On Sept. 29, Jeep introduced the new 2022 Grand Cherokee, including the first electrified Grand Cherokee 4xe and the new Trailhawk off-road model.

Jeep says that this Grand Cherokee brings all-new architecture, a new plug-in hybrid powertrain, exterior design, and interior features with "first-to-market technologies to the global full-size SUV segment." 

“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 4x4 capability, and electrification," said Christian Meunier, Jeep brand CEO.

The newest iteration vehicles come equipped with Uconnect 5, a front passenger screen and Amazon Fire TV, HD rear-seat entertainment system, Active Driving Assist, 360-degree surround view and night vision cameras, independent front and rear suspensions, and Quadra-Lift air suspension with electronic semi-active damping.

The 4x4-capable new Trailhawk 4xe has a sway bar disconnect that allows for improved articulation and traction over rocks and rough terrain. Jeep says that the Trailhawk conquered the Rubicon Trail in full-electric operation.

Iniside, find 144.6 cu. ft. of total interior passenger volume (+4.1 cu. ft. over previous models) and 37.7 cu. ft. of cargo space (+1.4 cu. ft.).

The OEM says the new body style improves vehicle performance, safety, and reliability, while significantly reducing vehicle weight, noise, vibration, and harshness, but increasing passenger safety, comfort, and convenience.

The First Grand Cherokee 4xe

The new 2022 Grand Cherokee 4xe is the first Grand Cherokee to offer a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant. Its introduction is part of the Jeep brand’s mission of “zero emission freedom."

The 4xe plug-in hybrid technology includes:

• An estimated 25 miles (40 km) of all-electric range and 57 mpge

• 375 hp and 637Nm (470 lb.-ft.) torque

• Quadra Trac II 4x4 system with two-speed transfer case and 2.72:1 low-range gear ratio

• 47.4:1 crawl ratio

• 2,720 kg (6,000 lbs) 4xe max towing capability

“The Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe driver can tailor its hybrid powertrain to suit each trip, from daily commuting in pure-electric mode to extended road trips with no range anxiety,” Meunier said. “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".

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-litre turbocharged, four-cylinder engine and TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission for maximum efficiency and capability.

Overall, the 4xe system carries a 400-volt, 17kWh EV battery. The battery units and controls mount underneath the vehicle, packaged under the floor and protected by a series of skid plates.

4xe E Selec Modes

With E Selec modes, the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe can be tailored to the desired hybrid powertrain, whereby the driver selects the a mode via buttons on the instrument panel:

• Hybrid: Blends torque from the electric motor and petrol 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: Prioritises 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 system.

Regardless of the mode selected, the Grand Cherokee 4xe operates as a hybrid once the battery nears its minimum state of charge.

New for the 2022 model year Jeep Grand Cherokee 4x4 is front axle disconnect. As the news release explains: If the vehicle senses that road conditions do not require all-wheel drive, the front-axle disconnect automatically places the Grand Cherokee in two-wheel drive, reducing drag on the driveline, and improving fuel economy. Four-wheel drive automatically re-engages when the vehicle senses it is needed.

Jeep is celebrating its 80th year, and more than 7 million in global sales for the Grand Cherokee SUV.

The 2022 Grand Cherokee will arrive in Jeep retailers in North America in the fourth quarter of 2021. The 4xe is scheduled to arrive in North America early in 2022 and in global markets later that year.