Jeep promotes the Grand Cherokee as a full-size SUV, but that's only partly true. In its physical dimensions and towing capacity, Grand Cherokee is a mid-size, like the Ford Explorer or Chevrolet TrailBlazer. At the base level, it's priced like a mid-size. It isn't even Jeep's biggest SUV, as that honor now belongs to the Commander. Still, Jeep clearly sees Grand Cherokee as the flagship of its fleet, and that means that you won't find a Jeep, at least, that's more comfortable, sophisticated, or better appointed.

Outside, Grand Cherokee is edgy and angular, clean and contemporary, uncluttered by body cladding. Yet it is instantly recognizable as a Jeep. Inside, the atmosphere is light, comfortable, and enveloping, with lots of seat adjustment, excellent outward vision around relatively slim windshield post. All switches and controls are clearly are labeled and easy to find and use. In back is nearly 70 cubic feet of cargo space.

Anyone familiar with Grand Cherokees of just a few years ago will find that the chassis is now far more sophisticated, giving the current model much better handling than that of pre-2005 models. Today's Grand Cherokee leans less in corners while riding better on all surfaces. Its turning radius is tighter, too, good for crowded parking lots.