We know for sure that in a couple of years the U.S. market will have more diesel options than it's had in a very long time. They'll be powerful, efficient and clean diesels, different in every way from the ones you remember during the Reagan era. DaimlerChrysler is poised to enjoy having the broadest lineup of diesel engines available across its many brands in the coming years, and one of the first that's 50-state legal is the Jeep Grand Cherokee CRD, pricing for which was released today. To refresh your memory, the GC CRD's V6 is the same 3.0-liter diesel developed by Mercedes-Benz and used in many of that brand's products. It produces 215 horsepower and a stout 376 ft-lbs. of torque. For comparison's sake, the GC's available 5.7-liter V8 produces more horsepower at 330, but falls behind the 3.0-liter V6 CRD in torque with 375 ft-lbs. No doubt it will also far behind the CRD engine in fuel economy, which promises 20 city/25 highway for 4x2 models and 20/24 for 4x4 models.
Below you'll find the pricing of the new Jeep Grand Cherokee CRD, with the prices of comparable gas-powered models included, as well. The official press release from Jeep can be found after the jump.
Jeep Grand Cherokee CRD Limited 4x2 $38,475 (including $695 destination)
Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4x2 $35,425
Jeep Grand Cherokee CRD Limited 4x4 $41,715 (including $695 destination)
Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4x4 $38,015
Jeep Grand Cherokee CRD Overland 4x2 $41,960 (including $695 destination)
Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland 4x2 $39,950
Jeep Grand Cherokee CRD Overland 4x4 $45,395 (including $695 destination)
Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland 4x4 $43,385
[Source: Jeep]
PRESS RELEASE:
Chrysler Group Announces Pricing for the New 2007 Jeep® Grand Cherokee CRD
- Full-size, diesel-powered sport-utility vehicle for under $39,000
- Up to 30 percent improvement in fuel economy and 20 percent fewer carbon dioxide emissions
- Class-leading torque and driving range (450 miles); outstanding towing
Washington, D.C., Jan 23, 2007 - Chrysler Group announced today at the Washington Auto Show pricing for its first diesel-powered, full-size sport-utility vehicle (SUV) to be offered in the United States. The 2007 Jeep® Grand Cherokee with a 3.0-liter common rail turbo diesel (CRD) engine will begin to arrive at Jeep dealerships in March.
The manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for the Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited CRD will begin at $38,475, including $695 destination. The 3.0-liter V-6 CRD engine will be available on the Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited and Overland 4x2 and 4x4 models.
"The Chrysler Group is leading the way to bring the advantages of diesel to various U.S. vehicle segments," said Tom LaSorda, President and CEO, Chrysler Group. "Chrysler Group will continue to build upon our diesel leadership in the years to come. We believe that clean diesel technology can and should be a part of the national energy solution. It's crucial that our country's policymakers set regulations that encourage a diversity of approaches to reducing our dependence on oil."
The new 3.0-liter V-6 CRD engine, built by Mercedes-Benz, produces 215 hp (160 kW) @ 3,800 rpm and 376 lb.-ft. torque (510 N•m) @ 1,600-2,800 rpm and gets an estimated fuel economy of 20 miles city and 25 miles highway for 4x2 models and 20 miles city and 24 miles highway for 4x4 models. Most recently, the engine earned a spot on "Ward's 10 Best Engines" list.
The 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee CRD offers class-leading torque, outstanding towing capacity (7,400 pounds), and class-leading driving range of approximately 450 miles. Clean diesel technology also improves fuel economy by up to 30 percent and has up to 20 percent fewer carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.
Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited CRD
With an MSRP of $38,475 for 4x2 models and $41,715 for 4x4 models (including destination) the Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited CRD includes Sirius Satellite Radio, Quadra-Drive II®*, five-speed automatic transmission, 17-inch aluminum wheels, memory system (seats, mirrors, pedals, etc.), air conditioning with dual-zone automatic temperature control, rain sensitive windshield wipers, premium leather seats, SmartBeam headlamps, tire pressure monitor, engine block heater, and AM/FM/six-disc CD/MP3 radio. (*4x4 models only)
Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland CRD
With an MSRP of $41,960 for 4x2 models and $45,395 for 4x4 models (including destination) the Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland CRD includes a five-speed automatic transmission, Quadra-Drive II*, 17-inch chrome clad wheels, ParkView rear back-up camera, ParkSense® rear back-up system, skid plates*, trailer tow package, tow hooks*, engine block heater, Sirius Satellite Radio, DVD-based AM/FM/six-disc CD/MP3 navigation radio and UConnect® hands-free communication system. (*4x4 models only)
"The Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel will offer excellent performance, increased fuel economy, class-leading torque, towing and a driving range of 450 miles – the equivalent of driving from Washington D.C. to Boston," said Craig Love, Vice President--Rear-Wheel-Drive Product Team, Chrysler Group. "Unlike past experiences Americans may have had with diesel engines 20 years ago, the 3.0-liter CRD available on the Jeep Grand Cherokee is engineered to be a smooth-running, quiet, clean engine. Consumers may forget that they are driving a diesel vehicle."
