Shield (XEE)
• Full Size Spare Tire (TBB)
• Hill Descent Control (BNH)
• P245/70R17 OWL On/Off Road Tires (TUW)
• P245/70R17 OWL On/Off Road Tires (TUW)
• Quadra-Trac II (R) 4WD System (DKA)
• Selec-Terrain (TM) System (XAB)
• Skid Plate Group (ADL)
• Steel Spare Wheel (WLB)
• Tow Hooks (XEA)
• Trail Rated Badge (MT2)
• Transfer Case Skid Plate Shield (XEF)
• Underbody Skid Plate (XF3)

POWER SUNROOF (GWA) (requires AJY SECURITY & CONVENIENCE GROUP) [MSRP $995 / INV. $ 000]
Single pane sunroof

SECURITY AND CONVENIENCE GROUP (AJY) (requires GWA POWER SUNROOF) [MSRP $2000 / INV. $ 000], - with AD3: [MSRP $1350 / INV. $ 000]
• 115V Auxiliary Power Outlet (JKV)
• Cargo Compartment Cover (CSC)
• Heated Front Seats (JPM)
• Heated Steering Wheel (NHS)
• Power Liftgate (JRC)
• Remote Start System (XBM)
• Security Alarm (LSA)
• Universal Garage Door Opener (XGD)

SINGLE DISC REMOTE CD PLAYER (RH1)[MSRP $195 / INV. $ 000]

TRAILER TOW GROUP IV (AHX) [MSRP $795 / INV. $ 000] with AWL: [MSRP $645 / INV. $ 000]
• 220 Amp Alternator (BAJ)
• 7 and 4 Pin Wiring Harness (XF2)
• Class IV Receiver Hitch (XFH)
• Delete Rear Tow Hook (XC8)
• Full Size Spare Tire (TBB)
• Heavy Duty Engine Cooling (NMC)
• Rear Load Leveling Suspension (SES)
• Steel Spare Wheel (WLB)


Laredo Interior

BLACK (with Miknasa Walnut wood trim)
BLACK/LT FROST BEIGE (with Nador Brown Walnut wood trim)


2. Limited 4X4 - MSRP $37,595 + $995 destination

with 3.0L V6 TURBO DIESEL ENGINE (EXF) + 8-SPD AUTO 8HP70 TRANS (DFD) 22H (Late Availabilty) [MSRP $4,500 / INV. $ 000]
with 3.6L V6 VVT ENGINE (ERB) + 8-SPD AUTO 845RE TRANS (DFL) 23H (Standard)
with 5.7L V8 MDS VVT ENGINE (EZH) + 8-SPD AUTO 8HP70 TRANS (DFD) 27H [MSRP $995 / INV. $ 2,195]

Limited Options

20X8.0 ALUMINUM WHEELS (WRD) [MSRP $995 / INV. $ 000]
• 265/50R20 BSW All Season Tires (TV9)

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY GROUP (ADG) (requires AHN) [MSRP $1695 / INV. $ 000]
• Advanced Brake Assist (BGG)
• Auto Dim Exterior Passenger Mirror (LEU)
• Blind Spot and Cross Path Detection (XAN)
• Enhanced Adaptive Cruise Control (NH1)
• Forward Collision Warning Plus (LSR)

ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (NHK) [MSRP $95 / INV. $ 000]

LUXURY GROUP II (AHN) N/A W/23H; N/A W/27H [MSRP $3000 / INV. $ 000]
(Attention! RA3 is included with AHN. RA3 requires
dealer activation to get navigation. RA4 is available with
AHN and comes with Premium Navigation installed
from the manufacturer.)
8.4" TOUCH SCREEN DISPLAY (RFL)
AUTO HIGH BEAM HEADLAMP CONTROL (LMS)
AUTOMATIC HEADLAMP LEVELING SYSTEM (JKJ)
BI-XENON HID HEADLAMPS (LM2)
DUAL-PANE PANORAMIC SUNROOF (GWJ)
LEATHER TRIM SEATS W/PERF INSERTS (*DL)
LED DAYTIME RUNNING HEADLAMPS (LMZ)
POWER TILT/TELESCOPE STEERING COLUMN (SUB)
RAIN SENSITIVE WINDSHIELD WIPERS (JHC)
ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE AND 9-1-1 CALL (RSR)
UCONNECT 8.4A AM/FM/BT/ACCESS (RA3)
UCONNECT ACCESS ADVANTAGE (RS7)
VENTILATED FRONT SEATS (CAJ)

