2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Reviews

Graham Smith road tests and reviews the 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee as a used buy. New The Jeep’s distinctive grille, dating back to WWII, is hard to ignore. One of the most popular models to sport the seven-bar grille on our roads was the big, attractively styled WK Grand Cherokee launched here in

Unlike most SUVs, there was nothing soft about Jeep's go-anywhere AWD. New Jeep, the best-known brand in off-road vehicles, has forged a go-anywhere reputation. It was on its own during WWII, when there were no other vehicles like it, but now the iconic brand is under siege from rivals for the SUV dollar. Most brands

Jeep Grand Cherokee is a large 4WD that nowadays is aimed more at buyers of luxury station wagons rather than full-on off-road enthusiasts. However the Grand Jeep is true to its roots and is a genuine 4WD that can tackle rugged off-road work that would stop most of the crossover wagons sold by its competitors. On

WE turn the spotlight on the car world's newest and brightest stars as we ask the questions to which you want the answers. But there's only one question that really needs answering  would you buy one?Where have they been hiding this beauty? The CRD is the diesel version of Jeep's five-seat off road wagon and definitely the pick of the bunch. Forget the V8, this is the one you want.It will set you back $50,000 but in SUV land this is something of a bargain, bearing in mind the cheapest long wheelbase Prado goes for $6000 more.The aforementioned Prado, Nissan Pathfinder and the Mitsubishi Pajero spring to mind. Nothing else has anywhere near as much off road ability as the Jeep.Built by VM Motori and developed together with Fiat Powertrain, the new 3.0-litre turbo diesel engine produces 177kW of power at 4000 revs and 550Nm of torque between 1800 and 2800 revs. This translates to 10 percent more power and eight percent more torque than the engine it replaces.Extremely well. Big 4WDs are always a better proposition in diesel form. This is the first application of the new engine and a spin-off of Fiat's recent buy-out of a bankrupt Chrysler (it now holds more than 50 per cent).Rated at 8.3 litres/100km. That's pretty good for a big 4WD. The trip computer was showing 8.6 in mixed driving.Gets three stars from the Government's Green Vehicle Guide (Prius is the benchmark with five stars).The previous model got four stars. This one has just been tested but the results have not been released yet. With stability control, seven airbags plus active head restraints, it is likely to get a full, five-star result.All-new independent suspension front and rear delivers much better on-road manners. It also allows the spare tyre to be stored inside the vehicle instead of underneath. Adjustable air suspension is available for another $2500.Probably the best Jeep we've driven to date (if you exclude the wonderful SRT8 version). Diesel is teamed with a five-speed auto that can be operated in manual mode if desired. Selec-Terrain traction control system allows the driver to choose the drive system that best matches on- or off-road driving conditions.Power adjust front seats are standard and the rear seats recline 12 degrees. Cargo volume is up 11 per cent. A touch screen media centre with a 30GB hard drive is standard that responds to voice commands.You bet. Ticks all the boxes. Smooth, quiet and comfortable wtih a formidable off road reputation. At the moment the Grand Cherokee is by far and away the best mid-sized wagon in Australia. The big problem is glaying your hands on one.

