2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe was a testament to Jeep's commitment to blending heritage with modernity. The iconic seven-slot grille, a hallmark of Jeep's design, returned with active shutters to enhance aerodynamics and fuel efficiency. This plug-in hybrid model was available only as a two-row, five-passenger SUV, offering a unique trim lineup that included the base 4xe, Trailhawk, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve. The Overland trim, which we tested, featured a silver exterior with a contrasting black roof and 20-inch wheels, along with signature surf blue tow hooks. Inside, the Grand Cherokee 4xe exuded comfort and a near-upscale feel, with leather seats, wood and metal accents, and heated and ventilated front seats. However, the presence of hard plastic materials in the interior raised concerns about long-term durability and noise.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, introduced as an all-new model in 2021, was 29 centimetres longer than the standard two-row Grand Cherokee, accommodating third-row seating. Its design seamlessly integrated the extra length, making the standard model appear truncated. The Grand Cherokee L retained Jeep's signature design elements, such as the seven-slot grille and U-shaped wheel arches, while modernizing the lighting and improving paint finish and panel fit. The interior was luxurious, with dual high-resolution screens, real wood, aluminum, and Palermo leather seating. Even in all-black, the interior offered enough detail and contrast to keep passengers comfortable. The Grand Cherokee L's spaciousness extended to all rows, with captain's chairs as standard in the second row and an optional 60/40 split bench rear seat. However, the air vents were noted to be insufficient in directing airflow, requiring the fan to be kept on high.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe featured a plug-in hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.0-litre turbo inline four-cylinder engine with a 400-volt, 17-kWh battery pack. This setup delivered an impressive 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, surpassing the output of Jeep's 5.7-litre V8. The 4xe boasted a total driving range of 719 kilometres, with a fuel economy rating of 4.2 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres under ideal conditions. The battery provided 42 kilometres of all-electric driving range, and the vehicle featured an electronic front-axle disconnect to save fuel. The Grand Cherokee 4xe offered E Select powertrain modes, including Hybrid, Electric, and eSave, and was equipped with regenerative braking. Off-road capabilities were enhanced by two 4x4 systems, Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II, and the Trailhawk trim offered a maximum ground clearance of 27.6 centimetres. However, the 4xe's towing capacity was limited to 2,721 kilograms.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered two engine options: a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 and a 5.7-litre V8, both paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. In Canada, 4WD was standard, with three different systems available. The V6 engine, producing 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, was found lacking in power for the vehicle's size, while the V8 offered a more robust 357 hp and 390 lb-ft. Fuel efficiency for the V6 was rated at 13.0 L/100 km city, 9.4 highway, and 11.3 combined, while the V8 was less efficient at 16.7 L/100 km city, 10.9 highway, and 14.1 combined. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis was praised for its ride composure and steering feel, with an optional air suspension offering five ride height settings. The vehicle's off-road capabilities were supported by Jeep's driving modes, but all-terrain tires were recommended for rougher trails. The Grand Cherokee L had a maximum towing capacity of 3,265 kilograms.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, available only as a two-row model, offered ample space for passengers, with head and legroom never being an issue. The cargo space expanded from 1,067 litres to 2,004 litres with the second row folded down. The vehicle's air suspension allowed for quick height adjustments, facilitating loading and unloading. Despite the hot weather during testing, the standard heated steering wheel was anticipated to be a welcome feature in winter.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, known for its simplicity and sleek graphics. Physical switches for climate and stereo controls were easy to use, and the central rotary shifter was intuitive. The Laredo and Altitude trims came with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, while higher trims offered a 10.1-inch touchscreen. The Grand Cherokee L provided generous space in all rows, with captain's chairs standard in the second row and an optional 60/40 split bench. A panoramic roof, large windows, and ample USB ports enhanced the travel experience, though the air vents were noted to be insufficient in airflow.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, an Android-powered interface with customization options like My Pages. The vehicle included a standard 10.1-inch touchscreen front-passenger display and a 10.25-inch digital driver information display. A wireless charging pad and four USB ports were standard, and optional dual rear-seat entertainment screens ran Amazon's Fire TV for Auto. The 19-speaker McIntosh stereo, available from the Overland trim, was highly praised.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered premium features on upper trims, including massage modes for the front seats, a head-up display, night vision, and an Active Driving Assist system. The navigation system integrated with the instrument panel, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were supported. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and forward collision warning. The Summit trims offered additional features like automatic parking and a rear-facing camera. The Summit Reserve trim included a 19-speaker McIntosh audio system.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe came with a range of standard and optional advanced driver assistance systems. Standard features included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available from the Overland trim. The NHTSA awarded the Grand Cherokee a five-star safety rating, but the IIHS had not yet published its results.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had not been tested by the NHTSA or IIHS. Standard safety features included driver and passenger knee airbags, trailer sway control, and various driver aids.