First, it was the Wrangler 4xe, now Jeep adds a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) version to the popular Grand Cherokee. This is all part of Stellantis’ grand vision for the future called “Zero Emission Freedom.ā
To clarify, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe is not a zero-emission vehicle as it has gasoline, but 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. Jeep claims that with this system the Grand Cherokee 4xe will get 25 miles of all-electric range and 56 MPGe (estimated).
The 25 miles may seem pointless, but it’s a start and works really well in urban situations. Plus, PHEVs are a great way to introduce consumers to EVs. As they say, you have to run before you walk, and vehicles such as the Grand Cherokee 4xe and the Toyota RAV4 Prime are a great introduction to electrification without worries of range anxiety.
Let’s look at some of the features of the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe.
You can’t slap a Jeep badge on a vehicle if it isn’t rugged and capable. And even with the electric motors, the Grand Cherokee 4xe is still plenty capable. Jeep says the Grand Cherokee 4xe can tow up to 6,000 pounds.
The 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 engine is part of Stellantisās Global Medium Engine family. The high-tech, direct-injection engine uses a twin-scroll, low-inertia turbocharger mounted directly to the cylinder head. Efficiency is enhanced via the use of electric power steering and an electrically driven air-conditioning compressor, removing those loads from the engine.
It also has a Quadra Trac II 4×4 system with two-speed transfer case and 2.72:1 low-range gear ratio. It has an impressive 47.4:1 crawl ratio.
So, any worries about it losing capability seem to be unfounded.
The Trailhawk trim is the most off-road capable iteration of the Jeep lineup, and there is a Trailhawk 4xe version that lives up to the reputation. It has exclusive looks including 18-inch aluminum wheels, unique front and rear fascias and a a black-painted roof. Inside the styling continues with Capri leather/suede seats, cargo tie-down loops and all-weather floor mats.
Some of the Trailhawk 4xe performance features are:
There are four total trims (base, Trailhawk, Overland and Summit), and the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe will be built at the new Detroit Assembly Complex ā Mack plant, with vehicles scheduled to start arriving in dealerships in spring of 2022. Orders are open now.
Here’s the pricing breakdown by trim (*All prices exclude $1,795 destination charge):
Jim Morrison, vice president and head of Jeep brand North America, called this “the best Grand Cherokee lineup eve,r” and it’s hard to argue with that. Between the 4xe and the three-row Grand Cherokee L, Jeep is really finding its groove. As for the minimal amount of pure-electric range, that might initially seem pointless (considering the extra cost), but when it offers up 56 MPGe of fuel efficiency, that becomes interesting — especially with rising fuel costs.
PHEVs such as the Grand Cherokee 4xe, along with the Wrangler 4xe, show EVs — or PHEVs in this case — don’t sacrifice power or performance. That feels like a win-win to us.
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