I dislike SUVs. That’s something I’ve realized test-driving a string of cars these past few months.

First of all, they are physically challenging. I have to literally clamber up behind the wheel. Another reason I don’t like them is because I feel I’m about to scrape off the hood whenever I drive into an underground car park. Third and not least, because they are usually diesels, the loud purr of their engines really gets to me.

But I must say, the Grand Cherokee from Jeep was a gamechanger.

They are, I am told, one of the first SUVs in the world, with the modern versions tweaked and upgraded to now handle both off-and on-road conditions. 

As always, it all started in the looks department, as the Overland Summit model I drove scored deliciously high. All black and chrome, it stood majestically, even in the most pathetic excuse for a parking lot.

The interior was equally cool, with the stitched leather oozing class, while the rear leg space was extended and now easily fits three in the back.

I also felt empowered by the testosterone-boosting appearance, which gave me confidence that I can navigate through the crazy Seoul traffic without being bullied by men who still tend to look down on us females, despite that we may actually be better drivers.

The engine, co-developed with Fiat, is a V6 3.0-liter turbo built to be environmentally friendly, but with 241 horsepower, is uncompromising in speed and power. Fuel efficiency was also commendable, at around 9 to 10 kilometers per liter in the city area, which is fair enough and at the top in its size segment.

For me, the Quadra-Lift was one of the best added features. It basically lets you control the suspension to lift the car higher with the touch of a button, then sinking it back in parking mode.

Because my garage ceiling is lower than others, I loved it, not to mention that it was huge fun to feel the car bouncing up over 10 inches to “rock-climbing height” in under a minute.

I confess, I didn’t have a chance to put my Jeep off-road so I couldn’t try the excellence of the four-wheel Quadra Drive II system. But let’s be honest: Who really drives an SUV for that anymore?

It’s all about being smooth enough to ride on-road, while knowing that it can also handle the tougher conditions. Besides, I have faith in the Selec-Terrain system to pick and choose from five different driving modes.

I give the Grand Cherokee Overland Summit a 4.5 out of 5 for being an SUV that’s both functional and sexy. Prices are not too bad either, at 76 million won ($69,000), which is significantly cheaper than a Range Rover.

By Kim Ji-hyun (jemmie@heraldcorp.com)