2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee WK
MSRP Range: $36,980 - $44,850 Price range reflects Base MSRP for various trim levels, not including options or fees.
- 2022
2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee WK Review
byChristian Wardlaw
Correspondent
Christian Wardlaw has worked in the automotive industry since 1994. He has written nearly 10,000 car-related articles and tested and reviewed more than 2,000 vehicles over the course of his career. Chris is a correspondent at Edmunds and was the first editor-in-chief of Edmunds.com in the 1990s. He has also contributed to Autotrader, CarGurus, J.D. Power, Kelley Blue Book, NADAguides, New York Daily News Autos and WardsAuto. His mom claims that his first word was “car,” and Chris believes that Miata is always the answer.
Pros
- Impressive off-roading capability
- Good towing capacity for the class
- Comfortable seating for up to five people
- Appealing base price
Cons
- Suboptimal safety ratings
- Previous-generation engineering
- Unimpressive acceleration
- Firm ride quality
What's new
- The Grand Cherokee WK is the previous-generation model carried over from 2021
- Comes only in two trim levels with four paint colors and a V6 engine
- Part of the fourth Grand Cherokee generation introduced for 2011
Overview
Your eyes do not deceive you. The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee WK is the previous-generation version of this SUV, which the automaker is selling alongside the new, completely redesigned Grand Cherokee. By carrying the old Grand Cherokee forward, Jeep is able to keep the Grand Cherokee supply lines full while offering its customers a more affordable way to buy the SUV. The "WK" refers to an internal code designation Jeep uses for the vehicle.
The Grand Cherokee WK, though, is a mere shadow of its former self. Jeep has cut the luxurious trim levels from the roster, the Trailhawk off-roader also gets the old heave-ho, and the V8 engine option is history. It comes in only two trim levels, each equipped with the standard V6 engine and rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. Only four paint colors are available, and seating comes with cloth, artificial suede or leather upholstery.
Still, though the Grand Cherokee WK is advanced in age, its appeal endures. From a design that has aged remarkably well to its impressive off-roading capability, 6,200-pound towing capacity and overall utility, the Grand Cherokee WK remains attractive to people who want a Jeep. It also carries a base price thousands less than the redesigned fifth-generation Grand Cherokee. In addition, it includes Jeep Wave Customer Care, which provides complimentary scheduled maintenance and other perks for the first three years of ownership. So value is part of the equation here.
Potential downsides include a dated technology stack that can't match the all-new Grand Cherokee for sophistication, along with less-than-stellar safety ratings by today's standards. But if you're on a tight budget, need a talented off-roader that cleans up well enough for nights out, or want to tow a heavier trailer than most midsize SUVs can, the Grand Cherokee WK might be the right SUV for the job.
Which Grand Cherokee WK does Edmunds recommend?
The Grand Cherokee WK's primary appeal is in its base price, so we recommend the Laredo trim. You'll forgo leather seats, but you can dress the Laredo up with an X package that adds artificial suede upholstery and an Altitude package with body-color and gloss-black exterior details, giving this aging Jeep a custom look.
Jeep Grand Cherokee WK models
The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee WK is a five-passenger midsize SUV offered in Laredo and Limited trim levels. The powertrain includes a 3.6-liter V6 engine (295 horsepower, 260 lb-ft), an eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive. With the Laredo trim, you can get a simple Quadra-Trac I four-wheel-drive system. Quadra-Trac II is available with the Limited and includes a two-speed transfer case with low-range gearing and hill descent control. Highlights from the standard equipment list include:
Helpful shopping links
Compare the Jeep Grand Cherokee WK
Jeep Grand Cherokee WK vs. Honda Passport
The Honda Passport can't match the Grand Cherokee's towing capacity or off-roading capability, but it's otherwise a superior choice for a midsize two-row SUV. It's our top-rated model in the segment, and the TrailSport trim level is the most rugged version of the Passport. In addition, the Honda has a standard torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system, a roomier interior, a larger cargo area and better safety ratings. Plus, it's more enjoyable to drive on pavement. To learn more, read Edmunds' long-term road test of the Honda Passport.
Jeep Grand Cherokee WK vs. Jeep Grand Cherokee
You'll save some money by choosing the Grand Cherokee WK over the completely redesigned 2022 Grand Cherokee, but the new version of the SUV is worth the extra cost. Equipped with modern engineering, superior technology, and a broader array of powertrains, trim levels and equipment, the all-new Grand Cherokee is the better of these two vehicles. It also offers an available plug-in hybrid powertrain and comes in a longer three-row variant called the Grand Cherokee L.
Jeep Grand Cherokee WK vs. Subaru Outback
With its turbocharged four-cylinder engine, sophisticated all-wheel-drive system, lifted suspension and all-terrain tires, the Wilderness version of the Subaru Outback can give a Jeep Grand Cherokee WK a run for its money when the road turns to dirt (or worse). The Subaru also posts top-notch safety scores and comes with useful features for outdoorsy types, such as PIN-code vehicle access so you won't risk losing the key fob when your kayak flips. Check out Edmunds' long-term road test of the Subaru Outback to see what it's like to live with this SUV.
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FAQ
Is the Jeep Grand Cherokee WK a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2022 Grand Cherokee WK both on the road and at the track. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2022 Grand Cherokee WK gets an average rating of 5 stars out of 5 (based on 6 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the Grand Cherokee WK has 36.3 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Jeep Grand Cherokee WK. Learn more
What's new in the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee WK?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee WK:
- The Grand Cherokee WK is the previous-generation model carried over from 2021
- Comes only in two trim levels with four paint colors and a V6 engine
- Part of the fourth Grand Cherokee generation introduced for 2011
Is the Jeep Grand Cherokee WK reliable?
To determine whether the Jeep Grand Cherokee WK is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Grand Cherokee WK. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Grand Cherokee WK's 5-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee WK a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee WK is a good car. Our consumer reviews show that the 2022 Grand Cherokee WK gets an average rating of 5 stars out of 5 (based on 6 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2022 Grand Cherokee WK is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee WK?
The least-expensive 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee WK is the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee WK Laredo E 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 8A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $36,980.
Other versions include:
- Laredo E 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 8A) which starts at $36,980
- Laredo E 4dr SUV 4WD (3.6L 6cyl 8A) which starts at $38,905
- Laredo X 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 8A) which starts at $40,680
- Laredo X 4dr SUV 4WD (3.6L 6cyl 8A) which starts at $42,685
- Limited 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 8A) which starts at $42,830
- Limited 4dr SUV 4WD (3.6L 6cyl 8A) which starts at $44,850
What are the different models of Jeep Grand Cherokee WK?
If you're interested in the Jeep Grand Cherokee WK, the next question is, which Grand Cherokee WK model is right for you? Grand Cherokee WK variants include Laredo E 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 8A), Laredo E 4dr SUV 4WD (3.6L 6cyl 8A), Laredo X 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 8A), and Laredo X 4dr SUV 4WD (3.6L 6cyl 8A). For a full list of Grand Cherokee WK models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more