The 2005-2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV details and buyer guide
The 3.7 came with a Mercedes five-speed, the V8s with a Chrysler five-speed automatic with dual second gears. The Hemi brought an additional 60 hp and 40 lb-ft of torque over the 4.7 High Output V8 with no gas mileage penalty; the V6 brings an extra 15 hp and 5 lb-ft of torque.
New for 2005 were an active suspension and electronic differentials, and an independent front suspension for better on-road handling and feel. New gadgets, from DVD to navigation to automatically-lowering headlights, round out the package, and a new interior increases the sense of luxury. The Grand Cherokee now gets the Federal government's highest safety rating. For 2007, a diesel was added (see below); for 2008, the 4.7 got a major power boost, features were added, interior and exterior styling was tweaked, and other minor changes were made.
2005 Grand Cherokee automatic transmissions
A five-speed Mercedes automatic transmission (W5A580) is used with the 3.7-liter V-6. It features partial engagement in third, fourth, and fifth gears to improve shift feel, economy, and transmission cooling. Like the 545RFE and all other modern Chrysler automatics, the shift schedule adapts to the driver's style, road situations, and other factors.
The 545RFE five-speed automatic transmission continues to be used with V8s, with refinements for higher-quality shifts and increases to the Grand Cherokee's towing capacity, including:
- a redesigned solenoid to provide quieter operation when shifting from "park" into "drive."
- a turbine damper reduces noise and vibration related to torque converter application.
The 545RFE continues to offer dual second-gear ratios to provide a balance of performance and fuel economy. Depending on driving conditions, the transmission will select the more appropriate second gear. A secondary overdrive ratio increases highway fuel economy and reduces engine noise at high speeds.
The 545RE has three planetary gear sets and one overrunning clutch, with Electronic Range Select (ERS) driver-interactive control ("AutoStick"?), and an electronically controlled torque converter clutch.
Both transmissions feature Electronic Range Select (ERS) driver interactive shift control for the first time on Grand Cherokee. The shifter provides fully-automated shifting when in the "drive" position, or the driver can manually select each gear by simply moving the shifter left and right from the "drive" position. This gives the driver control to precisely match any on-road or off-road driving requirement.
A new stamped steel transfer case skid plate mounts to the transmission cross member and fuel tank skidplate to provide off-road protection to the transfer case.
2004 - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee Engines | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | City | Highway | Horsepower | Torque | |
| 4.0 I-6 (2004) | 16 | 21 | 195 | 230 | |
| 3.7 V-6 (2005) | 16 | 21 | 210 | 235 | |
| 4.7 (2004) | 15 | 20 | 235 | 295 | |
| 4.7 (2005) | 14 | 20 | 230 | 290 | |
| 4.7 H.O. (2004) | 15 | 20 | 265 | 330 | |
| 5.7 (2005) | 14 | 21 | 325 | 370 | |
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