2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland 4xe

2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland 4xe

“A Sterling Example of Jeep’s Future”

By Arv Voss

OVERVIEW

I recently reviewed a model of the latest Jeep Grand Cherokee in Overland trim. This latest version of the Grand Cherokee is unquestionably the best looking and most technologically advanced in the model’s history ever, which has long been one of the most popular and best-selling SUVs of all time. Last year marked the fifth generation Grand Cherokee with the arrival of the L model — the first three-row model, followed now by the 4xe model, the first-ever plug-in hybrid version featuring 25 miles of all electric range on a full battery charge. The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee has all-new architecture including a new exterior design, new interior and enhanced craftsmanship.

AS TESTED

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee trim levels include: 4xe, Trailhawk, Overland and Summit. My test vehicle was a Grand Cherokee Overland 4xe which wore a Silver Zynith metallic exterior with a black roof and Global Black interior. The base price was set at $65,760. Options which included the Silver Zynith exterior paint, Luxury Tech Group IV, Advanced ProTech Group III, Black Painted roof and Front Passenger Interactive Display along with the Destination Charge elevated the final sticker to $74,210.

PROPULSION

Power s generated by a 2.0-liter, DOHC, 16-valve turbocharged and intercooled inline four cylinder – direct injection gas engine combined with 2 AC motors, 44 and 134 hp, 39 and 181 lb-ft (combined output: 375 hp, 470 lb-ft; 14.0-kWh lithium-ion battery pack -7.2-kW onboard charger). Horsepower is rated at 270 with 295 pound feet of torque.

A high-voltage eTorque generator/motor at the front of the Grand Cherokee engine produces 44 horsepower and 39 lb-ft of torque, replacing a conventional alternator and starter motor. This motor connects to the driveshaft and spins the engine quickly and seamlessly for smooth start/stop operation, while also generating electricity for the battery pack. A second motor / generator integrates with the automatic transmission and produces 134 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. Depending on the needs of the powertrain, the gas engine can be completely disengaged so only the electric motor is sending power to the wheels.

Alternatively, the engine can re-engage to allow power from both the gas engine and electric motor to flow through the transmission. The U.S. EPA-estimated all electric range for 4xe is 25 miles, and the Grand Cherokee 4xe also has an EPA estimate of 56 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) combined with both gas and electric, and 23 MPG gas only.

STYLING

The redesign of the fifth generation Grand Cherokee is readily identifiable as a Grand Cherokee, but presents itself as a noteworthy and upscale update over the last generation’s design form of the previous ten years. The iconic 7 vertical slot grille remains, but is wider and larger, with a revised front fascia that serves to hide the long-range radar and other additional high-tech gadgetry. The hood I longer and the track is wider, exuding a bolder and more athletic stance.

Aft, the Grand Cherokee sports slender wraparound LED taillights along with integrated exhaust outlets situated at the edges of the lower fascia.

The 4xe PHEV models share the the same design form as gas powered Grand Cherokee models.

CABIN APPEAL

This newest Grand Cherokee’s interior space represents a refined evolution incorporating the use of more luxurious materials It is truly one of the best inerior executions available today’s SUV marketplace. The console and center stack design deliver the ideal blend of touchscreen and manual switchgear including a new rotary shifter. Grand Cherokee Overland provides a comforting experience offering Nappa leather, back massage and 4-zone climate control. As one would expect, state-of-the-art connectivity and infotainment features abound along with driver assist and safety features.

PERFORMANCE

Enhancing the pleasurable driving experience of the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland 4xe are features such as E Select Modes including: Hybrid, Electric and eSave.The driver may select the Hybrid Electric Pages in the Uconnect infotainment system to choose between Battery Save or Battery Charge in eSave mode. The driver may also select Max Regen for more aggressive regenerative braking, in creasing the electrical charge when the accelerator is released.

This new Grand Cherokee delivers smooth and quiet acceleration in both Hybrid and electric only modes on or off road, though we didn’t actually perform any serious off-road testing as we did with our earlier Jeep Wrangler 4xe test vehicle. Both vehicles offer the same capability for full electric off-road excursions.

OUR FINAL CONCLUSION

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland 4xe PHEV Hybrid SUV is both powerful and fuel efficient with agile handling characteristics and smooth comfortable on road ride and manners. These attribute along with the elegant and sophisticated design enhancements make it a winner and highly desirable PHEV.

SPECIFICATIONS

Model: 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland 4xe

Engine: 2.0-liter, DOHC, 16-valve turbocharged and intercooled inline four cylinder – direct injection + 2 AC motors, 44 and 134 hp, 39 and 181 lb-ft (combined output: 375 hp, 470 lb-ft; 14.0-kWh lithium-ion battery pack -7.2-kW onboard charger

Horsepower (bhp): 270 @ 6400 rpm

Torque (ft./ lbs.): 295 @ 4800 rpm

Transmission: 8-speed PHEV Automatic with manual shifting mode.

Wheels: 20-inch Machined Face Aluminum

Tires: Bridgestone Ecopia H/L 422 Plus 265/50 R20 BSW All-Season

Brakes: Power-assisted 4-wheel ABS plus regenerative braking.

Exterior Color: Silver Zynith metallic

Interior Color: Global Black / Steel Gray

EPA 25 miles all-electric range

City / Hwy: 56 mpg equivalent (MPGe) – gas-electric

23 MPG comb city/hwy – gas

Base Price: $65,760