MOPAR CHROME EDITION GROUP (AEE) [MSRP $995 / INV. $ 000]
• Chrome Exterior Mirrors (LEN)
• MOPAR Chrome Tubular Side Steps (MRT)
• MOPAR Frt & Rr Door Entry Guards (MUA)

OFF-ROAD ADVENTURE I (AWL) N/A W/AWY [MSRP $550 / INV. $ 000]
• Front Suspension Skid Plate (XEU)
• Fuel Tank Skid Plate Shield (XEE)
• Full Size Spare Tire (TBB)
• P265/60R18 BSW AS On/Off Rd Tires (TP5)
• Skid Plate Group (ADL)
• Steel Spare Wheel (WLB)
• Tow Hooks (XEA)
• Trail Rated Badge (MT2)
• Transfer Case Skid Plate Shield (XEF)
• Underbody Skid Plate (XF3)

OFF-ROAD ADVENTURE II (AWY) N/A W/AWL [MSRP 1,950 / INV. $ 000]
• 220 Amp Alternator (BAJ)
• 7 and 4 Pin Wiring Harness (XF2)
• Class IV Receiver Hitch (XFH)
• Delete Rear Tow Hook (XC8)
• Elec LTD Slip Differential Rr Axle (DSF)
• Elec LTD Slip Differential Rr Axle (DSF) (with 3.0L or 5.7L)
• Front Suspension Skid Plate (XEU)
• Fuel Tank Skid Plate Shield (XEE)
• Full Size Spare Tire (TBB)
• Heavy Duty Engine Cooling (NMC)
• P265/60R18 BSW AS On/Off Rd Tires (TP5)
• Quadra-Drive II 4WD System (AWB) (with 3.0L or 5.7L)
• Quadra-Lift (TM) Air Suspension (SER)
• Selec-Speed (TM) Control (BNK)
• Skid Plate Group (ADL)
• Steel Spare Wheel (WLB)
• Tow Hooks (XEA)
• Trail Rated Badge (MT2)
• Trailer Tow Group IV (AHX)
• Trailer Tow Group IV (AHX)
• Trailer Tow Group IV (AHX)
• Transfer Case Skid Plate Shield (XEF)
• Underbody Skid Plate (XF3)

POWER SUNROOF (GWA) N/A W/AHN [MSRP $995 / INV. $ 000]
Single pane sunroof

REAR DVD ENTERTAINMENT CENTER (AEK) N/A W/22H; N/A W/RH1 [MSRP $1,995 / INV. $ 000]
Late Availability; -Includes Blu Ray/DVD/CD Player

SINGLE DISC REMOTE CD PLAYER (RH1) N/A W/AEK [MSRP $195 / INV. $ 000]

TRAILER TOW GROUP IV (AHX) included with AWY [MSRP $995 / INV. $ 000] with AWL: [MSRP $645 / INV. $ 000]
• 220 Amp Alternator (BAJ)
• 220 Amp Alternator (BAJ)
• 7 and 4 Pin Wiring Harness (XF2)
• Class IV Receiver Hitch (XFH)
• Delete Rear Tow Hook (XC8)
• Full Size Spare Tire (TBB)
• Heavy Duty Engine Cooling (NMC)
• Heavy Duty Engine Cooling (NMC)
• Rear Load Leveling Suspension (SES)
• Steel Spare Wheel (WLB)
• Steel Spare Wheel (WLB)

