With several brands vying to go all-electric by the end of the decade, you've got a whole host of hybrids and new EVs hitting the market almost every other day. The Jeep brand is no exception to this trend. The American automaker's new '4xe' sub-brand will cater exclusively to the sale of hybrid and all-electric vehicles.

According to Jeep, 4xe is the new 4x4 and the model that introduced PHEV tech to the Jeep portfolio was the Wrangler 4xe. While the rugged off-roader was immensely successful and on to become one of the most popular plugin hybrids in the country, its the brand's second hybrid model the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, that will have a wider appeal, with family buyers also getting in on the hybrid action.

Jeep Grand Cherokee

8.00 / 10
Specifications
  • Model: Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk 4xe
  • Engine: 2.0-Liter In-line Turbo-Four Cylinder
  • Power Output: 375 HP
  • Torque: 470 LB-FT
  • Range: 470 miles
  • Transmission: 8-Speed Auto
  • Driveline: Four-Wheel Drive
  • MSRP: $67,055
  • MSRP (As Tested): $74,960
Pros
  • Brings Hybrid Tech With Genuine Off-Road Capability
  • Potent Power Plant Has Lots Of Grunt With Great Mileage
  • Equipment On Top-Trims Matches That of Some Luxury Cars
Cons
  • Significant Price-premium over gas model
  • Only 25 miles of usable all-electric range
  • RIvals offer bigger infotainment displays

2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Performance and Capability

A Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe driving
Jeep

When Jeep introduced the fifth generation Grand Cherokee last year, for the very first time, the model lineup also included a new three-row option dubbed the Grand Cherokee L and an all-new plug-in hybrid model called the Grand Cherokee 4xe, which is only available with two-row seating.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee Hybrid range consists of five trims:

  • Limited 4xe
  • Trailhawk 4xe
  • Overland 4xe
  • Summit 4xe
  • Summit Reserve 4xe

Now the hybrid model features the same unibody Giorgio architecture found on the gas-powered Grand Cherokee and some other models within Stellantis' product portfolio, but it ditches the Pentastar V-6 and the 5.5-liter V8 in favor of a more frugal turbocharged, 2.0-liter four-cylinder mill that it shares with the Wrangler 4xe.

Alright, but before you dismiss the 2.0-liter displacement, get this. The 4xe is in fact the most powerful model in the Grand Cherokee lineup. The gas engine along with the electric motor in the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe has a net combined power output of 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. 105 ponies come courtesy of the single electric motor mounted on the rear axle.

With a 0-60 mph time of just 6.0 seconds, the 4xe is even quicker than the HEMI V8's powered Grand Cherokee. These are some pretty impressive numbers, considering that the hybrid model is about 500 pounds heavier and certain trims like the top Summit Reserve tips the scales at well over 5,500 pounds.

Unlike the gas model though, all hybrid Grand Cherokee's are only available in the 4x4 configuration, and power goes to all four corners via a trusty ZF 8-speed automatic transmission. You have three drive modes to choose from.

  • Hybrid
  • Electric Mode
  • ESave Mode

The gas mileage of this 2.0-liter mill on its own isn't something to write home about, but along with the electric motor, you get a combined 57 MPGe. Jeep estimates an all-electric range of 25 miles with an overall combined diving range of 470 miles.

You can top up the 17-kWh battery pack with a household plug. Installing a Level II setup at your house should see your charge time drop to just a couple of hours. Aside from these options, Jeep is also adding a nationwide network of solar-powered charging stations close to popular off-road trails. The regenerative braking also puts back charge into the battery pack. This will give the flexibility to continue to explore the wilderness more sustainably.

A Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe in the Moab Desert
Jeep

In fact, that is the theme here, 'Explore Responsibly', because at the end of the day, the Grand Cherokee is a Jeep first and the ability to go into the wilderness and come out unscathed is its thing. Go for the more rugged Trail-Rated Trailhawk option and you get some proper heavy-duty off-road hardware.

