After the Jeep Wrangler in 2021, it’s the turn of the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee to offer a 4xe plug-in hybrid version.
The Car Guide traveled to Austin, Texas to test drive this much-awaited version of this SUV. Here is the full account of our first impressions.
A seemingly successful marriage
The Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe features the same mechanics as the Wrangler 4xe introduced last year, i.e. a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder. This works in conjunction with two electric motors and a battery of 17 kWh. The whole thing develops 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque.
This plug-in hybrid mechanism is also more efficient than the 3.6 L Pentastar V6 (295 horsepower and 260 lb-ft) and the 5.7 L Hemi V8 (360 horsepower and 390 lb-ft) which are also offered under the hood of the Grand Cherokee. We were the first to be surprised by the fiery acceleration of this 4xe variant. Also, we found the switch from electric to gas engine to be more subtle than in the Wrangler 4xe.
By opting for all-electric mode, this new variant of the popular Grand Cherokee can travel up to 40 kilometers on a single charge. Thanks to the mild weather in the southern United States, we were actually able to cover this distance with a full load. Obviously, we must expect to see the autonomy drop drastically in winter.
In fact, many Wrangler 4xe owners have complained about not being able to drive in all-electric mode in winter. Jeep reps admitted to us that they didn’t change the technology first introduced with the Wrangler. In doing so, it is legitimate to expect that one cannot drive in electric mode in winter with the Grand Cherokee 4xe as well…
Photo: Germain Goyer
At the end of our road test, the on-board computer showed a fuel consumption of 11.5 L/100 km while we mainly drove in an environment that could not be more favorable. For its part, Natural Resources Canada announces an average consumption in combined driving of 10 L/100 km, which seems very ambitious to us.
Note in passing that the plug-in hybrid engine is not offered with the Grand Cherokee L with three rows of seats. We asked Jeep to find out if this would eventually be the case, but the manufacturer preferred not to comment.
Photo: Germain Goyer
A successful design
Like the Wrangler 4xe, the plug-in hybrid version of the Grand Cherokee is rather discreet. We don’t want to shout from the rooftops that this is a special version.
That said, a few details still make it possible to differentiate the 4xe from other variants of the model. Tow hooks, on equipped models, are painted electric blue. The same shade is applied to the outline of the crests. We also note the hatch on the front fender on the driver’s side. It will take a trained eye to recognize this 4xe version on the road.
Photo: Germain Goyer
More and more, Jeep tends to define itself as a prestige brand. Therefore, he wants to offer a more upscale vehicle than in the past and sell it for a big price.
However, to reach this level, the manufacturer must pay particular attention to the finish of the passenger compartment. Needless to say, you can’t expect to sell a $90,000 Jeep if it has the same interior layout as a Grand Caravan.
Jeep has done just that. In fact, in addition to offering an excellent driving position, the Grand Cherokee, in its opulent versions, opens up to a very nice interior.
Photo: Germain Goyer
Not only have we taken care to choose quality materials, but the assembly is successful. What’s more, the technology is there. Under the eyes of the driver was placed a 10-inch fully digital instrument panel. As for the Uconnect infotainment system, it’s clear despite its many menus.
On the other hand, the third screen appearing in front of the passenger is downright useless. Its positioning is not optimal and the graphic definition is disappointing. In short, a gadget that you can totally do without.
As always, the Grand Cherokee has a spacious rear seat and an immensely large trunk.
Photo: Germain Goyer
Still impressive off-road capability
We won’t teach you anything by telling you that Jeep stands out from other brands with its efficient 4X4 drivetrain. To put the vehicle to the test, we took the Grand Cherokee 4xe through an absolutely impressive off-road course.
One can imagine that pretty much no other SUV except the Jeep Wrangler, Ford Bronco or Toyota 4Runner could have ventured there. It’s always amazing to see the ease with which the Grand Cherokee handles tricky situations. The model we tested featured the Quadra Trac II 4×4 system with a two-speed transfer case and Quadra-Lift air suspensions that helped it handle well.
Photo: Germain Goyer
A high price and a limited distribution
As mentioned above, Jeep has begun the process of repositioning the brand. This strategy coincides with a period in which one has to deal with a shortage of new vehicles. In doing so, a customer who purchased, for example, a Grand Cherokee for lease in 2018 at substantial discounts, will certainly make the leap when the time comes to replace it. In fact, not only are the discounts non-existent, but Jeep has also revised the price scale of its SUV upwards.
The Grand Cherokee 4xe is tagged from just over $77,000. For comparison, you can get a Grand Cherokee Summit for that amount, the most opulent version just before the Summit Reserve. Opting for the plug-in hybrid will cost you dearly. Very expensive. For a 4xe Summit Reserve, you’ll have to shell out over $91,000. Needless to say, the model is not eligible for any grants under the current eligibility criteria.
Photo: Germain Goyer
If Jeep has the freedom to manufacture almost as many gas-powered units as it wants, the situation is quite different for the plug-in hybrid. Without revealing specific data, we were lip serviced that production of the 4xe was limited. Inevitably, one can imagine that the manufacturer will force the assembly of particularly expensive versions to compensate.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe is expected to hit dealerships this spring. But be warned, it will be rare and certainly coveted. Arm yourself with patience!