Text & Photos by Ricardo Rodriguez-Long
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is one of the most popular
midsize SUVs in the country. With over 200,000 sold annually, this vehicle has
become one of the best options for the family. Especially if you live in areas
where the weather may affect the commute and / or you like to camp out with
your family and friends.
The newest version now has a premium feel that elevates
this Jeep to another class. Available in six trims (Laredo, Altitude,
Limited, Trailhawk, Overland, and
Summit), the top-of-the-line offers luxury only found in imports until now. But
true to its name, I can testify that it offers the best 4x4 capabilities in the
segment. There is one more option, the 4xe Plug-in power plant that
incorporates two electrical motors that assist in slow traffic, acceleration,
and of course, when you are in a tight spot on the trail.
The interior is what impressed me the most. Chris
Benjamin, head of interior design, told me: " We wanted to offer a real
premium feel. From the seat stitching and diamond design, the colors, etc. Take
what a Grand Cherokee is known for (4x4), and now offer the best premium
interior. Something that people were not expecting from us". The results
speak for themselves. I crossed references with the Acura MDX, Lexus RX,
Cadillac XT5, and BMW X5. And Mr. Benjamin did put the Grand Cherokee in
another level while maintaining the price point.
The Grand Cherokee is available with a V6, V8, and the
2-liter Turbo Hybrid (4xe). I am impressed with the latter. This 4xe package
combines the best of today's engine tech and gives you alternatives to save on
fuel consumption. The PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid) has three options on how to
operate. As a Hybrid, the car optimizes the drivetrain to determine the mix of
the 4-cylinder motor use and the electric assist for the best fuel efficiency
and performance combination. You can choose the all-electric mode and get
instant torque (great when going up on a steep hill climb) or drive for about 25
miles without using any gas. I like this option for heavy stop-and-go traffic.
There is one more setting, the e-Save mode, that lets you save the power in the
battery for you to use when you needed. With a Level-2 charger, it only takes
two and half hours to fully charge the battery (if it is without any charge at
all).
Because it is a Jeep, the off-road capabilities remain
very strong. The TrailHawk version is the most capable, but I can testify that
any model is more than capable of tackling the worst roads. I drove a 4xe and
an Overland through bad roads and water streams, and I was amazed at their
competence. Even with street tires, the off-road systems ensure you can keep
moving forward. I faced 30 degrees hill climbs that were pure wet granite, and
one by one, the wheels found a way to get a grip and move ahead. This Jeep has
a selector to choose between five terrain modes—this changes the suspension,
engine mapping, and brake settings to better perform on a specific surface. The
low range makes the Grand Cherokee crawl pretty much over anything that is
ahead. To drive in luxury and comfort and be able to get to places where you
only see modified Wranglers is very special.
This car is well equipped, with the latest tech and
safety driver-aids. A wireless phone charger in the center console is oversized
to accommodate all-size phones. The updated U-Connect interface is easy to use
on the 10.1-inch screen. There is an additional screen for the passenger in the
front seat. So your "navigator" can help you with directions as your
drive. They will also have access to stream movies, Fire TV, and control all the
media in the car. This screen is a great addition. Something else I like is the
upgraded suspension that includes air shocks. These can also raise the vehicle
to get a ten-inch ground clearance when need it. On the highway and the city,
the drive was very smooth. I forgot it was on board a full 4x4 vehicle that I
was driving.
The 2022 Grand Cherokee starts at $38,000, and a
loaded-up Summit (with one of the most luxurious interiors in the industry)can
get to $58,000. They are not the lowest price in the segment, but you get a lot
for your money. I think it is the best Jeep overall.
With the new interior, stylish exterior, and increased
road comfort (thanks to air suspension), this vehicle is hard to compare to
others. A combination of opposites (luxury and 4x4) that it is so well
executed, it makes it hard not to consider it as the one family vehicle that
can do it all.