The brand Jeep has become a synonym for anything that is a rough'n'ready off-roader. The new Grand Cherokee flagship brings that heritage with it, but boasts improved refinement and better cabin space, something its forebears lacked.The updated Grand Cherokee range was a long time coming but the payoff was in the price - the pricetags shed thousands and the four-million-plus global sales tally for the model will no doubt be boosted by the leaner pricetag demand.The Limited V8 model has dropped more than $10,000 to $60,000, which corresponds to a features list by no means the worst in the segment.That asking price gets the Quadra-Trac II active full-time variable 4WD system, hill start assist and descent control, although the test vehicle had been upgraded with the off-road pack.Ticking that box upgrades the drivetrain to Quadra-Drive II active 4WD system, which has an electronic rear limited slip diff, 18in alloy wheels with all-terrain tyres and underbody protection.The test car also had the optional Quadra-Lift air suspension system and a sunroof.Standard fare on the Limited does include automatic bi-xenon headlights with auto-dipping and auto-levelling, power-adjustable and folding exterior mirrors with heating function, rain-sensing wipers, Bluetooth (phone and music link), satnav, a 30gig hard-drive equipped sound system, dual zone climate control, heated leather-trimmed seats front and rear, power adjustable front seats, a reach-and-rake adjustable leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio (on the back of the wheel) and cruise controls.The upgraded 5.7-litre V8 now offers 259kW and 520Nm, which is enough to get the big off-roader moving away in a hurry, with an appropriately tuneful soundtrack. The Hemi V8's cylinder dropout system - which cuts the running cylinders from eight to four - seems to be a more pro-active and aggressive fuel-saving system than the one dropping half the cylinders on Holden's V8.At least, that's if you believe the "Eco" light on the dash - the test figure near 18 litres per 100km is not the worst I've achieved in a 2.5-tonne V8 SUV, so it must be doing something right.The Grand Cherokee's features list also has Jeep's take on Land Rover's terrain Response system - called Selec-Terrain.Teamed with the Quadra-Lift adjustable air-sprung independent front and rear suspension, the 4WD system allows the driver to set the car up for the terrain being encountered. Settings for snow, sand and mud, rock crawling (which lifts to the 271mm maximum clearance) - as well as an auto and sport setting - is 4WDing for dummies.Auto allows the car to lower itself at highway speeds while the sport mode winds back the stability control threshold and tightens up the suspension, although the order around the dial is odd, slipping Snow between the Auto and Sport modes.The design leaves little doubt about the brand you're viewing, but the shape has been smoothed over to gather every bit of aerodynamic improvement, without a major image change.Lighter, yet larger and boasting improved body strength (Jeep says there's a 146 per cent improvement in torsional rigidity), the Grand Cherokee's cabin has lost some of the reverse-Tardis effect that afflicted its ancestors - the big wagon actually offers decent interior space and comfortable pews.The nuclear family has enough space for a roadtrip, although its not a cavernous cabin, but the ability to recline the rear seat's backrest was helpful for tired offspring.The Grand Cherokee feels solid and strong, as well as packing a safety features list that wants for little. There's dual front and front-side airbags, a driver's knee airbag and full-length curtain airbags; the front occupants also get active head restraints.The active safety systems include stability control, which has brake assist, traction and roll-over control systems, as well as functions to dry discs and a trailer sway control system. The Limited also has a reversing camera and parking sensors front and rear and a tyre pressure monitor.The bumpy unsealed carpark was as close to off-roading as we got during our time in the Limited V8. Damp and slippery grass failed to distract the Grand Cherokee from darting quickly away from standstill - no panic attacks from electronic aids, just rapid forward progress and the melodic tone of the Hemi V8.But our time in the car was spent doing what these vehicles do most of the time - carting kids and associated paraphernalia around, negotiating traffic and performing general duties.It completes the tasks set in a more subdued and comfortable manner than the previous incarnations, although the ride in Auto mode could be a little more supple, given there's a Sport mode as well, but the big Jeep turns in with surprising enthusiasm - bring on the SRT8 hotrod.Parking radar and a rear camera are welcome features but one that isn't is the horrific foot-operated park brake. The US seems to be enamoured with this type of system and it's not too bad when properly positioned and teamed with a left-foot footrest, but the Grand Cherokee's set-up is far from perfect.The five-speed auto generally performed smoothly and with some intelligence, but the change from first to second (regardless of throttle in use) in the test vehicle was well short of the quality from the remaining ratios.The new Grand Cherokee is a big - but required - step forward for the burly American off-roader, which has rarely been doubted for off-road ability but lacked finesse on the sealed stuff. That has changed with the new model and it deserves serious consideration if you're looking for a family wagon that can go bush with vigour.