UCONNECT 8.4A AM/FM/BT/ACCESS (RA3) [MSRP $395 / INV. $ 000]
• 8.4" Touch Screen Display (RFL)
• GPS Antenna Input (JLP)
• Roadside Assistance and 9-1-1 Call (RSR)
• RR View Auto Dim Mirror w/Microphone (GN5)
• SiriusXM Satellite Radio (RSD)
• Uconnect Access Advantage (RS7)
• Uconnect Access via Mobile (RSW)

UCONNECT 8.4AN AM/FM/BT/ACCESS/NAV (RA4) [MSRP $795 / INV. $ 000]
• 1 Yr. Trial (Registration Required) (X9K)
• 1-Year Sirius Travel Link Service (X9F)
• 1-Yr SIRIUS RealTime Traffic Service (X9C)
• For Details, Go to DriveUconnect.com (X9E)
• RR View Auto Dim Mirror w/Microphone (GN5)
• SiriusXM Satellite Radio (RSD)
• SiriusXM Traffic (RSS)
• SiriusXM Travel Link (RSM)

Limited Interior

BLACK (with Miknasa Walnut wood trim)
BLACK/LT FROST BEIGE (with Nador Brown Walnut wood trim)


3. Overland 4X4 - MSRP $45,495 + $995 destination

with 3.0L V6 TURBO DIESEL ENGINE (EXF) + 8-SPD AUTO 8HP70 TRANS (DFD) 22P (Late Availabilty) [MSRP $4,500 / INV. $ 000]
with 3.6L V6 VVT ENGINE (ERB) + 8-SPD AUTO 845RE TRANS (DFL) 23P (Standard)
with 5.7L V8 MDS VVT ENGINE (EZH) + 8-SPD AUTO 8HP70 TRANS (DFD) 27P [MSRP $995 / INV. $ 2,195]

Overland options

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY GROUP (ADG) [MSRP $1,695 / INV. $ 000]
• Advanced Brake Assist (BGG)
• Blind Spot and Cross Path Detection (XAN)
• Enhanced Adaptive Cruise Control (NH1)
• Forward Collision Warning Plus (LSR)

ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (NHK) [MSRP $95 / INV. $ 000]

MOPAR CHROME EDITION GROUP (AAE) [MSRP $995 / INV. $ 000]
• Chrome Exterior Mirrors (LEN)
• MOPAR Chrome Tubular Side Steps (MRT)
• MOPAR Frt & Rr Door Entry Guards (MUA)

OFF-ROAD ADVENTURE II (AWY) [MSRP $295 / INV. $ 000] with EXF or EZH: [MSRP $995 / INV. $ 000]
• 18X8.0 Polished Aluminum Wheels (WBL)
• Elec LTD Slip Differential Rr Axle (DSF) (with 3.0L or 5.7L)
• Front Suspension Skid Plate (XEU)
• Fuel Tank Skid Plate Shield (XEE)
• P265/60R18 BSW AS On/Off Rd Tires (TP5)
• Quadra-Drive II 4WD System (AWB) (with 3.0L or 5.7L)
• Selec-Speed Control (BNK)
• Skid Plate Group (ADL)
• Trail Rated Badge (MT2)
• Transfer Case Skid Plate Shield (XEF)
• Underbody Skid Plate (XF3)

QUADRA-DRIVE II 4WD SYSTEM (AWB) (requires 27P) [MSRP $995 / INV. $ 000] with AWY and EXF or EZH: [(no charge)]
• Elec LTD Slip Differential Rr Axle (DSF)
AWB included with AWY when ordering 27P

REAR DVD ENTERTAINMENT CENTER (AEK) N/A W/22P; N/A W/RH1 [MSRP $1,995 / INV. $ 000]
Late Availability; -Includes Blu Ray/DVD/CD Player

SINGLE DISC REMOTE CD PLAYER (RH1) N/A W/AEK [MSRP $195 / INV. $ 000]

