It’s been an enormous yr for Jeep — fairly actually. The off-road model has not solely revived the previous Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer nameplates however added a first-ever, three-row model of its earlier top-line mannequin, the brand new Grand Cherokee L.
As if that’s not sufficient, the midsize two-row mannequin has gone by means of an entire makeover, as effectively, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee simply beginning to roll into U.S. showrooms.
To get a really feel for the 2022 mannequin, I headed to rugged, mountainous Moab, Utah for an extended day of on and off-road driving.
Overview
It’s been 30 years for the reason that authentic Jeep Grand Cherokee made its auspicious debut, Bob Lutz, then the automotive czar of the previous Chrysler Corp., driving it up the steep steps at Detroit’s Cobo Corridor, and thru the conference heart’s plate glass window.
The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee maintains the identical fundamental design cues as the unique, beginning with Jeep’s trademark 7-slot grille. And, in fact, it retains the mix of on and off-road capabilities that made the unique sport-utility car such a standout.
However a lot has modified, as effectively. As with the brand new Grand Cherokee L, the makeover of the two-row mannequin brings us a much more refined and lavishly executed product, particularly with increased trim ranges, just like the Restricted Reserve. If something, the 2022 Grand Cherokee poses a possible problem to Jeep’s new top-line Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer, because it will get a number of the identical luxurious options, such because the entrance passenger touchscreen.
Because the 2022 Grand Cherokee’s record of ordinary options grows bigger so has its price ticket, nevertheless. The bottom Laredo mannequin now is available in at $39,185, a full $3,705 greater than the outgoing mannequin. And the will increase proceed up the trim ladder, with the Restricted beginning at $45,505. The Restricted Reserve I spent a lot of my day in nipped the $50,000 mark.
The rollout isn’t full, by the way. Early subsequent yr will carry the launch of the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe. Just like the Wrangler 4xe, it’ll characteristic a brand new plug-in hybrid drivetrain providing higher gasoline economic system, in addition to the power to modify to all-electric mode, whether or not on or off-road.
Exterior
Few at the moment are prone to recall the truth that the unique, 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee was, technically, a crossover, using on a closely modified unibody platform. That holds true with each the 2022 fashions. The all-new structure is very versatile, permitting for each two- and three-row variations in addition to the upcoming plug-in hybrid.
The Grand Cherokee L, to make room for that third row, was stretched about 15 inches greater than the outgoing Jeep. The 2-row mannequin itself is about 3.5 inches longer and two inches taller its predecessor. The latter determine displays the elevated floor clearance, now as a lot as 11.3 inches, with the Trailhawk dealing with as much as a most 24 inches of water fording.
The Trailhawk will get 25 mm extra suspension journey and, with air suspension in off-road mode, it stands 20 mm taller. For severe off-roaders, the Trailhawk boasts a 36-degree method angle, a 24-degree breakover and a 30-degree departure angle.
One of many extra shocking — and spectacular figures — nevertheless, is the truth that the 2022 mannequin is about 250 kilos lighter than the outgoing Jeep, largely attributable to a swap to high-strength metal.
There’s extra sculpting to the fifth-generation Grand Cherokee’s doorways and fenders, whereas the beltline is barely decrease. And all new trim packages now include normal LED fog lamps, headlights and taillights. The headlights are extra slit-like, whereas the grille leans extra aggressively ahead, choosing up a couple of concepts from final yr’s Grand Wagoneer Idea.
Every trim stage, in the meantime, provides distinctive design particulars and accents, notably in grille detailing.
Inside
Excluding the L mannequin’s third row, the 2022 Grand Cherokees share basically the identical inside design. The structure is extra horizontal, and there’s a use of notably extra refined and stylish supplies, comparable to actual wooden, actual leather-based and suede for the headliner on higher-trim packages. Particulars like double-cross-stitching are lifted proper from the brand new Grand Wagoneer and provides the 2022 Grand Cherokee L a stage of luxurious by no means earlier than seen on this SUV.
Additionally borrowed from the Grand Wagoneer Idea, the Grand now Cherokee affords a custom-designed McIntosh audiophile sound system, full with an app for the touchscreen replicating that model’s acquainted analog needle show. However extra on the SUV’s lengthy record of know-how in a second.
A few of the key revisions are practical. Grand Cherokee now affords 3 inches extra shoulder room. And the longer total size permits for considerably extra legroom, particularly within the again row. There’s additionally extra cargo house. And it’s simpler to simpler to get out and in, due to a decrease step-over top.
From a pricing standpoint, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee now falls into the “luxurious automotive” class. The excellent news is it delivers the kind of cabin expertise that will count on for that type of cash.
Powertrain
We’ll have to attend till subsequent yr to seek out out extra in regards to the new 4xe drivetrain. Anticipate it to ship extra all-electric vary on the freeway than the plug-in package deal accessible with the Wrangler, nevertheless.
For now, Jeep affords two powertrain choices, beginning with the all-aluminum 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine, rated at 290 horsepower and 257 pound-feet of torque. It’s provided in rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive.
For my first, lengthy drive, I spent a day in a Jeep Grand Cherokee L Summit Reserve with the 5.7-liter V-8 rated at 357 hp and 390 lb-ft. In contrast to the V-6, it’s accessible solely in 4WD and is mated to an 8-speed automated. For individuals who have a big trailer, that is the choice of alternative. As with the L, the two-row Grand Cherokee manages a stable tow score of as much as 7,200 kilos.
