Article from Bill Marsh Monthly E-Newsletter

Capability means different things to different Jeep customers. For some, it means the peace of mind that comes with knowing you can get through whatever the weather throws at you, and not fearing the surprise blizzard. Others choose a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee because they can spec it out with advanced chassis control systems for genuine Jeep Trail Rated^® status. Regardless of why or which model you choose, Jeep capability comes with Jeep value.

How much capability you need in a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee (MSRP starting at $27,490) depends on where you plan to drive it and how much power you want. First, choose between a standard 290-hp Pentastar V6, a 360-hp 5.7-liter V8 engine or the tire scorching, 470-hp 6.4-liter V8 on SRT8 models. All Grand Cherokee models seat five and deliver a premium on-road ride with four-wheel independent suspension. From there, if you want enhanced handling and traction in all conditions, you’ll find the 2012 Grand Cherokee Laredo 4x4 model with standard Quadra-Trac I^®. It might be all you’ll ever need.

Working in conjunction with the standard Brake Lock Differential and Four-Wheel Brake Traction Control system, Quadra-Trac I doesn’t wait for wheel slippage before it goes to work for you. This full-time automatic four-wheel drive system uses a single-speed transfer case with no buttons to push or levers to pull. It’s always “on” and always dividing the power by sending 48 percent to the front wheels and 52 percent to the rear wheels.

The 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4x4 can tow up to 5,000 pounds with the V6 and up to 7,200 pounds with the V8. The V8 features fuel-saving Multi-Displacement System (MDS) technology to switch between four-cylinder and full V8 operation, seamlessly and quietly. Also on the V8, and new for 2012, manual control of the five-speed automatic transmission provides access to a sixth gear.

Need even more capability? Selecting the optional All Weather Capability Group equips the 2012 Grand Cherokee Laredo with the Quadra-Trac II^® 4WD system and advanced Selec-Terrain^® traction control system. Quadra-Trac II operates in 4WD all the time and can also instantly transfer as much as 100 percent of available torque to the axle with the best traction. The two-speed transfer case with 2.72:1 low-range gearing, aided by Hill-Start Assist and Hill Descent Control, allows the Grand Cherokee to negotiate steep slopes with confidence.

With the Selec-Terrain switch, you can set the traction control system to “Auto” mode for every day driving, or, depending on road conditions, select “Sport” or “Snow” modes as needed. Settings for “Mud/Sand” and “Rock” are also part of the system. Behind the scenes, Selec-Terrain electronically manages throttle control, transmission shifting, transfer case operation, Hill-Start Assist, Hill Descent Control, traction control and Electronic Stability Control (ESC).

Off-Road Adventure Group I and Off-Road Adventure Group II option packages include the All Weather Group and also add the necessary tires and vehicle protection hardware, including skid plates, to earn the Jeep Trail Rated badge. When you see that badge on a Grand Cherokee 4x4, you can be sure it meets the brand’s high standards for traction, ground clearance, water fording, maneuverability and wheel articulation.

The Grand Cherokee Limited, Overland and Overland Summit 4x4 models include Quadra-Trac II 4WD and the Selec-Terrain system as standard. Overland models also add Quadra-Lift™ air suspension to help you go where other SUVs fear to tread.

Controlled by the Selec-Terrain system or independently via separate switch panel, Quadra-Lift can vary the ground clearance from 8.1 inches for every day driving to a maximum of 10.7 inches for traversing difficult terrain. Quadra-Lift offers five settings, including a “Park Mode” that lowers the vehicle 1.5 inches from normal, to make it easier to enter and exit the vehicle or to load the roofrack. Out on the highway, “Aero Mode” lowers the Jeep Grand Cherokee 0.6-inches from normal to enhance fuel economy.

For the absolute maximum in trail capability, you can equip a Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland or Overland Summit model with the Quadra-Drive^® II 4WD system. This option combines the Quadra-Trac II transfer case with an Electronic Limited Slip Differential (eLSD) in the rear axle, allowing you to transfer torque to any wheel. Off-roaders know the value of that added traction assist. Off-roaders also know the importance of approach, departure and breakover angles. Remove the front air dam, and with the Quadra-Lift suspension set in “Off-Road 2” mode, the Grand Cherokee provides a steep, 34.3-degree approach angle, a 29.3-degree departure angle and a 23.1-degree breakover angle.