Over the past couple of years, the Jeep® brand has introduced several Overlanding concepts for those who enjoy off-road adventuring. Most have been based on the Wrangler or Gladiator, like the recently released Jeep Gladiator Farout Concept. But one of the most interesting packages that the iconic SUV brand put together, also has to be one of the most overlooked concept vehicles to make an appearance at the annual Easter Jeep Safari – the Jeep Grand Cherokee Overlander Concept.
The Grand Cherokee Overlander represents the rough-and-tumble side of Grand Cherokee, a rugged and dependable vehicle customized for the enthusiast interested in overland expeditions where they travel and camp out of their vehicle.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee Overlander sported a custom one-off front fascia with an integrated front winch, large front tow hooks, and massive yellow fog lights. The Overlander’s exterior also featured an SRT performance hood, SRT darkened taillamps, larger wheel flares, off-road rock rails, front and rear skid platting, and a set of 18-inch milled twin 5-spoke wheels wrapped in a set of BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires.
Under the hood, the Overlander is powered by the second-generation 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6. The stout diesel made 240 horsepower and a massive 420 lb.-ft. of torque and gave the Grand Cherokee Overlander a driving range of more than 730 miles (or about 1,175 kilometers) and towing capability of 7,400 lbs. (or 3,357 kg). The EcoDiesel was paired with a ZF-based 8-speed automatic transmission that delivered quick acceleration as well as precise and smooth shifting. The Overlander also benefited from a low crawl ratio of 44:1:1 to aid in climbing over, or through tough obstacles.
To top it all off (literally), Jeep equipped the Overland with a durable spray-in truck bed liner coating on the roof, as well as a hard-shell rooftop tent, which is easily deployable. The rooftop tent offers a comfortable sleeping experience with good insulation and waterproofing, as well as offering above-ground privacy. It also provides the Grand Cherokee Overlander to have a small campsite footprint, for those who need to set up camp in tight areas.
The Overlander proved that you don’t have to have a Wrangler, nor a Gladiator, to have a capable platform for hitting unknown terrain.
Jeep® Grand Cherokee Overlander Concept Image Gallery:
