See more photos and learn more about the 2005 Grand Cherokee Here
Auburn Hills, MI - When it came time to redesign the all-new 2005 Jeep® Grand Cherokee, keeping what customers love about the vehicle and breaking new ground to improve its design was a delicate balance.
“There is no doubt the Jeep brand is an American icon, so it’s important we stay true to the Grand Cherokee’s design heritage as well as the elements customers tell us they love about the vehicle,” said Rick Aneiros, Vice President - Jeep/Truck Design. “We’ve taken some of the traditional design cues and moved them forward to capture a look and feel that’s refreshing and timeless. The result is nothing short of an authentic Jeep.”
Exterior Form is Poised and Ready to Take Action
With its upright and substantial posture, the 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee’s new design offers an athletic and contemporary appearance. The new exterior design has a higher belt line and a reduced glass-to-body proportion. Signature features of the vehicle remain, such as the seven-slot grille which boldly dominates the front view. The Grand Cherokee Laredo will feature a painted body color grille, while a chrome-plated grille will accent the Limited.
“The challenge with Jeep design is to capture that limitless capability and attitude with an appearance that is fresh, fitting and timeless,” said John Sgalia, Director - Jeep Interior and Exterior Design. “Additionally, we know there are certain elements that can’t change on a Jeep because our customer base is very knowledgeable and has very specific demands.”
High-performance halogen headlamps employ a rounded traditional Jeep appearance and gracefully integrate into a powerful hood form. The hood features sophisticated nacelles – hood forms that protect and shelter the headlamps. The hood, air dam and exterior mirrors were developed in the Chrysler Group’s wind tunnel in Auburn Hills, MI, to minimize wind noise and maximize aerodynamics.
The shape of the body has been thoughtfully designed to protect the sides of the vehicle from potential road debris thrown off the tires. The heavy and expensive cladding used on the previous model is replaced with a more efficient body-side shape and moldings that are incorporated into the design. The body-side molding also has the integrated Grand Cherokee name for a quality look and feel.
At the side, a proportionately longer hood and greater distance between the center of the front axle and base of windshield visually communicates more engine emphasis to achieve a more powerful image.
At the rear, larger taillamps feature red and clear lenses for a look that presents a luxurious feel without being gaudy. Badges are now injection-molded and chrome-plated to communicate a richness and sense of precision.
“The Grand Cherokee driver expects a high level of comfort and refinement and also wants to know the legendary Jeep capability and core values are still there when they need them,” said Mark Allen, Design Manager and the 2005 Grand Cherokee’s exterior designer. “The 2005 model was designed with that credo.”
Interior Design Both Elegant and Functional
The 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee takes capability and refinement to new levels, proving there’s no reason a capable vehicle can’t be comfortable and polished. A new and inviting interior awaits occupants with a rich two-tone instrument panel treatment, new door trims and upscale interior finishes.
The seats are beautifully crafted with contours that are precise, firm and ergonomic, featuring a new robust structure. They are purpose-built and designed for long-distance comfort with trim styles different for each model: Laredo features cloth and optional leather while Limited seats are two-tone leather with perforated leather seat inserts.
The dramatic and elegant instrument panel design offers a high degree of precision. The instrument panel features a dark upper color and lighter lower color. Multiple storage bins have been added for additional storage.
“Quality isn’t just the workings of the interior but the perception the customer feels when he or she is in the vehicle,” said Clyde Ney, Design Manager and the 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee’s interior designer. “The touch points, the sound the switches make, the fit and finish, the textures and lighter colors are all vital to a quality experience because that’s where the occupants literally live while traveling.”
A new precise four-gauge instrument cluster with LED illumination features black gauges surrounded with red pointers, for reading ease in all lighting conditions. On the Limited model, the gauges are surrounded by chrome accent rings.
In the cargo area, versatility and storage reign. A new reversible load floor panel is carpeted on one side and offers easy-to-clean plastic on the other. The plastic side includes a large shallow tray for additional utility.
