The Trailhawk is a variant in the Grand Cherokee range from Jeep 2022. // Courtesy of Stellantis
Jeep, a brand of Stellantis of Auburn Hills, today announced a new line of Grand Cherokees, including the first electrified Grand Cherokee 4xe along with the Trailhawk model, which is specifically designed for off-road use.
The fifth generation Jeep Grand Cherokee brings a completely new architecture, a new plug-in hybrid powertrain and a completely new interior to the SUV. The Grand Cherokee is expected to arrive at North American Jeep dealerships in the fourth quarter of 2021, with the 4xe expected to hit global markets in early 2022 and later this year.
“The Jeep Grand Cherokee is our global flagship and will lead the Jeep brand into a new era of premium refinement, innovative technology, advanced 4 × 4 capabilities and electrification,” says Christian Meunier, CEO of the Jeep brand. “With a perfect balance of road dynamics, 4 × 4 capability and 4x performance, the brand new 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee is the most technologically advanced, luxurious and 4 × 4 capable Grand Cherokee of all time.”
The 4xe model aims to deliver an estimated 25 miles of all-electric range, which equates to 57 miles per gallon and a combined range of 440 miles. It increased the interior passenger volume as well as the cargo space, including a golf club accommodation in the cargo hold.
A new class-exclusive stabilizer separation on the Trailhwak model enables improved articulation and traction over rocks and uneven terrain. The vehicle was able to conquer Jeep’s Rubicon off-road trail in fully electric mode.
The model of the 5th
The new architecture and sculpted aerodynamic body style improve the vehicle’s 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 further Jeep’s mission to go zero emissions, it also offers 375 horsepower, 470 lb.-ft. Torque and 6,000 pounds of maximum towing capacity without sacrificing strength or performance when switching to hybrid technology.
“The driver of the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe can adapt his hybrid drive to every journey, from daily commuting in pure electric mode to long motorway journeys without fear of range, so that owners can explore the nature in the area almost silently,” says Meunier. “This is another important step in realizing our global vision of Zero Emission Freedom. We want to offer a fully electric Jeep in every SUV segment by 2025. “
Available in the variants Grand Cherokee Limited, Trailhawk, Overland, Summit and Summit Reserve, the 4xe drive system combines two electric motors, a 400-volt battery, a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine and a TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission for maximum efficiency and performance.
The 4xe variant offers three modes:
- The hybrid mode mixes the torque of the electric motor and the gas motor. The powertrain optimizes battery and engine performance for the best combination of fuel efficiency and performance
- The electric mode works with emission-free electricity only until the battery reaches the minimum charge or the driver demands more torque (e.g. full throttle), which activates the engine.
- The eSave mode prioritizes the motor and saves the battery charge for later use. The driver can also choose between Battery Save and Battery Charge via the Hybrid Electric Pages in the Uconnect 5 monitor during eSave.
The off-road capability, which is synonymous for Jeep, is achieved through three 4 × 4 systems – Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II with electronic rear axle locking differential (eLSD) – each system being equipped with an active transfer is case to improve traction by shifting the torque to work with the wheel with the most grip.
With the Selec-Terrain traction management system, customers can choose the on- or off-road setting for optimal 4 × 4 performance. This function electronically coordinates 4 × 4 torque distribution, braking and driving behavior, steering and suspension systems, throttle valve control, gear shifting, transfer case, traction control, stability control, anti-lock braking system (ABS) and steering feel.
The front axle separation is new for the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4 × 4. When the vehicle detects that the road conditions do not require all-wheel drive, the front axle disconnect clutch automatically switches the vehicle to two-wheel drive, which reduces drag on the drive train and reduces fuel consumption. The all-wheel drive switches on again automatically when the vehicle detects that it is needed.
In addition to the technologically advanced plug-in hybrid electric drive, the 2022 series offers the choice between two motors. Standard is the all-aluminum 3.6 liter Pentastar V-6 engine with 293 hp and 260 lb-ft. of the torque.
Buyers who want more horsepower can opt for the 5.7 liter V-8 engine that develops 357 horsepower, 390 lb.-ft. of the torque. This engine offers class leading tow of up to 7,200 pounds.
The completely new design of features a lowered, tapered roof; a wider and larger grille with seven slots and a new front fascia; and an elongated, level hood and a bold upside down posture. A glossy 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 most of the technology features available in its history. The functions available include:
- 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 passenger screen offers the co-pilot assistance with navigation, camera views and visual entertainment.
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- New digital rearview mirror.
- New full color 10-inch head-up display for the windshield.
- New wireless charging pad in the front center console.
- Better connectivity with two Bluetooth enabled phones paired at the same time.
- Improved functions of the Amazon Alexa virtual assistant.
- All new Uconnect mobile app.
- SiriusXM 360L platform with personalized stations powered by Pandora.
- TomTom navigation with predictive search, natural language and live traffic information.
- Map over-the-air updates.
- 4G LTE WiFi hotspot for connecting up to eight devices.
The all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee is being built at the new Detroit Assembly Complex – Mack Plant, the city’s first new manufacturing facility in nearly three decades.