2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe vs 2021 Chrysler Pacifica

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a mid-generation refresh that gave it a more muscular aesthetic with new standard LED headlights and a hexagonal grille. The rear featured an all-LED taillamp running the width of the model, with the Chrysler wing badge at its center. The S Appearance Package added darkened features and black accents, enhancing its bold look. Inside, the Pacifica balanced practicality and luxury, especially in the Pinnacle trim, which boasted quilted leather seats, suede center row pillows, and Beber floor mats. The flat dashboard, anchored by a 10.1-inch touchscreen, added to its premium feel, while sound-deadening technology ensured a quiet ride.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe retained Jeep’s iconic seven-slot grille, now with active shutters for improved aerodynamics. The Grand Cherokee 4xe was available only as a two-row, five-passenger SUV, with trims including the base 4xe, Trailhawk, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve. The Overland trim featured leather seats, wood and metal accents, and bronze contrast stitching. Despite its upscale feel, the interior had a noticeable amount of hard plastic materials. The Grand Cherokee 4xe also included gloss black materials that, while sharp-looking, were prone to fingerprints and glare.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered two powertrain options: a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 287 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, and a V6 hybrid engine paired with a dual-motor electrically variable transmission, achieving 260 horsepower from the engine and 198 horsepower from its motors. The base Touring and Touring L trims came standard with the V6 engine, while the Limited and Pinnacle trims offered either AWD or the hybrid powertrain. The AWD system, new for 2021, activated on-demand based on driving conditions and deactivated to improve fuel efficiency. The Pacifica Hybrid had an all-electric range of over 30 miles and a total range of over 500 miles, delivering 82 MPGe and 30 mpg combined. The traditional V6 Pacifica achieved 19 mpg in the city, 28 mpg on the highway, and 22 mpg combined, with AWD models slightly lower at 17 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 20 mpg combined.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe featured a plug-in hybrid powertrain with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine and a 17-kWh battery pack, delivering 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain outperformed Jeep’s 5.7-liter V8. The Grand Cherokee 4xe had a total driving range of 470 miles and achieved 56 MPGe. The battery provided 25 miles of all-electric driving range. The vehicle included an electronic front-axle disconnect to save fuel and E Select powertrain modes: Hybrid, Electric, and eSave. The Grand Cherokee 4xe also featured regenerative braking with a Max Regen setting for one-pedal driving. Off-road capabilities were enhanced with Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II systems, and the Trailhawk trim offered up to 10.9 inches of ground clearance and a 24-inch wading depth. However, its towing capacity was limited to 6,000 pounds.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was designed with family life in mind, featuring spacious seating and ample storage. The front seats allowed for a feeling of togetherness, with a padded center console lid replacing armrests. Standard features included power-sliding rear doors, three-zone climate control, power-adjustable driver’s seat, and Stow ’n Go seats. The second-row under-console storage and Stow ’n Go third-row bench seat added convenience. The Pacifica offered best-in-class total storage of 227.6 liters, making it ideal for family travel.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, available only as a two-row model, provided ample space for passengers. Folding the second row increased cargo space from 37.7 cubic feet to 70.8 cubic feet. The air suspension allowed for quick height adjustments, aiding in loading and unloading. Despite testing in hot conditions, the standard heated steering wheel was noted as a valuable feature for colder climates.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica featured Uconnect 5, a modern and customizable infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen. Standard features included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with optional second-row in-seat entertainment screens. Audio options ranged from a six-speaker system to a 20-speaker Harman Kardon system. The Pinnacle model included FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with unique features like rear-facing child seat view and zoom-to-seat.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe also used Uconnect 5, with customization options like My Pages. The vehicle included multiple screens, such as a 10.25-inch front-passenger display and a digital driver information display. Optional features included a wireless charging pad and dual rear-seat entertainment screens with Amazon’s Fire TV for Auto. The 19-speaker McIntosh stereo, available on higher trims, was highly praised for its audio quality.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica came standard with 97 safety features, increasing to 100 in the Pinnacle trim. Key features included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, rain-sensing wipers, automatic high beams, advanced brake assist, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. The Pacifica received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe offered standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, rear parking sensors, and rear cross-traffic alert. Optional features included intersection-collision assist, night vision, front parking sensors, and a 360-degree surround-view camera. A hands-off driver assistance feature suite was announced but required additional hardware. Neither the IIHS nor the NHTSA had crash-tested the Grand Cherokee 4xe at the time of publication.