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The all new Grand Cherokee is the top ranked Mid-Size SUV in AutoPacific’s 2011 Ideal Vehicle Research.  As the class winner, its owners identify few things they would want changed, but there are a few.  About 30% would like better visibility and more infotainment technology.  About 25% want the Grand Cherokee to be easier to get into and out of.  About 25% want it to have more power and more cargo room as well.  Grand Cherokee owners most like its ride, seat comfort, exterior size and the styling of the new vehicle.  Grand Cherokee handily outpoints the second place Nissan Xterra.

Mid-size SUV

Vehicles such as the Nissan Xterra and the Toyota 4Runner might resemble vehicles that were popular years ago but this segment usually offers off-road capability with tolerable on-road manners.  Many of these vehicles derive from Compact Pickup roots and also have good towing capability.

Ideal Vehicle Award

Each year AutoPacific surveys new car and light truck buyers via mail and Internet about their new vehicle in order to learn more about their purchase experience, attribute importance and satisfaction, lifestyle, preferences, vehicle use, personal characteristics, desired features and more. Respondents to this survey are owners of new 2011 model-year cars and trucks purchased from September through December 2010.  The questionnaire was administered in January and March 2011. The 2011 Ideal Vehicle Awards are based on scores developed using results from a part of this survey that focuses on the consumers’ desire to change their vehicle if given the opportunity.  Respondents rate 15 attributes indicating whether they want them to be changed (larger, smaller, more or less) or not changed (stay the same) after having driven their vehicle for 90 days. Those vehicles wanting the LEAST CHANGE win the IVA for their class.  A total of 72,917 respondents provided input for these awards.