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For the 2008 model year, the Grand Cherokee had a minor exterior and interior refresh, and expanded the trim levels the 215HP 3.0L V6 diesel could be ordered in; we recently had the chance to spend some time with one. The 3.0L V6 is built by Mercedes-Benz, but not equipped with the latest Bluetec emissions-reducing technology. The engine has only 42-state availability this year, and gets cut from the 2009MY due to stricter emissions. If you want one, place your order now.

Jeep will build 2008MY Grand Cherokee diesel models through the end of 2008, though with the expanded feature availability of the 2009MY products. Step up now and you can get a Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel with iPod interface when the navigation system is ordered and a nine-inch rear DVD screen instead of eight-inch. Overland and Limited models get a revised standard leather appearance package, covering most oft-touched hard plastic with leather.

Diesel enthusiasts are convinced it is the way of the future, or at least the way for significantly more of the driving population than now. Largely the provenance of European manufacturers and pickup trucks, more were offered for 2008 than in recent years. Yet the powertrain option is still rare enough that it isn’t often that we get the chance to drive one.

What’s That Sound? Oh, Just My Jeep.
Compared with the gasoline 210HP V6 available in the Grand Cherokee, the diesel delivers a similar amount of horsepower. Torque, though, is much increased (376 lb-ft instead of 235). The result is a powertrain that feels strong when you need it, passing and merging. The diesel was competent and comfortable moving the Grand Cherokee around, with power on demand from a generally quiet and unobtrusive powertrain. And, not that most SUV drivers likely notice, diesels have a much lower redline; 4500 rpm in this case.
The engine is unobtrusive unless you’re at a stoplight, that is; diesels are naturally louder at idle and startup. The sound is associated with pickup trucks or semis in our part of the world, so you first look around at the noise, remember it is your SUV, and then turn the radio up a little louder. It sounds like a truck, but you’re behind the wheel of a comfortable and nicely appointed mid-size SUV. It doesn’t quite add up.
Mostly, you can forget you’re driving a diesel unless you go to the pump or are idling with the radio quiet or windows down. The distinct diesel sound is not what a mainstream buyer expects from this size SUV. Some find it disconcerting, but diesel enthusiasts love it.

Rollercoaster Diesel and Gasoline Prices Mean Savings Uncertain
According to the trip computer, reset when we got the SUV, our city driving returned a respectable 20.4 mpg. EPA ratings for diesel V6 are 17/20 city/highway versus the 3.7L V6 gasoline at 15/19mpg. At the time of our test, gasoline had dropped to $3.69 but diesel was at $4.49. Comparing our real-world results against the EPA city rating for the gas V6 implies saving 5 mpg. That translates to using 1.8 fewer gallons of diesel than of gasoline fuel to drive 100 miles, or $6.64 less in direct cost. In a 10,000-mile year, the difference is between spending about $2200 on diesel or $2400 on gasoline. But to save that $200 means initial an additional outlay of $1655 for the diesel engine. That’s eight years to recoup the cost of the engine.
But when gasoline and diesel costs are close, or diesel is less expensive, the diesel option starts saving real money, in the $600 to $800 annual range. We used less diesel fuel than we would have gasoline in this Grand Cherokee; if conservation is your goal, the diesel clearly wins. The diesel also means acceleration and torque where you really use it, for off-the-line and mid-range acceleration. Still, the overall cost effectiveness of diesel is inconsistent at best, and among the reasons these engines get niche and cult rather than mainstream acceptance.
Are American preferences changing? Slowly. But diesel acceptance has competition from other options as well as a negative image to get over. AutoPacific‘s 2008 research shows 7% willing to consider a diesel for their next vehicle; by comparison 9% say they will consider E85/gasoline engines, 30% gasoline-electric hybrids, and 43% conventional gasoline engines. In 2003, though, only 3% said they’d consider diesel and 5% gasoline-electric hybrids. E85 wasn’t even on the survey a mere five years ago.

Other 2008 Updates Improve Living Space
Back to the car, though, as purchase decisions are made more by how you feel behind the wheel than how much it costs to put you and keep you in that seat. The exterior updates for 2008MY freshened the classic Grand Cherokee look and the interior updates made for a more pleasant environment. This has long been the top of the Jeep lineup, and even an unsung hero at the beleaguered Chrysler LLC. The updates brought MyGig (renamed uconnect tunes for 2009) and a new touch-screen navigation system (now called uconnect gps), complete with Sirius real-time traffic. The newer navigation system is finally easy to operate, with a robust and thorough database and faster calculations, thanks to the hard-drive-based system. The only thing, other than a bit bigger screen, I wished for was a toggle for controlling the navigator’s voice volume on the main screen, as there is for switching between 2D and 3D perspectives or zooming the map.
Our Limited 4×4 sported a two-tone interior, with leather seats, and a full complement of convenience features. Total price, including destination, was $43,570. With its long, long list of features (missing only the rear-seat DVD entertainment and Sirius TV systems), the price seemed especially nice considering you’re likely to find plenty of incentives and dealer offers. And as I wrote about a few years ago (click here), the Grand Cherokee is a terrific friend to have in a snowstorm.