It's been a while since anything really good came out of Jeep but the tide has turned with the arrival this week of a new generation Grand Cherokee that offers almost unbeatable value in the medium large SUV segment with enhanced engines, off road capability and generous specification. No longer built in Austria, Grand Cherokee is an all-American effort with help from Mercedes-Benz, a former joint venture partner.Three models will be available, Laredo V6 at $45,000, Limited V6 at $55,000 and V8 Overland at $69,500. A diesel engine variant is due later this year. These prices compare more than favourably with the competition including Toyota Prado, Pajero, and vehicles from BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz.It must be remembered that the Grand Cherokee is a much more capable off roader than any of its competitors and with the new model, better specified with goodies like heated front seats, xenon headlights, 18-inch alloys, reversing camera, keyless go and premium audio standard on the entry level Laredo.With the new body and chassis come two 'new' petrol engines and five speed automatic transmission as well as a range of clever off road technology aimed at making driving in the dirt easier and safer as well as more comfortable.There are two 4x4 systems, Quadra-Trak II and the more sophisticated Quadra-Drive II with an electronic rear limited slip differential on the top spec' models.Jeep has gone for a drive select system similar to Land Rover and Ranger Rovers called SelecTerrain that modifies settings on 12 vehicle functions to suit certain driving environments such as sand, mud, rocks, sport and snow.It's selected by a console mounted dial. Hill descent control is also fitted while Quadra-Lift air suspension is available, standard on the tip line model. Suspension is a new independent system front and rear designed to aid off road driving while offering fine control on sealed surfaces.Big efforts were made to cut noise and vibration which sees the suspension mounted on special cradles front and rear and extensive use of acoustic liners. The engines are a 3.6-litre Pentastar petrol V6 with variable valve timing on the inlet and exhaust as well as double overhead camshafts per bank. It is good for 210kW/347Nm output and as low as 11.4-litres/100km fuel economy.The 5.7-litre petrol V8 is a revamp of the previous Hemi OHV design again with variable valve timing both sides and cylinder deactivation to cut fuel use. It's good for 259kW/520Nm output and 14.1-litres/100km.The handsome new Grand Cherokee is an evolutionary design that has discernible styling links with its forebears but is a much better built product. The GFC has obviously driven home the point that Jeep needed to improve its game and here is the proof.It's obvious as soon as you sit in the stylish cabin where the standard of fit and finish is up with the Europeans and the quality of components is equally impressive. Jeep has aimed for a "premium experience" for passengers of the new Grand.The new model has been available in the `states for a few months and has already won accolades and sold up a storm. It's built on a completely new monocoque platform , stronger and lighter than before and offering a longer wheelbase with consequent improved rear seat legreoom. Grand Cherokee will be available in five seater configuration only.The new chassis, co-developed with Mercedes Benz for its GL Class off roader is designed to give Grand Cherokee a more car-like feel on the road with better ride/handling characteristics and enough feel to make a driver appreciate and want to get into the big `fourbie.'On road drive feel was benchmarked against the BMW X5. Not only is it better on the road but off road capabilities have also been improved thanks to the new chassis and other major changes under the skin.On a tough test drive, the new Grand Cherokee proved an impressive beast, particularly the base, 45 grand Laredo. With plenty of power and torque , this engine makes light work of pushing the 2200kg off roader with almost indecent haste and is capable of recording low fuel consumption without really trying. It's all you need for everyday driving and off roading.We tried the top of the range Overlander which was equally impressive more than matching its competition on the road and blowing it into the weeds off road. We love te new look, the generoud levels of spec' and the size of it. The drive experience lives up to the visual promise.

