If there’s an archetype for the affordable midsize SUV, it’s probably the Jeep Grand Cherokee. It’s the shape many see when they call to mind an image of a sport utility vehicle. It’s the only Jeep product that regularly outsells the Wrangler. Every redesign of the Grand Cherokee is a big moment for the automotive industry and for millions of Americans likely to put one in their parking spot.
The next Grand Cherokee is here. Unveiled in a multimedia event this morning, it says a lot about the future of American cars. It’s more luxurious than any Grand Cherokee before it. It borrows tricks and features from higher-end luxury cars. It’s also available with an electrical plug above the driver’s side fender.
The 2022 Grand Cherokee will reach dealerships before the end of the year. Jeep hasn’t revealed pricing. We have a major hint, though – Jeep revealed a larger, 3-row version called the Grand Cherokee L several months ago. The L starts at $36,995, plus a $1,695 destination fee. With all the luxuries, it’s possible to pay over $65,000 for a Grand Cherokee L. With the 2021 model starting at $34,970, the 2-row 2022 Grand Cherokee is likely to cost somewhere between that number and the base 3-row model.
Refined Iconic Look
To see it, you’d know instantly that it’s the next Jeep Grand Cherokee. But the new model couldn’t be confused with the old one.
The grille is just a few degrees off from vertical. But there’s just enough angle to the greenhouse to keep anyone from calling it boxy. The best-looking SUVs thread a needle between angular and curved in a way that makes them look muscular but agile. Jeep designers have done it perfectly.
Black from the beltline up, it looks tailored and modern. Most of the photos Jeep has released so far show a matte black hood decal as well (it’s supposed to minimize glare), but that will be an option.
Heavy on Cabin Tech, but With Real Wood Trim
The interior of the 2022 Grand Cherokee borrows heavily from the more expensive Wagoneer. The dash is built in three levels, with two upholstery colors broken by a cabin-wide wood trim panel. It looks upscale.
The driver’s display is a customizable digital screen, and a central touchscreen ranges from 8.4 inches to 10.1, depending on trim level. A third screen, in front of the front passenger, is optional.
Three Powertrains, One That Plugs In
The standard engine is Jeep’s reliable 3.6-liter Pentastar V6. Here, it puts out 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. A 5.7-liter V-8 making 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque is available. Both send power through an 8-speed automatic transmission.
V6-powered models come standard in rear-wheel-drive, with several 4-wheel-drive systems available. The V8 comes only with 4-wheel drive.
A plug-in hybrid version uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine mated to a small electric motor. The combination produces 375 horsepower. It can travel up to 25 miles on battery power alone before the gasoline engine kicks on and tow up to 6,000 pounds. Jeep calls this model the Grand Cherokee 4xe (say it “four-by-E”), and, depending on pricing, it may prove to be the most appealing version of the vehicle. A go-anywhere family SUV that can function as an electric car day-to-day but still claim unlimited range for road trips is hard to beat.
Jeep has promised to build an electric or plug-in vehicle in every segment of the SUV market within four years.
Five Trim Levels, Including Off-Road Specialty
Jeep will build five trim levels of 2022 Grand Cherokee: Laredo, Limited, Trailhawk, Overland, and Summit. The 4xe drivetrain is an option on all but the base Laredo version.
The Trailhawk model adds an air suspension with added ground clearance, a front sway bar disconnect, skid plates, an electronically controlled rear locking differential, and all-terrain tires.
Automated Safety Features Galore
Most safety features are standard – a trend across the automotive industry this year and one we’re happy to see. They include automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic detection. The only optional safety extras are a drowsy driver detection system and two that seem destined for the trail – a 360-degree camera to help negotiate obstacles and a night-vision camera that highlights pedestrians and animals.
Class of 2022: All the New and Redesigned Cars, Trucks, and SUVs
