It was only a few years ago that Jeep released the newly designed 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee to a host of awards and accolades, earning over 30 different automotive awards that gave the company the claim to most awarded SUV ever. For 2014, Jeep decided to keep pushing, surprising us with a new transmission and engine option.

The 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee has upgraded the exterior, interior, and the electronics in the cab. It also made major overhauls to the powertrain that include a new eight-speed transmission used across the entire line and an all-new 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 engine designed to provide the vehicle with up to 30 mpg fuel economy. Pretty big news for a vehicle honored with so many awards only three years into its life cycle.

Redesigned for ‘14
The Grand Cherokee is a luxury SUV, yet Chrysler has always worked hard to maintain the off-road capability of the vehicle for which the Jeep brand is known. Although many changes on the 2014 model will focus on appearance and luxury, others improve upon its performance and utility. Whereas the 2011 Grand Cherokee was hailed as “the most capable Grand Cherokee ever,” the 2014 model is tagged as “the most luxurious Grand Cherokee ever.”

There will be four different packages for the 2014 model, including the Laredo, Limited, Overland and Summit models. Inside the cab are a host of changes that include an updated center stack that includes a new 5-inch or 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen depending upon the trim level. A new customizable, 7-inch Thin-Film Transistor (TFT) gauge cluster is found on all the 2014 models, allowing the owner to adjust the display to a number of different views and new features (such as wheel articulation, different speedometer views and more). Also on every model is a new electronic T-handle shifter on the center console, and each model will also feature standard paddle shifters on the steering wheel.

A new three-spoke, leather-wrapped steering wheel can be found on the 2014 model, which features real wood sections on the Overland and Summit models. Overhead, a new CommandView dual-pane sunroof extends from the windshield to the rear of the vehicle, and this is standard equipment on the Overland and Summit models and is an option on the Limited.

Each trim package will also feature unique interior accents and color patterns to set them apart. The Laredo and Limited models feature dark wood trim on the dash and doors. The Laredo and Limited also feature a gold-hue appearance on the brush-aluminum accents on the door handles, dash vent bezels and center console trim. Premium cloth seating is standard on the Laredo while the Limited features Capri leather seating.

The Overland model has its own unique accents, including a stitched-leather instrument panel and available open-pore wood. Wood trim accents the steering wheel, while rear-seat footwell and rear-door pockets offer ambient lighting that further set it apart. The Summit model’s accents include premium natural-plus leather seating with heated, ventilated and memory front seats. Open-pore wood trim and copper accent the interior, while a unique suede-like material covers the headliner and A-pillars of the cab.

Some of the changes on 2014 Grand Cherokee are designed to increase this luxurious appearance, starting with the traditional seven-slot Jeep grill that is slightly shorter and features individual, chrome-accented slots. Standard on the Overland and Summit models (and available on the Limited) are new bi-xenon high-intensity-discharge HID headlights featuring LED daytime running lights and turn indicators (a closer look at the headlights will also reveal a few hidden logos embossed onto the design). The fog lamps have also been raised slightly to make them more pronounced.

More 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Pictures

At the rear of 2014 Grand Cherokee are newly designed tail lamps that are larger and also featured LED lighting. A larger rear spoiler helps with aerodynamics while the re-sculpted tailgate is designed for great rear visibility. Jeep features lower rear fascias that are now model-specific, and dual exhaust tips are standard on the Limited, Overland and Summit models.

New Transmission, EcoDiesel Engine
The 2014 Grand Cherokee boasts improved fuel economy figures, much of which can be attributed to the new eight-speed transmission found on every trim level. This helps provide up to a 22 mpg rating on the V-8, a 25 mpg rating on the Pentastar V-6, and a best-in-class 30 mph on the new EcoDiesel V-6. The new transmission is also designed to aid in quicker acceleration and smoother shifting overall. The fully electronic transmission features 40 individual shift maps to account for a wide variety of factors for on- and off-road operation. Off-roaders will appreciate the increased crawl ratio up to 44.1:1 for improved 4x4 capability in slow-speed trail riding (when equipped with a two-speed MP 3022 transfer case).

The new EcoDiesel engine will offer a driving range of more than 730 miles on a tank, and Jeep touts it is the “cleanest diesel with lowest CO2 emissions.” The new EcoDiesel engine produces a class-leading 240 horsepower, but its 420 lb.-ft. of torque may be the more exciting figure for the off-road crowd. The 24-valve, dual-overhead cam, 3.0-liter V-6 diesel is capable of towing a best-in-class 7,400 pounds, providing a 22 city/30 highway mpg ratings on the 4x2 model, and 21/28 mpg ratings on the 4x4 model. Jeep notes the fuel economy is an improvement of 43 percent compared to competitive gasoline-powered V-8 SUVs in the segment.

“The clean 3.0-liter V-6 diesel engine coupled with the eight-speed transmission meets the tough Jeep customer requirements by providing an exceptional combination of high torque across the rpm range and outstanding fuel economy,” says Bob Lee, Chrysler Group Vice President and Head of Engine and Electrified Propulsion Engineering.

The new EcoDiesel V-6 features a unique 1-4-2-5-3-6 firing pattern that provides smooth operation and allows Jeep to forgo using a balance shaft. Helping provide improved response is an intercooled turbocharger that increases torque and horsepower in on- and off-road conditions. The turbocharger is water-cooled to reduce heat, while Jeep touts that low-voltage ceramic glow plugs help with cold-weather starting.

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