Fortunately, ESP keeps everything under control.
Over the weekend, we discussed why all crossovers and SUVs need to have electronic stability systems as standard. Simply put, the higher ground clearance, one of those vehicles’ biggest advantages, leads to higher center of gravity, compromised handling, and generally unsafe car.
Anyway, most modern SUVs, depending on the market, have ESP in their array of standard features, so there’s nothing to worry about. Two separate new videos from our friends at km77.com, specialized in doing moose tests, come to prove that showing what two of Jeep’s most recent models are capable of around the cones.
Mainstream and premium SUVs on the moose test:
First is the Compass (video at the top), which remains safe at all speeds during the test. Even at the highest entrance velocity, 49 miles per hour (79 kilometers per hour), the vehicle reacts safely to the maneuvers. The folks over at km77.com say that the driver of the vehicle always felt in total control of the situation and remained confident of the successful outcome. The body roll is minor and the electronic stability system works quickly and efficiently.
At speed of 50 mph (81 kph), the attempt is unsuccessful, and the team was not able to complete the maneuver without hitting cones. However, even at that relatively high speed, the car remains safe and easily controllable.
Naturally, the situation is a bit different with the Grand Cherokee (see video below). It’s bigger and significantly heavier, which affects the control of the vehicle. The highest achieved speed for a successful run around the cones is 44 mph (71 kph). As a result of its high weight (approximately 5,300 pounds/2,400 kilograms), there’s significant body roll and changes of direction are slow. However, the large SUV remains stable and under control – it’s not a nimble car, but the ESP keeps it on track acting subtly and without disconcerting the driver.
Source: km77.com on YouTube