Able to tackle both on- and offroad travel, and offering no fewer than five engine choices, the 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee will appeal to the everyday commuter as well as those with a more outdoorsy spirit of adventure. Jeep's midsize SUV gets a power boost to its 5.7-liter HEMI V8 this year, along with a new leather trim package and an optional Uconnect multimedia suite that bundles a wireless phone connection with a 30-gigabyte hard drive and navigation system.

The 2009 Cherokee comes in Laredo, Limited, Overland, and high-performance SRT8 trims. All but the SRT8 come in either rear-wheel or four-wheel drive. The three different 4WD systems (Quadra-Trac I and II and Quadra-Drive II) feature low-range gearing for offroad capability and standard Hill Descent Control, which eases wear and tear on brakes. The SRT8's 4WD system does not offer low-range gearing.

Standard on the Laredo, a 3.7-liter V6 delivers 210 hp. Moving up to the Limited gets you a 4.7-liter, 305-hp V8 with 334 lb-ft of torque. Standard on the Overland and optional on all others is a 5.7-liter HEMI V8. The addition of variable valve timing and cylinder deactivation (deactivating up to four cylinders when not needed) improves fuel economy by 30% over the other trims and boosts power from last year's 330 hp to 357 hp. The performance-oriented SRT8's V8 has been tuned to put out 420 hp and 425 lb-ft of torque, for 0-60 times around 5 seconds. Optional for all trims is a 3.0-liter, 215-hp turbodiesel V6, with up to 376 lb-ft of torque. All engines come mated to a 5-speed automatic with manual mode, and all average in the mid-teens for fuel economy. Towing capacity starts at 3,500 pounds and expands to a class-leading 7,400 pounds in the Overland.

The 2009 Cherokee seats up to five in two rows, with 60/40 split-folding rear seats. Smaller than the Ford Explorer and Toyota 4Runner, the Cherokee's rear legroom is tight and seat cushions hard and flat for both front and rear passengers. A low ride height does ease entry and exit, but some reviewers feel interior headroom does not accommodate tall adults. Cargo space lags behind other midsize SUVs, starting out at 34.5 cubic feet and expanding to 67.4. Tiedowns, a cargo net, and a washable, reversible floor mat are standard, along with a roof rack.

Laredo trims start out with standard power features, an 8-way power driver's seat, and wheel-mounted audio controls for the CD/MP3 player and satellite radio. The Limited presents the best value, with a much longer list of equipment, including heated seats, a DVD player, MyGIG hard drive, rear climate control, a power passenger seat, a navigation system, and a sunroof. The Overland adds wood trim, Trailer Sway Control, and larger 18-inch wheels.

The 2009 Cherokee earns five stars in front and side impact tests, with standard ABS brakes, dual front-side and side curtain airbags for both rows, and traction and stability control. Major body lean in turns might account for the average three-star rating in rollover tests.

A solid, steady ride, with car-like handling and comfort and easy interior ergonomics make the 2009 Cherokee a driver-friendly car. V8 trims pack plenty of confident power, while the V6 engines seem sluggish and undermatched for the SUV's size and weight. Good towing capacity and the versatile 4WD system give owners flexibility and security. Low fuel economy, hard plastic interior surfaces, and the limited passenger and cargo room represent the major downsides for drivers.