Overland interior

BLACK (with Nador Brown Walnut wood trim)
BROWN/LT.FROST (with Brown Zebrano open-pore wood trim)
INDIGO BLUE/BROWN (with Brown Zebrano open-pore wood trim)


4. Summit 4X4 - MSRP $50,995 + $995 destination

with 3.0L V6 TURBO DIESEL ENGINE (EXF) 8-SPD AUTO 8HP70 TRANS (DFD) 22R (Late Availabilty) [MSRP $5,000 / INV. $ 000]
with 3.6L V6 VVT ENGINE (ERB) 8-SPD AUTO 845RE TRANS (DFL) 23R (Standard)
with 5.7L V8 MDS VVT ENGINE (EZH) 8-SPD AUTO 8HP70 TRANS (DFD) 27R [MSRP $995 / INV. $ 2,695]

Summit options:

ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (NHK) [MSRP $95 / INV. $ 000]

MOPAR CHROME EDITION GROUP (AEE)[MSRP $995 / INV. $ 000]
• Chrome Exterior Mirrors (LEN)
• MOPAR Chrome Tubular Side Steps (MRT)
• MOPAR Frt & Rr Door Entry Guards (MUA)

REAR DVD ENTERTAINMENT CENTER (AEK) N/A W/22R; N/A W/RH1 [MSRP $1,995 / INV. $ 000]
Late Availability; -Includes Blu Ray/DVD/CD Player

SINGLE DISC REMOTE CD PLAYER (RH1) N/A W/AEK [MSRP $195 / INV. $ 000]

Summit interior

BLACK (with Summit Brown open-pore wood trim)
BROWN (with Summit Brown open-pore wood trim)

 

[ScoutIIDiesel]

So if I read the above correctly, Diesel is only going to be available as an option on Limited and up... Going to limit the lines at the dealerships... Was hoping I could add as an option to a Laredo. Now hard to justify the purchase on fuel savings alone.

 

[MDBones]

Let's say that in a perfect world you'd get a constant 23mpg with a 3.6L gas V6 and 28mpg with a 3.0L diesel V6. LOL... and we know we don't live in a perfect world.

Current fuel prices here: $3.12/gal unleaded, $3.97/gal diesel.

15,000 annual mileage comes out to $2035/year unleaded, $2127/year diesel.

I won't even get into the $4500 premium to get the diesel, the additional cost of DEF or the potentially higher maintenace costs for a diesel.

You can't even justify it on fuel savings alone... there are none.

 

[skennedy]

I think the point you are missing is that for someone who tows or is into off roading the diesel will be far superior to the gas engine.

 

[MDBones]

There's no point being missed. I realize that for some people who want something badly enough they'll always find a way to rationalize having it. Don't get me wrong, I find the diesel option to be as intriguing as it may be to anyone else. But one still needs to temper that intrigue with the reality of cost of ownership over the period of time you plan on keeping a vehicle. The math simply doesn't work here... not even compared to the 5.7L V8.

 

[pbleile]

I think you need to relook at your gas pricing. I live in eastern PA and would love to be paying 3.12 for gas. Here gas is running between 3.44 and 3.51. Diesel is running around 3.95. Using you 15000 per year the numbers become $2252 for gas and 2117 for diesel. If I go back a few months the spread on gas to diesel was even closer. At one point last year gas was 3.89 and diesel was running 4.09.

Your math is correct but changes by geographic location. As does the reason for wanting a diesel. Diesels will sell well in the northeast because the cost to own is cheaper.

 

[MDBones]

I think you need to relook at your gas pricing. I live in eastern PA and would love to be paying 3.12 for gas. Here gas is running between 3.44 and 3.51. Diesel is running around 3.95. Using you 15000 per year the numbers become $2252 for gas and 2117 for diesel. If I go back a few months the spread on gas to diesel was even closer. At one point last year gas was 3.89 and diesel was running 4.09.

Your math is correct but changes by geographic location. As does the reason for wanting a diesel. Diesels will sell well in the northeast because the cost to own is cheaper.

