2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe: An In-Depth Exploration
The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe marks a pivotal moment in Jeep’s storied history, introducing the brand’s first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) in the Grand Cherokee lineup. This model seamlessly blends the iconic off-road prowess of Jeep with the advanced technology of electrification, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers who do not want to sacrifice performance or capability. The Grand Cherokee 4xe stands out as a cutting-edge SUV that combines luxury, versatility, and sustainability. In this article, we explore the design, features, powertrain, and overall impact of the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe.
Design and Exterior Features
The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe retains the rugged and timeless design that has become synonymous with the Grand Cherokee name while integrating elements that highlight its advanced hybrid technology. At the front, the SUV features Jeep’s iconic seven-slot grille, a signature element that connects the vehicle to the brand’s rich heritage. The grille is flanked by sleek LED headlights, which provide a modern touch and enhance visibility. These headlights are complemented by distinctive daytime running lights, giving the vehicle a bold and assertive appearance.
The Grand Cherokee 4xe’s body design is both functional and stylish. The exterior features clean, strong lines and a muscular stance, underscoring its off-road capabilities and robust nature. The SUV’s aerodynamic shape is not only aesthetically pleasing but also contributes to improved fuel efficiency. Notable design cues specific to the 4xe model include subtle blue accents on the badging and the charging port, which is neatly integrated into the front fender. These touches subtly communicate the vehicle’s hybrid nature without altering its classic Jeep aesthetics.
At the rear, the Grand Cherokee 4xe continues its sophisticated design with LED taillights that mirror the front headlights’ sleek look. The rear end is completed with a stylish roof spoiler and a less conspicuous exhaust system, aligning with the vehicle’s eco-friendly focus. The Grand Cherokee 4xe is available with a range of wheel options, from 18-inch to 21-inch designs, allowing buyers to customize the vehicle’s appearance to their taste. The use of lightweight materials, such as high-strength steel and aluminum, improves performance and efficiency while maintaining structural integrity.
Interior and Comfort
Inside the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, luxury and advanced technology are front and center. The interior is designed to provide a premium experience, with high-quality materials and meticulous craftsmanship throughout. The dashboard features a clean and modern layout, with soft-touch surfaces, real wood accents, and metal trims that create an upscale ambiance. The cabin’s design focuses on both aesthetics and functionality, offering a spacious and comfortable environment for passengers.
The seating arrangement in the Grand Cherokee 4xe is versatile and accommodating. The front seats are well-cushioned and supportive, featuring multiple adjustments, including heating, ventilation, and memory settings for added comfort. The rear seats provide ample legroom and can recline, ensuring a comfortable experience for passengers during long journeys. The vehicle also offers generous cargo space, which can be expanded by folding down the rear seats, making it suitable for carrying large items or luggage.
A key feature of the 2022 Grand Cherokee 4xe is its advanced Uconnect 5 infotainment system. This system is available with a large touchscreen display, ranging from 8.4 inches to 10.1 inches, depending on the trim level. The Uconnect 5 system is user-friendly and offers a wide range of functionalities, including navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system’s interface is intuitive and customizable, allowing drivers to tailor the layout and features to their preferences. Additionally, a premium audio system delivers high-quality sound, while an available rear-seat entertainment system keeps passengers entertained, making the vehicle ideal for family road trips.
Powertrain and Performance
The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe is powered by an innovative plug-in hybrid powertrain that combines a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine with two electric motors and a 17.3 kWh battery pack. This setup delivers a total output of 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, providing impressive performance for a variety of driving scenarios. The Grand Cherokee 4xe offers an electric-only range of approximately 25 miles, making it suitable for short commutes and city driving, while the combined gasoline-electric range extends to around 470 miles, providing ample range for longer journeys.
The Grand Cherokee 4xe features multiple driving modes to optimize performance and efficiency. In Hybrid mode, the system seamlessly blends power from the gasoline engine and electric motors, balancing performance and efficiency. Electric mode allows the vehicle to operate solely on electric power, reducing emissions and fuel consumption. eSave mode prioritizes the use of the gasoline engine, preserving the battery charge for later use, such as when off-road driving where electric power can provide silent operation.
Jeep’s legendary off-road capability is fully realized in the Grand Cherokee 4xe, thanks to its advanced four-wheel-drive systems. The vehicle is equipped with the Quadra-Trac II 4×4 system, which includes a two-speed transfer case and an electronic limited-slip rear differential. This system provides excellent traction and control, ensuring the vehicle can handle a wide range of terrains, from snow-covered roads to rocky trails. The Selec-Terrain system offers multiple driving modes, including Auto, Snow, Sand/Mud, and Rock, allowing the driver to tailor the vehicle’s performance to specific conditions. The Quadra-Lift air suspension system, available on the 4xe, can adjust the vehicle’s ride height, providing additional ground clearance for off-road conditions or lowering the vehicle for better aerodynamics and fuel efficiency on highways.
Technology and Safety
The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe is equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced technology and safety features, reflecting Jeep’s commitment to innovation and driver protection. The Uconnect 5 system offers a range of connected services, including remote vehicle start, navigation updates, and vehicle diagnostics, accessible through a smartphone app. The system supports multiple user profiles, allowing different drivers to save their preferred settings for climate control, seat position, and infotainment features.
Safety is a top priority for Jeep, and the Grand Cherokee 4xe includes an extensive array of driver-assistance technologies. Standard safety features include adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane departure warning. Additionally, the vehicle offers advanced features such as a Night Vision Camera, which uses infrared sensors to detect pedestrians and animals up to 200 meters ahead, displaying their position on the digital instrument cluster. This feature enhances safety during nighttime driving.
For added convenience, the Grand Cherokee 4xe includes a 360-degree camera system, providing a comprehensive view around the vehicle and making parking and maneuvering in tight spaces easier. The vehicle also includes parking sensors and an automated parking assist feature, further enhancing convenience and safety.
Market Positioning and Conclusion
The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe represents a significant step forward in Jeep’s electrification journey, offering a blend of traditional off-road capability and modern hybrid technology. As a plug-in hybrid, the 4xe appeals to environmentally conscious consumers who seek to reduce their carbon footprint without compromising on performance or versatility. Its luxurious interior, advanced technology, and comprehensive safety features make it a standout option in the competitive midsize SUV market.
The Grand Cherokee 4xe is particularly well-suited for buyers who value sustainability and innovation but do not want to sacrifice the ruggedness and luxury that Jeep vehicles are known for. With its impressive powertrain, capable off-road systems, and a host of modern amenities, the 2022 Grand Cherokee 4xe stands as a testament to Jeep’s ability to innovate and adapt in a rapidly changing automotive landscape. Whether used for daily commuting, family trips, or off-road adventures, the Grand Cherokee 4xe is designed to deliver a versatile and enjoyable driving experience, setting a new standard for electrified SUVs in the market.