For those boaties seeking a tow vehicle able to pull up to a 3500kg payload, but also want sedan-like handling, loads of interior room, off-road agility and luxury enough to make slipping behind the wheel an unadulterated pleasure, then look no further than Jeep’s Grand Cherokee Hemi.

Building on the success of the Grand Cherokee since its release here in 1996, with more than 17,500 sold since then, Chrysler has responded to a demand for a luxury SUV with power to tow heavy loads without breaking into a sweat. The Grand Cherokee packs a 5.7lt port-injected V8 that develops a walloping 240kW and 500Nm of torque. This is mated to an six-speed automatic gearbox (it’s nearly impossible to discern the vehicle shifting cogs around town) and all-new Quadra-Trac II four-wheel drive system, which splits the load according to conditions via electronic clutches in the diffs. The Hemi gets enough power to the ground to embarrass family sedans at the lights... and with almost no engine noise at all. In fact, the Hemi can sprint the quarter mile in 15 seconds and boasts acceleration to 0-100km/h in seven seconds.

While the engine and drivetrain is a big part of the story, the work Chrysler’s engineers have invested in the suspension dynamics is immediately obvious. The ride from the unequal-length control arms and coil springs is pillowy over rough suburban roads, gliding over potholes as if on a cushion of air - yet point it hard into a corner and the hydraulic anti-sway bars resist bodyroll and keeps the vehicle under control.

Under brakes, the Hemi is equally confidence-inspiring thanks to dinner-plate sized vented ABS discs front and rear. By all accounts, the Hemi is up there with its competition when it comes to scrambling around off the tar, assisted in no small way by reduced overhangs and an improved undercarriage system, plus that intelligent 4WD traction-control.

The Cherokee has grown 8cm along the wheelbase, its 2.5cm wider and rides 5cm lower on 17in alloys than previous models - along with refined, revised styling. Despite the larger dimensions, big auto-dimming wing mirrors, a lower bonnet profile, wide rear window and reversing alarm makes manoeuvring a trailer a doddle.

Inside, the comfort, spaciousness and ambience will get you looking for any excuse to go for a drive. The model we tested was loaded with options, but as standard you can expect a crisp and grunty six-speaker CD/MP3, split climate control, rear window defroster, telescoping wheel and leather interior. As tested, we got heated seats, auto-dimming headlights, rain-sensing windscreen, electric seats, sunroof, cruise control, optional DVD and GPS - everything your heart could desire from a luxury vehicle. Comfort, legroom and seat adjustability was outstanding.

The Grand Cherokee Hemi also allows users to configure and program mirrors, seats and stereo etc to their personal requirements. The car adjusts automatically depending on which keyless entry device you use. So, mum’s keys will remember mum’s settings, dad’s keys dad’s settings.

This is the vehicle for towing the big 8m Whittley cruiser up north for the hols. Fuel economy, though, is a downside. During a mix of highway and city driving, a tank of gas disappeared with dispiriting haste - this is despite the engine’s ability to shut down cylinders when under-stressed. EPA figures from the US quote city fuel efficiency at 14mpg and an impressive 21mpg on the highway. There is also a diesel model available. If you look at the Limited specification, there’s a convincing argument to buy a Hemi over its competition. All SUVs guzzle fuel - but Jeep’s respected linage, refinement, and iron-fist-in-velvet-glove performance makes it a highly desirable vehicle for stylish boat-owning families.

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