Why not more Grand Cherokee overland vehicles??

[BigDaveZJ]

I have a ZJ, have had a WK2, and my folks have a WJ and WK, and I've been around a LOT of different Grands since I bought my ZJ in '00. I've probably wheeled with at least 150 different Grands of various vintages and build levels. The ZJ was built on what is basically a modified XJ platform. The TJ even borrowed the front suspension from the XJ and ZJ. When the WJ came out, it shared similar geometry to the XJ/ZJ/TJ, but with a more refined road ride, but still solid axles. As Jeep moved away from that with the WK platform, which IIRC was a Mercedes design, the Grand platform became less and less about off highway capability and more about road comfort and luxury. Jeep just simply doesn't cater to the dirt crowd with the Grand, and it shows in the vehicle. They parade the heritage around, but it just simply is not what it used to be, which is why you don't see that many out there. I took my WK2 out on several trails, and while it was comfortable, it's not even close to what a ZJ or WJ can do off the beaten path.

As the JK has evolved and become more off road capable than previous Wranglers, the Grand has moved the other way to keep a certain part of the market segment.

I've also taken several stock ZJ's and WJ's through Poison Spider without issue. Also wouldn't have any issue with either on Black Bear Pass. Took my stock WK2 over Black Bear a couple years ago, would NOT suggest that to anyone.

 

[jswift716]

In my case, it's. Alot cheaper to build an xj and it's alot simpler and easier to maintain with hand tools. I tore mine apart and built it in my driveway by hand. Aftermarket bumpers are cheaper and easier to install etc.

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[Fursphere]

The wife and I went to a few Jeep dealerships over the weekend, looking for a wrangler for me. She started looking at a new Grand Cherokee and starting laughing out loud when she saw the price was $52,000. Add in the road-tuned suspension and they just aren't marketed towards the offroad crowd.

Older GCs can be had cheap these days, and have plenty of aftermarket support. But there are so many options in used market....

 

[Lenny]

I moved to a 06 WK hemi this summer after building up two,wranglers. I'm getting old and curmudgeon and I use it as a DD as well so I wanted a more comfortable platform. So far I love it. Only added an OME lift and tires but I'm planning my build. Now, it seems to get 13mpg going down hill, so I'll need to strap some jerry cans to it. I took it to Ouray this summer and the QD II really impressed me.