New Jeep Grand Cherokee turns up the luxe

Published: 29 September 2021

► Fifth-gen Grand Cherokee revealed
► PHEV version, loads of plush touches
► Will arrive in Europe in 2022

Jeep's unveiled its latest Grand Cherokee SUV. Along with making sure it's ready to tackle any terrain, Jeep is taking the Grand Cherokee upmarket. The brand has already unveiled the Grand Cherokee L, a three-row SUV for the US market only.

It's also another car from the brand that will benefit from a 4XE plug-in hybrid powertrain when it arrives in Europe in 2022.

It still looks like a Jeep...

It might look like one from the outside, with its seven-slat grille arrangement and chunky detailing, but the interior takes a big leap forward. While the US market benefits from the larger Jeep Wagoneer, CEO Christian Meunier calls the Grand Cherokee the brand's 'global flagship.'

grand cherokee group

Posh wood and leather materials can be found, as can digital instruments and a large central display. There's also the capability for a passenger display (likely an option) and Jeep says a whole load of technology is standard: adaptive cruise, blind spot monitoring, parking camera and lane keeping systems. Jeep also says tech light night vision, parking assist and surround-view parking aids are on the options list.

grand cherokee interior

You mentioned a plug-in hybrid?

Just one of the available powertrains, and one expected to make it to Europe too. It's under the 4XE banner, and it comprises a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a 17kWh battery pack and an e-motor mounted between the engine and the gearbox. That means the Grand Cherokee's all-wheel drive system remains fully mechanical, like a Defender P400e.

grand cherokee 4xe plug

Jeep says the powertrain develops 375bhp and 470lb ft in total, and is targeting a 25-mile electric-only range.

For the North American market, a 3.6-litre V6 making 290bhp and 257lb ft, and 5.7-litre V8 with a relatively lax 357bhp and 390lb ft will also be available.

Can it still handle the rough stuff?

All-wheel drive is, understandably, standard in three variants: one with a single-speed active transfer case that can move all of the power to the front or rear axle (Quadra-Trac I), a second with that plus a low-range ratio (Quadra-Trac II) and a third with a two-speed active transfer case and electronic limited-slip differential on the rear axle (Quadra-Drive II). Jeep also says this is the first Grand Cherokee that can disconnect drive to its front axle to improve fuel economy.

grand cherokee offroad

There's also a Trailhawk version designed for the roughest terrain. Air suspension and the Quadra-Drive II drivetrain system is standard, as is a disconnectable front roll bar (like the Wrangler Rubicon) for better articulation off road, tough steel skid plates, a specific set of wheels and bodykit.

When does it go on sale?

Jeep says it'll go on sale in the US towards the end of 2021. For the European and other markets, Jeep will launch the new Grand Cherokee in 2022.

Read our Jeep reviews

By Jake Groves

CAR's deputy news editor, office Geordie, gamer, lover of hot hatches

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