2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Review

I quite enjoyed my time behind the wheel of the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8; and with 470 ponies, how could I not? So, when I was handed the keys to a 2013 Jeep GC Overland I was intrigued to see how this less-powerful, yet just as flashy, SUV would swing my opinion.

As tested (with a few exterior decor trims and gadgets), my Overland tipped the pricing scales at just over $56k (with a base MSRP of $51,095). On a personal level, if I were in the market for an SUV in that price range, I definitely wouldn't be buying American. Don't judge; remember I'm paid to have an opinion.

However, for those who want a classed-up, comfortable and capable all-American ride that looks the part, the 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland is a great option that has lots going for it. After all, it did walk away with Auto123.com's 2013 Midsize Utility of the Year award just a few months ago.

Overland a bit overdone...
For my taste, at least. Which is interesting because I was quite taken with the look of the SRT8 and that's even more in-your-face when it comes to the exterior bits and bobs. Perhaps it was the interior of the Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland that put me off, but I'll get to that.

From the outside, the 2013 Jeep GC Overland sports various chrome touches here and there, and added running boards (which are completely useless and really just serve as calf bruisers and pant dirtiers in the winter), and the signature stoic Jeep grille (in chrome, of course). Overall, it's a very good looking SUV. There's absolutely nothing unattractive about it.

It's on the inside where the Overland really starts to lose me. Decked out in wood trim and tan leather with massive “Overland” logos stamped on the seats, it's all a bit... much. I'm all for decadence and luxury, but sometimes it screams “trying too hard” and I feel like this is just such a time.

However, I did quite like the contrast of the tan stitching on the black dash and the simplicity of the centre stack. Jeep kept things easy-going with the ergonomics in the Grand Cherokee Overland and that's perfect.

Over-the-top space
One thing is for sure, the 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland has a gracious amount of space, no matter where you are. Front, back, trunk; it's all capacious and swallows groceries, overnight bags, baby seats, strollers and even a fake electric fireplace. A front-facing baby seat install was a breeze, with plenty of room left in the back for two adult passengers to fit alongside the seat.

Up front, legroom is fantastic and the sumptuous seats swallow up any size and shape. This is definitely an ideal long-hauler.

Over-protective in all the right ways
When it comes to driving the 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland, you'll not only have 360 horses and 390 lb-ft of torque underfoot thanks to the 5.7L V8, but you'll also have a trailer tow capacity of 3,266 kg (7,200 lbs), all controlled via a 6-speed automatic transmission that was actually quite nice to pilot. Shifts were smooth and pick-up was there when I needed it. Stomp the throttle, and the Jeep GC Overland dutifully downshifts and the HEMI goes to work pushing you forward at a decent clip.

What also moves at a decent clip is the gas needle. Jeep rates the 2013 Grand Cherokee Overland at 16.9L/100km city and 10.2L/100km highway, and I managed an average of about 17.2L/100km over the course of the week -- and put over $200 worth of gas in the tank. I did not drive an excessive amount, nor did I do any long road trips.

Equipped with Jeep's QUADRA TRAC II full-time 4WD system that offers up equal torque split (50/50 front/rear), the possibility of sending 100% of available torque either way, a 2-speed transfer case and Selec-Terrain (a la Land Rover) give the 2013 Grand Cherokee Overland the ability to take on any surface you throw it on. I especially enjoy the ride-height adjustment from the QUADRA-LIFT suspension that allows the SUV to squat uber low when parked for easier egress and ingress (great for my 5'-ish stature).

Underwhelmed with the Overland
It's not that I don't like the 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland, just that I don't see the point. There's no denying I like a little excess here and there (read: SRT8, JCW, anything M-powered, AMG, etc.); however, when that excess is simply in looks alone without the grunt behind the show, it's a hard sell for me.

I can see the appeal for some, but I'd be spending my hard-earned dollars elsewhere... or saving up more cash to spring for the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 if I was set on buying American.