2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Altitude Special Edition Named by Brand Fan

Want to know how Jeep settled on the Altitude name for its latest version of the Grand Cherokee? It asked Jeep fans what the blacked-out model ought to be called, and got more than 100,000 responses. Altitude was selected from thousands of entries, beating Midnight and Obsidian for the win. And then Jeep decided that similar versions of the Compass and Patriot were in order.

Since the Compass and Patriot are lame crossovers based on Dodge Caliber underpinnings, and the Grand Cherokee is a capable off-roader deserving of your attention, Speedy Daddy is going to focus on the Grand Cherokee Altitude.

NEW GRAND CHEROKEE LATITUDE BASED ON THE LAREDO X MODEL

On the outside, the 2012 Grand Cherokee Altitude gets a mesh grille with gloss black surround trim, black headlight bezels, a black liftgate light bar, and 20-inch gloss black aluminum wheels. Because it is based on the Grand Cherokee Laredo X, the Grand Cherokee Altitude includes leather seats that are heated up front, a premium audio system, a ParkSense rear park-assist system, Keyless Enter ‘N Go entry and push-button ignition, and Uconnect hands-free Bluetooth connectivity.

The Grand Cherokee Altitude goes on sale in May, available in Deep Cherry Red, Mineral Gray, Stone White, Maximum Steel Metallic, Bright Silver Metallic, or Brilliant Black. Two- and four-wheel-drive versions are available, as well as a 5.7-liter V8 engine to replace the standard 3.6-liter V6.

SPEEDY DADDY SAYS…

Blacked-out trim is a hot design trend, so if you like this particular look and you want a Grand Cherokee, the new Altitude model makes total sense. The Grand Cherokee Altitude combines attitude with the ability to climb to altitudes normal vehicles cannot reach.

– Christian Wardlaw