Jeep adds diesel option to entry level model and cuts price by $1,000

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If you're in the market for a truly off-road capable, mid-sized SUV with great towing capability that gets better-than-expected fuel economy, Chrysler has just made it a little easier on your wallet. They have expanded availability of the Mercedes 3.0L diesel V-6 to the entry level Laredo model and dropped the package price on the up-level models by $1,000. You can now get a 4X2 diesel Grand Cherokee starting at $35,685. The Jeep is certainly no Prius, but if you need a 7,400 lb towing capacity, it's a hard option beat. You can check out our recent full review of the Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited CRD here.
| Chrysler LLC Expands Jeep® Grand Cherokee Diesel Lineup With 3.0-Liter Diesel Engine on Laredo Model |
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| Auburn Hills, Mich., Nov 12, 2007 - In the continuing effort to increase consumer awareness on the benefits of diesel technology, Chrysler LLC has expanded the Jeep® Grand Cherokee diesel lineup to include the 3.0-liter V-6 diesel engine on the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo (X Package). Pricing for the diesel engine option also has been reduced by $1,000 on the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited and Overland models equipped with the class-leading diesel engine.
The manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for the 3.0-liter V-6 diesel engine on the Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo is $2,585 for 4x2 models and $3,235 for 4x4 models.
The reduced MSRP for the diesel engine on the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited is $1,655 for 4x2 and 4x4 models and the MSRP for the diesel engine on the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland 4x2 and 4x4 models is $1,010. Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo models equipped with the 3.0-liter diesel engine will begin to arrive at dealerships in late November.
"The 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel offers class-leading torque and driving range as well as outstanding towing capacity," said John Plecha, Director-Jeep Brand Marketing and Global Communications. "By expanding engine availability and reducing existing prices, we hope that more consumers will be encouraged to take advantage of this clean, renewable fuel. Chrysler believes that clean diesel technology can and should be a part of the national energy solution, and we will continue to build upon our diesel leadership."
The 3.0-liter V-6 diesel engine, built by Mercedes-Benz, produces 215 hp (160 kW) at 3,800 rpm, has a class-leading 376 lb.-ft. torque (510 N•m) at 1,600-2,800 rpm and can tow up to 7,400 pounds. The 3.0-liter engine gives the Jeep Grand Cherokee a class-leading driving range of approximately 450 miles and gets an estimated fuel economy of 18 miles/city and 23 miles/highway for 4x2 models and 17 miles/city and 22 miles/highway for 4x4 models. Earlier in the year, the engine earned a spot on Ward's "10 Best Engines" list.
Clean diesel technology improves fuel economy by up to 30 percent and has up to 20 percent lower carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. The Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel is available in 42 states, excluding California, Maine, Massachusetts, New York, Vermont, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island.
Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo Diesel
With an MSRP of $35,685 for 4x2 models and $38,305 for 4x4 models (including $695 destination) the Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo Diesel (X Package) includes a five-speed automatic transmission, 17-inch aluminum wheels, Quadra-Trac II®*, Sirius Satellite Radio, engine block heater, automatic headlamps, power eight-way driver and four-way passenger seats, automatic dimming rearview mirror, leather-trimmed heated front seats, power adjustable pedals, remote start, power sun roof, adjustable roof rails, side rails, cargo cover and fog lamps. (*4x4 models only)
Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited Diesel
With an MSRP of $38,315 for 4x2 models and $40,905 for 4x4 models (including destination) the Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited CRD includes Sirius Satellite Radio, Quadra-Trac 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 MyGIG™ Multimedia Infotainment System. (*4x4 models only)
Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Diesel
With an MSRP of $41,710 for 4x2 models and $45,145 for 4x4 models (including destination) the Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland CRD includes a five-speed automatic transmission, Quadra-Drive II*, 18-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, MyGIG Multimedia Infotainment System with navigation and UConnect® hands-free communication system. (*4x4 models only)
The Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel is manufactured at the Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit. The Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel is fueled with B5 (5 percent) biodiesel at the assembly plant to help increase the awareness of biodiesel. The Jeep brand also produces a flex-fuel capable 4.7-liter SOHC V-8 engine, which gives customers the ability to use a fuel with an up to 85 percent concentration of ethanol (E85) in their vehicles.
Jeep Brand
The Jeep brand has seven models in the 2008 model year, the most available to retail consumers at one time in its 66-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.
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2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee Diesel Pricing (Includes $695 Destination)*
*All pricing is for U. S. vehicle only
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
11-12-2007 @ 1:11PM
Schmeltz said...
Apparently somebody at Jeep (Chrysler) wised up by offering the diesel in the Laredo package. This will potentially put diesel Grand Cherokees in reach of a larger consumer market. Diesels can gain ground in the U.S. if they make them reasonable in cost.
Jim Press-if you are reading this, and had something to do with this...Thank you.
Reply
11-12-2007 @ 1:43PM
Michael said...
The Grand Cherokee is now on my list for an SUV with third row seating when my next child is born next year.
Now if only they would add the Diesel to the Wrangler, then I would be thrilled to buy not one buy two new Jeeps.
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11-12-2007 @ 2:57PM
mike said...
Jeeps are the closest thing to "non-pretenders" in the SUV category. Still a "true" off road vehicle would have a smaller, say 2.0 liter diesel, because in the back country you really don't know when that next gas station will show up. So, a 3.0 liter, with this pulling power is delusional for true off road capability.
