Chrysler has sent our way a couple SUVs with power options to the popular Hemi V-8 – the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland EcoDiesel and the ’14 Dodge Durango Limited V-6.
They’re mated to 8-speed automatic transmissions, effectively raising mpg standards for each.
New to the Grand Cherokee this fall, the diesel is a turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 built by Italian-based VM Motori (associated with Fiat). Tremendous torque (420 lb.-ft.) gives the V-6 diesel maximum towing capability of 7,400 pounds, equal to the bigger Hemi V-8.
The diesel, which adds $4,500 to the Jeep’s sticker price, has strong low-end torque and the overall power range is smooth. Its EPA estimate is 21/28; my overall average was 25.8 mpg, based on a 70/30 percent highway/city split.
The impressive mix of torque and mpg is the selling point for the higher-priced power.
A two-speed transfer case and electronic limited-slip differential are part of the Quadra-Drive II four-wheel-drive setup on the review model. Quadra-Lift air suspension can lift the ground clearance to 11.3 inches for offroad tasks, or can lower the clearance for high-speed highway aerodynamics and for easier entry when parked.
A driver-selectable dial on the center console offers, in addition to automatic setting for normal driving, a choice of Sand, Mud, Snow and Rock, which alter throttle, brake and suspension response for optimum traction on the various terrain conditions.
An imprint, “Since 1941,” at the bottom of the thick, nicely finished wood-and-leather steering wheel (heated) is a reminder of Jeep’s outstanding history.
The Overland trim level and engine option pushed price of the Grand Cherokee to $54,480. Among other amenities are navigation/audio with 7-inch screen, backup camera, panoramic sunroof, front seats heated and cooled and rear seats heated, dual-zone air conditioning, adaptive cruise control and blind-spot detection.
A power liftgate opens access to large 36.3-cubic-feet cargo space behind the second row of seats. A broad, sloping A-pillar and wide side mirror create some view blockage, especially to the right at intersections.
The Dodge Durango, a three-row alternative to the Grand Cherokee’s two rows of seats, performed adequately with the 290-horsepower V-6 engine.
Its 8-speed automatic transmission is controlled from a dial shifter on the center console, with paddle-shift capability from the steering wheel.
Though paling in power compared with a Hemi V-8, the Pentastar V-6 and 8-speed delivered an overall fuel mileage average of 21.8. In early January, a Hemi-powered Durango R/T carried me over ice-covered roads in below-zero weather to DIA for a flight to Detroit and showed a reading of 14.6 mpg.
Though built on the same platform as the Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Durango is a foot longer in overall length. It is recognized by its crosshair grille and high-riding hood.
The 2014 Durango Limited’s cabin features wide, comfortable front seats with padded armrest over the center console. Second-row seats in the review model are captain’s chairs, and the third-row seating is decent and roomy enough to carry two adults when necessary.
An interior highlight is an 8.4-inch touch-screen display for navigation and audio systems.
The Durango rides on 20-inch wheels, with Goodyear 265/50R20 tires. Cargo space is only 17.7 cubic feet behind the third row of seats; fold them, thougth, and it expands to almost 48 feet.
The Durango Limited AWD sticker price reached $45,675 with the addition of a rear DVD entertainment system, in which video screens lifted up from the rear of front-seat headrests. Among other options are automatic headlight leveling and high-beam control, power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, rain-sensitive windshield wipers, blind-spot and cross-path detection and power sunroof.
A look back
Thirty-five years ago this week, I reviewed in The Denver Post the French-built 1978 Peugeot 504 diesel sedan. Excerpts:
Besides its diesel engine, there are a few differences noticeable from the driver’s seat of a 1978 Peugeot 504 four-door sedan. The ignition switch is on the left side of the steering column, and the directional-signal lever is to the right. On the road, though, this French-built Peugeot will provide ride and handling of comparable or better quality than many more-expensive European models. At a price in the $10,000 range, the 504 diesel sedan is Peugeot’s most popular model in the U.S. The diesel engine is a 141-cubic-inch overhead-valve 4-cylinder. A wait of as long as a minute and a half is necessary for preheating the cylinders before starting the engine on a cold morning. It is noisy upon starting, but quiets down within a few blocks of driving. Acceleration isn’t quick, but is adequate. A sunroof adds to warm-weather driving comfort, though it was somewhat difficult to open, slide and close. Joe DiStefano, district parts and service manager for Peugeot, said this would smooth out with more use. With a 4-speed transmission, the Peugeot averaged 28.7 miles per gallon in city driving and 31 on the highway.
Saturday Drive can also be viewed online at DenverPost.com/budwells. Bud Wells can be reached via e-mail at bwells@denverpost.com.
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