Chrysler announced significant updates to its Jeep models for model-year 2014 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The automaker announced major changes to its Jeep Grand Cherokee, which is covered in this article, and its Compass and Patriot models, covered here.

For the Jeep Grand Cherokee, major changes for 2014 include a new diesel engine, a new eight-speed transmission, a new high-end model, the “Summit,” and new connectivity features, such as a new 8.4-inch touchscreen display. The 2014 Grand Cherokee comes with four grades, Laredo, Limited, Overland, and Summit.

To view additional photos of the Jeep Grand Cherokee, click the photo at the top of the story.

Performance

The big change for the Grand Cherokee in 2014 is a new the new V-6 EcoDiesel engine, which delivers 30 mpg highway, as one of three available engines. The automaker said the 3.6L Pentastar V-6 engine is standard in the Grand Cherokee, and a 5.7L V-8 is also available along with the new clean diesel engine.

In terms of power, the new EcoDiesel V-6 produces 240 hp and 420 lb.-ft. of torque. It can tow up to 7,400 lbs. and Chrysler expects it to deliver 21 mpg city and 30 mpg highway in the 4x2 models, and 20 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, in the 4x4 models. Driving range is 730 miles.

The 3.6L V-6 can achieve up to 25 mpg highway and has more than a 600-mile driving range, and can produce up to 290 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque. The 5.7L V-8 can achieve up to 21 mpg highway and produces up to 360 horsepower and 390 lb.-ft. of torque. Towing capacity for the 5.7L is 7,400 lbs.

The 2014-MY Jeep Grand Cherokee comes with a new eight-speed transmission, which comes with all three engine options, and delivers quicker acceleration, smooth shifting, and enhanced ride quality, according to Chrysler. The new transmission also provides a lower crawl ratio of 44.1:1, in order to help the vehicle climb over or through tough obstacles when equipped with a two-speed transfer case.

Chrysler also added a new driving mode to the Jeep Grand Cherokee, called “Eco Mode.” Eco Mode optimizes the transmission’s shift schedule in the V-6 models, and it uses Fuel Saver cylinder deactivation in the V-8 models. This mode is automatically engaged when the driver starts the vehicle, but he or she can turn it off via a button on the center stack. Eco Mode also activates the Grand Cherokee’s air suspension system, lowering it to Aero Ride Height when the vehicle’s speed is between 52 and 56 mph or exceeds 56 mph. Also, new steering wheel paddle shifters (standard on all models) are designed to give the driver more control over on- and off-road driving and allow for Electronic Range Select when using Selec-Speed Control in extreme off-road situations, according to Chrysler.

Exterior

For 2014, Chrysler said it updated the Grand Cherokee to give a more premium look and differentiate the trim levels from one another. The automaker said it reduced the upper grille’s height and made the headlamps slimmer on all models. It elevated the lower front fascia and raised the fog lights, too.

In the back, the Jeep Grand Cherokee features new larger taillamps with LED lights, a more aerodynamic rear spoiler, and a different tailgate design. The lower rear fascias are model-specific, according to Chrysler. Dual exhaust tips are standard on all Limited, Overland, and Summit models. The new LED lights are standard on the Overland and Summit models, and on the Limited bi-xenon HID headlamps outlined with LED running lamps are available.

A power rear liftgate is either standard or available on all 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee models, according to Chrysler.

Off-Road Performance

All 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokees equipped with Off-road groups are Trail Rated, according to Chrysler. The 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee offers three 4x4 systems, the Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II, an available Quadra-Lift air suspension, and a Selec-Terrain traction management system. Chrysler said the Quadra-Trac I provides four-wheel drive at all times. The Quadra-Trac II comes with a two-speed transfer case. The Quadra-Drive II features a rear Electronic Limited-slip Differential (ELSD). Selec-Terrain is standard with Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II.

The Quadra-Lift air suspension system provides a range of ride heights, and the Selec-Terrain traction control system offers five modes for handling different types of terrain (sand, mud, auto – it adapts to different conditions, snow, and rock). The Sport Mode, which is designed for on-road use, is now engaged with the shift lever. Also, the new Selec-Speed Control with Hill-ascent and Hill-descent Control lets drivers control the Grand Cherokee’s speed on grades via the steering wheel paddle shifters. Selec-Speed Control will be available later on the Grand Cherokee with the EcoDiesel V-6.

Interior

Inside the new Grand Cherokee, the automaker provides room for five passengers. A standard fold-flat front-passenger seat offers more cargo storage room on Laredo models. Rear seats can recline 12 degrees. Cargo room behind the second row is 36.3 cu. ft. and includes a storage unit with a rechargeable flashlight and grocery hooks on both sides. The spare time compartment comes with removable dual storage bins as well.

Chrysler updated the center stack in the 2014-MY Grand Cherokee, and it features the automaker’s new Uconnect 5-inch or 8.4-inch touchscreens. The instrument panel is a 7-inch configurable display. Other available connectivity features include voice command navigation and control of texting on a connected smartphone, and the Uconnect Access system.

The automaker said each model features its own unique interior touches, such as dark wood trim on the dash and doors on the Laredo and Limited models. The E-shifter on the console and the new steering wheel are wrapped in leather. The Overland and Summit models come with a CommandView dual-pane sunroof that features a power sunshade (available on the Limited model), and the Laredo and Limited models feature an available single-pane sunroof.

Safety

For safety, the Grand Cherokee comes with Forward Collision Warning with Crash Mitigation and Selec-Speed Control, standard electronic stability control, Electronic Roll Mitigation (which reacts and applies the brakes during specific driving situations), standard trailer sway control, and Selec-Speed Control with Hill Start Assist (mentioned earlier). Front-row active head restraints, full-length side-curtain air bags, and seat-mounted side thorax air bags are standard.

Other features include Front Park Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control. Available safety features include Blind-spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Path detection.

Production

The new 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee is built at Chrysler’s Jefferson North Assembly Plant (JNAP) in Detroit.