Consumers can have a alternative, in the meantime, of three all-wheel-drive methods for the Grand Cherokee line: the Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II with rear digital restricted slip-differential. Within the Trailhawk, one will get a low-range crawler gear with as much as a 48:1 ratio. As I quickly found, it delivers all of the torque you want for rock crawling.
Relying upon trim and powertrain package deal, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee affords as a lot as 19 mpg within the metropolis, 26 freeway and 22 mixed.
Security and Expertise
In relation to know-how and security {hardware}, the 2022 Grand Cherokee has come mild years from the unique 1993 mannequin.
For audiophile, the 19-speaker McIntosh audio system might be essentially the most interesting characteristic. I discovered myself stretching out within the Jeep’s well-padded seats, listening to a couple basic jazz cuts effectively after I had reached my vacation spot.
However there’s loads of different spectacular know-how onboard. There are actually six digital screens, at the least in case you go for the non-obligatory head-up show, which affords numerous helpful info, together with navigation steering. The instrument cluster has gone fully digital, and it may be reconfigured relying upon which of the 5 totally different drive modes you go for. When heading off-road, you may load up pictures displaying the car’s tilt and roll, for one factor.
There’s additionally a 10-inch touchscreen on the prime of the middle console. It runs the most recent, UConnect 5 working system and it doesn’t take lengthy to see what an enchancment that makes. With a microprocessor working 5 occasions sooner, there’s little lag, or latency, whenever you faucet one of many icons — which simply will be moved round for a custom-made expertise. And most features will be reached by digging down only one or two ranges.
In the meantime, there are conventional local weather controls, an actual tuning knob, and extra, handbook controls on the steering wheel.
The entrance passenger seat regains its rank within the inside hierarchy, now that it will get its personal touchscreen. And there are twin screens within the rear. Notably the passenger screens all characteristic Amazon’s Hearth TV system for streaming video content material.
The brand new Jeep options the power to make use of over-the-air updates to not solely obtain content material however to improve new options and even repair car software program glitches that when would have required a service name. And, like so many different new automobiles, a brand new smartphone app permits homeowners to function car features remotely.
Different options embrace infrared evening imaginative and prescient which mechanically spots and highlights obstacles, comparable to deer that may run out throughout the highway. There are quite a few cameras, as effectively, offering each a low, ahead angle and birds-eye view. And Jeep’s first semi-autonomous system, Lively Trip Help, helps you steer, although you continue to want preserve at the least a light-weight grip on the wheel.
When it comes to security, Jeep officers declare to have packed in as many as 110 totally different options. That features normal superior driver help methods like automated emergency braking, blind-spot detection and park help, in addition to such choices as evening imaginative and prescient and encompass view.
Driving Impressions
Individuals are getting again to nature, or so it will appear, knowledge suggesting that the variety of people mountaineering, kayaking and tenting has grown exponentially for the reason that authentic Jeep Grand Cherokee debuted. And that goes for off-roading, as effectively.
To get a way of what the Gen-5 Grand Cherokee is able to, I turned to the 2022 Trailhawk, with its added journey top and Quadralift air suspension. I used to be curious to see if it will dwell as much as Chief Engineer David Partlow’s boast: “You may go over something. Not round it. Over it.”
He was proper.
Throughout a day run on considered one of Moab’s many robust trails, it grew to become clear that the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee is able to deal with no matter you throw at it. It has loads of wheel articulation however, even one some wildly uneven pavement, with a number of wheel off the bottom, the Trailhawk’s four-wheel-drive system made it simple to muscle ahead.
This instantly requires a comparability with the brand new Ford Bronco. For individuals who are decided to take issues to absolutely the, outer limits, I’m instructed the Bronco might need an edge. However I actually didn’t expertise it. Maybe one key distinction comes with the extra cameras Ford’s SUV affords.
However with regards to on-road manners, the Jeep wins palms down. I spent my morning racing alongside the Colorado River and was impressed with the Grand Cherokee’s steering and cornering. The brand new SUV, particularly in higher trim packages, can simply exchange a conventional luxurious car. It delivers a easy, quiet journey — with all of the onboard know-how assuring you received’t hear younger relations asking “Are we there but.”
Wrap Up
SUV patrons usually need to make trade-offs. They’ll go for a product largely geared for driving on-road or one which they’ll take out on the paths. There’s a rising record of alternate options for off-roaders, the brand new Ford Bronco being essentially the most notable instance. However the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee lets you have all of it — and, in case you’re prepared to choose up, it affords all of the options you’d count on from a conventional luxurious sedan.
As famous, it doesn’t come low-cost. I don’t count on many patrons will order the bottom Laredo, at the least not with out including a couple of choices. And also you’ll doubtless prime $50,000 for a well-equipped Summit Reserve. However, contemplating the whole lot the 2022 mannequin affords, it’s effectively well worth the value. The brand new Grand Cherokee is likely one of the finest new choices I’ve to this point pushed for 2022.
2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee — Regularly Requested Questions
Is the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee greater?
Sure. The 2-row mannequin is about 3.5 inches longer than the previous Jeep Grand Cherokee and two inches taller. The latter determine displays the elevated floor clearance, now as a lot as 11.3 inches, with the Trailhawk package deal dealing with as much as a most 24 inches of water fording.
Will the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee be redesigned?
That is the fifth-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee, the 2022 mannequin getting a ground-up makeover. It is going to now be provided in three variations: the usual, 2-row, the three-row Jeep Grand Cherokee L, and the plug-in hybrid Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe.
When can you purchase the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
The Grand Cherokee L got here to market early this yr, with the 2-row mannequin simply rolling into dealerships now. The plug-in hybrid 4xe will observe early subsequent yr.
