Connecting the SUV to the road are grippy all-season tires framing attractive

The Cherokee is equipped with grippy all-season tires framing attractive 17-inch Satin Silver finish rims, featuring four-wheel disc brakes with ABS. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

17-inch Satin Silver finish rims, large in diameter for a standard wheel and tire package. Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS are standard too, plus additional amenities such as a power actuated 8-way driver's seat, driver and front passenger adjustable lumbar support, mini trip computer, advanced multi-stage driver and front passenger airbags, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Other features include 17-inch chrome aluminum wheels, leather-faced seating, a DVD navigation system with integrated six-disc CD/MP3 player, a rear DVD entertainment system, power glass sunroof, Boston Acoustics audio system, front and rear side curtain airbags, plus an off-road package with tow hooks and skid plates.

Quadra-Trac II "anticipates and prevents wheel slip for optimum traction during a wide range of conditions". (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

While more options are available, those with a taste for opulence might as well just buck up the $48,595 needed for Jeep's flagship model, the Grand Cherokee Limited. The same 4.7-liter V8 that comes optional in the Laredo is standard in the Limited, with the all-wheel drive system upgraded to Quadra-Trac II, which provides full-time active 4-wheel drive. What's active 4WD? Quadra-Trac II "anticipates and prevents wheel slip for optimum traction during a wide range of conditions," according to a Chrysler Group press release. The Limited also takes advantage of Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and Brake Traction Control System (BTCS).