The Jeep brand also announced last year that the 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee would have a flex-fuel capable 4.7-liter SOHC V-8 engine, which gives customers the ability to use a fuel with an 85 percent concentration of ethanol (E85) in their vehicles. Flex-fuel vehicles support renewable sources of fuel and reduce emissions. The 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee continues Chrysler Group's commitment to alternative fuels and technology.
More than 60 percent of the Chrysler Group vehicles sold in Western Europe are diesel powered. Between 2003 and 2007, the Chrysler Group will triple the number of diesel offerings outside North America. Of the estimated 20 vehicles available, 12 or more will have the option for a diesel powertrain (up from four in 2003).
The Jeep Grand Cherokee CRD will be manufactured at the Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit. The Jeep Grand Cherokee CRD will be fueled with B5 (5 percent) biodiesel at the assembly plant to help increase the awareness of biodiesel. The 3.0-liter V-6 CRD engine is built at the Mercedes-Benz Berlin Marienfelde Plant in Berlin, Germany.
Jeep Brand
The Jeep brand has seven models in the 2007 model year, the most available to retail consumers at one time in its 65-year history.
The expansion of the Jeep brand has taken place in just two years. At the start of 2004, the brand's trio of tough, capable, rugged SUVs included the venerable Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Liberty (Cherokee outside North America) and the icon of the brand, the Jeep Wrangler.
In 2005, the Jeep Commander was introduced. In 2006, the redesigned Jeep Wrangler was unveiled. Also debuting in 2006 were three more all-new Jeep vehicles: Jeep Patriot, Jeep Compass and the four-door Jeep Wrangler Unlimited.
2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee CRD Pricing
- Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4x2 $38,475 (including $695 destination)
- Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4x4 $41,715 (including $695 destination)
- Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland 4x2 $41,960 (including $695 destination)
- Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland 4x4 $45,395 (including $695 destination)
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Tim UF @ Jan 23rd 2007 1:09PM
so, lets see... the CRD is appealing to two groups: those wants more towing grunt, and those looking for a thrifty alternative SUV... i'm thinking those in the market for a midsize thrifty suv are going to be put off by the high 30's entry price on the crd... especially considering that this is 10k over the base price... make the crd available as a non-packaged option, they may see more sales of the engine.
Tom @ Jan 23rd 2007 1:16PM
Great, typical DCX.... Make the best engines available only on the high end models. My '05 GC Laredo lease is up at the end of the month. I was interested in the CRD, but I have to jump up to a Limited to get it? No thanks DCX. I'm not paying $10k more than I need to just for an engine.
Accordsforall @ Jan 23rd 2007 1:24PM
Hmmm
Tom, ya already driving a vehicle ya didnt need in the 1st place. I doubt ya tow anything. if I cracked open the trans case.. I bet the fluid for the awd system is spit clean and Im also willing to bet ya never drive the car as designed... just to the market like everyone else.
So.. this is probably up ya alley.. a vehicle no one asked for.. from a company making a slew of cars.. no one asked for.. Commander / Patriot / Compass / Chrysler Aspen a version of the Durango...
Tim UF @ Jan 23rd 2007 1:25PM
HA! SEE!
at least in the liberty, its available in the sport edition... but, the liberty is a bit on the smallish side
Kotse @ Jan 23rd 2007 1:36PM
For sure my next ride will be a diesel when I'm in a market to replace my Passat Wagon in 2-3yrs...by that time, oil burner choices galore from Euro, Asian to US makes, heck I just might even buy a Chrysler product...considering it's still DC owned by then and/or powered by an MBZ derived engine(coming from someone whose familiar with 240D/300Ds of yore).
Roanoke @ Jan 23rd 2007 1:47PM
Jeep will sell every one they can equip with this new engine, therefore why offer it in the less expensive Laredo model? Might as get the most dollars out of the CRD while it's new to the brand. (Jeep is in the market to make money, right?) Too bad Tom, we'll both have to wait a year or two.
enh @ Jan 23rd 2007 1:50PM
Accordsforall why attack TOM? You must have some incredible abilities to read a simple comment and deduce he has no need for an SUV. I think he had a valid point. DCX may attract more customers if they included it as an option in the base model.
oliver @ Jan 23rd 2007 1:50PM
Liberty screams "fag".
