![]() With the eight-speed, EPA fuel-economy ratings improve by 1 mpg each to 17 mpg city and 24 highway, and we saw 17 mpg. For a sub-300-hp SUV weighing 4987 pounds, that qualifies as quick. We recorded a 7.5-second 0-to-60 time for this test that’s 0.6 second quicker than the best sprint registered by our long-termer. Still, the transmission’s brain clearly was programmed to upshift early and often, although you can calm it down by moving the shift lever to the Sport setting. ![]() The ratio spread keeps the V-6’s revs low at higher speeds, but the lower gears make the most of the Pentastar’s power. The transmission loves to shift, but the changes are as smooth as butter. The optional V-8 and the new diesel six move the Jeep with more bravado, but the eight-speed brings slightly more verve to the high-strung V-6. More Speeds, More Shifting, Better Use of V-6’s Power The six makes its 290 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque high in the rev range, and the outgoing five-speed automatic had to work hard to keep the V-6 on the boil. In our long-term 2011 Grand Cherokee V-6 and a separate 2011 test model, we noted that the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 felt like it struggled against the SUV’s porky curb weight. We were curious to discover how the new eight-speed-the only significant mechanical update-would improve the V-6’s drivability. We have previously driven the Hemi V-8, put the new V-6 diesel in a comparo, and tested the hot-rod SRT, but this is our first full test of the volume V-6 model. We aren’t complaining, what with the ’14 GC’s new eight-speed automatic transmission, refined interior, and even more handsome sheetmetal. Jeep’s current-generation Grand Cherokee SUV has been such a success that it probably didn’t need an update to keep things rolling, but one arrived for 2014 anyway.
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