Built in Detroit, and legendary for its ability to blend off-roading capability with upscale design, materials and features, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is the quintessential American midsize SUV. Now, with the rollout of the redesigned fifth-generation 2022 Grand Cherokee, the automaker adds a new plug-in hybrid powertrain option for the Jeep.
Called the Grand Cherokee 4xe ("four-by-e"), the electrified Jeep offers an EPA-rated 26 miles of electric driving range and 23 mpg in combined driving after the gasoline engine fires up to help propel the PHEV. Start off with a fully charged battery and topped-up fuel tank, and the Grand Cherokee 4xe will travel about 440 miles. At that point, the driver needs to find an electrical outlet or a gas station.
The beauty of the Grand Cherokee 4xe is that you can commute partially or entirely on electricity during the week, and then head out for adventure on the weekends without suffering a moment of range anxiety. You can even reserve the battery charge for use when you're far from civilization and wish to tread silently through the backcountry.
You can get the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe in several trim levels, each equipped with standard four-wheel drive. But this PHEV is pricey, even after you factor in the federal income tax credit. And that puts the plug-in Jeep Grand Cherokee into direct competition with luxury-brand rivals such as the BMW X5 xDrive45e and Volvo XC60 Recharge instead of mainstream competitors like the Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid and Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid.
Jeep offers the Grand Cherokee plug-in hybrid in 4xe, Trailhawk 4xe, Overland 4xe, Summit 4xe and Summit Reserve 4xe trim levels. Each has a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, two electric motors, a hybrid battery pack, and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The powertrain makes 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque and gets to the ground through a standard four-wheel-drive system. The highlights of each trim level follow below:
Believe it or not, the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe is about the same price as the BMW X5 xDrive45e. The BMW is slightly more powerful, travels a little farther on a full battery charge, and is roomier inside for passengers. However, it isn't as efficient when you're driving it as a hybrid, and the cargo area behind the back seat is smaller.
The Grand Cherokee 4xe and the Wrangler 4xe share a plug-in hybrid powertrain, but that's where the similarities end. The Wrangler 4xe is anything but civilized, ready for open motoring with a removable top, removable doors and a hose-out interior. The Grand Cherokee 4xe is none of those things, and, comparatively speaking, is the model of civility. Find out what it's like to live with the Jeep Wrangler in Edmunds' long-term road test of the SUV.
Don't laugh. If you're not planning to take your Jeep off-roading, you could save some cash by choosing the Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid. The Kia isn't nearly as powerful, but it provides more electric driving range and is more efficient when used as a hybrid. Plus, it has a third-row seat and just as much cargo space as the Jeep while giving you more standard equipment for the price. Edmunds spent a year driving a gas-only version of this SUV, so be sure to read our long-term road test of the Kia Sorento.
When Jeep launched the newest version of the Grand Cherokee last year — first in three-row Grand Cherokee L form, then the traditional two-row Grand Cherokee — it did so with a pair of familiar engines underhood. The standard V6 provides decent enough fuel economy, even if acceleration is tepid. Upgrade to the V8 and you'll find a lot more power on tap, but you'll have to visit the pump more often.
My drive route started in the suburbs and was clearly intended to develop a baseline for EV-only range. The low speed limits and plenty of brake regen opportunities in the suburbs are ideal conditions for maximizing efficiency of electric motors. I wasn't able to match the EV-only range of 25 miles — the gas engine fired up after 20 miles — though I will concede that the battery was only about 95% full when I jumped in. It's also worth noting that, while we haven't driven the Grand Cherokee 4xe at Edmunds' home base yet, we also achieved lower-than-expected EV range on a Wrangler 4xe that we tested on our vehicle evaluation route.
The price for the most potent and fuel-efficient powertrain is, unsurprisingly, higher than the other Grand Cherokee options. Here's a full breakdown:
| Trim Level | MSRP (includes $1,795 destination charge) |
|---|---|
| Grand Cherokee 4xe | $59,495 |
| Trailhawk 4xe | $64,280 |
| Overland 4xe | $67,555 |
| Summit 4xe | $71,615 |
| Summit Reserve 4xe | $76,095 |
We have a more detailed analysis of the Grand Cherokee 4xe's price here, but the overall takeaway is that upgrading to the 4xe carries a $6,600-$9,300 premium when compared to the base V6. However, in some cases (as with the Overland) it's less expensive to opt for the 4xe than it is the V8 once you factor in available tax credits. Plus, if you have a short commute, it'll be a while before you visit a gas pump if you're diligent about charging.
Edmunds saysIf you want to off-road in style and comfort, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe might be the best way to do it. This plug-in hybrid offers more than 20 miles of all-electric range, plus gobs of power and good fuel efficiency. It isn't an inexpensive upgrade, but the 4xe really offers the best of all worlds.
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe:
The least-expensive 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe is the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe 4dr SUV 4WD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $58,465.
Other versions include:
