Jeep has made it very clear that electrification is coming to the entire lineup, and one of the company’s best selling vehicles is the Grand Cherokee, it makes sense that the new Grand Cherokee would offer some sort of electrification.
What you’re looking at here is the new 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe. The 4xe is Jeep’s branding for plug-in hybrid, and Jeep is going all in on the powertrain on all of the Grand Cherokee trim levels.
The 2.0-liter turbocharged engine is mated to a plug-in hybrid system that Jeep anticipates will travel 25 miles on electricity alone. The system makes 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. If that sounds familiar, it’s the same output as the fantastic Wrangler 4xe.
The 4x in 4xe means all versions are four-wheel drive. The 4xe can also tow, thanks to a maximum tow rating of 6,000 pounds.
The similarities with Wrangler 4xe continue with 3 different electric modes for battery use: eSave, Hybrid, and Electric. With Electric chosen, the system will prioritize zero emissions motoring until the battery is depleted. In Hybrid mode, the system will decide what’s best. In eSave mode, the Grand Cherokee will run the motor and not use the energy in the battery.
Why save the electricity? So you can off-road on electricity only. But also, as cities consider banning combustion vehicles within their limits, drivers will want to be able to save the electric motor only use to when they have to use it. While it’s not a thing in the United States yet, this is a global powertrain — and product — and changes like this are happening in Europe.
Buyers will be able to get the 4xe in Limited, Trailhawk, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve trims. The Summit Reserve is the most premium offering, and includes niceties like a 19 speaker McIntosh audio system and ventilated rear seats. Also, a 10.25-inch front passenger screen, first seen on Wagoneer, is making its way to Grand Cherokee.
Additionally, Grand Cherokee gets Uconnect 5 with wireless Apple Car Play and Android Auto. Available level 2 driver assist functions including a hands off highway mode is coming. Tech like night vision and a full color heads up display is also available.
For those who want to get off the tarmac, the Trailhawk has an electronic sway bar disconnect system and an electronic limited slip rear differential. You also won’t need to worry about the electronics with the hybrid because Jeep says the Grand Cherokee 4xe can ford 24 inches of water.
“The Jeep Grand Cherokee is our global flagship and will be leading the Jeep brand into a new era of premium refinement, innovative technology, advanced 4×4 capability and electrification,” said Christian Meunier, Jeep Brand Chief Executive Officer. “With a perfect balance of on-road dynamics, 4×4 capability and 4xe performance, the all-new 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee is the most technologically advanced, luxurious and 4×4-capable Grand Cherokee ever.”
This author has been in both the new Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer plus the Grand Cherokee L, and they offer a premium experience that we’ve never seen with Jeep before. If Jeep can pull off the similar mix of luxury and capability in the 2-row Grand Cherokee, they’ll likely have a sales success on its hands.
There’s much more to tell you about the Grand Cherokee 4xe, and we’ll be sure to bring that to you when we drive the new 2-row hybrid from Jeep later this year.
