In the SUV category, the winner of the hearts of the 40 TAWA members which evaluated the cars was the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, who was named SUV of Texas. The new Cherokee also won the Full-size SUV of Texas title.
"It was an honor to represent Jeep at the Texas Auto Writers Association 'Truck Rodeo,' and we are thrilled that this opinion-leading journalist organization has recognized the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee as the 'SUV of Texas' and the 'Full-size SUV of Texas,' and the iconic Jeep Wrangler Unlimited as the 'Mid-size SUV of Texas,'" said Mike Manley, Jeep CEO.
The new Cherokee is priced from $30,995 (for the Laredo trim) and comes equipped with two engines, a new 3.6l Pentastar V6 unit, developing 290 horsepower and a 5.7l V8 powerplant, developing 360 horsepower.
The 2011 Grand Cherokee will be available in three trims: Laredo, Limited and Overland. It has been named Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The SUV is equipped with ESC with traction control, Brake Assist and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), driver and front-passenger active head restraints, front seat-mounted side airbags and advanced multi-stage front airbags.
"Jeep has proven itself in the toughest SUV market in the country," said Mike Herzing, TAWA president. "Jeep Grand Cherokee is the nicest SUV out there, and still true to its Jeep DNA."
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