THE diesel Jeep Grand Cherokee could be this summers sleeper; an off-roader with class and value which should attract more than a few appreciative customers.Other petrol-powered models in the 2011 Grand Cherokee range have already won plaudits for the American wagons new-found style and substance. Here the 3 litre turbo diesel joins the ranks to add another dimension - good fuel economy from a creamy V6 with 550Nm torque from 1800rpm through to 2800rpm.It's a wagon much anticipated in some quarters, particularly at these prices, 3500kg towing ability and decent on-road dynamics.Price is one of the diesel Grands big selling points with this engine option running from $50,000 for the Laredo through to $69,500 for the top-of-the-tree Overland edition; the same prices as the 5.7l V8 and $5000 over the 3.6l V6 versions. Impressive here is the level of trim and gear, even on the entry-level Laredo. You'd shop these Jeeps against (the dearer) Volkwagen Touareg and, depending on usage, Nissans Pathfinder and the Toyota Prado.The Grand Cherokee arrives with the option of air suspension with five settings from park to extreme off-road over 104mm plus Selec-Terrain, also with five settings for conditions from highway sprints to rock crawling. Like rival Land Rovers system, Selec-Terrain co-ordinates engine, transmission and electronic driver aids for optimum response to different conditions. And the V6, built by VM Motori, has a number of innovations including Fiats MultiJet injection system for better power, economy plus lower noise and harshness levels over its predecessor.It's an all-new body here, more exterior sculpting, higher and wider than before and more cabin space while retaining Jeeps seven-slot grille and squared-off wheel arches. It's quite a handsome machine all round, exemplified by the Laredo not looking anything like an entry-level, cut-price model. That premium feel flows through to the cabins where fitment, trim plus standard comfort and convenience features outshine many rivals. Among quibbles is that awkward foot-operated emergency brake and the forward vision is compromised a bit, especially for taller drivers, by that shallow windscreen.Six airbags, ABS, stability control and active head restraints are de rigueur these days. The Grand Cherokee adds Electronic Roll Mitigation, HID headlights, trailer sway control (part of the stability control system) plus hill descent control and hill start assist for less stress off road.It's a pretty comfortable, premium driving position behind the Grands steering wheel (aside from that quibble about that emergency brake pedal sitting where one might expect a dead pedal). But it's a stylish and ergonomic set of dials and controls.From outside the diesel fires with a sweet little growl; inside its all peace and quiet. There's the tiniest hesitation before the V6 gets into stride yet once past 1200rpm it's very willing. It will run in the low 8 litres per 100km down the highway, mid-nines around town and down a lumpy track, more once in full-on four-wheel drive territory.On the road its quick and comfortable. Initial steering response is slower than say a Touareg, a trade-off for a better wheel feel and control when crawling off-road. And while the Jeep is willing to tackle turns at decent highway speed theres body roll which may upset passengers.Naturally the Grand Cherokee is a fine off-roader. For the most part Selec-Terrain works well left in Auto, electronics taking care of finding traction. Low-low is decent for an auto machine.And the diesels torque is always a bonus, whether looking to climb out of rocky gully or looking for extra grunt to keep moving through soft sand. Best to keep that torque under control on loose surfaces, if the electronics take hold engine responses can be quite dull.This Laredo had the optional air suspension. It's great for smoother track conditions, great for lifting the body in real rough country but a tad disappointing on mid-speed corrugations where the suspension has trouble keeping up with quick changes.Yet at the end of the day a driver will appreciate this wagon as a quick, comfortable and competent tourer for all manner of road and track conditions.The diesel Jeep Grand Cherokee for 2011 is a smart machine, a premium off-road wagon with style, substance and a value price tag.

