Test Vehicle's MSRP: $75,305 (Base Model: $61,660)
Seating Capacity: 5
Standard Safety Features
(Base): airbags; ABS; a stability control system; hill descent
control; a hill start assist system; 4WD; automatic high beam headlights; a
remote start system; active keep assist system; an electronic blind spot
monitoring system; a full speed collision warning system with bicyclist/pedestrian
protection; a lane departure warning system; a trailer away system; and a tire
pressure system
Standard Equipment (Base): 18-inch wheels; a heavy duty suspension; body color door handles; gloss Black insert with a bright chrome grille; a power programmable liftgate; a liftgate spoiler; roof rack; dual pane power sunroof; a dual zone automatic ventilation system; leather seats; heated front and second row seats; power front seats with lumbar adjuster with memory; a heated steering wheel; a leather wrapped steering wheel; electronic paddle shifters; a manual operated tilt/telescopic steering wheel; and a 10-inch infotainment screen
Options: a four-zone automatic temp control system; a
wireless charging pad; front passenger seat with memory controls; a heads-up display system; an active driving system; a 360-degree camera; a rear back up
camera washer; an integrated off-road camera; a black painted roof; and an off
roading group
Other Trim Levels:
Standard Audio On Test
Vehicle: a 9-speaker Alpine
audio system with AM/FM with SiriusXM
Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard
USB Connectivity: Standard
Apple/Android
Connectivity: Standard
Bumper-to-Bumper
Warranty: 3 years or 36,000
miles
Powertrain Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles
Hybrid Battery Warranty: 10 years or 100,000 miles
Standard
Engine/Horsepower: 2.0-liter,
4-cylinder turbo engine/375-hp (gas and electric combined)/270-hp (gas only)
Recommended Fuel: Regular
Towing: 6,200 lbs
Standard Fuel Mileage: 56-MGPe/23-MPG
Why:
Qualifies for new EV tax credit
Its actually a SUV!
4x4
A variety of trims
PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle)
26 to 29 miles on a full electric charge
Luxurious interiors available
Heated/Ventilated front seats
Massaging front seats
Heated rear seats
Partially reclining rear seats
Roomy interior
Easy-to-use infotainment system
A user-friendly navigation system
An aesthetically appealing interior layout
An optional upgraded concert like sound system
An Axela-like voice activated system to change stations
Roomy cargo/utility area
Remote starting feature – great for frigid temperature
Approach lights
Keyless entry for all four doors
Height adjustment (automatic)
Wireless charging pad
A radar activated cruise control system
A co-pilot driving system
A variety of driving modes and terrains
Towing power
Rear seat manual sunshades
Requires regular fuel
But:
Hard
plastic interior surfaces around the extended center console should be
eliminated
Periodically
the transmission seemed as if it were stuck in the wrong gear
At
times, the Grand Cherokee seemed underpowered with its 4-cylinder engine (gas only)
Verdict:
With an all-new design for the 2022 model year, Jeep continues to push the envelope with the Grand Cherokee. This year’s model adds a plug-in hybrid. The rough and tumbling Jeep takes a page from the Wrangler, adding a plug-in. The roomy luxurious five-seater utility vehicle, with its multitude of driving configurations, is available in four trims. The electric vehicle driving range peaks at around 29 miles under normal weather conditions, before the gasoline engine kicks in. This is a great vehicle to tool around in with the capabilities of using electricity only for relatively short trips. In fact, when we charged up the vehicle in below freezing temperatures, we only noticed the maximum electric driving range dropped to 26 miles.
Our test model, the Grand Cherokee Overland, with its sophisticated and classic-like exterior design cues exudes elements of yesteryear. Inside the vehicle, the wall-to-wall leather treatment in our SUV was complimented by massaging front seats, a four-zone automatic climate control system, a heated steering wheel, cool and ventilated heated front seats, partially reclining spilt rear seats, a wireless charge, a gigantic easy-to-use touchscreen infotainment system, USB plugs and more, and a concert-like sound system fit for a king or queen.
Moreover, we had an opportunity to test the vehicle while the temperatures throughout most of the United States dropped below freezing. This made the remote starter a must have feature. This feature warms the car, while activating the heated seats and heated steering wheel. What more could we ask for? Ironically, we also had a Lexus parked in our driveway too. The Lexus didn’t offer such a feature.
Added to that, our Jeep was outfitted with the latest semi-autonomous driving features too, which made driving literally stress free on the highway. And like we would expect from most 4x4 Jeeps, this vehicle had a Land Rover-ish type feature that adjusted the height of our test model. While this is a body on frame SUV, the riding characteristic aren't jarring or unbearable. In fact, Jeep's engineering team have been able to tune the vehicle to adapt to a variety of road conditions, making this a great vehicle for long distance road trips or tooling around the ranch.
Despite all the positive attributes we noted, twice we had to pull over to adjust the rotary dial shifter, making sure it was in Drive mode. It appears the vehicle was in the wrong gear, causing the transmission to wind up to a high pitch. Added to that, at times, the 4-cylinder engine turbo sound as if it was underpowered moving around a lot of weight.
Overall, the Jeep Grand Cherokee has come a long way since its introduction in the 90s, when it spun off from the dated and boxy Cherokee, a staple in the brand’s portfolio. The all-new Grand Cherokee Plug-in seems willing and capable to carry forward, as the industry shifts to autonomous driving and an electrified future. We can't wait until the vehicle goes all-electric.
Competition: Land Rover Defender 4x4 and Volvo XC90 4x4
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