- Off-road capability
- Comfortable interior
- Low-tech 4.0-litre petrol engine
- Vague steering
- Limited interior and cargo space
- Cabin lacks sound insulation
Overview
Released in April 1996, the Jeep ZG Grand Cherokee was a five-seat, four-wheel drive wagon. Manufactured in Detroit, USA, the ZG Grand Cherokee was powered by a 4.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine that was mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. Furthermore, the Grand Cherokee was available in two editions: the entry-level Laredo and better-equipped Limited.
The 4.0-litre American Motors (AMC) inline six-cylinder engine had overhead valves, two valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 8.75:1.
The ZG Grand Cherokee was 4500 mm long, 1800 mm wide, 1716 mm tall and had a 2690 mm long wheelbase. Furthermore, the ZG Grand Cherokee had Jeep’s ‘Quadra-link’ coil spring suspension front and rear with gas-pressured shock absorbers.
| Variant | Editions | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.0L | Laredo, Limited |
4.0-litre petrol I6 | 4sp auto | 130 kW at 4600 rpm | 301 Nm at 2400 rpm |
4WD system
The ZG Grand Cherokee was fitted with Jeep’s ‘Quadra-Trac’ 4WD system. In normal conditions, the engine’s torque was directed to the rear wheels; if traction was lost, however, a viscous coupling would be engaged to direct drive to the front wheels. There was also a ‘lock’ mode which provided permanent four-wheel drive when the low range gears were engaged.
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the ZG Grand Cherokee included dual front airbags and ABS.
Features: Grand Cherokee Laredo and Limited
Standard features for the Grand Cherokee Laredo included 15-inch alloy wheels, a six speaker sound system with radio and cassette player, climate control air conditioning, cruise control, power mirrors and windows, tilt-adjustable and leather-wrapped steering wheel, roof rails and immobiliser.
Beyond this, the Grand Cherokee Limited added 16-inch alloy wheels, leather seats, a power adjustable driver’s seat with memory settings, heated front seats, trip computer and woodgrain trim.
1998 Grand Cherokee Laredo TSi
In February 1998, a limited number of TSi badged Laredo models were introduced. Compared to the standard Laredo, the Laredo TSi was distinguished by its 16-inch alloy wheels with 225/70 R16 tyres, sports suspension and front fog lights.
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