A bit of chassis sharing between Mercedes-Benz and Jeep sees the new Grand Cherokee rolling on the same basic chassis as the upcoming Benz ML-Class. And it shows - in refinement, comfort, safety, noise reduction and many other areas. The big Jeep even handles pretty well considering its 2.0 tonne weight.We have been driving the penultimate Limited V8 Grand Cherokee which sells for $60,000 neat (more if you go the options boxes). It's an impressive piece of kit particularly in the looks department and ride comfort.The Limited scores leather, Alpine premium audio, a 30 gig hard drive music register and plenty more. Safety is bolstered by a wide range of electronic systems as well as hardware like six air bags and safety cell body/chassis.Distinctive Jeep styling permeates the whole body but it's been brought into the 21st century and is as handsome as anything out of Europe or the US. Grand Cherokee is a five seater with plenty of occupant room and a large load space. The assertive exterior is set off on Limited by 20-inch alloys and dual exhaust tips.The Limited V8 runs a tried and true 5.7-litre Hemi V8 with overhead valve operation and Jeep's version of cylinder deactivation to save petrol. The same engine can be found in the Chrysler 300C. It's not the most powerful donk around but generates an honest 259kW/520Nm output, sufficient to push the big Jeep with real purpose when you push the accelerator.But the good thing is how fuel efficient it can be thanks to the cylinder deactivation. We got into the 10s/100km on the freeway with average combined consumption hovering in the 12s, impressive for something this big.It has a lovely rumble to the exhaust and idles completely still. Drive goes to all four wheels via what's called Quadra TracII all wheel drive with high and low range. Select-Terrain allows drivers to dial up the correct settings for a range of driving including rock, snow, mud, sport, sand and auto all of which change ride height, power delivery, gearing and other dynamic functions.Hill descent is another handy off-road aid. Power goes through a well-fettled five-speed auto transmission that offers a sequential shift mode on the selector.Made in Detroit, the new Grand Cherokee is surprisingly good value when you look at what you get. Similar vehicles from other makers cost a lot more.We'd have one in a flash, but probably the new 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel even though the V8 petrol isn't that thirsty.

GETTING it right in the dirt has rarely been a problem for Jeep - but perfecting its on-road behaviour has been an arduous task. It's also had a tough time as owners and would-be buyers have shunned Jeep for poor quality and poor road holding.Maybe this is the tide turning. Time will tell if the Grand Cherokee's build quality is up to scratch - though the signs are promising - but at least Jeep's biggest and most luxurious 4WD has got it right on the bitumen.The wishy-washy handling of the WJ model (1999-2004) improved considerably with the WK (2005-2010) but even that is no match for the relative precision of the latest WK2 that gets independent suspension for all wheels.Yes, despite wearing a big dress size - it weighs up at 2.2-tonne dry - it's finally confident on the dance floor.Now, with the poise to go with its new Euro-style looks, it delivers it's most potent blow to the opposition - a very attractive price tag.It starts at $45,000 for a 4WD that actually goes off the road and drives really well. At that price, it beats the Japanese hands down.The test car is a 3.6-litre V6 auto Limited priced at $55,000. It gets a heap more gear than the entry-level Laredo but weigh up whether you need the baubles or prefer $10,000 in your wallet.Also, the option list is long, expensive and seductive. You'll get a standard nine-speaker Alpine audio system and hands-free voice and Bluetooth connection, but may yearn for a sat-nav with a 300-gig hard drive.Height-adjustable air suspension is $3250, the same price as the dual sunroof. There's an offroad "adventure pack" with the more grippy Quadra-Drive II drivetrain, skid plates and that deletes the standard 20-inch alloys and replaces them with 18-inch wheels with a wider tyre tread choice.Chiselled lines and narrower side glass combine with more integrated headlight and tail light surfaces for a style that could have come out of Europe. It's also very workable. The doors open wide for easy entry and egress, the extra 135mm of wheelbase translates to more legroom - notably in the rear - and cargo space.Compared with the old model, the dashboard