Manual Raeder

After its 2011 redesign, the Grand Cherokee seemed to be new in every way … new engine, new looks, new attitude. I was surprised by how upscale it seemed upon saddling in; after all, theres quite a beast — a 290-horsepower V-6 — beneath that hood. With its good-looking makeover and impressive performance chops, the Grand Cherokee is sure to appeal to both Mom and Dad. If your family is one that battles snow, sleet and hail, youll definitely appreciate the various driving modes the Grand Cherokee has to offer, too.

On the streets of L.A., I had a different driving experience. With the SUVs large frame and all that power, I felt like that proverbial bull in a china shop. It felt too bloated when I drove down one-way streets or needed to parallel park. I certainly had no problems with acceleration and keeping up with the speed of traffic in the Grand Cherokee, but it was never smooth. It was difficult to find the right balance when moving forward without lurching ahead or stopping abruptly.