THE latest Jeep Grand Cherokee does everything big.

From the massive touchscreen display on the dashboard to the 782-litre boot it doesn't know the meaning of the word miniature.

The latest model went on sale in the middle of last year sporting a new look inside and out with cutting-edge technology and improved performance on-road and off.

There are two engines, three power outputs and six trim levels.

The potent 247bhp 3.0-litre turbo diesel underneath the bonnet of the model I drove is going to be the logical option for the vast majority of buyers - as the blisteringly quick 6.4-litre SRT model is prohibitively expensive to run.

Jeep's latest eight-speed automatic transmission helps reduce fuel consumption and emissions while also improving acceleration and delivering gear changes that are smooth and quick.

There's four-wheel drive and a low-range gearbox fitted as standard on all models, while higher-specification cars also get an air suspension - rather than steel springs - which offers a comfortable ride and negligible body roll in even the tightest corners.

Jeep fit the Selec-Terrain control system which allows the choice of either sand, mud, auto, rock and snow mode depending on the conditions being driven in. 

The Grand Cherokee's chunky exterior benefits from bi-xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lights, a distinctive seven-slot grille, natty fog lamps and snazzy 20-inch wheels.

At the rear there are large tail lamps with LED lighting, an aerodynamic rear spoiler and a tailgate that's been re-sculpted to offer improved visibility. Dual exhaust tips are standard on all models.

The sophisticated cabin sports hand-crafted materials such as Natura Plus leather and wood trim and is packed with technology including a multi-function three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel which has buttons that activate the cruise control and infotainment systems.

There's a seven-inch configurable driver display in the instrument cluster and the giant Uconnect 8.4-inch touchscreen system that's a cinch to use.

Limited Plus, Overland, Summit and SRT models have satellite navigation as standard.

The Summit model I drove and the high-performance SRT come with a state-of-the-art 19-speaker, 825-watt Harman Kardon surround-sound audio system which gave even my tired music collection a new lease of life.

Despite its enormous proportions, the Jeep has just five seats spurning the modern trend for vehicles like this to at least offer the option of seven spaces - but the upshot is a generous amount of head and legroom for adults in the front and rear seats.

The cave-like luggage space is aided and abetted by a pair of extra storage bins on either side of the spare wheel beneath the boot floor - and if the rear seats are folded that space increases to 1,554-litres.

There's a host of safety equipment - including front, side, curtain and driver's knee airbags -  but personally I could have done without the over-active alarm and warning to brake whenever the car sensed something in front of it.

The Grand Cherokee could never be described as a cheap car, but it is value for the money as it costs less than its main market rivals so should attract its fair share of buyers.