A few months ago, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L has been unveiled. While it is indeed the successor to the outgoing Grand Cheroke, that model is the first-ever three-row long-wheelbase (LWB) version of the Grand Cherokee nameplate. What we’re now seeing today is the standard, short wheelbase (SWB) 5-seater version, which also happens to debut the model name’s first-ever plug-in hybrid variant.
As far as design is concerned, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee is nearly identical to the L model. This means it also shares a lot of design cues from the recently-unveiled Jeep Grand Wagoneer, such as the slim LED headlights that are integrated into its seven-slotted grille.
When viewed from the side, you’ll immediately notice the chrome strip running from the A-pillars all the way down the slightly raked roofline, and this is the defining characteristic of the standard Grand Cherokee over the seven-seater model. At the back, you’ll see a pair of slim LED taillights and integrated exhaust tips.
Dimensionally, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee is 2,964 mm long, which is 126 mm shorter than the L model. The height and width are the same as the L version.
Likewise, the interior of the short wheelbase Jeep Grand Cherokee is similar to the three-row version, which means drivers will immediately be greeted with a large 10.3-inch fully-digital instrument cluster and an 8.4-inch UConnect 5 touch screen infotainment system. Higher variants, meanwhile, feature a bigger 10.1-inch touch screen, a third screen on the front passenger side, along with other posh options such as a McIntosh sound system, heated and ventilated first and second-row seats, just to name a few.
Powertrain options for the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee are the same as the long-wheelbase model. The base engine choice is a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 gasoline engine that produces 290 hp and 348 Nm of torque while the more powerful option is a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 gasoline engine that produces 357 hp and 529 Nm of torque. Both engines are mated to an 8-speed automatic. Rear-wheel drive is standard while four-wheel drive is optional.
New for the Grand Cherokee nameplate as a whole is a plug-in hybrid powertrain called the 4xe. This combines a 2.0-liter inline-4 turbo gasoline engine and an electric motor that provides a total system output of 375 hp and 637 Nm of torque. Because this is a plug-in hybrid, it has a bigger battery than your usual hybrid. As a result, its pure-electric range is 40 km, before the engine starts running. If you want this powertrain though, this is not available in the two lowest variants–Laredo and Limited.
The Trailhawk version also makes its return with the short wheelbase Grand Cherokee. This off-road focused variant has an air suspension that can adjust its ground clearance to be as much as 287 mm, along with all-terrain tires, a standard 4WD system, a rear-locking differential, tow hooks, among other off-roading features.
The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee is destined to go on sale before the end of 2021, while the 4xe plug-in hybrid model won’t go on sale until early 2022.
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