“Our new Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit is in direct response to consumers who continue to ask for even more luxury, craftsmanship and standard premium features in a full-size SUV packed with capability,” says FCA CEO Mike Manley in a press release.
Back for another year, the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee remains one of the best double-duty SUVs that are actually built just as much for the city as the trail. FCA was kind enough to lend Darpan Magazine a fully loaded Summit model for a weeklong evaluation, and we break it all down in the following review.
First introduced in 2017 at the New York International Auto Show, this fully loaded trim was intended to inject some class into the capable commuter.
“Our new Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit is in direct response to consumers who continue to ask for even more luxury, craftsmanship and standard premium features in a full-size SUV packed with capability,” says FCA CEO Mike Manley in a press release.
Cue the iconic seven-slot polished mesh grille, matching polished alloy wheels, LED foglights, headlamp washers and auto-folding side mirrors.
Inside, though, is where the upscale appointments really shine through. Think quilted leather upholstery — new for the latest model year is a Light Frost/Brown interior theme — suede headliner, illuminated doorsills, Berber floor mats and an 825-watt Harmon stereo with 19 speakers, three subwoofers and active noise cancelling.
An 8.4-inch touchscreen houses the excellent Uconnect infotainment system responsible for everything from climate controls to displaying heavy-duty information like wheel articulation and traction management settings. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity is included. In addition, dual rear seat headrest entertainment monitors may be optionally fitted to keep little ones in the back entertained.
The long list of features doesn’t end there. A high-tech safety suite, equipped on all Summits, keeps the driver and passenger safe in the form of blind spot, lane departure and forward collision warning; adaptive cruise control; and parallel and perpendicular park assist.
While the aforementioned audio system is great, the standard Pentastar 3.6-litre V6 provides a surprisingly pleasant soundtrack. Sure, it’s not the available, 5.7-litre V8, but the six-cylinder definitely has a bit of grunt. Pushing 295 horsepower, 260 lb-ft of torque, the mill can support up to 6,200 pounds of towing capacity.
The 4x4 setup, dubbed Quadra-Drive II, takes advantage of a rear electronic LSD to ensure optimal traction is always delivered, torque being instantly directed to any slipping tire. QDII is even able to in certain cases predict a low grip situation and adjust accordingly as a preventative measure.
Quadra-lift, on the other hand, is air suspension using air rather than traditional coil springs at each corner. Allowing 104 millimetres of travel up or down, the latter yields better fuel economy on the highway and the former increased clearance for off-road adventures. What’s handy is the vehicle doesn’t have to be stopped in order to raise or lower, done by pressing a button on the centre console. The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit is built in at the Jefferson Avenue North Assembly Plant in Detroit, Michigan and starts at MSRP $58,517.
Highlights
MSRP: $58,517
Motor: 3.6-litre V6
Horsepower: 295 @ 6,400 rpm
Torque (lb-ft): 260 @ 4,000 rpm
Gearbox: Eight-speed automatic
Layout: front engine, Four-wheel drive
Fuel economy: 16.8 L/100 km mixed city/highway (observed)