Yes pbleile, that's true... if the gap in prices decreases then the scale tips towards the diesel. In your example, $135 in fuel savings. Say gas and diesel both were $3.12/gallon. At 15000 miles/year that would be $364/year in fuel savings. Split the cost difference between gas and diesel fuel however you want. You'd need to average a minimum of $900/year in fuel savings alone over 5 years just to break even on the cost of paying $4500 for the diesel option. That's the benchmark you have to beat here regardless of fuel cost.

You live in PA, I live in WI. The cost of owning a diesel vehicle is no cheaper there than it is here. We both know what happens to diesel at the pump when the winter heating season rolls around. Do you honestly believe that the price difference between gas and diesel will ever tip enough in your favor and stay there long term enough to achieve that kind of real fuel savings? I don't.

Theoretically, if gas and diesel fuel both stayed at the same price (say $3.12/gal) for that 5 year ownership period then the only way you could break even on this $4500 option would be if you drive a minimum of 37000 miles/year. That annual mileage figure would obviously come down if diesel prices would ever drop below gas. For the high mileage drivers out here the diesel may then be a better choice.

We're only talking about fuel costs here. We aren't talking about the additional cost of even routine maintenance on a diesel engine in that 5 year time frame. Don't forget the urea injection system and keeping DEF in the tank. Around here, DEF is about $4/gal. I don't know how much of it the 3.0L will run through but that only adds to the per-mile cost of ownership... even if it is insignificant. The closest idea of what these costs could be will come when you can actually get your hands on an owner's manual and read what Jeep's operation and service recommendations are for it. Until then, anything you read or hear about it is simply marketing hype.

People have different needs and personal desires when it comes to a vehicle. How you spend your money is your business and you only have to justify it to yourself. If you want one that badly then I say go for it and be happy!

 

[mvmathew]

if this pricing is true then my dreams of getting a diesel grand Cherokee is out of the window for sure, the sad part i thought they weren't going to price it like crazy. The only other mainstream manufacture that offers a diesel suv is VW and their pricing starts at 45-46000$. IDK if jeep realizes that their are normal working people out their that wants to buy their diesel grand cherokee other than retired/upper level income folks. If you want to bash me go for it, i'm 20 years old, waited three years and saved 10000 dollars, no matter how i look at it i'll never be able to make the monthly payment(inc. insurance). Unless i'm seeing this from the wrong perspective.

 

[MDBones]

if this pricing is true then my dreams of getting a diesel grand Cherokee is out of the window for sure, the sad part i thought they weren't going to price it like crazy. The only other mainstream manufacture that offers a diesel suv is VW and their pricing starts at 45-46000$. IDK if jeep realizes that their are normal working people out their that wants to buy their diesel grand cherokee other than retired/upper level income folks. If you want to bash me go for it, i'm 20 years old, waited three years and saved 10000 dollars, no matter how i look at it i'll never be able to make the monthly payment(inc. insurance). Unless i'm seeing this from the wrong perspective.

I was at my dealership today for an oil change on my GC and had an opportunity to sit down and discuss what I posted above with the manager of the dealership, who I've known for quite a number of years.

He said I was correct in everything I stated above about there not being any fuel savings benefit and that the overall cost of ownership will be much more with the diesel vs. the 3.6L and 5.7L engines.

Yeah, I know... it's disappointing to me as well.

 

[skennedy]

Diesel is main stream in Australia and Europe ....Emissions are the main key here in the US....

 

[MDBones]

It may be mainstream in Australia and Europe but it's not much cheaper, if at all.

World petrol prices, gas prices, diesel prices 2012| MyTravelCost.com

 

[tcoilburner]

There's no point being missed. I realize that for some people who want something badly enough they'll always find a way to rationalize having it. Don't get me wrong, I find the diesel option to be as intriguing as it may be to anyone else. But one still needs to temper that intrigue with the reality of cost of ownership over the period of time you plan on keeping a vehicle. The math simply doesn't work here... not even compared to the 5.7L V8.

