The cushier Jeep gets a little more so in its third generation.
The edgier look of the 2005 Grand Cherokee is a steady evolution. The seven-slot chrome grille, semi-round headlights poking into the hood, and flat, upright body panels announce this is not just a newer SUV—it's a newer Jeep. The wheelbase and length are several inches longer than before, and the track is wider. But this is a familiar shape worn since the 1990s, and it looks just as good now. New "Trail Rated" badges emphasize what we already know.
The interior is also more modern and carlike than the Ford Explorer. Materials are better than before, but that's not saying much. Like many truck-based SUVs, this is a basic appliance that can do some pretty advanced things when asked.
A V6 and two V8 engines are available in rear-wheel drive (RWD) or 4-wheel drive (4WD)—and there are three different 4WD systems. The 3.7-liter V6 on the Laredo makes 210 horsepower and 235 pound-feet of torque. It can pair to Quadra-Trac I, a full-time system that splits torque 48/52 front to rear. The 4.7-liter V8 on the Limited has 235 hp and 294 lb-ft. It works with Quadra-Trac II, which uses a low-range transfer case and an electronic clutch to vary torque along with brake-based traction control. The 5.7-liter Hemi V8 outputs 325 hp and 373 lb-ft. When equipped with the Dynamic Handling System (a special set of anti-roll bars), this engine in the Limited works with Quadra-Drive II, which adds electronically locking front and rear axles (the rear axle remains solid, while the front is now independent). It's very capable. A 5-speed automatic is the only transmission on both trims, though the V8 trims use a heavier-duty transmission than the one with the V6.
Compared to the previous version, there is less body roll, less play to the steering, and better ride quality. Towing capacities range up to 3,500 pounds for the V6, 6,500 pounds for the 4.7-liter V8, and 7,200 pounds for the Hemi.
The Grand Cherokee remains a bit cramped inside. There's not enough headroom for driver or passengers, the steering wheel doesn't telescope, and the footwells are tight. Legroom is sparse in the rear, too. There is no third-row seat. However, it's easy to get in and out of the Grand Cherokee with grab handles and large door openings.
Cargo capacity is 34 cubic feet and increases to 67 with the seats folded, which is down significantly from the Explorer, its main rival. The rear window opens separately from the tailgate.
The 2005 Grand Cherokee starts at $27,050 for the Laredo RWD and is priced up to $32,680 for the Rocky Mountain Edition 4WD. Fuel economy is 13-15 mpg city, 18-21 mpg highway, and 14-17 mpg combined. That's terrible. And that's Jeep.
Still, this is a great choice for occasional and serious off-roaders who also want a road-worthy commuter and family vehicle. Just be prepared to pay for fuel.
My 2005 Grand Cherokee won’t start it had like 3 times where it would turn over and die after 2seconds of idle now it won’t even turn over no clicking or anything. The jeep still indicates I checked the battery and that’s fine now idk where to go from here my gut says alternator but after hooking jumpers up to it we still couldn’t get it to turn over even for a second so maybe the starter has anybody else had an issue similar to this.
When driving my grand Cherokee I have a whirling noise at 35mph then goes away at 45. Found front drive shaft cv joint bad not sure if that would cause the noise. Any ideas before I replace the transfer case? Thank you for assistance
Warning lights ABS & 4WD service needed? A jerking feel on the left front driver side tire, mostly when turning the wheel to the left when moving, slight sound of rubbing.
I got a 2005 Jeep grand Cherokee with the 5.7 hemi I'm going to be placing another hemi from similar year into it. I want to know what all I'm going to need to do the swap including PCM, ECM fuse boxes, etc.. (not sure if this posted twice)
My daughter just started driving and she pulled into parking space at work and shut the Jeep off while still in drive. she couldn't get key out of ignition. she went in to work and 4hours later came out and called me. As soon as I got there I noticed it was in drive. Put it into park and came out no problem. But now it wont start. Radio and dashboard lights work but it wont even try to turn over
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Adjustable pedals: power · Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.07
In Car Entertainment
Video system: DVD player
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic
Roof
Moonroof: power · Roof rack color: black
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Adjustable pedals: power · Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.07
Exterior Features
Skid plate(s): front and rear
In Car Entertainment
Video system: DVD player
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic
Roof
Moonroof: power · Roof rack color: black
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags
Audio System
6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Adjustable pedals: power · Center console: front console with storage · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.73
In Car Entertainment
Video system: DVD player
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Roof
Moonroof: power · Roof rack color: black
Safety
Parking sensors: rear
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: chrome
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags
Audio System
6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Adjustable pedals: power · Center console: front console with storage · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.73
Exterior Features
Skid plate(s): front and rear
In Car Entertainment
Video system: DVD player
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Roof
Moonroof: power · Roof rack color: black
Safety
Parking sensors: rear
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: chrome
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing