The Jeep Grand Cherokee Altitude: Elevating Style and Performance
The Jeep Grand Cherokee has long been a staple in the SUV market, known for its blend of luxury, capability, and versatility. Among its various trims, the Altitude edition stands out as a compelling option for those seeking a touch of sophistication coupled with Jeep's renowned off-road prowess. This article delves into the features, performance, and appeal of the Jeep Grand Cherokee Altitude.
Exterior Design:
The Grand Cherokee Altitude lives up to its name with a sleek, elevated aesthetic. It builds upon the classic Grand Cherokee silhouette with a range of blacked-out elements that give it a more aggressive and premium appearance. The exterior features gloss black accents, including:
- 20-inch gloss black aluminum wheels
- Gloss black front grille
- Black headlamp bezels
- Gloss black rear step pad
- Black roof rails
- Black badging
These dark accents contrast beautifully with the available exterior colors, which typically include options like Bright White, Diamond Black Crystal, Velvet Red, and Slate Blue. The overall effect is a vehicle that looks equally at home in urban environments and rugged terrains.
Interior Comfort and Design:
Step inside the Grand Cherokee Altitude, and you're greeted by a cabin that balances comfort with a sporty edge. The interior features:
- Black leather-trimmed seats with suede inserts
- Heated front seats and steering wheel
- 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat with 4-way power lumbar adjustment
- 60/40 split-folding rear seats
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls
The cabin is designed to be both functional and comfortable, with ample space for passengers and cargo. The rear cargo area offers approximately 1,034 liters of space with the rear seats up, expanding to 1,934 liters with the seats folded down.
Infotainment and Technology:
The Altitude trim comes well-equipped with modern technology features, centered around the Uconnect infotainment system. Key technology features include:
- 8.4-inch touchscreen display
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
- Bluetooth connectivity
- SiriusXM satellite radio
- Six-speaker audio system
- 7-inch driver information digital cluster display
- Keyless Enter 'n Go with push-button start
- Remote start system
The intuitive Uconnect system provides easy access to navigation, media, and vehicle settings, ensuring that drivers stay connected and informed while on the road.
Performance and Powertrain:
The Grand Cherokee Altitude typically comes equipped with a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine. This powerplant delivers:
- Power output: 220 kW (295 horsepower)
- Torque: 352 Nm (260 lb-ft)
This engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth and efficient power delivery. The Altitude is available in both rear-wheel drive (2WD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) configurations, allowing buyers to choose based on their driving needs and preferences.
For those opting for the 4WD system, the Grand Cherokee Altitude offers Jeep's Quadra-Trac I system. This full-time four-wheel-drive system provides constant traction and requires no driver intervention, making it ideal for varying road conditions and light off-road use.
Fuel efficiency for the V6 engine varies depending on the drivetrain configuration, but generally falls in the range of:
- 2WD: Approximately 12.4 L/100km city and 9.0 L/100km highway
- 4WD: Approximately 12.8 L/100km city and 9.4 L/100km highway
These figures make the Grand Cherokee Altitude competitive within its class, especially considering its size and capabilities.
Off-Road Capability:
While the Altitude trim is not specifically designed for hardcore off-roading like some other Jeep models, it still maintains a respectable level of off-road capability, especially in its 4WD configuration. The Quadra-Trac I system provides constant traction, which is beneficial in adverse weather conditions or on unpaved roads.
The Grand Cherokee Altitude also benefits from Jeep's engineering prowess in off-road situations:
- Ground clearance of approximately 20.3 cm (8 inches)
- Approach angle: 26.2 degrees
- Breakover angle: 19 degrees
- Departure angle: 24 degrees
These specifications allow the Altitude to handle moderate off-road challenges, making it a versatile choice for those who occasionally venture off the beaten path.
Safety Features:
Jeep has equipped the Grand Cherokee Altitude with a comprehensive suite of safety features, demonstrating a commitment to passenger protection. Standard safety features include:
- Seven airbags (front, side, curtain, and driver's knee)
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Traction control
- ParkView rear back-up camera
- ParkSense rear park assist system
- Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Path Detection
- Full-speed Forward Collision Warning with Active Braking
- Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist
- Advanced brake assist
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers
These features work together to provide a high level of active and passive safety, giving drivers confidence in various driving situations.
Towing and Hauling:
The Grand Cherokee Altitude doesn't compromise on utility. When properly equipped, it offers a towing capacity of up to 2,812 kg (6,200 lbs) with the V6 engine. This makes it capable of hauling boats, small campers, or trailers with ease, adding to its versatility as a family vehicle or weekend adventure companion.
Comfort and Ride Quality:
The Grand Cherokee Altitude provides a comfortable and composed ride, thanks to its well-tuned suspension system. It strikes a balance between on-road comfort and off-road capability, with a ride that's smooth on highways and competent on rougher terrain. The cabin is well-insulated, keeping road and wind noise to a minimum, which contributes to a more premium feel.
Customization and Options:
While the Altitude trim comes well-equipped, Jeep offers various options and packages to further customize the vehicle. These may include:
- Premium lighting group with bi-xenon HID headlamps
- Power liftgate
- Dual-pane panoramic sunroof
- Navigation system
- Nine-speaker Alpine audio system
- Trailer tow package
These options allow buyers to tailor their Grand Cherokee Altitude to their specific needs and preferences.
Conclusion:
The Jeep Grand Cherokee Altitude represents a compelling option in the mid-size SUV market. It successfully combines the rugged heritage of the Jeep brand with a touch of urban sophistication. The blacked-out exterior elements give it a distinctive look that sets it apart from other Grand Cherokee trims, while the well-appointed interior provides comfort and technology features that modern drivers expect.
Performance-wise, the V6 engine offers a good balance of power and efficiency, suitable for both daily driving and weekend adventures. While not a dedicated off-road trim, the Altitude, especially in its 4WD configuration, maintains enough of Jeep's legendary capability to handle moderate off-road challenges.
