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The all-new 2022 Grand Cherokee is based on a new architecture and is Jeep’s second 4xe model
by Sidd Dhimaan, on LISTEN 07:33Jeep launched the new Grand Cherokee L earlier this year and it was perceived as nothing but a three-row Grand Cherokee before it was launched. However, it was actually the other way round because the Grand Cherokee L was a preview of what the new 2022 Grand Cherokee will be like.
The new fifth-gen Grand Cherokee will be a shrunken Grand Cherokee L, underpinned on a new platform and following the same design language as its elder sibling. It also comes with new tech features. The highlight of this two-row model, however, is the new 4xe plug-in hybrid trim. The Grand Cherokee will be the second model in Jeep’s lineup – after the Wrangler 4xe – to feature the 4xe plug-in hybrid drivetrain.
A New Plug-in Hybrid 4xe Makes The Cut
Jeep’s second 4xe model after the Wrangler comes in the form of the Grand Cherokee. The Wrangler 4xe was launched recently and has already become the best-selling plug-in hybrid model in the U.S. according to Jeep. There’s no reason why the Grand Cherokee 4xe won’t be a hit either.
The Grand Cherokee 4xe comes with a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine and an electric motor that churns out 375 horses and 470 pound-feet of twist combined.
This 17 kWh battery pack is good enough for an all-electric range of 25 miles, and helps round up the fuel economy to 57 MPGe. This brings the total range on a full tank and full charge to more than 440 miles.
There will be four 4xe Selec modes to choose from – Hybrid, Electric, and eSave. The maximum towing capacity here is rated at 6,000 pounds. As the name suggests, the 4xe will be a four-wheel-drive exclusive offering.
It will be available on four trims – Limited, Trailhawk Overland, and Summit.
What Are The Other Engines On Offer?
The other two engines are carried over from the current Grand Cherokee.
The first one is the 3.6-liter V-6 Pentastar engine that makes 293 horses and 260 pound-feet of torque.
Power is routed to the wheels via an eight-speed TorqueFlite automatic gearbox. This is the standard engine option on all the trims and the towing capacity, irrespective of the drive system, is rated at 6,200 pounds.
Next up is the 5.7-liter V-8 engine that puts out 357 ponies and 390 pound-feet of twist.
The maximum towing capacity here is rated at 7,200 pounds. This engine is optional on the Trailhawk, Overland, and Summit trims.
Three Four-Wheel-Drive Systems Will Be Available
Just like the Grand Cherokee L, Jeep has decided to offer three four-wheel-drive systems on the fifth-gen Grand Cherokee as well. The three systems are:
- Quadra-Trac I
- Quadra-Trac II
- Quadra-Drive III
The Quadra-Trac I comes with a single-speed transfer case. The Quadra-Trac II features a low-range gear set, whereas the Quadra-Drive III comes with an electronically controlled limited-slip rear differential in addition to the Quadra-Trac II’s features. All three drive systems can disconnect the front axle automatically.
What’s Different On The Outside?
The fifth-gen Jeep Grand Cherokee is underpinned on a new platform. The Grand Cherokee L that was launched earlier this year was underpinned on the same platform like this one, although that was an extended version. No other SUV in Jeep’s lineup currently makes use of that architecture.
On the outside, it shares the styling cues with the Grand Cherokee L. It comes with sleeker headlights with LED DRLs. Jeep offers 17- 21-inch wheels depending on the trim you choose. It even comes with different tires on every trim. The 4xe models come with blue touches all around. There are active grille shutters, front-wheel spats, air curtains, hood aero flick, to improve the aero efficiency of the SUV. A gloss black roof is available as optional on the Overland trim and standard on the Trailhawk, Summit, and Summit Reserve.
A Lot Of Tech Features On The Inside
The cabin feels fresh and plusher than before. Some of the features on offer here include:
- 10.1-inch digital instrument cluster and touchscreen system
- 10.25-inch screen for the front passenger
- 10-inch head-up display
- Rear-seat entertainment with Amazon FireTV
- Wireless Charger
- Ambient lighting
- Heated and vented seats
- 16-way adjustable front seats
2022 Grand Cherokee Trailhawk and Trailhawk 4xe
The new Trailhawk comes with a whole lot of off-road equipment:
- 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires
- Integrated off-road camera
- Quadra-Lift air suspension with up to 11.3 inches of ground clearance
- Quadra-Drive II active transfer case with rear eLSD and Selec-Terrain
- Sway-bar disconnect for improved articulation and traction
- Selec-Speed Control to rock crawl in 4LO
- High-strength steel skid plates
- Red tow hooks
- Glare-proof black-and-red matte “Trailhawk” hood decal
The Trailhawk 4xe isn’t any softer either. It comes with stuff like:
- Quadra-Drive II 4x4 system with two-speed transfer case and 2.72:1 low-range gear ratio
- Rear electronic limited-slip differential
- Selec-Terrain traction management system and Selec-Speed Control
- 47.4:1 crawl ratio
- 10.9 inches of ground clearance and 24 inches of water fording capability
- Blue tow hooks
- Blue-accented 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires
- Glare-proof black-and-blue matte “Trailhawk” hood decal
A Suite Of Driver-Assistance Safety and Security Features Is Offered
The standard list includes:
- Full-Speed Collision Warning with Active Braking and Pedestrian/Cyclist Detection
- Rear Cross Path Detection
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go
- Active Lane Management
- LaneSense Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist
- Advanced Brake Assist
- Blind-spot Monitoring
- ParkView Rear Back-up Camera
- ParkSense Rear Park Assist Sensors
- Switch-activated Electric Park Brake
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System
How Much Does The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Cost?
Jeep hasn’t announced the prices yet, but expect it to come with a slight hike over the current models. The 4xe models could carry a further premium.
The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee is available in 12 trims currently, but only five of these seem to have made it to the 2022 model. Here’s how those five trims are currently priced:
- Laredo - $34,970
- Limited - $41,195
- Trailhawk - $46,395
- Overland - $47,735
- Summit - $54,085
Expect the SRT and the Trackhawk models to follow for the 2023 or 2024 model year. The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee will arrive in winter this year.
