I was at the $tealership on Friday, for reasons other than vehicle shopping, and test drove a 2014 Cherokee Sport Fwd V-6 and a 2014 Grand Eco-Diesel AWD/4wd. Here is my
on each.The Cherokee was a nice ride and in person not as ugly. I was surprised at the roominess at the helm as I am a bigger fella (6'4 and slightly over 1/8th of a ton).
I tend to be very critical on this issue. Left arm rest was not long enough or positioned right for me, though this is probably just a getting used to it issue. Otherwise I found it very comfortable. It handled very well. Had adequate giddy up and go too (although is it ever enough? 
). A mall-crawler for sure. I would like to drive a Trailhawk to note the differences.The Eco-Diesel Grand I drove was, for lack of a better term, a luxury vehicle, not a off road capable Jeep. I was impressed that the engine was so quiet and smooth, however I expected more snort when I really mashed on the go pedal. Not slow, but should have had more. Roominess was good, a smooth ride, handled well too. But I will say the one I drove had the Technology package. I hated that. Crap like an orange triangle lighting up when a vehicle is next to you. Some blind spot safety garbage. Sorry to say it,but if your to dumb to check your blind spot, technology ain't gonna save ya. I also didn't like the $54k price tag.
That takes me and many others out of that market.Something else I personally don't like is all the touch screen stuff fore things like the climate control. Separate controls can easily be learned by feel, not requiring the driver to look away from the road to adjust the heat/ ac.
Ain't that the truth. Heck An Audi Q7 TDI is around $48k sticker and a comparable drive line too.
Thanks
.