Country Terrain Jeeps

The Grand Cherokee is currently Jeep's flagship SUV, remodelled to cope with the many different demands placed on it in modern 4x4 driving. While its predecessor is strongly suited to tackling off-road terrain, with its boisterous engine and rugged handling, the Grand model has much more muscle on the open road.

Spacious & Safe Interiors

Like all large family off-road vehicles, you can expect a heightened feeling of protection inside your Jeep. Grand Cherokee fared best at the Euro NCAP tests, clocking up four stars for adults and three for child passengers in its 2005 test.

Expect the usual high emission rate for this kind of car, though - even with the more economic diesel versions, which still provide the muscular torque you'd expect from a Jeep, you'll struggle to get 30 miles to the gallon from the extraordinarily large engines.

Family Driving SUVs

For a family-friendly drive, look towards some of the newer editions; the Compass and Patriot are well-equipped for the city 4x4 driver, whereas the Commander and Wrangler do as their names sound, and are best suited for no-frills country driving. Motor sizes can run in to the ridiculous - some Grand Cherokees are fitted with 6.1 litre engines.