We all know the new Jeep Grand Cherokee is the best truck ever to don the seven-slat grille.
Watching the SRT GC’s launch control starts are intoxicating, and the latest LED style of a pinched horseshoe in the headlight graphic is very appealing.
The top-spec Summit trim even brings some heavenly new open-pore woods and fine leathers to the cabin – but at a price.
The top Grand Cherokee’s become quite expensive in the higher trim levels – even kissing $50,000 for the diesel engine in some trims.
What about a GC for the rest of us? The 2014 Laredo holds the line with a $29,000 base price – lower than most ford Explorers and lower than the embarassing new Cherokee Trailhawk that can hit the high $30’s with a few options.
But the GC is a fantastic machine even in this affordable Laredo spec. Yes, you lose the LED accents from the headlights, but the core machine is still exceptional.
A potent V6 engine is paired with an exceptional eight-speed automatic for the first time, and various 4WD systems are offered as cost extras.
In this overlapping price range in the Jeep line-up, the GC Laredo is a far more honest and durable truck than its little sibling.
Tom Burkart is the founder and managing editor of Car-Revs-Daily.com, an innovative and rapidly-expanding automotive news magazine.
He holds a Journalism JBA degree from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Tom currently resides in Charleston, South Carolina with his two amazing dogs, Drake and Tank.
Mr. Burkart is available for all questions and concerns by email Tom(at)car-revs-daily.com.