Drive Report: Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Reserve

 

Written by Hein Jonker | Photography by Adriaan Jonker

Hey there, fellow adventurers! This is not just any story; it’s my firsthand stint with the majestic Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Reserve, a machine that’s as grand as its name.

I collected the Jeep at CMH Jeep Umhlanga and thanks to Paul for trusting me with such a prized and highly anticipated piece of luxury. At first sight, my daughter and I were gobsmacked; totally taken by surprise. While I was driving back to Amanzimtoti, my daughter figured out the tech, buttons and features I’ll probably not get to in a lifetime.

No, I’m not going to list them all here; you can check it out on the Jeep website or better yet, visit CMH Jeep Umhlanga for a first-hand introduction. You will not regret it!

My first journey took us (Adriaan and I) from the buzz of Amanzimtoti to the serene expanse of Tala Game Reserve and back, cruising on both tar and gravel for a wedding photoshoot on the Saturday.

Our second journey, on the Sunday, took us (my family) for a little adventure back to Tala Game Reserve to capture this powerhouse in a natural setting and to experience the thrill and comfort as a family.

And, oh boy, did the Jeep deliver – impressed is an understatement!

Road Performance

Hitting the N3 and N2 with this beast was nothing short of spectacular. The Summit Reserve’s performance on the freeway was a dream. It’s like this SUV was whispering to the tar, gliding effortlessly and with such grace, you’d swear it was part of a ballet. The oomph under the hood is just what you need when you’re keen to overtake or make your presence known.

Gravel Grind

But here’s where it got lekker – the gravel roads in and around Tala. Opting for the easier trails (because who wants to scratch an R1.8 million beauty, right?), the Jeep felt right at home. The comfort and stability it provided on the gravel made me feel in complete control, almost as if the Jeep and I were one entity exploring the wild.

I think complete peace of mind is the right term here!

Features that grabbed my attention

Alright, let me highlight a few features. The Summit Reserve packs safety, comfort, tech, and performance features that are, frankly, mind-blowing. It’s like every time I discovered something new, I felt like a laaitie in a bike shop.

Here’s the lowdown on what made me feel right at home:

  • Safety First: This SUV’s got your back, front, and sides with its advanced safety tech. Driving at night back to Toti was a breeze, knowing that the Jeep was looking out for me. These include automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control.
  • Sitting Pretty: Comfort? More like riding on a cloud. The plush seats, which featured built-in climate control and personalised adjustments, and spacious interior meant that the fam and I could pack in all our picnic goodies without reserve. I mean, it even has a Driver and Front Passenger Seat Massage Function. How cool is that?
  • Tech Wizardry: The tech in this vehicle makes you feel like you’ve time-travelled to the future. From the intuitive infotainment system to the seamless connectivity – it’s all just a touch or push away.
  • Performance Powerhouse: Whether it was cruising on the freeway or navigating the gravel roads at Tala, the Jeep, powered by a 293-hp 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine performed unmistakenly well. Power when you need it, and grace when you want to take it easy.
  • Sound System: The Premium McIntosh Sound System with 19” Speakers will blow you away. This is the first time this cutting-edge system can be found in a full-size SUV. We enjoyed the perfect sound during our adventures; it features a 17-channel amplification that guarantees up to 950w of power and 19 custom-designed speakers, including a 10-inch subwoofer.
  • 10’’ Passenger Display: The exclusive 10” interactive display offers entertainment and co-pilot control for the front passenger, enabling them to search and provide destinations to the driver, connect their wireless headphones, and enjoy all the entertainment they need.

Okay, enough now, I need to finish up or we’ll be here the whole day!

  • Exterior: Elegant and ruggedly good-looking, designed for refined impact. The fascia design and front grille add a contemporary attitude to classic Jeep lines, while an array of HID and LED lights brighten the overall aesthetic, reflecting Jeep’s esteemed on and off-road capability.
  • Interior: Plenty of rugged yet refined interior charm. Soft touchpoints, quality materials and craftsmanship enhance the design throughout the cabin making it a true retreat for the senses. The available Ambient LED Lighting with settings for both day and night, adds an aura of sophistication to any journey.
  • Safety: Equipped with advanced, multi-stage driver and front-passenger airbags as well as side-curtain airbags. Standard front crumple zones and integral side guard door beams help dissipate energy from the impact before it reaches occupants.
  • Colours: Bright White, Silver Zynith, Velvet Red, Baltic Grey, Diamond Black

The Jeep Grand Cherokee we tested was the Summit Reserve 6-seat 3.6-liter V-6 model, with a Quadra Trac II Active 4×4 System with Selec-Terrain and Quadra-Lift Air Suspension. Just a few fancy words to make you and me go “Oooh, wow!” The seats are fitted with Quilted Palermo leather-trimmed seats available in Tupelo colour, a very rewarding Driver and Front Passenger Seat Massage Function, 21-inch Alloy Wheels, and enhanced multi-colour ambient lighting.

Parting with this SUV was depressing, my time with the Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Reserve was nothing short of extraordinary. It’s not just an SUV; it’s a companion that brings a blend of luxury, performance, and sheer joy to every journey. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a family looking for your next outing, this Jeep is your ticket to an unforgettable experience. So, to the Jeep team, I tip my hat – you’ve outdone yourselves!