2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe vs 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee was a testament to timeless design, maintaining its appeal over a decade after its debut. It combined rugged utility with upscale sophistication, featuring big wheels and flared fenders that gave it a balanced and artistic look. This design contributed significantly to its success, as it straddled the line between mainstream, luxury, and performance SUV categories. The lineup ranged from the affordable Laredo and Limited trims to the upscale Overland and Summit, with the Trailhawk offering serious off-road capabilities. The Summit trim, in particular, boasted a luxurious interior with premium materials, though the design was beginning to show its age with outdated switchgear and non-flush panel fits.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe embraced a blend of past and present design elements, including the iconic seven-slot grille with modern aerodynamic enhancements. Available only as a two-row SUV, the 4xe offered a unique trim lineup with options like the Trailhawk, Overland, and Summit Reserve. The Overland trim featured a stylish silver exterior with a black roof and 20-inch wheels, while the interior boasted leather seats, wood and metal accents, and bronze contrast stitching. Despite some hard plastic materials, the cabin felt comfortable and upscale. The 4xe's design was both familiar and forward-thinking, appealing to Jeep enthusiasts and new buyers alike.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee came standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered a towing capacity of up to 6,200 pounds. For those seeking more power, the optional 5.7-liter Hemi V8 provided 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, with a best-in-class towing capacity of 7,200 pounds. The V8 featured cylinder deactivation technology for improved fuel efficiency, though it achieved only 17 mpg in combined driving. The Grand Cherokee's Quadra-Trac II 4WD system and Quadra-Lift air suspension enhanced its off-road capabilities, while its tight turning radius and responsive brakes made it agile in various driving conditions.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe stood out with its plug-in hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine with a 400-volt, 17-kWh battery pack. This setup produced an impressive 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, surpassing the V8's output. The 4xe offered a total driving range of 470 miles and an all-electric range of 25 miles. Its fuel efficiency was rated at 56 MPGe, though real-world conditions could affect this figure. The 4xe featured E Select powertrain modes, regenerative braking, and two off-road systems, Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II, enhancing its versatility. While its towing capacity was lower at 6,000 pounds, the 4xe excelled in fuel efficiency and off-road performance.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit offered a luxurious interior with quilted leather seats and a leather-wrapped interior. The front seats provided eight-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation, though the controls were integrated into the infotainment system, causing some distraction. Rear-seat legroom was somewhat snug, and the optional rear-seat entertainment system added to a sense of claustrophobia. The Grand Cherokee provided 36.3 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 68.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. While interior storage was adequate, the rear-seat entertainment system occupied much of the center console space.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, available only as a two-row model, offered ample space for passengers. Folding the second row expanded cargo space from 37.7 cubic feet to 70.8 cubic feet, providing more room than the previous generation. The air suspension's quick-down function facilitated loading and unloading. Despite testing in hot conditions, the 4xe's standard heated steering wheel promised comfort in colder weather. The 4xe's interior was spacious and practical, making it a comfortable family vehicle.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee featured the Uconnect 4C with Nav infotainment system, offering a user-friendly experience with fast response times and pleasing graphics. It included navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The system's voice recognition technology worked well, and the optional 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system delivered excellent sound quality. While the Grand Cherokee offered essential tech features, it lacked the advanced digital capabilities of newer models.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe introduced the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, an Android-powered interface with customization options like My Pages. The 4xe featured multiple screens, including a 10.25-inch front-passenger display and a digital driver information display. A wireless charging pad was optional, while four USB ports were standard. The optional dual rear-seat entertainment screens ran Amazon's Fire TV for Auto. The 19-speaker McIntosh stereo, available on higher trims, provided exceptional audio quality. The 4xe's tech offerings were modern and comprehensive, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee received mixed safety ratings. While it earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA with 4WD, its performance in IIHS tests was less impressive, with "Marginal" and "Poor" ratings in certain crash tests. The Grand Cherokee offered a range of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The ParkSense parking assistance system was useful in low-traffic environments.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe offered a blend of standard and optional advanced driver assistance systems. Standard features included automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. Optional upgrades included intersection-collision assist, night vision, and a 360-degree surround-view camera. While crash-test ratings were not yet available, the 4xe's safety features were comprehensive and modern.