Roanoke @ Jan 23rd 2007 1:57PM
So does 'oliver'.
John @ Jan 23rd 2007 2:02PM
^^^^ LOL
oliver @ Jan 23rd 2007 2:04PM
Hmmm..."Ro n' Poke"
Roanoke @ Jan 23rd 2007 2:09PM
Awww sorry oliver, I was just stating the obvious. Go ahead and call me names if it makes you feel better.
Anyways, The CRD should be awesome, just hope it comes out in the Laredo sooner than later.
oliver @ Jan 23rd 2007 2:23PM
I feel better.
Spalind @ Jan 23rd 2007 2:23PM
Right...the $45K price point will REALLY turn things around and get "regular" folks interested in diesel engines...gimmic...gimmic...gimmic...so that Chrysler/Jeep can say "Look...we're trying new things and are making progress towards a better tomorrow!!" I wouldn't be 1/2 surprised to here GWB mention this vehicle in his state of the union address tonight as a sign of the progress America is making...
Michael Karesh @ Jan 23rd 2007 2:28PM
I'll get this into my database by tomorrow morning. Thanks for the heads up.
Based on the info shown here, it looks like the engine itself adds $2,010 to the price on top of the Hemi. The wider gap with the Limited is because the Hemi is an $845 option on that trim, as is satellite radio ($195) and, on the 4wd, the Quadra-Drive II system.
http://www.truedelta.com/models/Cherokee.php
Acre @ Jan 23rd 2007 2:34PM
This hacks me off! When it was originally announced, they indicated that it would be available on the Laredo models.
I was considering this but one of the problems are that the Limited models were all being put out with a sunroof and I couldn't fit in this vehicle with a sunroof (I'm too tall) - not to mention like everyone else is saying that I don't want to drop that kinda cash.
Tal D @ Jan 23rd 2007 2:40PM
I imagine the high end models receiving diesel engines will only be in the beginning of the intoductions.
The initial engine ,probably, will be followed by a variety of other sizes for a variety of vehicles,
I'm just glad DC is taking the initiative to introduce diesels in other than Mercedes.Mid 50K range for an E class is too much for me. DC will be competeting with a slew of other manufacturers offering diesel engines, if we are to believe reports of late, and pricing should be competetive as well. Hopefully.
A diesel/hybrid would be an optimum power source(s) IF extra premium prices were not applied that would drive the costs into the cost-prohibitive range.Maybe competition would either lower or eliminate a high premium cost.
Time will tell.
MikeW @ Jan 23rd 2007 2:45PM
200hp@2800. Nice but the 4.7 makes more power from 3700+rpm
Which transmission, W5a580 or 545RFE?
Canada says 3.73 axle ratio
http://www.jeep.ca/en/common/pdf/specs_cherokee.pdf
Chris @ Jan 23rd 2007 3:05PM
"I'll get this into my database by tomorrow morning. Thanks for the heads up."
Oh thank god. I dont know what we'd all do if it wasn't in the database no one looks at. But don't let that stop your self-promotion.
Talis @ Jan 23rd 2007 3:08PM
Ok, well after reading the article, and doing some Jeep research, I think know what’s going on.
First--It is not an option (or model addition) on only the top-of-the-line model. The CRD is available on the Limited model which, according to Edmunds.com, is the middle line model (excluding the SRT-8). The CRD is also available on the Overland model, which is the top-of-the-line model (again, not counting the SRT-8).
Now, for those of you who wanted the CRD on the Laredo, or the base model, I know what you are thinking and kind of agree. I think I know what DCX was thinking--the Grand Cherokee Laredo is the "poor man's SUV". If that is true, then DCX got it wrong in my book.
OR!!!
Their data shows that most people do not buy the Laredo, opting instead, for the Limited model. I don’t know where I can find a model sold report with out breaking some laws (I don't work at a dealer--please help if you do) so I don’t know that for sure. BUT if that is true (which is the more likely case I would think), then DCX is right and the rest of you (us?) can just shut up.
NOW with that being said, it would appear that the CRD is only about 3K extra over the non-CRD of the same model type. That’s not a lot to pay, and it is no where near the 10K some are talking about. (Yes, I know that 38K minus 27K equals about 10K but be realistic, people).
I am not sure which is the more true argument, but I would think that DCX knows what it is doing… Most companies don’t want to close their doors and I don’t think DCX would do this. I know that, and I agree, the compass makes Jeep the laughing stock of the SUV/Truck world, but even with that, DCX (and Jeep) are trying to gain more market share. I think the CRD will sell well enough for a few years adding more life blood to Jeep and the now very old Grand Cherokee.