Jeep's Grand Cherokee uses the advanced Quadra-Drive II active four-wheel drive system and features no less than three electronic limited-slip differentials. It's also the first vehicle on the market with an electronically-engaging torque bias front axle. The question is how much use will any of this be to the majority of buyers who would never dream of taking their pride and joy offroad? They'll be far more interested in impressing pedestrians and cutting a dash on their local high street - and that's where the Grand Cherokee Overland model comes in.

Jump back to the late nineties and the Grand Cherokee was a luxury 4x4. Buyers wanting the plushest offroad vehicle they could lay their hands on either bought the big Jeep or a MKII Range Rover. Today, the market has changed unrecognisably. In the current climate, no prestige manufacturer's model range is complete without a large and luxurious mud-plugger. Mercedes, BMW, Lexus, Porsche and Audi have all muscled in on what was once Jeep's territory. That's not to say that the American marque is giving up without a fight. The current Grand Cherokee may be more in line with family 4x4s and sports utility vehicles price-wise but in range-topping Overland form, it can still challenge for sales in its old stomping ground.

The Overland weighs in with a series of extras designed to pep-up the Grand Cherokee's outward appearance. It's already an attractive vehicle, or at least as attractive as big offroaders tend to get. The Overland just subtly raises the tone with 'platinum' detailing for the grille, mirror housings, roof rails, window trim and 18" seven spoke alloys. That's a lot of 'platinum' but it does give the Grand Cherokee Overland a classier edge. Inside, there's less platinum but more wood and leather. Jeep are keen to point out that the material on the steering wheel, centre console and door bezels is real wood too, none of your mahogany-effect plastic here. Leather adorns the gear and handbrake levers as well as the centre armrest. It also crops up on the door panels and the satellite navigation surround. Naturally, it's on the seats too and the front ones feature the Overland logo on their backs - just to remind your rear passengers which Grand Cherokee they've been lucky enough to wangle a lift in.

"The Overland weighs in with a series of extras designed to pep-up the Grand Cherokee's outward appearance"

Only one engine option is now offered with Overland trim, the 3.0-litre V6 CRD diesel that the vast majority of Jeep buyers in this country will want. The 3.0-litre CRD is a strong unit with 215bhp and a 376lb/ft torque rating. It's economical, with a 27.7mpg average, and it has a decent turn of pace (0-60mph takes 9 seconds) but most importantly it's smooth and flexible.

The current Grand Cherokee is a world away from its predecessor when it comes to handling. The steering is far sharper with a rack and pinion set-up introduced to replace the old recirculating ball. This is a substantial 4x4 vehicle that tips the scales at 2,310kg but body roll is less pronounced than you'd expect and the ride is nicely composed. The maximum towing weight for all models is a substantial 3,360kg, so the Grand Cherokee is quite at home living up to its sports utility vehicle billing with a quad bike, a speed boat or even a 6-berth caravan hitched onto the back.

All Grand Cherokee models feature ABS brakes with traction control and Jeep's Electronic Stability Programme. Then there's the electronic rollover mitigation system which monitors driver inputs and the vehicle's behaviour to spot potential rollover situations. It can then reduce engine torque or apply bursts of hard braking to avert disaster. Should the unthinkable happen, multi-stage front airbags and curtain airbags along with seatbelt pre-tensioners are on hand to help.

With an equipment list featuring highlights such as satellite navigation, a six CD autochanger, parking sensors and a powered sunroof, in addition to the styling and interior upgrades, Overland trim makes the Grand Cherokee feel like a luxurious 4x4. The price, however, is significantly less prohibitive than you'd expect from most luxury 4x4 products. Buyers pay £35,595 for this variant's 3.0-litre V6 CRD diesel engine but you'll need significantly more to secure an equivalently-equipped BMW X5 3.0d. Of course, the Jeep can't offer the badge kudos or the same inherent quality that these top-end 4x4s can but the Overland trim level masks its relatively minor shortcomings very well and some buyers will doubtless be persuaded.

When pitted against models more of its own ilk, the Grand Cherokee is highly competitive on equipment levels and comfort but falls down a touch on interior space and practicality. Whereas the likes of Land Rover's Discovery and Volvo's XC90 incorporate MPV-style family-orientated features and offer 7-seat options, the Grand Cherokee doesn't. In plush Overland form, it sits somewhere between the luxury and family 4x4 sectors with the up-market feel of the former and pricing from the later. It's a combination that deserves to achieve popularity.

TOP 1 GRAND CHEROKEE DEALS

The results below show the top GRAND CHEROKEE deals on buyacar

	Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.0 CRD Overland 5dr Auto SW Off Road
	ETR	Mthly £576	Saving £6,719	Price £28,976

typical 11.31% APR

PCP finance quote over 48 months,  10,000 miles pa,  deposit of £1000