Redesigned for 2005, the third-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee remained true to its heritage, retaining a trail-friendly size, formidable off-road prowess, and refined on-road manners. Evolutionary styling looks both forward and back, with a chunky, geometric take on the SUV two-box form. Jeep resisted the urge to cram in a third row of seats, leaving large-scale people-hauling to the new, Grand Cherokee-based 2006 Commander. The new GC arrived with a new independent front suspension designed to improve on-road comfort and agility, and an available 330-horsepower Hemi V-8 giving it class-leading power. For 2006, the Grand Cherokee receives Chrysler's SRT treatment, with the SRT-8 model packing a 6.1-liter/415-horse Hemi V-8, along with upgraded brakes and suspension and big, 20-inch wheels. The SRT-8 should get to 60 mph in around five seconds, putting it in Porsche Cayenne Turbo territory for about half the price.
