Grand Cherokee Climbs to Top of Its Class in 2012 Ideal Vehicle Awards

CONCORD, N.H. (08/21/2012)(readMedia)-- The Jeep Grand Cherokee is the most-awarded SUV of all time, but its latest accolade comes from its drivers, not industry experts. Named Most Ideal Mid-Size SUV in the 2012 Ideal Vehicle Awards from Autobytel and AutoPacific, the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee was rated best in its segment when it came to meeting the expectations and desires of its owners.

The 2012 Ideal Vehicle Awards were determined by surveys of more than 75,000 vehicle owners after they had been with their new 2012 model for 90 days. Segment winners are those models with owners that wanted the least amount of changes across 15 vehicle attributes, which ranged from exterior styling and space to performance and technology. In the Mid-Size SUV category, the Jeep Grand Cherokee stood out with its smooth ride regardless of road conditions, pleasing family shoppers that want the comfort of added capability.

"The Grand Cherokee has every activity that a family could plan in New England covered, whether it's a comfortable ride to soccer practice, towing a boat to Portsmouth's harbor or a snowy ride up to the White Mountains," said Brian Duval, general manager of Concord, New Hampshire Jeep dealership Bob Mariano Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram. "Also, thanks to its Pentastar engine, you can do those things without spending your savings on gas, and that leads to a lot of pleased owners."

That standard 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine outputs 290 horsepower and tows up to 5,000 pounds in the Grand Cherokee, all while remaining capable of going more than 500 miles on a single tank of gas. Drivers that need to tow the heaviest trailer loads will instead want to opt for the available 5.7-liter V8, which delivers class-leading 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, as well as a towing capacity of up to 7,400 pounds.

While those engines and their respective trims offer more than enough capability and amenities for most buyers, Jeep recently announced its 2013 Grand Cherokee SRT8 for customers that want nothing but the best in performance and luxury. Producing a gigantic 470 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque through its 6.4-liter HEMI V8, the 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 will feature two new special editions: a bright-white Alpine model and a brilliant-black Vapor model.

Both the Alpine and Vapor special editions will add a Black Vapor Chrome finish to their 20-inch, five-spoke wheels, along with the use of gloss-black paint for the exterior badges, front grille surround, and rear light bar and step pad. Those premium touches complement the standard luxury amenities inside the Grand Cherokee SRT8, which range from the SRT-styled Nappa leather and suede seats to the premium voice-activated navigation and Uconnect Phone in-car connectivity features.

"The Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 is the perfect choice for buyers that are considering a German luxury SUV, but don't want to lose the off-road character that utility vehicles are supposed to be built with in the first place," Duval noted. "Jeep was producing SUVs in America for decades before BMW or Porsche ever thought to build one, and the Grand Cherokee SRT8 is the most powerful and technologically advanced vehicle from the brand yet."

About Bob Mariano Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram:

New Hampshire Jeep, Dodge, Chrysler and Ram customers come to Bob Mariano Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram for unmatched attention to detail, whether they are searching for a new or used Jeep, financing a new Chrysler sedan, or looking for Dodge service and parts for a crossover, SUV or pickup truck. Their knowledgeable sales team can help you find the right car at the right price, while their parts and service specialists get you back on the road quickly and effectively. Put them to work for you by visiting www.bobmariano.com, calling 603-228-1345 or stopping by their dealership at 146 Manchester Street in Concord, N.H. You can also find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BobMarianoChrysler.