To set the scene, both the SWB (short wheel base) and LWB (long wheel base) Jeep Grand Cherokee L were recently tested by ANCAP.
The LWB seven-seat Grand Cherokee L and SWB five-seat 2.0L PHEV did great. With both receiving full points earning a five-star ANCAP rating. There was however another Grand Cherokee in the line-up that landed a four-star safety rating.
That was the 3.6 petrol-powered SWB 5-seat Jeep Grand Cherokee model. As per ANCAP testing protocol, if a vehicle receives a nil score (red or poor) for a critical body region automatically limits a vehicle’s overall star rating to four stars. This is irrespective of the overall percentage score for Adult Occupant Protection.
This isn’t the only Jeep currently on-sale that didn’t hit the five-star mark. Both the Jeep Wrangler from November 2019 up and the Jeep Gladiator from June 2020 up received a three-star ANCAP safety rating.
What ANCAP said
“The long-wheelbase Jeep Grand Cherokee L and short-wheelbase PHEV achieved sound results across all areas of testing and assessment. Seeing them eligible for the five-star rating,” said ANCAP Chief Executive Officer, Carla Hoorweg.
“The Poor level of chest protection recorded for short-wheelbase petrol variants, however, is an area we’d encourage Jeep to address,” Ms Hoorweg added.
“We strongly encourage Jeep to implement a production change to improve the safety performance of the rear outboard seatbelts.”
“Specification differences, including different powertrains, body styles, and driven wheels can all have an effect on safety performance. This result highlights the importance and rigour applied through independent vehicle safety testing to ensure Australian and New Zealand consumers are provided with information relevant to the vehicles supplied into these markets.”
Check out the action
ANCAP has released footage from the testing of the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Check out the video below.
What went well?
The active safety systems fitted to the Grand Cherokee performed well. With all variants achieving overall Good results in daytime and night testing of autonomous emergency braking (AEB) functionality with other vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists.
AEB functionality to assist in intersection (junction) scenarios is however not offered on the Jeep Grand Cherokee. And was not tested or scored. Dual frontal, side chest-protecting, and side head-protecting airbags for the first, second and third rows (where applicable) are fitted as standard to all variants of the Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Driver and passenger knee airbags are also fitted. A centre airbag to prevent occupant-to-occupant and occupant-to-vehicle interaction in side impact crashes is not offered.
More information
For all of the details on the Jeep Grand Cherokee’s ANCAP safety rating, you can visit the official ANCAP website. www.ancap.com.au
