The all-new WK Grand Cherokee debuted in 2004 for the 2005 model year. Features available for the first time in a Jeep included Quadra-Drive II four wheel drive and a rear-seat DVD player.
The design still emphasizes power and luxury, with significant work done on improving noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH). However, for the first time, Jeep also emphasized on-road performance to a similar extent as the cornerstone of its brand, off-road capability.
This newfound emphasis on on-road refinement led Jeep to replace the live-axle with leading-arms front suspension found in the ZJ and WJ, prized by off-roading Jeep fans for its ability to maintain consistent ground clearance and provide optimal wheel articulation, with a double-wishbone independent setup like that which debuted in the 2002 Liberty. Jeep changed its philosophy due to what it perceived as increasing demand in the SUV marketplace for on-road performance and decreasing demand for off-road capability.
SRT-8
An SRT-8 version of the Grand Cherokee debuted at the 2005 New York International Auto Show. Powered by a 420 hp (310 kW) version of the 6.1 L Hemi, it also features upgraded Brembo brakes, a special transfer case, an electronic all-wheel-drive system and interior and exterior updates. It is the fastest naturally-aspirated production SUV.
The design still emphasizes power and luxury, with significant work done on improving noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH). However, for the first time, Jeep also emphasized on-road performance to a similar extent as the cornerstone of its brand, off-road capability.
This newfound emphasis on on-road refinement led Jeep to replace the live-axle with leading-arms front suspension found in the ZJ and WJ, prized by off-roading Jeep fans for its ability to maintain consistent ground clearance and provide optimal wheel articulation, with a double-wishbone independent setup like that which debuted in the 2002 Liberty. Jeep changed its philosophy due to what it perceived as increasing demand in the SUV marketplace for on-road performance and decreasing demand for off-road capability.
SRT-8
An SRT-8 version of the Grand Cherokee debuted at the 2005 New York International Auto Show. Powered by a 420 hp (310 kW) version of the 6.1 L Hemi, it also features upgraded Brembo brakes, a special transfer case, an electronic all-wheel-drive system and interior and exterior updates. It is the fastest naturally-aspirated production SUV.