All five generations of the Jeep Grand Cherokee have offered a V-8 engine, but a transition is coming, Jeep vice president Jim Morrison told Motor Authority.
To date, the V-8 has been part of the Grand Cherokee’s DNA, Morrison said. Customers are looking for it, but eventually customers will transition to electrified options. Morrison believes customers will gravitate to the extra torque that can be had with a plug-in hybrid. “We’ll be ready for them,” the executive said.
While the two-row 2022 Grand Cherokee was unveiled on Tuesday with a V-8, Morrison acknowledged that engine won’t survive. Even Jeep’s performance-minded sibling, Dodge, knows the V-8’s days are coming to an end. In February, Dodge CEO Tim Kuniskis said the V-8’s days “are numbered.”
2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe
Performance variants
Outside of the 5.7-liter V-8 Jeep has announced for the 2022 Grand Cherokee, it’s unclear which other V-8s might fit. The WK2 Grand Cherokee has offered both the 6.4-liter V-8 and the Hellcat supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 in SRT and Trackhawk forms, respectively.
When asked if the Hellcat engine would fit in the WL’s engine bay, Morrison cracked a smile and said, “I can’t answer that question.”
While the Hellcat powertrain lived for a few years in the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk, it was a one-year special in its platform mate, the Dodge Durango Hellcat. The reason was simple: The powertrain would no longer meet emissions requirements in the old platform. When asked if the Hellcat’s powertrain would meet emissions requirements in the new WL platform, Morrison reiterated he couldn’t answer the question.
It’s been widely reported that, before FCA became Stellantis, the automaker was developing a clean-sheet turbocharged inline-6 to replace the 5.7-liter V-8. FCA filed a patent on the new engine in 2019. The engine will likely be offered as a plug-in hybrid option in larger vehicles such as the Jeep Grand Wagoneer (which is slated to get a plug-in hybrid soon) and even the Ram 1500. It’s quite possible these plans extend to the WL-based Grand Cherokee as well. Again, Morrison wouldn’t confirm those plans or even the existence of the inline-6.
While no performance variant has been announced for the WL Grand Cherokee yet, Jeep will continue to build vehicles that offer performance and a spirited driving character, according to Morrison. As to whether the Trackhawk nameplate has any place in the future lineup or whether it’ll return, “Stay tuned,” Morrison said.
2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Packaging constraints
One cool feature of the two-row 2022 Grand Cherokee is the set of electronically disconnecting sway bars that allow for extra suspension articulation. It’s a trick both the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon and Ram 2500 Power Wagon have, and now it’s on a Grand Cherokee Trailhawk.
The current Grand Cherokee Trailhawk was introduced at the 2016 New York auto show as a 2017 model year. It arrived during the middle of the WK2’s (2011-2021 Grand Cherokee’s) lifecycle, and the team was confined to working within the existing platform’s constraints, which didn’t make room for the disconnecting sway bars. That wasn’t the case with the 2022 Grand Cherokee two-row WL platform, and a Trailhawk was part of the plan from day one. This allowed the team to sketch out the features desired and ensure they worked within the new packaging constraints.
The new model solves another issue familiar to some Grand Cherokee owners. The windshield washer fluid tank can be a pain point for WK2 owners who want to take their Grand Cherokees off-road or switch to an aftermarket front bumper to provide more ground clearance. It’s a tall tank that hangs down low, which creates one of the WK2’s most vulnerable points for off-roading. Morrison revealed the tank was so tall and long in the WK2 so it could hold a full gallon of windshield washer fluid. Morrison attended one of the first WK2 Rubicon Trail test drives when the team crushed a windshield washer fluid tank on a rock, which revealed the issue. While a cutaway illustration hasn’t been shown of the two-row 2022 Grand Cherokee, Morrison assured MA that this issue has been fixed thanks to the platform’s new packaging, and the tank still holds a gallon of fluid.
The Rivian R1T has finally launched as the world’s first all-electric pickup truck and according to the first reviews of it, it was worth the wait.
Rivian recently hosted the media launch of the R1T in the mountains of Colorado and invited a selection of automotive and technology reviewers. Found below are some of the more interesting and comprehensive reviews, coming from the likes of Kelley Blue Book, JerryRigEverything, and CNET.
It was way back at the 2018 Los Angeles Auto show when the R1T was first unveiled. The variant initially available to customers is the Launch Edition but the Adventure and Explore tested in some of these reviews will reach the hands of customers in early 2022.
Among the key figures of the R1T are two electric motors at the front axle producing 415 hp and 413 lb-ft (559 Nm) of torque, and two at the rear axle producing 420 hp and 295 lb-ft (671 Nm) of torque. The truck can also travel up to 314 miles (505 km) on a single charge.
As these reviews note, the R1T has a number of unique features that differentiate it from all other pickup trucks on the market. Among them are an automatic tonneau cover, a completely flat bed, an air compressor, two power outlets in the bed, a gear tunnel, a huge frunk, an 18-speaker Meridian audio system, and an in-built Bluetooth speaker beneath the center console that can be removed.
Of course, of much more importance than these features is how the R1T drives. According to these reviewers, it performs brilliantly both on the road and along off-road trails, thanks in part due to the adjustable air suspension.
What kind of vehicle is the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee? What does it compare to?
The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a five-seat SUV while the related Grand Cherokee L lengthens the SUV to fit a third row for seven seats of passengers. The five-seater competes with the Chevy Blazer, Ford Edge, and Honda Passport, while the seven-seater rivals the Chevy Traverse, Ford Explorer, and Honda Pilot. Top Overland and Summit trims compete with premium crossover SUVs from Acura, Infiniti, and Lincoln.
