THE GRAND PLAN; Power and refinement define Jeep's new flagship.(News)(Product/Service Evaluation)

Byline: TOM TRACE

After driving the new jeep Grand Cherokee, it is easy to say the third-generation SUV is as comfortable cruising the slums of tony suburbia as it is surfing the dirt. Company executives want to make sure you understand their flagship Jeep is taking on both objectives with equal vigor.

To carry each mandate required a new level of refinement in the vehicle-refinement of luxury and off-road function.

The 2005 Grand Cherokee Limited's interior is on par with many luxo-utes. Extra attention was paid to the dash and the fit-and-finish of the console. Controls are easy to operate. They are highlighted by a faux wood and chrome dashboard, but the switchgear itself doesn't feel cheap. Premium amenities like navigation, satellite radio and DVD player are available.

In addition to the base 3.7-liter V6, which delivers acceleration evenly across the powerband, there is also the 4.7-liter V8 engine (rated at 235 hp and 305 lb-ft at 3500 rpm) for $33,690.

And then there is the Hemi option: At 330 hp and 375 lb-ft, the stout 5.7-liter Hemi V8 does more than add straight-line power and a gut-shakingly mean sound: It taunts you to push the Grand Cherokee to the max. The Hemi V8 Limited model stickers for $37,860.

The new Grand Cherokee's road performance has been improved to back up the grunt. Built on a longer and wider platform, a hydraulically controlled active stabilizer system reduces body roll. The engineers worked on making the rack-and-pinion steering system more linear and direct, and it proved itself on curvy mountain roads. Though it is not a sports car, that you can push the Grand Cherokee through the turns with little worry proves the engineers understand how it will be used in the real world.