2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Goes High-Tech, Gets Hybrid

Looks like: A shorter version of the Grand Cherokee L

Competes with: Chevrolet Blazer, Ford Edge, Hyundai Santa Fe, Toyota 4Runner

Powertrains: 293-horsepower, 3.6-liter six-cylinder (standard); 357-hp 5.7-liter V-8; or 375-system-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with two electric motors (4xe plug-in hybrid); eight-speed automatic transmission; rear- or four-wheel drive

Hits dealerships: Fourth quarter of 2021 for non-hybrids, early 2022 for 4xe

Following in the tracks of the three-row Grand Cherokee L, the two-row Jeep Grand Cherokee arrives for 2022 with new styling, significant tech upgrades and the first 4xe plug-in hybrid powertrain for the model. The initial gas-powered 2022 Grand Cherokee trim roster will include Laredo, Altitude, Limited, Overland, Trailhawk, Summit and Summit Reserve; 4xe PHEV models will be available in early 2022.

Related: 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Vs. 2022 Wagoneer: Which Has the Better Row Setup?

As the Grand Cherokee 4xe and off-road-capable Trailhawk take center stage for the 2022 reveal, notably absent are the performance-oriented Trackhawk and SRT (Jeep has not confirmed if these models will be announced at a later date).

Exterior: Lower, Wider and More Aerodynamic

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee is built on an all-new architecture it shares with the Grand Cherokee L. It also shares exterior styling with its three-row counterpart. Changes from the outgoing model include a lower and more aerodynamic tapered roof, a lower beltline, and more glass for increased visibility and light in the cabin. The Grand Cherokee’s front end gets a longer and more level hood, plus a wider seven-slot grille. Eight wheel options are offered for the 2022 Grand Cherokee ranging from the standard 17-inchers up to 18-, 20- and the first 21-inch wheels for higher trims.

Along with the cosmetic changes, the new Grand Cherokee also gets functional improvements. The vehicle’s lower roofline, active grille shutters, front-wheel spats, air curtains and rear spoilers improve on-road performance and fuel efficiency. A 1.4-inch wider track results in handling improvements, according to Jeep.

Interior: More Space and Screens for All

The key changes inside the 2022 Grand Cherokee include expanded passenger and cargo space, new 16-way adjustable front seats with a massaging option and technology upgrades across all trims.

Jeep says the new vehicle architecture allows for an increase of 4.1 cubic feet of total passenger volume and an extra 1.4 cubic feet of cargo space. The SUV’s list of tech features also grows: Within the updated center stack is a larger standard 8.4-inch touchscreen multimedia system, up from 7 inches in the 2021 model; a 10.1-inch screen is standard in the top Summit trims and optional on all but the Laredo and Altitude. The latest Uconnect 5 multimedia system is faster and more intuitive than the previous system, says Jeep.

Drivers won’t be the only ones to experience the new Grand Cherokee’s tech upgrades. Front passengers get their own entertainment displays with the optional 10.25-inch front interactive screen with co-pilot assistance and navigation, camera viewing and visual entertainment. A 10.1-inch rear-seat entertainment display with built-in Amazon Fire TV is also available. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard across all Grand Cherokee trims, and wireless charging is optional.

Powertrains and Off-Road Capability

The two non-hybrid powertrains from the previous Grand Cherokee return for 2022. The standard engine is a 3.6-liter V-6 mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission for 293 horsepower, 260 pounds-feet of torque, and a towing capacity of 6,200 pounds. Jeep says the engine’s stop-start system and powertrain controls have been refined to minimize early engine restarts, noise and vibration. The optional 5.7-liter V-8 engine will once again be available on higher trims, worth 357 hp, 390 pounds-feet of torque and a towing capacity of 7,200 pounds. The V-8 will no longer be offered on Limited trims but remains optional on the Trailhawk, Overland and Summit. Two additional V-8 engines were previously available in the SRT and Trackhawk trims, but Jeep has not provided details on these high-performance models for 2022.

The Grand Cherokee’s Trailhawk trim is the most off-road-capable, with a new sway bar disconnect for improved articulation and traction off road. The model also benefits from increased ground clearance (11.3-inches) and deeper water fording capability (24-inches) as well as improved approach, departure and breakover angles.

Three four-wheel-drive systems are available for the new Grand Cherokee (Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II), and Jeep’s Quadra-Lift air suspension adds electronic damping for improved ground clearance and water fording. The Selec-Terrain system returns with five driver-selectable terrain modes: Auto, Sport, Rock, Snow and Mud/Sand. To improve fuel economy for 2022, Jeep added a front-axle disconnect that disengages 4WD when it’s not needed.

Grand Cherokee 4xe Plug-In Hybrid

Jeep launched its electrified 4xe powertrain in the 2021 Wrangler, and the 2022 Grand Cherokee is the second vehicle to feature the technology. The 4xe PHEV is not a single trim, but rather a powertrain option for the Limited, Trailhawk, Overland, Summit and Summit Reserve.

The system uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, two electric motors and a 400-volt, 17-kilowatt-hour battery pack for 375 system hp and 470 pounds-feet of torque. 4xe models are expected to get 25 miles of all-electric range, a 57 mpg-equivalent rating and a combined range of around 440 miles, beating the Wrangler 4xe’s 400 miles. The towing capacity for 4xe models maxes out at 6,000 pounds.

The Grand Cherokee 4xe comes with E Selec modes, allowing drivers to select between Hybrid, Electric (pure EV) and eSave, which conserves the battery power for later use. 4xe models also utilize regenerative braking that feeds electricity to the battery pack when the brakes are applied.

Jeep says the Trailhawk 4xe will be the most capable model. It employs the Quadra-Trac II 4WD system with two-speed transfer case and 2.72:1 low-range gear ratio, and boasts 10.9 inches of ground clearance, 24 inches of water-fording capability and a 47.4:1 crawl ratio. Visually, the Trailhawk 4xe can be identified via its blue tow hooks, wheel accents and a black-and-blue hood decal.

Safety: No Longer Just an Option

The 2022 Grand Cherokee gets a more robust list of standard safety and driver assist features, many of which were optional or not available in the outgoing model. All models now get standard adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go (previously offered as part of a package or standard on top trims only). Other standard features added for 2022 include full-speed collision warning with active braking and pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane departure warning with lane keep assist, and advanced brake assist.

Newly available features include a night vision camera with pedestrian and animal detection, intersection collision assist, parallel and perpendicular park assist, a 360-degree camera system and a 10-inch color head-up display.

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• 2021 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 4xe Review: Not Bad, Just Confusing
• 2019 Mid-Size SUV Challenge
• Research the Jeep Grand Cherokee
• 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee Review: Good Old Dog Running Out of Tricks

Trims and Release Date

The gas-powered 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee will be offered in Laredo, Altitude, Limited, Trailhawk, Overland, Summit and Summit Reserve trims, while the 4xe powertrain will be available in all but the Laredo and Altitude. Gas-only 2022 Grand Cherokees will arrive in the fourth quarter of 2021, followed by the Grand Cherokee 4xe in early 2022. Pricing is expected to be announced closer to the SUV’s arrival.

Editor’s note: This story was updated Nov. 3, 2021, to clarify the Grand Cherokee’s powertrain options.

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