2005 Grand Cherokee feature highlights
Engine / Drivetrain:
- 3.7L V6 engine (standard on Laredo, not available on Limited. Significant upgrades for 2005 include a revised cam profile and new valve lash adjusters. These changes improve the engine smoothness at idle. To ensure quiet operation, a new thick-wall composite manifold is new for 2005, as are structural improvements to the air box and resonator)
- W5A580 5-speed automatic transmission (3.7L only)
- 545RFE 5-speed automatic transmission
- Transmission Electronic Range Select (ERS, "Auto-Stick", available on both transmissions)
- New gated automatic transmission shifter for smoother gear selection. A high-quality chrome trim bezel surrounds the gated shifter
- Quadra-Trac®
- New transfer cases, NV140
- Electronic Limited Slip Differentials replace Vari-Lock progressive axles that were used on the previous Quadra-Drive system
- Aluminum Slip-in-Tube Propshaft with higher stiffness, lower mass and superior damping characteristics. This design solved vehicle NVH issues that competitor products could not by taking advantage of Slip-in-Tube's inherent higher stiffness, lower mass and superior damping characteristics, enabling the new Grand Cherokee to be quieter than its replacement.
Exterior features:
- A 60 percent increase in overall torsional and bending stiffness compared to the prior model, which gives the WK excellent on- and off-road performance and allows the body to remain tight and quiet.
- Longer wheelbase (+3.6") and wider track for improved stability and ride without sacrificing maneuverability
- Independent Front Suspension, all-new short and long arm setup with single-piece nodular iron control arms for higher ground clearance; all-new aluminum knuckles, coil-over shocks
- Front suspension wheel travel is increased 10 percent over the previous generation WJ (+ 1")
- Tailgate flipper glass with electric release and self-rising feature
- New rack-and-pinion steering system for a more precise steering feel
- Painted body color grille for Laredo models
- SmartBeam® headlamp system with high-performance halogen headlamps (automatically dim with oncoming traffic, variable 25%-100%)
- Laredo cladding eliminated
- Spare tire now located on underside of vehicle
- Hood, air dam and exterior mirrors wind tunnel developed to minimize wind noise and maximize aerodynamics.
- Flatter windshield for improved vehicle aerodynamics
- Proportionately longer hood and greater distance between the center of the front axle and base of windshield
- Uniframe (4x2) made by Valient
Interior features:
- All-New interior with a two-tone instrument panel, door trim and new finishes. Increased seat track travel and increased headroom
- New custom developed top grain perforated leather seats with a Royale Grain embossment. Cloth seats are of a European structure and purpose-built and designed for long-distance comfort.
- Redesigned instrument cluster with 140 MPH speedometer and built-in EVIC (Electronic Vehicle Information Center).
- Reduced instrument panel gaps and parting lines are minimized
- Rear seat air vents (mounted at top rear of center console)
- Easier entry/exit to rear seats
- Rear seats now fold down with a single-action operation
- Multiple storage bins added for additional storage
- Cargo area reversible floor panel; carpeted on one side, storage trays on the other side
Safety features:
- Dynamic Handling System (DHS, hydraulic-controlled active stabilizer system for significantly reduced body roll and smoother ride)
NOTE: Late availability, March 2005. See DHS
- Electronic Stability Program (ESP, for maintaining vehicle directional stability)
- Gas tank relocated in front of rear axle for 50 mph collision protection
- Two new Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems
- BeltAlert enhanced seat belt reminder system
- Advanced multi-stage air bags including an occupant classification system for the front passenger seat
- Longer and wider wheelbase for improved rollover resistance
- Passenger air bag off switch on center dash
- Auto-reversing side windows.
The all-new 2005 Jeep® Grand Cherokee raises the performance bar to a new level by offering improved capability and superior on-road ride and handling in a well-appointed package with a number of premium amenities.
With best-in-class tractive capability and best-in-class power, the newest generation Jeep Grand Cherokee is designed, engineered and built to master every imaginable day-to-day driving condition, whether on paved or unpaved surfaces.
