US will finally get a diesel-powered Jeep Grand Cherokee in 2013

The SUVs that really need the diesel are Suburbans, Tahoes and Expeditions - truck based SUVs that are true gas guzzlers towing boats, horses, etc.

The soccer moms have moved on to hipper offerings, but those who really use the Suburban would appreciate a diesel.

If this is more economical I would like the engine, this is a nice suv, but just not off road oriented enough for me to want it, it wouldn't take much to make this off road oriented, it needs selectable lockers,min,33inch tires on nothing larger than an 17in rim, more wheel travel, and preferably solid axles...

@truckman you are so right. Thats why I love my 02 Land Rover Discovery. V8, solid front and rear axles and a fully boxed frame.

A 4 cylinder would also be lighter, so better power to weight ratio, cheaper maintenance, it could also be a 4cylinder and be a 4L and have the same power.

I just finished a 650 mile trip in a 2008 M-B ML320 CDI driving mostly at 80-85 mph and returned over 25 mpg. Last time I took this same trip in a 2010 Honda Ridgeline the returns where around 20 mpg. The high speeds (speed limits on I-15 through most of central and southern Utah are 75-80 mph) markedly reduce fuel economy. That said, the quicker transit times more than make up for the extra cost of fuel and it's rare to see vehicles (other than motor homes or towing vehicles) going at or below the posted limits. I'll have to ask a friend who has a ML350 and owns a condo in St. George what mileage he gets.
I'm a diesel believer for SUV's and trucks. The M-B is my wife's car and she has just ordered a 2012 ML diesel to replace the '08. It's not the better fuel mileage she likes--it's the torque--she loves to press the go-pedal and feel the solid push in the back! More power to Jeep for the diesels.

It's about time.

p.s. Don't waste time on hybrids.