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11-12-2007 @ 4:19PM
Dave Schmetterer said...
Uh... 3, what brand has more cred than Jeep? Rover? Hummer? Maybe... but the Wrangler _was_ the only non-pretender out there. Everything else is too wide IMHO.
Which brings me to my next point. Jeep! Put this in the Wrangler (and shrink it back down to YJ size please).
- Dave
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11-12-2007 @ 5:05PM
Mattias said...
#2: The "Made in Egypt" military version of the Wrangler with Dana live axles seems interesting. Here in Europe you can see lots of Dodge Nitros and four door Wranglers with basically the same VM 2.8l I4 Diesel. A rough, Frito-Lay-van like engine, but quite economical and enoug torque for the trailer.
Unfortunately this engine is far from 50 state compliant. Using the more "civilized" VM 630 series (3.0l V6) would make more sense in the US, but would be also more expensive.
BTW: "Economical" means 23 to 24 mpg -- and here we are spoiled by diesel Volvo V50s and diesel Golfs that easily make 43+ mpg.
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11-12-2007 @ 9:37PM
BioNick said...
Mattias, in America my '02 Golf TDI makes 50mpg+ on the highway. And in the USA we grow our own crops to make biodiesel blends.
That VM four cylinder engine was sold here in the Liberty CRD SUV but they don't sell them new anymore. It was too popular -- they killed it when they remodeled the Liberty.
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11-12-2007 @ 9:46PM
Sam Abuelsamid said...
BioNick, they dropped the VM motori engine because it didn't meet Tier 2 Bin 5 standards. The popularity of that engine is what drove Chrysler to add the diesel to the Grand Cherokee and there will be several more in the next few years.
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11-13-2007 @ 7:12AM
FThorn said...
A diesel Patriot and I AM THERE! With a base price of $15k, Patriot is a deal. Add $1,000 - $1,500 for diesel and you're still talking $16.5k.
With the Patriot getting 30 MPG in normal guise, the diesel should be a ton better.
Plus, the STANDARD traction control and stability control makes it great. I took one out back to back with CR-V and RDX and it's quite good.
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11-13-2007 @ 7:13AM
FThorn said...
$35k is not entry level in my book.
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11-13-2007 @ 9:12AM
Pete said...
As much as I like Jim Press he had nothing to do with it. We had wanted to offer the diesel with the Laredo X package in 07, but we ended up having to push it back to 08.
As for #3, what the hell are you talking about? The WK CRD has a 22 gallon fuel tank...the 4WD model gets 17 city and 22 hwy as per the new 2008 EPA testing standards.
And while we are on the topic of delusional, care to explain your vast experience and knowledge with this particular vehicle?
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11-13-2007 @ 9:52AM
oitbug said...
How about this powerplant in the Liberty or Commander? Interior room on the Grand is anything but.
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11-13-2007 @ 11:48AM
Mattias said...
#6, BioNick: You might get 50+, I might get 50+ on those autobahns with an 100km/h (60mph) speed limit. But when cruising on "open" autobahns (average travel speed there is slightly above 80mph) and in congested cities. 43 to 45 are far more realistic.
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11-13-2007 @ 2:13PM
Schmeltz said...
Oitbug:
Good suggestion about Commander and Liberty editions with this diesel. The Commander I would think could be done easily since it is made in the same factory using the same underpinnings as the Grand Cherokee. The Liberty on the other hand...maybe not so easy. That might require some re-working.
Here's some food for thought that I think would be a viable product if done right and affordably...a diesel engine, 2-mode Plug-in hybrid Jeep Grand Cherokee. It's a mouth-full but a necessity for us rural off-roaders who need 4 wheel drive but require fuel efficiency to preserve our wonderful planet. Jeep, are you taking notes here?
Pete, do you know anyone whom you can plant the bug in their ear?
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11-13-2007 @ 3:08PM
Mattias said...
#13: The Commander is already available as Diesel. Since two years:
http://www.daimlerchrysler.com/dccom/0,,0-5-7145-1-536063-1-0-0-0-0-0-9-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0,00.html
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11-13-2007 @ 5:53PM
Mike said...
Drop 2 cylinders, $15000, put it in a Wrangler and I'm there.
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11-13-2007 @ 8:29PM
Chris Adams said...
BTW I have the exact same engine in an '08 MB ML320 CDI.....and the 2008 EPA ratings don't come close to real life! Ratings are 18 and 24 for my car and over the past 2600+ miles I've averaged over 26MPG. On a 50 mile trip today home from the airport, driving at freeway speeds (75+), I averaged 29.3MPG!! So what's up with these EPA #s? BTW the 4x2 Jeep is rated at 18 and 23, mostly from higher drag coefficient than the ML.
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3-24-2008 @ 10:11AM
Mike Coy said...
Does a (2007) MB 3.0L CRD diesel engine seep or leak oil between the engine and transmission by design? I have been told it has a V-drain system in it and oil could leak out. Is that correct or is it a defect in design?
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9-04-2008 @ 1:12PM
Victor said...
I have a 07 Diesel, am having problems with oil from somewhere. Dealer either is affraid to investigate or would rather not tear into it. This has been going on since I purchased in June 07, now have 21,000 miles on it, and still have the problem. Interesting is that never uses oil, and the oil levels I can check are all full. That tells me it is transmission (sealed system) or differential. Please let me know what you have heard.
victor@salemorlaw.com