2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe was a testament to Jeep's commitment to blending heritage with modernity. The iconic seven-slot grille made a return, now featuring active shutters for improved aerodynamics and fuel efficiency. This design element, along with the forward rake reminiscent of the Wagoneer, showcased Jeep's ability to honor its past while embracing the future. The 4xe was available strictly as a two-row, five-passenger SUV, with a trim lineup that included the base 4xe, Trailhawk, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve. The Overland trim, in particular, offered a luxurious feel with leather seats, wood and metal accents, and heated and ventilated front seats. However, the presence of hard plastic materials in the interior raised concerns about long-term durability and noise.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was designed to accommodate a third row of seats, making it 11.4 inches longer than the standard two-row Grand Cherokee. This extension provided more legroom and wider rear doors, seamlessly integrating the extra mass into the vehicle's body. The Grand Cherokee L maintained Jeep's recognizable design elements, such as the seven-slot grille and U-shaped wheel arches, while modernizing the lighting and improving paint finish and panel fit. The interior was luxurious, with dual high-resolution screens, real wood, aluminum, and quilted Nappa leather. The Grand Cherokee L's design and tactile quality were comparable to a Mercedes, offering a premium feel without sharing parts.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe was notable for 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 delivered an impressive 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, surpassing the output of Jeep's 5.7-liter V8. The 4xe featured standard four-wheel drive, managed by an eight-speed automatic transmission, and boasted a total driving range of 470 miles with a 56 MPGe rating. However, once the battery was depleted, the fuel efficiency dropped to 23 mpg. The 4xe offered 25 miles of all-electric driving range and included features like an electronic front-axle disconnect and E Select powertrain modes. The Trailhawk trim provided maximum off-road capability with 10.9 inches of ground clearance and a 24-inch wading depth, though the 4xe's towing capacity was limited to 6,000 pounds.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered two engine options: a 3.6-liter V6 and a 5.7-liter V8, both paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The V6 produced 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, but it struggled with the vehicle's weight, resulting in a noisy and coarse driving experience. The V8, available on higher trims, delivered 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, providing a more satisfying performance. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis was praised for its ride composure and steering feel, with an optional air suspension offering five ride height settings. The vehicle's towing capacity reached 7,200 pounds with 4WD, and its driving modes were comparable to Land Rover's, adjusting various systems for different terrains.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, as a two-row SUV, offered ample space for passengers, with 37.7 cubic feet of cargo space that expanded to 70.8 cubic feet with the second row folded. The air suspension allowed for quick adjustments, making loading and unloading easier. Despite the Texas heat during testing, the vehicle's heated steering wheel promised comfort in colder climates.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, known for its simplicity and sleek graphics. Physical switches for climate and stereo controls were easy to use, and the central rotary shifter was intuitive. The Laredo and Altitude trims came with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, while higher trims offered a 10.1-inch version. The Grand Cherokee L provided generous space in all rows, with second-row captain's chairs standard and a 60/40 split bench seat optional. However, the air vents were insufficient, requiring the fan to be on high, which was noisy.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe featured the Uconnect 5 system, an Android-powered interface 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. A wireless charging pad was optional, and the McIntosh stereo system, praised for its quality, was available on higher trims.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered premium features on upper trims, including massage modes for front seats, a head-up display, night vision, and a 360-degree camera system. The navigation system integrated with the instrument panel, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were supported. New for 2022, optional touchscreens were available for the front passenger and rear-seat passengers. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and blind spot monitoring, with additional options on higher trims.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe came with a range of standard and optional advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Standard features included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Optional features included intersection-collision assist, night vision, and a 360-degree surround-view camera. However, the vehicle had not yet been crash-tested by the IIHS or NHTSA.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L also had not been tested by the NHTSA or IIHS. Standard safety features included driver and passenger knee airbags, a rear seat alert, and trailer sway control. The vehicle also offered various driver aids, such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist.