I told The Critic about my review about 3 weeks ago... I posted this on JeepsUnlimited.
Ok, first of, the dealership only had 3 models. 2 V6 Laredos and 1 V8 Laredo X. All were 2WD.
Exterior
The pictures do not do it justice. It's beautiful honestly. I was surprised to find more ground clearance than expected. I was disappointed that the Laredo X came with Michelin Latitude Tour X tires. Very expensive and very car like. The doors also have a little metallic "clink" when you open it. Reminds me of an older Ford Explorer, but no where near as loud. Oddly, this was only on the back doors. The tailgate will be out of reach for those here who are shorter, or who have short wives.
Interior
Backseat passengers will find a welcoming change in seating comfort. It reminds me a bit of a Land Rover Disco, albeit, less stadium like. The rear seats have a recline function which is nice. Air vents for the rear passengers were an afterthought. I would of hoped to have them by the door pillar, but instead, they are down low on the console. And they seem lower since the floor is as flat as the Liberty, a welcome change.
Rear cargo room is nice. It's large and those chrome rails remind me of the 93-94 ZJ. Nice touch. It's not good for securing cargo though. There is room under the floor for a small tool set and other emergency items.
Front driver's cabin: It's a cockpit. It's great. Your view of the road is great. The thick, meaty steering wheel is great to hold but will take getting use to. I was disappointed there were no "hand grips" but that because my DD is an Acura TL and the wheel has those. The steering wheel is littered with buttons but will taking getting use to. Switch gear is familiar and some feel great, while some others are sub-par. Instrument display is clear and crisp. The VIC is very Audi like now. It has a digital speedo function and I enjoyed it more than I expected. Since it was a Laredo X, I was shocked to find auto temp controls and heated leather seats. Hopefully no blend door issues arise.
Drive
Ok. It's heavy. Not going to lie. But it's a solid kind of heavy. As I rode over some roads in Houston, you felt a little movement, and didn't hear anything, despite the 18 inch tire combo. It's no sports car, despite the Hemi V8 but it will motivate you. I never had to push the engine past 2500.... but when I did, the retuned Hemi was epic. The brakes are a massive improvement and a welcome one. I honestly tried to find something wrong with the way it drives, but I couldn't.
Overall
This vehicle is going to upset the purists because of the lack of SFA/SRA. But, Jeep did their homework on this vehicle. It feels like a quality vehicle with a quality design. The price? Well justified, especially since I personally think it has the balls to take on the Acura MDX, Lexus RX350, and dare I say, the Range Rover Sport. It's way better than any other GM SUV and well the Ford Explorer is just a Ford Flex with Land Rover's Terrain Management System, and no off road inspired suspension.
I like it. I'm considering purchasing one a few years down the road.
