2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Write a review
The Jeep Grand Cherokee, like the Jeep Grand Wagoneer before it, has appealed to the Jeep set who want the Wrangler's ability to get all roughneck in the woods but also want to go home in comfort with their doors assembled.
The edgier look of the 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a steady evolution. The seven-slot chrome grille, semi-round headlights poking into the hood, and flat, upright body panels announce this is not just a newer SUV—it's a newer Jeep. The wheelbase and length are several centimetres longer than before, and the track is wider. But this is a familiar shape worn since the 1990s, and it looks just as good now. New "Trail Rated" badges emphasize what we already know.
The interior is also more modern and car-like than the Ford Explorer's. Materials are better than before, but that's not saying much. Like many truck-based SUVs, this is a basic appliance that can do some pretty advanced things when asked.
A V6 and two V8 engines are available from the family of powertrains shared with Dodge and Chrysler, paired with standard four-wheel drive (4WD). (A rear-wheel drive, or RWD, drivetrain is not offered in Canada.) And there are three different 4WD systems. The 3.7-litre V6 on the Laredo makes power specs of 210 horsepower and 235 pound-feet of torque. It can pair to Quadra-Trac I, a full-time system that splits torque 48/52 front to rear. The 4.7-litre V8 on the Limited has 235 hp and 294 lb-ft. It works with Quadra-Trac II, which uses a low-range transfer case and an electronic clutch to vary torque along with brake-based traction control. The 5.7-litre Hemi V8 outputs 325 hp and 373 lb-ft. When equipped with the Dynamic Handling System (a special set of anti-roll bars), this engine in the Limited works with Quadra-Drive II, which adds electronically locking front and rear axles (the rear axle remains solid, while the front is now independent). It's very capable. A five-speed automatic transmission is the only transmission on both trims, though the V8 trims use a heavier-duty transmission than the one with the V6.
Compared to the previous version, there is less body roll, less play to the steering, and better ride quality. Maximum towing capacities vary depending on engine selection.
The 2005 Grand Cherokee remains a bit cramped inside. There's not enough headroom for driver or passengers in the front seats, the steering wheel doesn't telescope, and the footwells are tight. Legroom is sparse in the rear, too. There is no third-row seat. However, it's easy to get in and out of the Grand Cherokee with grab handles and large door openings. Standard air conditioning adds to the comfort level.
Cargo capacity is 962 litres and increases to 1,897 litres with the seats folded, which is down significantly from the Explorer, the Grand Cherokee's main rival. The rear window opens separately from the tailgate.
Pricing starts at $39,105 in Canada for the 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4WD, and the Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited trim starts at an MSRP of $48,810. Fuel economy is 14.2 to 17.0 litres per 100 kilometres in city driving, 10.3 to 11.4 L/100 km hwy. That's terrible. And that's Jeep.
Still, this is a great choice for occasional and serious off-road enthusiasts who also want a road-worthy commuter and family vehicle. Just be prepared to pay for fuel.
Note: Images show a US model.
User reviews for 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Write a reviewWhat users have asked
2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee Pricing
Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Adjustable pedals: power · Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.07
In Car Entertainment
Video system: DVD player
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic
Roof
Moonroof: power · Roof rack color: black
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Adjustable pedals: power · Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.07
Exterior Features
Skid plate(s): front and rear
In Car Entertainment
Video system: DVD player
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic
Roof
Moonroof: power · Roof rack color: black
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags
Audio System
6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Adjustable pedals: power · Center console: front console with storage · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.73
In Car Entertainment
Video system: DVD player
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Roof
Moonroof: power · Roof rack color: black
Safety
Parking sensors: rear
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: chrome
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags
Audio System
6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Adjustable pedals: power · Center console: front console with storage · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.73
Exterior Features
Skid plate(s): front and rear
In Car Entertainment
Video system: DVD player
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Roof
Moonroof: power · Roof rack color: black
Safety
Parking sensors: rear
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: chrome
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing