Jeep promotes the Grand Cherokee as a full-size SUV, but that's only partly true. In its physical dimensions and towing capacity, Grand Cherokee is a mid-size, like the Ford Explorer or Chevrolet TrailBlazer. At the base level, it's priced like a mid-size. It isn't even Jeep's biggest SUV, as that honor now belongs to the Commander. Still, Jeep clearly sees Grand Cherokee as the flagship of its fleet, and that means that you won't find a Jeep, at least, that's more comfortable, sophisticated, or better appointed.

Outside, Grand Cherokee is edgy and angular, clean and contemporary, uncluttered by body cladding. Yet it is instantly recognizable as a Jeep. Inside, the atmosphere is light, comfortable, and enveloping, with lots of seat adjustment, excellent outward vision around relatively slim windshield post. All switches and controls are clearly are labeled and easy to find and use. In back is nearly 70 cubic feet of cargo space.

Anyone familiar with Grand Cherokees of just a few years ago will find that the chassis is now far more sophisticated, giving the current model much better handling than that of pre-2005 models. Today's Grand Cherokee leans less in corners while riding better on all surfaces. Its turning radius is tighter, too, good for crowded parking lots.

A wide range of modern engines is available. The 5.7-liter Hemi V8 is particularly good for towing or driving at higher elevations. The high-performance SRT8 model has a 420-horsepower 6.1-liter Hemi and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in less than five seconds. The smaller, 4.7-liter overhead-cam V8 works quite well, too, and is offered in most states with E85 flex-fuel capability, meaning it can run on gasoline or up to 85 percent ethanol. Even the standard overhead-cam V6 is quite competent. For 2007, the V6 is available with Jeep's most sophisticated Quadra-Drive II four-wheel-drive system.

Also new for '07 is 3.0-liter common-rail turbo-diesel (CRD) V6, which can tow up to 7400 pounds (with proper equipment) and range 425 miles between fill-ups. It will be offered across the entire range (except SRT8), with either two or four-wheel drive.

Grand Cherokee had its last total redesign for 2005. For 2006, Jeep expanded the Grand Cherokee model range with the luxurious Overland and the high-performance SRT8. For 2007, Jeep has added a number of refinements. Most significantly, side-curtain air bags with roll detection are now standard on all models, and all models now offer the ParkView reversing camera and active turn signals. Standard tires are wider. Remote start is standard on Limited and Overland, and optional on Laredo and SRT8. In fact, the base-level Laredo has been significantly upgraded, with more standard trim and many more available options.