Jeep, a brand of Auburn Hills-based Stellantis, today announced a new lineup of Grand Cherokees, including the first electrified Grand Cherokee 4xe along with the Trailhawk model, designed specifically to tackle off-roading.
The fifth-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee brings an all-new architecture, new plug-in hybrid powertrain, and an all-new interior to the SUV. It is expected the Grand Cherokee will arrive in North American Jeep dealerships in the fourth quarter of 2021, with the 4xe slated to arrive early in 2022 and in global markets later that year.
“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,” says Christian Meunier, CEO of the Jeep brand. “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.”
The 4xe model is targeting to deliver an estimates 25 miles of all-electric range, the equivalent of 57 miles per gallon, and a combined driving range of 440 miles. It added to both the interior passenger volume and cargo space, including a golf club accommodation in the cargo hold.
A new class-exclusive sway bar disconnect on the Trailhwak model allows for improved articulation and traction over rocks and rough terrain. The vehicle was able to conquer Jeep’s Rubicon off-roading trail in all-electric mode.
The fifth-generation model will feature 110 advanced safety and security features, including active driving assist with hands-on automated driving, plus 360-degree surround view and night vision cameras.
The new architecture and sculpted aerodynamic body style combine to improve the vehicles performance, safety, and reliability, while reducing vehicle weight, noise, vibration, and harshness.
The Grand Cherokee 4xe is the first model of the vehicle to offer a plug-in hybrid variant. Not only does it advance Jeep’s mission to attain zero-emissions, it offers 375 horsepower, 470 lb.-ft. of torque and 6,000 pounds of max towing capacity, not sacrificing strength or power with the move to hybrid technology.
“The Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe driver can tailor its hybrid powertrain to suit each trip, from daily commuting in pure-electric mode to extended highway road trips with no range anxiety, allowing owners to explore nature off-road in near silence,” says Meunier. “This is another important step toward achieving our global vision of Zero Emission Freedom. By 2025, we plan to offer a fully electric Jeep vehicle in every SUV segment.”
Available in the Grand Cherokee Limited, Trailhawk, Overland, Summit and Summit Reserve variants, the 4xe propulsion system combines two electric motors, a 400-volt battery pack, a 2.0-liter turbocharged, four-cylinder engine, and TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission for maximum efficiency and capability.
The 4xe variant will offer three modes:
- Hybrid mode blends torque from the electric motor and gas engine. The powertrain will optimize battery and engine power to deliver the best combination of fuel efficiency and performance
- Electric mode operates on zero-emission electric power only until the battery reaches the minimum charge or the driver requests more torque (such as wide-open throttle), which engages the engine.
- eSave mode prioritizes the engine, saving the battery charge for later use. The driver can also choose between Battery Save and Battery Charge during eSave via the Hybrid Electric Pages in the Uconnect 5 monitor.
The off-road capability synonymous with Jeep is brought by three 4×4 systems — Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II with rear electronic limited slip-differential (eLSD) — with each system equipped with an active transfer case to improve traction by moving torque to work with the wheel with the most grip.
The Selec-Terrain traction management system lets customers choose the on- or off-road setting for optimum 4×4 performance. This feature electronically coordinates 4×4 torque split, braking and handling, steering and suspension systems, throttle control, transmission shift, transfer case, traction control, stability control, anti-lock braking system (ABS) and steering feel.
New for the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4×4 is front axle disconnect. If the vehicle senses that road conditions do not require all-wheel drive, the front-axle disconnect automatically places the vehicle in two-wheel drive, reducing drag on the driveline and improving fuel economy. Four-wheel drive automatically re-engages when the vehicle senses it is needed.
In addition to the technologically advanced plug-in hybrid electric powertrain, the 2022 lineup offers a choice between two engines. Standard is the all-aluminum 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine rated at 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft. of torque.
Buyers who want more power can opt for the 5.7-liter V-8 engine rated at 357 horsepower and 390 lb.-ft. of torque. This engine offers class-leading towing of up to 7,200 pounds.
The all-new design of features a lowered, tapered roof; a wider and larger seven-slot grille and new front fascia; and an elongated, level-set hood and bold headfirst stance. A gloss black roof is available for the first time on Overland models and comes standard on Trailhawk, Summit, and Summit Reserve.
The fifth-generation Grand Cherokee has the most available technology features in its history. The suite of features available includes:
- Uconnect 5 – the most advanced Uconnect system ever offers up to three 10.1-inch and two 10.25-inch digital displays in the cabin and an intuitive user experience.
- A segment-exclusive front passenger screen offers co-pilot assistance with navigation, camera viewing and visual entertainment.
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- New digital rearview mirror.
- New full-color, 10-inch windshield Head-up Display.
- New wireless charging pad in front center console.
- Greater connectivity with two Bluetooth-enabled phones paired simultaneously.
- Enhanced Amazon Alexa virtual assistant functionality.
- All-new Uconnect mobile app.
- SiriusXM 360L platform with personalized stations powered by Pandora.
- TomTom navigation with predictive search, natural speech, and live traffic updates.
- Maps over-the-air updates.
- 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot to connect up to eight devices.
The all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee is built at the new Detroit Assembly Complex – Mack Plant, the city’s first new manufacturing facility in nearly three decades.
