First Photos: 2011 Grand Cherokee Gets Trail-Rated

When we first heard the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee was getting air suspension, we were concerned it'd impact off-roading prowess. However, based on these first Rubicon Trail images, the next Grand Cherokee seems to crawl just fine.

The wheeling happened during the recent Jeep Jamboree and the new Grand Cherokee's display an impressive level of capability. We were under the impression the next-gen WKs (or whatever they'll be called) were pansy machines, but they're showing some significant badasserry here. If you pay attention in the gallery you'll even see the white one demonstrating some pretty impressive trail rash on the driver's side rear fender.

When Daimler-controlled Jeep said their vehicles wouldn't necessarily be Rubicon rated, we about tossed in the towel, but this new Grand Cherokee is proving there's still hope yet for the perennially cursed brand. It appears the new Grand Cherokee is handsomely appointed, wells-styled, AND capable off road. Color us hopeful for the one new Chrysler product.

Especially given other news today from the folks at JeepGarage.org that the all-new Grand Cherokee may get a starting price of $31,480 (including destination charges) for a base 4x2 Laredo up to $45,770 for a top-of-the range 4x4 Overland. That's a whopping ten bucks cheaper on the low end than the price of the long-in-the-tooth 2010 model. [Facebook, JeepGarage]