Jeep® Grand Cherokee Wins Inaugural PAPA Best of the Southwest Award and Luxury Off-Road Award at 12th Annual Carspondent.com Active Lifestyle Vehicle Competition 

October 22, 2015 , Auburn Hills, Mich. -  The Jeep® Grand Cherokee took home two awards at this year’s Active Lifestyle Vehicle (ALV) awards, including the inaugural Phoenix Automotive Press Association (PAPA) Best of the Southwest award.

The 12th annual Carspondent.com “Active Lifestyle Vehicle of the Year” awards competition was held at San Marcos Golf Resort in Chandler, Ariz.

Local members of the Phoenix-area media, including PAPA members, spent the first day of the competition evaluating cars, crossovers, SUVs and trucks. The second day brought more than 100 athletes and outdoor enthusiasts from all over the country to evaluate the same vehicles.

At the conclusion of the ALV event, Jeep Grand Cherokee took home two awards:

• The inaugural PAPA Best of the Southwest award
• Luxury Off-Road (MSRP over $35,000 with true off-road capability)  

“The Jeep Grand Cherokee ticked all the boxes for our PAPA panel of automotive journalists as a durable go-anywhere vehicle with plenty of room for people and gear,” said Bob Golfen, automotive journalist and PAPA member. “PAPA jurors also were impressed by the Jeep's premium interior and superior drivability, which make it an ideal all-around SUV for daily driving and vacation fun.”  

The Active Lifestyle Vehicle competition is unique because it’s the only annual awards program where outdoor enthusiasts, athletes and the automotive media come together to pick the winners. The evaluation process includes navigating an off-road course and on-road driving, too.

“With its fuel-efficient EcoDiesel engine, the Jeep Grand Cherokee has the off-road capability and range to venture far off the grid, while maintaining the appealing style, comfort and convenience features that buyers in this segment demand,” said Nina Russin, ALV co-founder. “As such, the Grand Cherokee can keep up with the demanding lifestyles of elite and recreational athletes who need a daily commuter during the week, but a highly off-road capable vehicle for the weekend.”

The ALV awards were co-founded by Bob Babbitt, a member of the Ironman Hall of Fame, and Jim Woodman, longtime journalist, triathlete and founder of Active.com, as well as Nina Russin, longtime distance runner and auto journalist.

Jeep Grand Cherokee
Jeep Grand Cherokee is the most awarded SUV ever and the vehicle that has long defined what a premium SUV should be. The Grand Cherokee Summit models receive added features, as well as a Summit California Edition appearance package that further enhances Summit’s premium exterior aesthetics.

Jeep Grand Cherokee delivers best-in-class 30 miles per gallon (mpg) highway courtesy of an available 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6 engine and standard eight-speed transmission. The 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6 boasts an unmatched driving range of more than 730 miles.

Legendary Jeep capability comes courtesy of three available 4x4 systems, Jeep’s Quadra-Lift air suspension system and class-leading Selec-Terrain traction management system. Grand Cherokee boasts best-in-class towing of 7,400 pounds, and a crawl ratio of 44.1:1.

A refined exterior design — complete with available bi-xenon headlamps with signature LED daytime running lamps (DRL) — provides a premium appearance. Interior luxury is achieved with premium amenities, including Natura leather, exotic open-pore wood trim and unique color offerings.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is available in five trim levels: Laredo, Laredo E, Limited, Overland and Summit.
 
Jeep Brand
Built on more than 80 years of legendary heritage, Jeep® is the authentic SUV brand that delivers legendary off-road capability, interior refinement, high-tech features and versatility to people who seek extraordinary journeys. The Jeep brand delivers an open invitation to live life to the fullest by offering a broad portfolio of vehicles that continues to provide owners with a sense of safety and security to handle any journey with confidence. Jeep Wave, a premium owner loyalty and customer care program that is available to the entire Jeep 4x4 lineup, is filled with benefits and exclusive perks to deliver Jeep brand owners the utmost care and dedicated 24/7 support. The legendary Jeep brand's off-road capability is enhanced by a global electrification initiative that is transforming 4xe into the new 4x4. All Jeep brand vehicles in North America will offer an electrified variant by 2025.

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