Jeep Grand Cherokee
This inclusion on the toughest SUVs list may seem like it’s a bit of a posh choice, but under that exterior is still the AMC roots of itself, the Wrangler and the Cherokee. The Jeep Grand Cherokee started as a mix level SUV that could be upgraded with options. The thing is, no one wanted the base models. The high-end Grand Cherokees flew off the shelves! They were well outfitted, they were incredibly versatile and they were just plain fun! That combination led Chrysler to abandon the base model and turn the Grand Cherokee into a luxury getaway tool. It’s the perfect vehicle for an executive that refuses to give up on camping every weekend!
At the time the Grand Cherokee was finally released into the production, the Ford Explorer was dominating the game in North America. The Explorer had been providing America with a tough SUV at reasonable prices. However, the Grand Cherokee tried to add a bit more utility. The Ford Explorer worked on a truck chassis. The body and the chassis were separate pieces. This hurts the ride but does allow it to go over extreme terrain better. The Grand Cherokee went with single body construction. It’s still capable of going over 98% of terrain, but that terrain includes roads!
The Grand Cherokee wasn’t just tough on the trails but was also a saving grace and tough in the boardrooms too. In 2009, Chrysler was in tough economic times and facing potential bankruptcy. They needed to apply for a loan with the government (let us be honest, call it a bailout) and they needed proof that they were actually going to be able to start making money. One of their main arguments was their brand new Grand Cherokee that was scheduled to release in a year or two. In this case, it was two years later, but Chrysler did get the funding!