is streets ahead in all areas except the handbrake - taken away from the centre console and now foot operated - and the wipers which are now on the indicator stalk as per Mercedes.The seats feel more comfortable, the driving position more natural and so on. It is a different vehicle than before.The 210kW/347Nm 3.6-litre V6 Pentastar petrol is Jeep's big call but though it's effective, it's not worth hauling out the dancing girls to show it off. But for most buyers, it's a good blend of performance and economy. It'll tow about 2.3-tonne and if you want more, the V8 has a 3.5-tonne rating.Like the Land Rover Terrain Response system, Jeep has a switchable traction system called Selec-Terrain that clicks from road to sand and snow and mud. This awakens 12 vehicle management systems and hones the ability for it to tackle different conditions without calling on the driver's expertise. Or lack thereof.Also, this model gets four-wheel independent suspension; an air suspension option that raises ground clearance from 167mm to 271mm; keyless enter and start; reverse camera; park sensors; and optional auto tailgate.Standard features include electronic stability control, seven airbags, electronic roll mitigation, surface-sensitive ABS on four-wheel disc brakes, all-speed traction control and trailer-sway control.It has a five-star crash rating in the US and won the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's "Top Safety Pick" award for crash test performance.Better connection between the steering wheel and the front wheels completely changes this wagon. It is confident in a straight line - don't laugh, some predecessors were not - and holds a positive line through corners with the driver breaking into a sweat and the passengers screaming.Power delivery is smooth and its progression - mainly restrained by the auto box - is unhurried. You can boot it and be greeted by some lively forward motion and extra noise but really, this is a cruiser.At 110km/h it is quiet and even economical. The 11.4 L/100km claim is about right - I drank 13.2 L/100km in the suburbs. It's pleasing to see Jeep finally - and this took a long time - recognising Australia with a 93.5-litre fuel tank replacing the previous effort's 77.5-litre gnat's bladder.Die-hard off-roaders will still add a sub tank but at least others now can make it between country fuel stops.The Grand Cherokee never missed a beat on test. In the sand its Quadra-Trac II drivetrain worked the power between axles. If you're going to spend more time in the bush, option the Quadra-Drive II system that allocates torque between individual wheels.The electric tailgate is a boon for mothers and shoppers (though the $3250 is exxy, even if Jeep throw in a heated steering wheel) but realistically may be overkill.Class act! This has all the looks of a sharp-edged SUV with all the off-road ability of a Wrangler. Even quality has made a big leap - but then, it had to - to make a good allround 4WD at a very attractive price.

The Ford Falcon wagon is dead. The Toyota Camry wagon is gone. Some like the Holden Sportswagon still survive, and there are loyal buyers in both the small-car and luxury classes, but the rising tide of SUVs has washed most station wagons out of showrooms.The distinction between the traditional sedan-based station wagons and Australia’s new favourite family freighter has become much more blurred in the past decade or so.However, there are still some important points of difference. And it's worth looking at some of the leading contenders on the rival teams to see what's happening and what works best for you.A sedan-based wagon is usually lighter than a similarly-sized SUV. This means better fuel economy and lower costs for servicing and tyres. It also sits closer to the bitumen, with a lower centre of gravity, so it’s more agile and stable, especially when cornering or in an emergency manoeuvre.However, you don’t enjoy the high-and-mighty driving position, with an unimpeded view of the road, that SUV drivers - and women in particular - cite as one of the breed’s major attractions.Who hasn’t sat in traffic, cursing the SUV blocking your vision? Booming SUV sales indicate more and more people are taking the view that, if I can’t beat ‘em, I may as well join ‘em.It’s a myth that SUVs are more space-efficient than wagons, however most mid-sized models - including the popular Holden Captiva and Ford's Territory - can come with a couple of extra seats in the back, a feature you no longer find in conventional wagons.Kids also love an SUV’s elevated seating position because they can enjoy the scenery, whereas many wagons have low seats and high side window sills, which, for nippers, can be like sitting in a hole.  