Quadra-Trac® I utilizes the NV140 single-speed transfer case to provide convenient full-time four-wheel drive with no transfer case lever to shift or driver interaction required. Offering a single-speed transfer case attracts a new group of buyers to the Jeep Grand Cherokee lineup and builds on the capable, entry-level, two-wheel drive versions, which currently account for approximately 25 percent of Jeep vehicle sales.
New Engines Delivering Superior Performance
The 3.7-liter SOHC V-6 will replace and deliver even more peak power than the previous 4.0-liter I-6 engine in the Jeep Grand Cherokee lineup.
With approximately seven percent less displacement, the 3.7-liter V-6 produces more peak power than the 4.0-liter I-6 engine it replaces, while producing comparable torque. The engine also provides smoother, quieter operation, added durability, and contributes to better packaging. This engine, first introduced on Jeep Liberty and Dodge Ram models, shares many design features with the 4.7-liter Power Tech V-8 engine.
All-New Suspension and Steering System Provides Best-in-Class Ride and Handling
An all-new independent front suspension provides the driver with a greater sense of precision and control, more precise steering, and reduces vehicle weight and head toss. Front suspension wheel travel is increased 13 percent over the previous generation vehicle, and a tight turning diameter of 37.1 ft. is improved over the current Jeep Grand Cherokee to provide even more nimble handling.
The new five-link rear suspension geometry, including a track bar, also improves lateral stiffness to match that of the front suspension for optimum handling.
The innovative Dynamic Handling System (DHS) is a Chrysler Group first application of a hydraulic-controlled active stabilizer system. DHS delivers a high level of driver confidence by significantly reducing body roll, resulting in sportier handling when turning or maneuvering, while providing a smoother ride when traveling straight ahead.
Also offered for the first time, Electronic Stability Program (ESP) aids the driver in maintaining vehicle directional stability in severe driving maneuvers on any type of surface. Using signals from sensors throughout the vehicle, the system determines the appropriate brake and throttle adjustments for directional stability of the vehicle.
Grand Cherokee’s new rack-and-pinion steering system imparts a more precise steering feel translated to the driver through fewer linkages than a recirculating ball steering system. Even with the 2.5-inch increase in track, Grand Cherokee’s nimbleness and tight turning diameter are maintained with the new steering system.
All-New Five-Speed Automatic Offers Premium Refinement
An all-new five-speed automatic transmission offers smooth shifts and optimum fuel economy with the 3.7-liter V-6.
Both transmissions feature Electronic Range Select (ERS) driver interactive shift control for the first time on Grand Cherokee. The shifter provides fully-automated shifting when in the “drive” position, or the driver can manually select each gear by simply moving the shifter left and right from the “drive” position. This gives the driver control to precisely match any on-road or off-road driving requirement.
A new stamped steel transfer case skid plate mounts to the transmission cross member and fuel tank skidplate to provide off-road protection to the transfer case.
Legendary Grand Cherokee Size, Styling and Comfort
Grand Cherokee’s new design provides a contemporary return of an athletic appearance. Up front, the signature seven-slot grille fianked by the functional round appearance high-performance halogen headlamps boldly dominates the design statement. These round headlamps unify the unmistakable front-end appearance of the entire Jeep lineup. A proportionally longer hood and greater distance between the center of the front axle and base of the windshield visually communicates a more powerful image. A flatter windshield and fatter A-pillar achieves a more athletic appearance. The overall design also helps to improve vehicle aerodynamics and vehicle fuel economy. The body is shrink-wrapped to the package, enabling designers to emphasize the powerful wheel flares. Larger taillamps in the rear feature red and clear lenses for an upscale appearance. Overall, the 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee preserves the right-size package that is critical for off-road use and provides nimble on-road handling.
All-New Interior Provides Next Generation Sophistication
Grand Cherokee’s new interior is rich and inviting with a two-tone instrument panel, door trim and new finishes. Seat contours are precise and ergonomic with increased seat track travel. Increased headroom adds a feeling of even more spaciousness to the interior. The dramatic and elegant instrument panel design offers a high degree of precision and control.
