Systems such as Electronic Limited Slip Differentials and available Electronic Stability Program (ESP) contribute to the Grand Cherokee’s exceptional vehicle dynamics. Advanced multistage front and available side curtain air bags, tire pressure monitoring system, ParkSense™ (rear park assist), UConnect™ hands-free communications, REC navigation system and all-new SmartBeam® headlamps offer the latest innovation in occupant protection, safety and security on the road.

“Applying the latest available technology to protect occupants is of utmost importance to the Chrysler Group,” said Craig Love, Vice President – Rear Wheel Drive Product Team and Core Team Leader. “By integrating safety and security technologies during the design phase, we’re able to offer our customers the tools to avoid collisions as well as protection in the event of a collision.”

Chrysler Group’s vehicle development engineers test beyond current regulations to ensure optimum performance and to improve vehicle safety. They evaluated the Jeep Grand Cherokee with tests beyond current government mandates, such as 40 mph front offset and 50 mph rear impact tests. The 40 mph front impact simulates a high-speed vehicle-to-vehicle crash. The 50 mph offset rear-impact test evaluates fuel system integrity when a vehicle is hit from behind on the side nearest the fuel filler tube at high speeds.

In addition, Chrysler Group engineers used pole tests to evaluate occupant protection and concentrated side loading. These tests mimic accidents with narrow objects, such as hitting a telephone pole or tree, to evaluate the side-air bag sensing system. Crash examples may be severe because the crash forces are concentrated in a relatively small area of the vehicle.

Crash Protection Features

The 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee was the first sport-utility vehicle to be equipped with a driver’s side air bag. The Jeep Grand Cherokee continues to be equipped with the latest technology, like advanced multistage air bags with an occupant classification system (OCS) for the front passenger occupant. This system classifies the severity of an impact event and uses additional sensor information to further modify passenger air bag output for smaller occupants. The resulting deployment could be low, medium or high output, or – in certain instances – none at all. However, even with this advanced system designed to meet government requirements, all occupants are advised to always sit properly in their seat with the seat belt fastened. Children 12 and under should always be in a back seat correctly using an infant or child restraint system or the seat belt positioned correctly for the child’s age and weight.

State-of-the-art energy management features in the body structure and chassis work in conjunction with air bag and seatbelt systems. Front seat belts are equipped with belt pretensioners and constant force retractors. Pretensioners tighten the seat belt to help keep the occupant in place while constant force retractors balance the load on the upper body, reducing injuries from excessive seat belt forces. Head restraints are standard in every seating position. The driver’s side is also equipped with BeltAlert® – an enhanced seat belt reminder system that periodically activates a chime and illuminates a light in the instrument cluster to remind the driver to buckle up.

Crash Avoidance Features

To optimize overall driving performance, the Jeep Grand Cherokee offers ESP. This helps the driver maintain directional stability on dry pavement, in rain, snow or on ice. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) is equipped with electronic sensors that help to prevent wheel lockup, and provide excellent stability and steerability during braking on virtually every type of road surface. ParkSense™ – rear park assist – helps the driver detect stationary objects while the vehicle is moving in reverse.

Tire pressure monitoring (TPM) is standard on all Jeep Grand Cherokees. The system includes pressure sensor modules that are integrated with the valve stems of all four road wheels as well as the spare tire. Each module sends continuous radio frequency signals to a receiver and informs occupants when the pressure is too low. The TPM system displays tire pressure through the Electronic Vehicle Information Center.