So they get unhappy. And we know what happens then...Whether you choose a sedan-based wagon or an SUV - an Americanism for Sports Utility Vehicle, incidentally - the good news is that affordable family transport, with five star safety, can now also be an enjoyable drive.Among the wagons, the Commodore VE Series ll Sportwagon, priced from $41,990 for the 190kW, 3.0-litre V6 Omega, is a standout. It looks sensational - which, it must be said, is still a rare thing in wagon world.Recent improvements to drivetrains, including E85 ethanol fuel compatibility, direct fuel inection and a six-speed automatic - plus a flash new dash with hands-free Bluetooth and audi streaming as standard - have re-written the Commodore's technical resume to 21st century standards.Around town, the 3.0-litre V6 averages 12.6L/100km in official tests.  A big serve of additional grunt in the 3.6-litre V6 SV6 Sportwagon, plus tighter suspension, sports seats and other extras, justifies its $45,790 ask, and with a city average of 13.3L/100km, you’re not savagely penalised at the pump.Despite the Commodore's appeal, Ford’s Mondeo and the little-known Skoda Superb are the kings of outright space. Behind the driver’s seat, both are as big as the MCG.  Given their size, the fuel economy from their 2.0-litre turbodiesel engines is amazing.  The 120kW, six-speed automated-manual Mondeo, from $36,840, pulls like a train and averages just 7.7L/100km in town.The Skoda is VW engineering with a Czech badge, making  luxury wagon for half the expected price. The 125kW six-speed automated-manual Superb Ambition is $43,990, with a city average of 8.3L/100km and the 118kW 1.8-litre petrol turbo Ambition, at $40,990, offers respectable performance too, averaging 9.7L/100km.In the SUV showroom, Ford’s Territory, from $39,890, is still one of the best size/price/performance packages available - especially with the inevitable big discount ahead of the facelifted model - but the all-wheel drive’s 17.6L/100km thirst in town is a major disincentive.Later this month, a 140kW 2.7-litre V6 turbodiesel engine, which averages 11.6L/100km, goes under the bonnet as part of a major upgrade. It will be worth a test drive.Kia’s Sorento, a classy, competent seven-seater with a brilliant 2.2-litre, 145kW turbodiesel, starts at $39,999, with a five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty. Around town, it averages 9.5L/100 kilometres. The five-seater Subaru Outback now has enough interior acreage to keep a family happy.  This blue-chip, made-in-Japan SUV starts at $38,490 for the 123kW 2.5-litre petrol (11.5-litres per 100 kilometres), or $40,490 for a 110kW 2.0-litre turbodiesel, in manual only, with a 7.7- litres per 100 kilometre average.Load Lugger ChecklistRear camera: All cars should have one as standard, especially wagons and SUVs. The Sorento’s is a brilliant design, integrated into the rearview mirror.Curtain airbags: Essential protection against a side impact. In a seven seater, they should extend to all three rows of seats. In the Territory, they don’t.Child restraint anchors: Should be on the back of the rear seat, not in the load floor, or the roof (as in the Outback), where the tether straps get in the wayCargo bay: Check that the extended floor is flat when you fold the back seat, and that you don’t have to push the driver’s seat too far forward.Row-three seats: In SUVs most are pretty small, suitable for little kids only, or short trips. Check access, which should be easiest from the kerb side.Protection: You need some way to secure gear, because in a prang even small objects behind the back seat become lethal missiles. Options include a solid load cover, a net, a roll out mesh barrier, that clips into the roof, or an aftermarket barrier.Want to go off road ... really off road?Try these:Jeep Grand Cherokee from $45,000. The new Laredo 3.6-litre V6 petrol is great value, but the diesel, due in June, will be a better drive. Hard-core off-roading made easy, and the all-new Grand Cherokee is much improved on the bitumen too.Mitsubishi Challenger from $45,000. Lots of Pajero bits in this, with lower starting prices and a competent, if rather coarse, 2.5 turbodiesel. Seven seats from $49,390, a huge cargo bay, and a locking rear differential.Toyota Landcruiser Prado from $55,990. It’s a Toyota 4WD, so it’s pricey, but you get bulletproof reliability, unbeatable resale values and smooth, but leisurely, performance from the 3.0-litre turbodiesel.