In the cargo area, versatility and storage reign. A new reversible load floor panel is carpeted on one side and offers easy-to-clean plastic on the other. The plastic side includes a large shallow tray for additional utility.
The new on the 2005 Grand Cherokee are enhanced safety and security features, including front and side air bags with protection from A to C pillars, tire pressure monitoring systems, available rear park assist, and occupant classification system.
“Whether it’s going into the outback or to the opera, the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee has the elegance, sophisticated style and capability to get owners where they want to be, whenever they want,” said Bell. “ We stayed true to our go-anywhere, do-anything Jeep 4 x 4 heritage that customers want, and we also took the refinement, handling and overall enjoyment well beyond customers’ expectations.”
Steady Diet Consisting of Success, Subtlety, Segment Dominance
At a time when fad diets and an obsession with being svelte are trendy, it’s somewhat ironic that oversized sport-utility vehicles (SUV) are in fashion at all. This makes the functionally efficient capability and timeless design of the all-new 2005 Jeep® Grand Cherokee a breath of fresh air to customers. When the refinement, comfort and smooth ride that define the 2005 Grand Cherokee are combined with Jeep’s unwavering capability and off-road readiness, customers truly get exactly what they want.
“This is a Jeep that stands out in its segment because it remains true to its form and function,” said Rick Aneiros, Chrysler Group Vice President Jeep/Truck Design. “The result is nothing short of an authentic Jeep.”
Sleek, yet Substantial Exterior Form
The 2005 Grand Cherokee’s new design offers an athletic and contemporary appearance with its upright and substantial posture. Up front, the signature seven-slot grille boldly dominates the front view. On the Grand Cherokee Laredo, the grille will offer a painted body color look, while a chrome-plated grille will accent the Limited.
High-performance halogen headlamps employ a rounded traditional Jeep appearance and gracefully integrate into a powerful hood form. The hood features sophisticated nacelles – hood forms that protect and shelter the headlamps. The hood, air dam and exterior mirrors were developed in the Chrysler Group’s wind tunnel in Auburn Hills, Michigan, to minimize wind noise and maximize aerodynamics.
The shape of the body has been thoughtfully designed to protect the sides of the vehicle from potential road debris thrown off the tires. The heavy and expensive cladding used on the previous model is replaced with a more efficient body-side shape and moldings that are incorporated into the design. The body-side molding also has the integrated Grand Cherokee name for a quality look and feel.
At the side, a proportionately longer hood and greater distance between the center of the front axle and base of windshield visually communicates more engine emphasis to achieve a more powerful image.
At the rear, larger taillamps feature red and clear lenses for a look that presents a luxurious feel without being gaudy. Badges are now injection-molded and chrome-plated to communicate a richness and sense of precision.
Beauty that is More than Skin Deep
The 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee blends the best of both worlds, taking capability and refinement to new levels, proving there’s no reason a capable vehicle can’t be comfortable and polished. A new and inviting interior awaits occupants with a rich two-tone instrument panel treatment, new door trims and upscale interior finishes.
The seats are beautifully crafted with contours that are precise,firm and ergonomic, featuring a new robust European structure. They are purpose-built and designed for long-distance comfort with trim styles different for each model: Laredo features cloth and optional leather while Limited seats are two-tone leather with perforated leather seat inserts.
The dramatic and elegant instrument panel design offers a high degree of precision. Gaps have been reduced and parting lines minimized. The instrument panel features a dark upper color and lighter lower color. Multiple storage bins have been added for additional storage.
Another significant feature is the new gated automatic transmission shifter, also providing for smoother gear selection. A high-quality chrome trim bezel surrounds the gated shifter. On models with a two-speed transfer case, the traditional manual case lever is replaced with an electric “T-handle” lever that interacts better with the transfer case. A momentary pull rearward on the lever selects between 4-Low and 4-Hi, and returns to its original position. There is a parcel bin for cell phones and other such items to the right of the shifter.
The 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee will be produced at the Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit, starting in the third quarter of 2004. Assembly for markets outside North America will begin in the first quarter of 2005 at the Magna Steyr assembly plant in Graz, Austria.
