Perhaps the best thing to have come out of the ‘Merger of Equals’ and the following DaimlerDivorce, the 3.0-litre unit is thoroughly modern and chock full of right-now emissions-compliant technology.

The DOHC common-rail V6 produces 215 hp at 3,800 rpm, but as with all turbo-diesels the most impressive figure is the Hemi-equalling torque: 376 lb-ft. in this case, anywhere from 1,600 to 2,800 rpm. The engine can be found in virtually the same state of tune in the ML 320 CDI, albeit with a six-speed automatic rather than the five-speed found in the Grand Cherokee.

Mercedes-Benz has done an incredible job on making its offering not only more convenient to operate — i.e. no need to wait for the glow plugs — but to also ensure that you have a hard time remembering that it really is an oil burner under the hood. It stays remarkably hushed at speed too, abandoning most of the traditional clatter associated with pickup-truck-based engines.

The main benefit is drastically improved fuel economy, especially compared to the similarly powered Hemi. According to Canada’s Energuide, the Grand Cherokee CRD is rated at 12 L/100 km city and 9 L/100 km on the highway versus the 16.5 city / 11.2 highway for the displacement-on-demand gasoline-fueled 5.7 V8. And our Limited tester proved that to be the case by averaging 10.1 L/100 km in mixed driving over a 1,448-km round trip to Carlisle, Penn. The 83-litre tank allowed for 800-km breaks between fill-ups.

That’s not bad for a 2,036-kg SUV with genuine off-road credentials. And for those who need lug a boat or trailer around on the weekends, the 3,266 kg tow rating is identical to the Hemi’s.

The only real downside to the CRD is that it’s wrapped in the Grand Cherokee, which is showing its age compared to some of its competitors. Body roll is pronounced and there’s a lot of pitch fore and aft under acceleration and braking.

However, the Grand Cherokee is a Jeep first and foremost, meaning its off-road prowess is its standout feature. There are two different off-road-suitable full-time four-wheel-drive systems available.

Jeep is taking the CRD very seriously, positioning it as the top engine choice in the Grand Cherokee lineup — barring the SRT8. The Limited is probably the best feature-to-dollar ‘value’ at $52,335 while the loaded for bear Overland starts at $56,780. The entry-level Laredo starts at $47,990.

Knowing that the Grand Cherokee CRD is the most inexpensive diesel SUV offered in 2008, combined with the relatively frugal economy numbers, will help ease the sticker shock. Like anything else, pay more up front for a better product, but save on operating costs in the long run.