This growth spurt helps address one of the most significant shortcomings of the outgoing model, namely the complete lack of rear seat legroom. While not exactly spacious, designers managed to make the new 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee’s passenger compartment much more accommodating while still keeping the exterior dimensions compact enough for easy maneuverability in tight quarters.

Perhaps for fear of alienating its legions of loyal followers, the changes to the third-generation 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee’s outward appearance are rather subtle.

The most notable exterior tweaks include a bolder version of Jeep’s trademark seven-slot grille, flanked by rounded quad-look headlamps that flow nicely into the sculpted leading edge of the hood. More pronounced fender flares with squared-off edges give the body a muscular stance while helping to protect the sides of the vehicle from mud and other trail debris.

While the Jeep aficionados we met seemed to like this updated exterior, the overall package strikes us as a little bland, which makes us wonder whether it will be distinctive enough to catch the eye of upscale SUV shoppers, folks who may well put a higher value on an appealing form over “Trail-Rated” function.