Hi Scarps,
I bought my 2012 Grand Cherokee Larado CRD on the 30th June this year and have already done 8000 klm. At work, I have access to our Hilux, Mitsubishi Tritons, Holden Rodeo, and 2 diesel Colorados. Didn't mind the Colorados but the diesels made more noise than go and somewhat put me off the diesel thing. Then I drove the Grand Cherokee. Very little noise, absolutely no turbo lag, also stops on a dime, consumption figures that can't be beat, and a level of appointment that that would be hard to rival. As a deal clincher the dealer fitted the tow bar at cost and I had the brake controller fitted afterwards. I've now fitted a nudge bar so we can mount a Rod Ezy holder for trips on the beach. Just look at the Expanders down under forum and the guys there with their Grand Cherokee's let alone the Caravaner's forum. People who have criss crossed Australia with 3000 kg vans on the back. As I said to Jasman in his thread, see the difference with the camper on the back. All this and mine is the 5 speed like you had. Am I happy, you betcha. Would I still help a fellow traveller in need along the road, you betcha.
John