New for the 2009 model year, Jeep Grand Cherokee features a new 5.7-liter HEMI, which provides better fuel economy, improved idle quality and overall refinement.

With 357 horsepower and 389 lb.-ft. of torque, this new HEMI engine also delivers an 8.2 percent increase in horsepower and a 3.7 percent increase in torque compared with the previous generation engine.

The HEMI's new Variable Valve Timing improves fuel economy in two ways. First, it reduces the engine's pumping work by closing the intake valve later. Second, it increases the expansion process of the combustion event, which allows more work to be transferred to the crankshaft instead of being rejected out of the exhaust port as heat. Essentially, VVT improves engine breathing, which improves engine efficiency and power.

2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee customers also will benefit from the HEMI engine's fuel-saving Multi-displacement System, which seamlessly shifts to smooth, high-fuel-economy four-cylinder mode when less power is needed, and back to V-8 mode when more power is in demand.

A new Leather Appearance Group is standard on 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited and Overland models. The package includes leather wrap on the upper front- and rear-door bolsters, front-door armrests, the center console armrest/lid, instrument panel cluster brow, as well as the two-piece shift knob.