My niece recently informed me that she purchased a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee and that she ‘loves it.' 

With my over 35 years of experience related to the automotive industry, I can say that she made a very good vehicle purchase!

However, don't just take my word for it.  The redesigned 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee has reportedly received the most awards of any SUV.  A few of these awards include:

AutoWeek gave the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee its ‘Best-of-the-Best – Truck Award.'  The publication liked this vehicle's luxurious car-like interior combined with its 4x4 off-road ability.

The Detroit Free Press gave the Jeep Grand Cherokee its ‘Truck of the Year' award.  The newspaper was impressed with the vehicle's luxurious interior and great cargo room.

Popular Mechanics was impressed by the Jeep's Select-Terrain system that the driver controls from the dash.

Four Wheeler magazine selected the Grand Cherokee as their ‘Four-Wheeler of the Year.'  The publication liked the Quadra-Lift air suspension system. It allows the SUV to go from a low of 6.6 inches off the ground (convenient cargo loading) up to a best-in-class 10.7 inches of off road driving ground clearance.

Ward's magazine put the Grand Cherokee's 3.6-liter V6 Pentastar engine on its prestigious '10 Best Engine's' list.  The publication was impressed with the powerplant's optimal balance of power (290 hp/260 ft. lb. of torque), fuel economy (17 city and 23 mpg highway), and E85 fuel use capability.  With the V6 engine, the Grand Cherokee has a best-in-class driving range of over 500 miles.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) tested the Grand Cherokee and found it to be a ‘Top Safety Pick' for 2012.  As a matter of fact, the vehicle reportedly swept the safety award podium with its over 45 safety features.

Consumers Digest awarded the 2012 Grand Cherokee a ‘Best Buy' for its exceptional value.  The award was based on the Jeep's price and ownership costs combined with its performance, utility and comfort.

And how did the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee get to be so very good?  Well, I think that it is due to the fact that Jeep has always built rugged and capable 4X4s that offer great utility.  Add in the past Mercedes/Chrysler effort and the result is the Grand Cherokee's exceptional and luxurious interior, great engine, the air suspension, the ride quality and more!   

All I can say is that my niece is smart, she loves her Jeep Grand Cherokee, and look for my full review of this multi award-winning SUV!  

Kyle Busch is the author of "Drive the Best for the Price: How to Buy a Used Automobile, Sport-Utility Vehicle, or Minivan and Save Money." His auto site: drivethebestbook.com includes an exclusive article just for you, additional car articles, information about Kyle Busch and his 510,000 mile car, and you can even submit your automotive questions and get expert answers.  Follow Kyle on Facebookand Twitter.