Jeep Grand Cherokee safety levels are acceptable since it attained a moderate four-star rating in Euro NCAP crash tests. It comes with an extensive range of safety equipment that includes active head restraints, multiple airbags, electronic stability and traction control, electronic roll mitigation to reduce the risk of rollovers, a reversing camera, front and rear parking sensors and a tyre pressure monitoring system.

However a 2013 test saw the Jeep struggle to maintain control during the Swedish ‘Elk test’ that once saw the original Mercedes A-Class roll onto its roof.

Trailer Sway Control improves handling when towing. Overland versions also benefit from further safety equipment that includes adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, brake assistance, blind spot monitoring and rear cross path detection – which alerts you to vehicles that may clip you when you’re reversing out of a parking space.

There’s a variety of equipment and features to make Jeep Grand Cherokee practicality something to take note of. Front passengers get cupholders, large side pockets which can hold bottles, illuminated vanity mirrors, a central storage compartment with 12v charging socket and an overhead sunglasses drawer.

Rear passengers get seats that recline and adjustable cooling vents, while the seats also fold away entirely.

A flat boot lip results in easy loading of luggage. Under the boot floor there are neat plastic storage bins, surrounding the spare tyres, for odds and sods. A load bay cover is included but it felt of poor quality to our hands.

Boot space is a huge 782 litres, though it’s worth noting that figure is to the roof – not the conventional figure to the windowline that most manufacturers quote. With the rear seats down this increases to a staggering 1,554 litres.

If you’re really getting into rough terrain, the Jeep’s front spoiler detaches in order to improve clearance. Both diesels can tow 3500kg braked trailers, though be warned homologation rules mean the top of the range Summit can only cope with 2,949kg.