Zombie apocalypse now: Best car for surviving World War Z

With Y2K long behind us, the greatest threat to mankind appears to be the zombie apocalypse, if "The Walking Dead" and "World War Z" are to be believed. And it is clear from studying those survival training "documentaries" that having the right vehicle is key to staying alive.

Television sponsorship has shown that a Hyundai Tucson could come in handy, but for true survival in a post-civilization world, we suggest something more rugged to flee the zombie hordes. After much consideration, and far too much war gaming, I've concluded that the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee is the model that would most aid my survival.

Last July, I explored this same topic, pointing out that a Mad Maxxed Hyundai Elantra, like the one built for the San Diego Comic-Con, simply wouldn't cut it. Beyond looking silly, it didn't have the prerequisite approach and departure angles necessary to scale all the destruction and debris. My conclusion then was that a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon would be the best choice. But upon further reflection, and seeing the horrifying "World War Z" footage, I'm convinced that there is a better choice from the same Trail Rated brand. (My I do lust for a Wrangler.)

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To start with, the best car to survive the zombie apocalypse has to be Consumer Reports recommended, meaning it performs well in our tests, has average or better reliability based on our annual survey, and has done well in government and/or insurance industry crash tests. Sounds reasonable, right? But that rules out the Wrangler. The Grand Cherokee, on the other hand, is, indeed, recommended.

Taking it a step further, this zombie-escape machine should do well in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's roof strength test, just in case of a dreaded zombie pig pile. Also, it must be reasonably resistant to rollovers in the government tests, while being off-road capable with generous ground clearance. After all, you never know what you might have to run over or when the brain-craving crowds may try to rock your vehicle over to peel it open like a can of sardines.

It would be natural to emphasize fuel economy, but instead, I'd focus on range. Based on our tests, the Grand Cherokee V6 has a range of 435 miles. And it uses readily available regular gasoline. (The new diesel Grand Cherokee is highly tempting, with a claimed range of more than 700 miles.)

Normally, I'd favor a light vehicle, but in this doomsday scenario, weight can help to plow through obstacles and flesh-eating mobs. The Grand Cherokee tipped our scales at 4,900 lbs., before being loaded with water, fuel, family, and countless essentials--plenty to topple stumbling cadavers like bowling pins and bust through minor road blocks. Plus, the right vehicle will have a full-sized spare tire and no roof rack, where undead passengers could cling. Can't have any hangers-on.