Truck of many talents

The all-new 5th generation Grand Cherokee is more Jeep'than advertised

- George Kuruvilla

For decades, the rugged Wrangler has been the iconic face of Jeep. However, it’s the family-focused Grand Cherokee that has been the volume seller among the two. With that said, in this new world where new energy vehicles and minimalist design are ruling hearts, can this classic mid-size SUV still hold its ground, or is it destined to catch dust in showroom lots and fade away? To find out more, I drove the top-spec and aptly named 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Reserve and found myself pleasantly surprised. Here’re my two cents.

Design and aesthetics

We have now passed the WK2 generation to the WL gen’ and this change is significant because with the new Grand Cherokee comes an increase in overall size and the incorporation of a useful 3-row layout.

The new vehicle is completely reimagined, but it still retains a very traditional 2-box design. The face, on closer inspection, bears a resemblance with the “Big Daddy” Grand Wagoneer, particularly the signature seven-slot grille and slim LED-lit headlamp clusters that flank it. Satin chrome trims mandated by American design are present here also in the form of a strip underlining the grille-light arrangement and lower valance. While the silhouette is simplistic, delicate creases accentuate the otherwise flat body panels. The rear design is an evolution of the predecessor’s but with sleeker lamps and the unique chrome window surrounds, which connect the rear and side windows, adds some flair too. And of course, being the most top-spec city variant, it gets elegant multi-spoke 21-inch wheels as well. All in all, the new Grand Cherokee doesn’t make a grand style statement but certainly bears a balanced aesthetic that many will favour.