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The fifth generation of Jeep’s iconic Jeep Grand Cherokee includes something for everyone. For the first time ever, it includes an electrified version. The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe will be available starting early next year. With a powerplant similar to the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe, the Grand Cherokee will be fully off-road capable and even includes a Trailhawk model.
“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,” Meunier added. “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."
First-ever Grand Cherokee 4xe
The all-new 2022 Grand Cherokee 4xe is the first Grand Cherokee to offer a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) model. Jeep confirmed its production during the Stellantis EV Day in July. Today Jeep released the numbers that fans have been waiting to see.
2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe Performance
- Estimated 25 miles of all-electric range and 57 MPGe
- Combined electric and hybrid range more than 440 miles
- 375 hp and 470 lb.-ft. of torque
- Quadra Trac II 4x4 system with two-speed transfer case and 2.72:1 low-range gear ratio
- 47.4:1 crawl ratio
- 4xe max towing capability 6,000-lbs
Other brands make plug-in hybrids. However, Jeep is known for its legendary off-roading capabilities. The Grand Cherokee has several different 4x4 systems. It has an incredible crawl ratio. It has best-in-class towing. A Stellantis insider told me that it was paramount for Jeep to devise a way to go electric and keep its reputation as the off-road leader.
2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trim Levels
Available in the Grand Cherokee Limited, Trailhawk, Overland, Summit and Summit Reserve, the 4xe propulsion system combines two electric motors, a 400-volt battery pack, 2.0-liter turbocharged, four-cylinder engine and TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission for maximum efficiency and capability.
The Grand Cherokee 4xe includes all of the great interior upgrades found in the other 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokees. The new models are equipped with Uconnect 5 and include a 10.1-inch display, five-times-faster operating speed and over-the-air (OTA) updates. The Grand Cherokees also have an exclusive 10.25-inch front passenger interactive display and 10.1-inch rear seat entertainment displays with built-in Amazon Fire TV. Front seat passengers are able to use their screen to handle navigation so they can help the driver.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe carries a 400-volt, 17-kWh EV battery. The battery units and controls mount underneath the vehicle, packaged under the floor and protected by a series of skid plates. The battery pack system includes a dedicated heating and cooling circuit to keep the battery at its optimum temperature for best performance. The system includes a dedicated heater unit and a chiller that uses the Grand Cherokee’s air-conditioning refrigerant to reduce coolant temperature when needed.
All high-voltage electronics are sealed and waterproof. The Trail Rated Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe is capable of water fording up to 24 inches. Think of how amazing that is, the battery is on the underside and the vehicle is waterproofed and protected enough that it can drive through up to 24 inches of water.
The charge port is beneath a push-open/push-close cover on the left front fender for convenient nose-in parking at charging locations. The charge port includes LED indicators of charging status. An LED battery level monitor sits on top of the instrument panel, making it easy to check battery state of charge at-a-glance during charging.
4xe E Selec modes
With E Selec modes, the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe driver can tailor the hybrid powertrain to best suit each trip, whether it be commuting, off-roading or long-distance travel. The driver pushes buttons on the instrument panel to select one of three modes. These are the same modes offered on the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe.
Hybrid: 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: 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: 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 Grand Cherokee 4xe operates as a hybrid whenever the battery nears its minimum state of charge. Jeep Brand Manager Brandon Girmus recently told me that they are finding that Wrangler 4xe drivers are typically using the gas engine to drive to the trail and using the electric motor while off-roading because the instantaneous torque makes the rock climbing more fun.
Regenerative braking is part of the 4xe system. When the driver uses the brake pedal, electricity from regenerative braking is fed to the battery pack to maintain or increase the state of charge.
The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe will be available in the U.S. early next year. It will be available globally later in the year.
Follow Mary Conway at @maryconwaymedia and send her car news tips for future stories.
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