Jeep Grand Cherokee goes hybrid for 2022

JEEP has revealed its 2022 Grand Cherokee range, including details of a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) ‘4xe’ variant replete with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine.

It’s the first time a hybridised version of the American off-road SUV has been available with the new green powertrain option to be offered across the line-up, including in the highly capable Trailhawk flagship. 

The PHEV variant is joined by the familiar 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 and 5.7-litre Hemi V8 petrol engines, though Australia is only expected to receive the hybrid and six-cylinder versions of the new model when it arrives next year, meaning there’ll be no V8 or diesel options.

The decision leaves the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series as the only new 4x4 wagon to offer a diesel engine option in Australia given Nissan only offers its patrol with a 5.6-litre petrol V8.

Ultimately then the new Grand Cherokee now closer in terms of its powertrain offerings to rivals including the Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento, and Toyota Kluger.

Despite the local loss of diesel and V8 powertrains, the rugged Grand Cherokee retains its off-road credentials courtesy of Jeep’s proven Quadra Trac and Quadra Drive four-wheel drive systems, Quadra-Lift air suspension and a widened wheel track.

Go-anywhere Trailhawk models also receive a two-speed transfer case, front-axle sway bar disconnect, Selec-Terrain electronic traction assistant, a low-range 47.1:1 crawl ratio and a wading depth of up to 610mm.

Grand Cherokee 4xe variants combine dual electric motors and a 17kWh battery pack with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, resulting in a combined 280kW/637Nm. 

The system can provide 40km of electric-only propulsion and promises a braked towing capacity of up to 2720kg.

The figures mean the 4xe will be the new performance flagship of the Australian Grand Cherokee range given the V6 only develops 218kW/353Nm, however it does boast a slightly better tow rating of 2812kg, but both are well behind the not-for-Oz 266kW/529Nm V8 and its 3265kg towing combination.

In the US, the Grand Cherokee will be offered with PHEV as an option on Limited, Overland, Summit, Summit Reserve and Trailhawk variants whereas base model Laredo and Altitude variants are available only with petrol power.

Five-seat Grand Cherokees and long wheelbase seven-seat Grand Cherokee Ls will be offered in Australia, but at this stage it’s unclear which model variants will be available locally.

“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 four-wheel drive capability, and electrification,” Jeep brand CEO Christian Meunier said.

“With the perfect balance of on-road dynamics, four-wheel drive capability and 4xe performance, the all-new 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee is the most technologically advanced, luxurious and capable Grand Cherokee ever.”

New cabin appointments take the Grand Cherokee up market and include dual 10.1-inch displays for instrumentation and multimedia duties, the latter with Jeep’s latest Uconnect 5 infotainment software, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity and an in-built Wi-Fi hotspot. 

Massaging seats are also available, as are seat heating and ventilation in the front and back seats. As is the case with the current range, cloth and leather upholstery is grade dependant.

Advanced safety systems include autonomous emergency braking with cyclist and pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, and rear cross-traffic alert on all models with a night-vision camera, driver fatigue monitor, 360-degree camera system, and traffic sign recognition available in high-grade models.

Grade availability, detailed specifications and pricing for the Australian Jeep Grand Cherokee range will be outlined closer to the model’s launch.

GoAutounderstands the seven-seat Grand Cherokee L will go on sale early next year with 4xe and five-seat models due in the second half of 2022.