The one thing you forgot is a higher resale value on a diesel. The thing that makes the most sense to me is, it will get better economy in the city, highway, and TOWING. The diesel compared to gas either one will do better in any driving comparison. If anyone is like me and tows spring, summer, and fall a RV or utility trailer a diesel is the best all around, and I am having great experience with the 2006 Liberty diesel.

 

[dascrow]

That's exactly why I'm leaning towards it. I think if you really plan on towing, the diesel is built from the ground up for it. Yeah it's going to be slightly more expensive to fuel up but I just have more faith in a diesel motor in the long run.

 

[MDBones]

The one thing you forgot is a higher resale value on a diesel. The thing that makes the most sense to me is, it will get better economy in the city, highway, and TOWING. The diesel compared to gas either one will do better in any driving comparison. If anyone is like me and tows spring, summer, and fall a RV or utility trailer a diesel is the best all around, and I am having great experience with the 2006 Liberty diesel.

I haven't forgotten the potentially higher resale value of the diesel... I can't justify the additional up-front cost to purchase it along with the higher maintenance costs associated with it. So the resale aspect means little to me.

 

[MDBones]

That's exactly why I'm leaning towards it. I think if you really plan on towing, the diesel is built from the ground up for it. Yeah it's going to be slightly more expensive to fuel up but I just have more faith in a diesel motor in the long run.

Anything more than a small utility or boat trailer then you're putting yourself in a tail wagging the dog situation. If towing is your thing then a pickup would be a better and possibly more cost effective choice.

 

[tcoilburner]

Anything more than a small utility or boat trailer then you're putting yourself in a tail wagging the dog situation. If towing is your thing then a pickup would be a better and possibly more cost effective choice.

The Grand Cherokee has a longer wheel base than a Liberty. I tow a 16ft utility trailer with a compact tractor(about 4000 lb.) or a 25ft travel trailer that weights 4800-4900 lb. loaded. I also use all the proper sway and weight distribution hitch. The only time I have sway is in a heavy cross wind. The Grand will be a great towing machine and a great alternative to a truck. The only thing people need to know with any vehicle is to properly set up the hitch system, balance the trailer properly, and a great porportional electric brake control. Many people including sales people do not know what they are doing when it comes to towing correctly.

 

[MDBones]

The Grand Cherokee has a longer wheel base than a Liberty. I tow a 16ft utility trailer with a compact tractor(about 4000 lb.) or a 25ft travel trailer that weights 4800-4900 lb. loaded. I also use all the proper sway and weight distribution hitch. The only time I have sway is in a heavy cross wind. The Grand will be a great towing machine and a great alternative to a truck. The only thing people need to know with any vehicle is to properly set up the hitch system, balance the trailer properly, and a great porportional electric brake control. Many people including sales people do not know what they are doing when it comes to towing correctly.

Personally, I've never considered the Grand Cherokee to be a proper towing vehicle for anything more than a light utility or small boat trailer. If I was towing either of the above I would be doing it with a truck. Without even towing a trailer, every Grand Cherokee I've owned has had relatively poor lateral stability in a crosswind... and only marginally better with the UCS. I don't know enough about the 2014 to change my opinion on that.

 

[skennedy]

I haven't forgotten the potentially higher resale value of the diesel... I can't justify the additional up-front cost to purchase it along with the higher maintenance costs associated with it. So the resale aspect means little to me.

Not sure why you are so negative in regards to the new diesel.......if you have any off Road background and towing knowledge you would have at least ONE good thing to say......all the Wrangler people would love to have a diesel version over here.

 

[MDBones]

Not sure why you are so negative in regards to the new diesel.......if you have any off Road background and towing knowledge you would have at least ONE good thing to say......all the Wrangler people would love to have a diesel version over here.

You choose to read it as being negative. I prefer to think of it as being realistic. Some people choose not to be realistic, and that's fine.

I like the idea of a diesel but it's not going to be financially practical for most people.