As part of the more advanced Quadra-Trac II 4x4 system, Jeep has included a two-speed low transfer case, along with 2.72:1 low-range gear that employs sensors to detect loss of traction from the tires. The rear-electronic limited-slip differential can send up to 100 percent of available torque to a single rear wheel. As for high-speed stints on surfaces like gravel, you get a full-time 4x4 system, sending power to all four wheels at all times. You can configure the Selec-Terrain system to handle a variety of driving conditions. The modes are - Auto, Sport, Rock, Snow, Mud/Sand

In order to tackle a rock crawling jaunt or a deep stream, Jeep has gone the extra mile by adding more underbody protection, high-strength skid plates, and a water-sealed battery pack on the 4xe. Wading depth on the 4xe Trailhawk is 24-inches, and it comes courtesy of the brilliant Quadra-lift air suspension system.

Other highlights on the Trailhawk include a class-exclusive front sway-bar disconnect function, which allows for improved wheel articulation. In essence, the hybrid tech thankfully hasn't come at the cost of ruggedness and the Grand Cherokee's ability to go off the beaten path.

2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe Specs

Engine Displacement

2.0 L In-line 4

Horsepower

270 HP

Gas+Hybrid Combined Output

375 HP

Torque

295 LB-FT

Gas+Hybrid Combined Torque

470 LB-FT

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic

0-60

6.0s

Top Speed

151 MPH

Drive

Four-Wheel Drive

Mileage

57 MPGe

Towing Capacity

3500 - 6000 lbs

RELATED: 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee High Altitude 4xe

Exterior Design

Dual tone Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe
Jeep 

Coming to styling now and there really isn't much that's different here to the gas-powered Grand Cherokee aside from a few minor details. The most obvious giveaway that you're looking at the hybrid model is the subtle use of blue accents, 4xe badges, and the charge-port door on the front fender.

Aside from that, the boxy profile is familiar and is an evolution of the fourth-gen model. With its long hood, and stubby front and rear overhangs, the shape resonates with the Grand Cherokee silhouette from a mile away. Even the base model, with its chrome embellishments and LED lighting front and rear, you end up with a premium-looking SUV.

Dual tone Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe
Jeep

The Trailhawk 4xe trim gets rid of the chrome and replaces it with blacked-out elements along with more beefy components like the contrast blue tow hooks on the front and rear bumpers, and that glare-proof decal on the hood. Rim sizes start at 18-inches (higher side walls) on the Trailhawk and are available in a variety of finishes from chrome to polished.

Top-of-the-line Summit Reserve trim gets you a more blingy grille along with even more chrome, and a dual-tone paint scheme, and bigger 21-inch rims, for added curb appeal. All Grand Cherokee's come wrapped with 265-section all-terrain off-road tires. Aside from the top trim, the two-tone paint scheme is only available with the Trailhawk 4xe. Also, another distinguishing element is the D-pillar design, which is different from the one you'll find on the Grand Cherokee L model.

Exterior Colors

Color

Price

Color

Price

Standard

Bright White

-

-

-

Optional

Monotone

Dualtone

Diamond Black Crystal Pearl

$395

Baltic Gray Metallic/Black

$395

Midnight Sky Exterior

$395

Silver Zynith/Black

$395

Baltic Gray Metallic

$395

Hydro-Blue Pearl/Black

$395

Silver Zynith

$395

Bright White/Black

$395

Velvet Red Pearl

$395

Ember Pearl

$395

Rocky Mountain Pearl

$395

Exterior Dimensions

Length

193.5 in

Width

77.5 in

Height

70.8 in

Wheelbase

116.7 in

Ground Clearance

10.9 in

Curb Weight

5,325 - 5,585 lbs

Interior Quality & Technology

2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Dashboard
Jeep

Climb inside and almost immediately, you'll notice a significant step up in overall build quality. Everything from the design, and materials used including the metallic speaker grilles and real open-pore wood on the dash, and fit and finish levels is leagues ahead of the outgoing model.

On the tech front as well, the Grand Cherokee has got you covered. As standard, you get a 10.5-inch display running the U Connect 5 software, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. A nine-speaker Premium sound system with Active Noise Cancelation is standard right from the base trim. The Summit Reserve Trim includes a more potent 950 watts 19-speaker McIntosh audio system.

The overland trim also has the optional Front Passenger Interactive Display ($1,095) extending the functionality of the U Connect system further. Other highlights include a Digital rearview mirror, Amazon Alexa integration, TomTom Nav, 4G WiFi hotspot, and Sirius XM digital radio. Features like the wireless charging pad and surround-view camera are available as part of the many optional packages.

Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe second-row seating
Jeep

Right from the base trim, Capri leather seats are standard. The Trailhawk trim features suede inlays in the seats along with blue contrast stitching. Overland trim and up also gets you the option of Nappa leather seats in a range of colors, while top-spec Summit Reserve Trim includes sumptuous Palmermo leather seats with quilting. which really adds a touch of class. The Dual-Pane Panoramic sunroof ($1,835) is optional on lower trims, while top trims get it as standard.

Power and massaging front row seats, seat ventilation and heating, and four-zone climate control, come as part of the many available optional packages. While you don't get captain seats like on the three-row L model, the second row does recline to offer better comfort for rear seat occupants. With the battery pack for the hybrid powertrain located under the rear seats, the cargo room isn't affected as much and you get a generous 37.7 cubic feet with all seats in place.

Interior Dimensions

Seating Capacity

5

Headroom (front)

39.9 in

Headroom (rear)

39.4 in

Legroom (front)

41.3 in

Legroom (rear)

38.2 in

Shoulder room (front)

59.2 in

Shoulder room (rear)

58 in

Cargo Room

37.7 cu-ft

RELATED: 2022 This Jeep Trackhawk Packs Chiron Power And Gives Nightmares To Supercars

2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Price and Availability

The base model 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe in Limited trim carries a starting MSRP of $62,095, including the $1,795 destination charge. Now the hybrid models carry a significant price premium over their gas-powered counterparts. But you do get a lot more standard kit on the 4xe Grand Cherokee range, out of the box.

2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe Price

Trim

Price

Limited 4xe

$62,095

Trailhawk 4xe

$65,665

Overland 4xe

$68,275

Summit 4xe

$72,595

Summit Reserve 4xe

$77,470

Aside from that, based on the trim you choose, there are a few optional packages available as well. One of the most inexpensive of the lot is the Finishing Package by MOPAR ($425) which gets you basics like a paint protection film and front splash guards. One of the most expensive packages available is the Advanced ProTech Group IV ($2,235) which gets you an advanced head-up display, and night vision with pedestrian and animal detection.

Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe Optional Packages

Optional Packages

Price

Available Trims

Finishing Package by Mopar

$425

Limited, Trailhawk, Overland, Summit, Summit Reserve

Luxury Tech Package II

$2,995

Limited

Luxury Tech Group III

$1,445

Trailhawk

Luxury Tech Group IV

$2,115

Overland

Luxury Tech Group V

$275

Summit, Summit Reserve

Advanced ProTechGroup II

$2,235

Trailhawk

Advanced ProTech Group III

$2,235

Overland

Advanced ProTech Group IV

$2,235

Summit, Summit Reserve

Off-Road Group

$1,095

Overland

Build your 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe here

RELATED: 10 Things To Know Before Buying The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe


Safety

Standard safety features across the Jeep Grand Cherokee lineup include:

  • 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 backup camera
  • ParkSense rear park assist sensors with stop
  • Switch-activated electric park brake
  • Tire-pressure monitoring

Level II hands-on autonomous driving tech is also available. Finally, according to Jeep, there are 110 Advanced Safety features on this latest generation of Grand Cherokee. Both the NHTSA and the IIHS are yet to rate it for overall safety.

RELATED: Spend an Extra $4,700 To Help Jeep Celebrate 30 Years of Grand Cherokee



Main Competition

A white BMW X5 xDrive 45e charging
BMW

There aren't really many models that compete in the mid to full-size hybrid SUV space, so to speak. Depending on the trim, the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe takes on two different sub-categories within the segment. If you choose to go with one of the top trims like the Summit Reserve, then the Grand Cherokee goes up against the likes of the BMW X5 Plug-in Hybrid, the Volvo XC90 T8, and the Lincon Aviator. However, if you want a PHEV with genuine 4x4 capability, you'll probably be looking at the Range Rover Sport PHEV.

Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe Trailhawk
Jeep

So as part of Jeep's new electrification strategy, you finally have a vehicle that can hustle around town with zero tailpipe emissions throughout the week. Come the weekend and you can stretch the legs of your Grand Cherokee 4xe, thanks to the added versatility of gasoline power. But this is just the beginning of things to come with the 4xe brand. By 2024. The brand will also add the Jeep Grand Wagoneer 4xe, with all-electric models like the Jeep Recon EV to follow suit. Jeep has confirmed that by 2025, every model in its portfolio will include some form of electrification. A promising start then for the next chapter of the iconic American 4x4 automaker. Watch this space.