A pair of 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe plug-in hybrid SUVs negotiate a tricky rise up a rocky trail in Moab, Utah. There’s nothing unusual about that. But this scene is odd — there’s someone in the front seat of each car. But they aren’t touching the pedals or the steering wheel.
“In the same way that our 4xe electrification takes Jeep brand’s off-road capability to new heights, these advanced off-road driving systems will help more customers in more countries around the world join and enjoy the adventure,” explains Jeep Brand Chief Executive Officer Christian Meunier.
While other automakers are working to develop driverless cars that can handle busy city streets and traffic jams, Jeep is trying to build one for the wilderness.
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For Off-Road Rookies and Tricky Situations
That’s an unlikely premise. Off-road driving is a hobby for millions of Americans who enjoy the thrill of surging up dunes, fording streams, and maneuvering through tight rocky turns. But Jeep thinks autonomous off-road systems could help newcomers and help get veteran off-roaders out of difficult situations.
“Installed in two electrified Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe models, this AI and autonomous off-road driving technology can enhance the experiences of seasoned off-roaders, as well [as] customers who are new to driving the trail,” the company says.
It may also work on the road. The technology, Jeeps says, will suit “everyday driving conditions.”
Related: Study — Americans Growing More Afraid of Self-Driving Cars
We’re skeptical that most off-road enthusiasts will want to settle for riding, not driving, through the wilderness. But, if it saves them the indignity of calling for an autonomous rescue vehicle that knows how to use a kinetic strap, perhaps they’ll engage it.
We’ll know more this summer. Jeep says it will reveal “the future generation of its advanced autonomous off-road driving technology” in a video sometime in the next few months.
