BKH wrote:
You know, it's funny to hear you say you weren't that impressed with the Grand Cherokee. My Jeeps sales guy, who's also a good, personal friend, had me take out a Grand Cherokee Overland while my CRD was getting its glow plugs changed out. I really didn't care for it. I couldn't believe how hard it rode, the seats were realliy uncomfortable, and i just couldn't see what all the $$$ was about. So, since my CRD had to stay an extra couple of days, he gave me a Commander Limited. I know they're essentially the same vehicle, but the Commander felt SO much more refined. He said I wasn't the only one to have made that observation.
In any event, glad the Autoweek article is a misprint. I wish the highway mileage figures I've been seeing for the GC CRD were misprints too. Why does the Mercedes GL320 CDI get 27 highway, but the Grand Cherokee CRD (same engine) gets 23? The GL is HUGE. Does the 7-speed automatic in the Benz make THAT much difference? If so, who knows - the DC cars might get the 7-speed sometime soon now that Lexus has an 8-speed auto. Mercedes will have to out do them - it's the automotive equivilent of an arms race (or comparison of another anatomy part).
The 23 mpg is the overall average of city/highway, they are rated 21 city, 27 hwy and 23 combined if I remember correctly. Which is about the same as our Libery CRD guys.