Is the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee a good SUV?
Review continues below
The Jeep Grand Cherokee has earned TCC’s Best SUV to Buy in four of the past five years, and it’s been one of the top SUVs in the class since it launched in 1992. Though promising, we’ll withhold our judgment of the fifth-generation Grand Cherokee until we drive it later this year. (Read more about how we rate cars.)
What’s new for the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
The redesigned Grand Cherokee comes loaded with new standard safety and convenience features, more interior space, and a complete makeover. The biggest change comes from the introduction of the 4xe plug-in hybrid model and return of the Trailhawk off-road variant.
The Grand Cherokee 4xe shares the running gear of the Wrangler 4xe, with a 2.0-liter turbo-4 and a pair of motor generators powered by a 17-kwh battery pack. One motor replaces the starter, and the other integrates with an 8-speed automatic transmission used with all engine options. Total output of the 4xe rates highest in the lineup at 375 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque, and the electric power provides 25 miles of range. With both gas and electric power, Jeep estimates an EPA-rated equivalency of 57 mpg combined. Jeep says the 4xe can tow 6,000 lb, which is on the higher side for this class.
For greater towing needs or the desire for deep engine thrum, Jeep still offers the 357-hp 5.7-liter V-8 that makes 390 lb-ft. It tows up to 7,200 lb. Both the 4xe and V-8 come with four-wheel drive only. The base engine remains the same 3.6-liter V-6. It makes 293 hp and 260 lb-ft, and comes with rear-wheel drive or available four-wheel drive. There are three four-wheel-drive systems to choose from, all with an active transfer case for improved low-speed grip.
The Trailhawk model is available with any engine choice, including the 4xe, and comes with an uprated four-wheel-drive system called Quadra-Drive II with an electronic limited-slip rear differential. An air suspension provides up to 11.3 inches of ground clearance for improved approach, departure, and breakover angles, and the Trailhawk can ford up to 24 inches. A sway-bar disconnect enhances the off-road experience. Jeep’s Selec-Speed Control serves as an enhanced version of hill descent and ascent control, by automatically modulating throttle and braking in 4LO. The Trailhawk has 18-inch wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires, steel skid plates, red tow hooks, and an integrated off-road camera.
The Grand Cherokee gets swole for the 2022 model year, with a more pronounced lower front fascia that appears to both broaden the width and raise the vertical profile despite the small seven-slot upper grille. Jeep says the new front-end design allows for radar, sensors, and other driver-assist systems, while active grille shutters, a rear roof spoiler, and other aero enhancements help with efficiency. The roofline and beltline have been lowered, and down low, a wider track ends with up to 21-inch wheels.
Inside, updates follow the path of the 2021 Grand Cherokee L, but with five seats in two rows instead of seven in three rows. A new center console layout has updated switches and more storage space to fit two wireless phones on a wireless smartphone charger. Screens abound, including one for the front passenger only and an available rear entertainment center.
Jeep equips the 2022 Grand Cherokee with more standard safety features than many competitors. It includes automatic emergency braking, active lane control, blind-spot monitors, parking assist, and adaptive cruise control that automatically restarts from a stop. Options include a night-vision camera, surround-view camera system, and a limited hands-free driver-assist feature.
How much does the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee cost?
Pricing hasn’t been announced yet for the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee, but Jeep kicked off this generation with the launch of the 2021 Grand Cherokee L with a third row of seats that costs $38,690, including destination. That’s about $3,000 more than the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The five- and seven-seat SUV can be had in Laredo, Altitude, Limited, Overland, Trailhawk, Summit, and Summit Reserve trims.
Standard features include LED headlights and taillights, an 8-way power driver seat, cloth seats, dual-zone climate control, an 8.4-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite radio, a 10.3-inch digital gauge cluster, and six USB ports.
The tony Overland and Summit trims rival luxury SUVs with wood trim, front seat massagers, heated second-row seats, 16-way power front seats covered in nappa or available Palermo leather, 10.1-inch touchscreen, an available 10.3-inch touchscreen for the front passenger.
Where is the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee made?
At Mack Plant, Detroit Assembly Complex, in Detroit, Michigan,
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People often ask me why I don’t review modified cars. Today Doug DeMuro is explaining why he doesn’t review modified cars. I’m going to explain what a modified car is (to me, anyway), and then I’ll cover the reasons why I only review clean, unmodified cars.
Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey warned car buyers Wednesday to be aware of dealers who may not accurately advertise vehicle prices or honor those prices.
Healey’s office issued an advisory in response to an uptick in consumer complaints that allege deceptive pricing practices by dealers. About 74 such complaints were filed in the past year.
The office said it received reports of some dealerships advertising specific prices online but denying them once interested car buyers got to the store. In some cases, dealers had confirmed the advertised price in an email, the complaints said. Other car buyers reported dealers not honoring buyout provisions in lease agreements.
“Purchasing a vehicle is a significant financial investment for many individuals and families,” Healey said in a statement. “After a surge in complaints to my office, we’re making sure consumers are aware of their rights under the law, and that auto dealerships know our office will take action against these deceptive sales tactics.”
A supply shortage of new and used cars paired with high demand has driven up prices over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. Healey’s office said this has created an environment ripe for auto advertising and pricing violations.
Dealerships can’t refuse to sell a vehicle for the price advertised and they “must clearly and conspicuously disclose all included and excluded charges” in advertised prices, plus expiration dates of those prices, the attorney general’s office said in a release.
Car buyers who think a dealership has violated auto advertising, pricing and leasing laws can file a complaint with the state attorney general’s Consumer Advocacy and Response Division. A help hotline is also available at 617-727-8400.
