All-new 2011 Jeep® Grand Cherokee Captures Esteemed 'Four Wheeler of the Year' Award from Four Wheeler Magazine

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Dec. 3, 2010 /PRNewswire/ --

• All-new Jeep premium icon beats competition in comprehensive on-road and off-road tests
• 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee delivers ultimate combination of real-world capability and on-road refinement
• Prestigious Four Wheeler award latest in series of accolades for all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee
• Grand Cherokee recognition follows Four Wheeler editors naming Jeep Wrangler Rubicon as Best 4x4 of the Decade

The all-new 2011 Jeep® Grand Cherokee – the premium icon of the Jeep brand – has captured the prestigious "Four Wheeler of the Year" award. The award is given annually by the editors of Four Wheeler magazine – a leading off-road enthusiast publication.

"The Grand Cherokee continues Jeep's tradition of building four-wheel drives that excel in harsh backcountry traditions," said Four Wheeler Editor Douglas McColloch. "The 5.7-liter V-8 offers ample horsepower throughout the power band; its tightly tuned unibody chassis and four-wheel independent suspension give it a sporty on-road ride; and the Jeep's new Selec-Terrain™ off-road driving mode and class-leading Hill-descent systems virtually eliminate guesswork when crawling through uneven and off-camber terrain. It's the most street-tuned, pavement-friendly version of this vehicle ever built Overall, it's a highly deserving 'Four Wheeler of the Year' winner for 2011."

To qualify for the competition, entries had to be entirely new or have substantial mechanical revisions from a previous model year. Testing was conducted over more than a thousand miles on a variety of terrain, including pavement, gravel, dirt, sand, rocks and mud, at elevations ranging from sea level to more than 9,000 feet.

"Capturing this prominent award from the respected editors at Four Wheeler magazine is a true honor and significant milestone for the Jeep brand and the all-new 2011 Grand Cherokee," said Mike Manley, President and CEO – Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. "The Four Wheeler award competition is a thorough, demanding test of a vehicle's performance and capability. This recognition reinforces the fact that the new-generation Grand Cherokee boasts a combination that no one can match: a new level of legendary, best-in-class capability, along with a premium on-road driving experience and a host of new innovative features."

The Jeep Grand Cherokee "Four Wheeler of the Year" award comes less than a year after the magazine's editors named the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon as the Best 4x4 vehicle of the 2000-2009 decade.

The "Four Wheeler of the Year" is the latest in a list of awards the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee has recently captured. Other accolades include:

• Internet Truck of the Year
• Urban Truck of the Year
• Consumers Digest "Best Buy"
• Popular Mechanics Automotive Excellence Award for Off-Road Ability
• Texas Auto Writers Association "SUV of Texas"
• Texas Auto Writers Association "Full-size SUV of Texas"
• Ruedas ESPN "Best SUV"
• Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick

Jeep Grand Cherokee

Nearly two decades ago, Jeep invented the premium SUV segment with the introduction of the Jeep Grand Cherokee. More than 4 million sales later, Jeep improves the formula and delivers the ultimate combination of Jeep 4x4 capability and on-road refinement with the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee boasts premium on-road performance while maintaining the Jeep brand's legendary four-wheel-drive, torque-on-demand two-speed transfer case and towing capability. Capability features include a choice of three 4x4 systems, a new Jeep Selec-Terrain™ system and a new Jeep Quadra-Lift™ air suspension system. New front and rear independent suspension systems deliver premium on-road handling and comfort.

The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee delivers improved fuel economy (up to 23 mpg) and a driving range of more than 500 miles, courtesy of Chrysler Group's all-new 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine.

Jeep Grand Cherokee's unique combination also includes a stunning new design, a world-class interior cabin, more than 45 safety and security features, and a variety of advanced technology features.

Jeep Brand

Built on nearly 70 years of legendary heritage, Jeep is the authentic SUV with class-leading capability, craftsmanship and versatility for people who seek extraordinary journeys. The Jeep brand delivers an open invitation to live life to the fullest by offering a full line of vehicles that continue to provide owners with a sense of security to handle any journey with confidence.

The Jeep vehicle lineup consists of the Compass, Grand Cherokee, Liberty, Patriot, Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited. To meet consumer demand around the world, all six Jeep models are sold outside North America - and all are available in right-hand drive versions and with gasoline and diesel powertrain options. Chrysler Group LLC sells and services vehicles in approximately 120 countries around the world.

SOURCE Chrysler Group LLC