The 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee is an ideal vehicle for buyers who want an off-road sport-utility vehicle with a range of engine options, and is equally agile on pavement. The Jeep Grand Cherokee seats five-passengers, and comes in four trim levels: Laredo, Limited, Overland and SRT8. All trim levels come with either two or four wheel drive; the SRT8 is all-wheel drive only.

The Grand Cherokee Laredo is equipped with a 3.7-liter V6 that delivers 210 hp and 235 pound-feet of torque. EPA estimates mileage at 15 mpg city and 19 mpg highway. A 4.7-liter V8 engine rated at 305 hp and 335 lb-ft of torque, standard on the Limited and optional on the Laredo, achieves fuel economy of 14 mpg city and 19 mpg highway. A 5.7-liter “Hemi” V8 that produces 330 hp and 375 lb-ft of torque is standard on the Overland and optional on 4WD Limited models. This engine features cylinder-deactivation to achieve fuel economy of 13/18 mpg (city/highway). All trims get an optional 3.0-liter common-rail diesel V6 engine good for 215 hp and 376 lb-ft of torque, achieves fuel economy of 17/22 mpg (city/highway). A five-speed automatic transmission is standard.

The four-wheel-drive Laredo gets a single-speed system which functions as all-wheel drive. The full-time Quadra-Trac II 4WD system is optional on the Laredo and standard on the Limited. The Quadra-Drive II system is standard on the Overland 4×4s and optional on the Limited. The Grand Cherokee with Quadra-Drive also features hill descent control, hill start assist and skid plates.

The Grand Cherokee’s cabin features comfortable seats, roomy in the front, but hampered for space in the rear. Interior material quality is an improvement over the past. The dash has user-friendly controls with the latest electronic gizmos. Cargo capacity is 35 cubic feet behind the rear seat, but goes up to 69 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The Laredo comes well equipped with a CD stereo with an auxiliary audio jack and satellite radio, power accessories, air-conditioning, a power driver seat, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, a trip computer and 17-inch wheels. The Limited trim features wood trim, a stereo with Boston Acoustics speakers and an in-dash CD/DVD changer, remote start, leather upholstery, heated seats, adjustable pedals, dual-zone automatic climate control, a back-up camera and a sunroof. The Overland upgrades to wood trim, Bluetooth and MyGIG hard-drive-based audio/navigation system, leather seats, 18-inch chrome wheels and HID headlights. The high-performance Grand Cherokee SRT8 gets sport front seats, leather or suede upholstery, 20-inch wheels, sport suspension, larger brakes and exclusive styling touches.

Safety features include standard side curtain airbags, antilock disc brakes and stability control. The 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee has a five-star rating in government front and side-impact crash tests.