The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L served as a very interesting prequel to the full rollout of the revamped Jeep Grand Cherokee lineup. But the three-row Jeep is only one piece of a broader puzzle, and the off-road brand has finally unveiled the remaining core pieces in the lineup, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee two-row model and the fuel-sipping 4xe variant.
Exterior And Interior Continues Following The Script, But Add New Features
The exterior and interior design of the two-row version of the Grand Cherokee follows the same footprints left by the larger L model, with the exterior and interior design getting a massive revamp to help bring the Grand Cherokee into the modern age. That changes slightly if you go for the Trailhawk model. While Jeep only revealed the 4xe version, for the time being, Trailhawks add model exclusive graphics, wheels shod in all-terrain tires, and a slight 0.4 inch lift in the suspension to help improve ground clearance.
V6 and V8 models can rise all the way up to 11.3 inches while the 4xe version can go up to 10.9 inches of content. The Trailhawk is the equivalent of the Rubicon trim in Wrangler models, and we’re glad to see that the 4xe’s environmentally friendly focus has not diluted its trail-ready prowess. Trailhawk models also come with an electronically operated swaybar disconnect feature that helps maximize suspension articulation when going over formidable obstacles.
Meanwhile, The Summit Reserve’s attention to detail makes its presence felt in the interior, which has picked up its fair share of influence from the bigger Grand Wagoneer. While the GC’s appointments are not entirely as bespoke as the flagship Wagoneer, it does come pretty close with a fully digital instrument cluster, splashes of wood trim, and quilted leather being scattered throughout the interior.
The passenger side of the dashboard in these models is also home to a 10.25-inch screen that helps give passengers control over the entertainment functions. The screen also comes with a novel dimming feature that automatically obscures the screen from the driver’s view if they try and take a peek at what the passenger is doing while on the move. The second row can also be equipped with rear-mounted screens that incorporate Amazon Fire Stick functionality.
The Summit Reserve is undoubtedly targeted towards select BMW and Mercedes models, and when you look around at the surroundings, it certainly has the tools to play the role very well.
4xe Performance Marries The Best Of Both Worlds
The real highlight here is the performance hardware that lurks under the hood of the Grand Cherokee 4xe. This plug-in hybrid setup consists of an ICE-powered 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine s=that’s mated to a 100 kWh electric motor. If this sounds familiar, it’s because it’s the same setup that powers the Wrangler 4xe with the Grand Cherokee version retaining the 375 hp figure. Jeep claims that when the 2.0 liter is not involved in the action, the electric motor allows the model to go up to 25 miles on pure electric power. That might not seem much in urban driving, but out on the trail, that range can come in handy, especially in certain situations where fuel can be hard to find, and a driver would need to conserve what they have in the fuel tank to make it through the remainder of the journey.
An eight-speed automatic (also transplanted from the Wrangler) is the lone transmission offering on 4xe, and buyers looking to add some variety to the model will be pleased to hear that the PHEV treatment can be equipped to the Limited, Trailhawk, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve models.
Buyers that want a traditional Grand Cherokee model can also equip it with either the base 3.6 liter V6 or the optional 357 hp 5.7 liter Hemi V8. They will also have a few more trim levels to choose from than 4xe buyers, with Laredo, Altitude, Limited, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve available. This flexibility allows the Grand Cherokee to appeal to a wide range of consumer tastes and also bring the fight to a wider net of rivl.
When Can I Buy A 2022 Grand Cherokee?
Jeep didn’t release any pricing details for the 2022 Grand Cherokee lineup, but look for the V6 and V8 models to arrive in showrooms later this year. 4xe models will have to wait a bit longer for their rides, with Jeep starting production of those models in early 2022. Global buyers will get their 4xes a bit after that.
Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com.
Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.