The Jeep Grand Cherokee has taken on many varieties all through its multi-decade manufacturing run. Through every generational divide in manufacturing, Jeep’s luxury SUV has frequently developed to satisfy the wants of its client base. This is some extent that was additional illustrated with Daimler Chrysler’s 2005 launch of the WK Grand Cherokee.
The WK Grand Cherokee showcased a variety of noteworthy design modifications, in addition to a bunch of recent powerplant choices. Those behind the third-generation SUV’s growth, aimed toward enhancing the Grand Cherokee’s drivability, whereas refining a variety of the long-running Jeep’s styling cues. By most accounts, these efforts proved overwhelmingly profitable.
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An “All-New” Grand Cherokee
The WK Jeep Grand Cherokee initially debuted on the 2004 New York International Auto Show, to a sea of captivated onlookers. In many regards, the Grand Cherokee seemed wildly totally different than it had throughout earlier iterations, now that includes rounded headlights and extra aggressively angled pillar trim. The WK was additionally noticeably lengthier than earlier ZJ and WJ Grand Cherokees.
Also of notice, was the eye and element levied towards enhancing the Grand Cherokee’s general stage of drivability. Essentially, a clean slate strategy was taken when growing the WJ’s entrance finish, as little resemblance may very well be discovered between the WK and WJ’s entrance suspension. On the opposite, this association extra intently mirrored that of the Jeep Liberty launched three years prior.
A Beast All It’s Own
The WK Grand Cherokee was supplied with a client’s selection of three out there engines, the primary of which was a base-3.7L V6. This engine, which changed the longstanding 4.0L inline-six earlier than it, produced 215 horsepower, and 235 lb-ft of torque.
Next up was a mid-range 4.7L V8. This engine yielded a barely larger output (230 hp / 295 lb-ft of torque) than the bottom V6 and proved comparatively common with shoppers. However, these looking for a little bit one thing additional might go for a 5.7L Hemi V8. This powerplant produced 325 hp, in addition to 369 lb-ft of torque. Regardless of 1’s selection in engine, the Grand Cherokee got here commonplace with a five-speed automated transmission.
Consumers might additionally choose between three particular person 4WD programs, which included Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, and Quadra-Drive II. The latter of those programs featured electronically-locking entrance and rear differentials, in addition to newly supplied traction management.
The 2005 WK Jeep Grand Cherokee was the recipient of an all-new impartial entrance suspension, thereby forgoing using a extra conventional strong front-axle. For the primary time in its historical past, the Grand Cherokee additionally comes outfitted with rack and pinion steering, quite than an ordinary steering gearbox.
Additional upgrades for the 2005 mannequin 12 months included an non-obligatory rear-seat DVD participant, a 6-way energy driver’s seat, and automated headlights. Many shoppers have been additionally happy with the WK’s spacious rear cargo bay. In complete, the 2005 Grand Cherokee featured 34.53 cubic toes of cargo area behind its second-row seating.
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By Popular Demand
Much just like the ZJ and WJ earlier than it, the WK Grand Cherokee drew fairly the next from shoppers. In truth, Daimler Chrysler sold a total of 213,584 Grand Cherokees throughout the 2005 mannequin 12 months alone. More importantly, a big milestone was reached throughout the 2005 mannequin 12 months, as the three,000,000 Grand Cherokee rolled off of the meeting line.
Everything thought of, the 2005 mannequin 12 months served as a superb jumping-off level for the third-generation Grand Cherokee. The WJ Grand Cherokee appeared to have garnered greater than sufficient consideration to stay extremely aggressive inside the domestic SUV market. This is a pattern that might in the end proceed for a variety of years going ahead.
2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee Specifications
| Engine | 3.7L V6
4.7L V8 5.7L Hemi V8 |
| Horsepower | 215/230/325 horsepower
|
| Torque | 235/295/369 lb-ft torque |
| 0-60 MPH | 6.8 sec |
| Quarter Mile Time | 15.3 sec |
| Weight | 4,147-4,558 Lbs |
| Price | $26,255/$28,225 Laredo/4WD
$31,880/$34,470 Limited/4WD |
| Production Numbers | 213,584 |
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Available Exterior Colors
The 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee was out there in Deep Beryl Green, Black, Inferno Red, Brilliant Black Crystal, Stone White, Dark Khaki, Midnight Blue, Bright Silver, and Light Khaki.
Available Interior Colors
The 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee inside was out there in Quartz, Gray, and Khaki.
2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee Video
We discovered an important video concerning the 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee.