BEHIND THE WHEEL: For Grand Cherokee fans here’s the scoop on the 2022 redesign and hybrid option

Many people have Jeep on the brain. It’s a mindset. And Jeep offerings are popular for many reasons rugged and refined as well as checking all the boxes for just about everything else you need.

Let’s talk about one particular Jeep that has popped in – the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Reserve 4xe.

Translated – it is a hybrid.

There is the hybrid addition to the Grand Cherokee, but there was also a 2022 redesign overall as well.

On an excellent note, and one I demand, the Jeep 4xe battery is charging while driving – that is because of the regenerative braking system.

It is a plug-in hybrid electric so that means a powerful electric motor and a gas engine teamed up and even if the vehicle is not charged it still runs using the gas engine.

TRIM LEVEL

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee trim options are the Laredo, Limited, Trailhawk, Overland and Summit. On the Summit I drove there was a gloss black roof, wood-trimmed steering wheel, 10.1-inch touchscreen, front-seat massage function, passenger seat memory settings, four-zone automatic climate control, front cross-traffic alert, driver attention warning, automated parking system, surround-view camera, and in the four-wheel-drive models you also have the electronic limited-slip rear differential.

With that you can go for even more options on the Summit trim like the Summit Reserve package with additional 21-inch wheels, faux suede headliner, premium leather upholstery, extended use of leather throughout cabin, open-pore wood trim, air-conditioned second-row seats, 19 high-end McIntosh speakers, 10.25-inch passenger touchscreen, and a trailer-tow package.

UNDER THE HOOD

Under the hood the new 2022 Summit Grand Cherokee I drove had a 2.0L I-4 Turbo PHEV Engine with 375 horsepower and 470 pound feet of torque (i.e., the hybrid). And yes, it is one of the hybrids I give a strong thumbs up to and that is a lot because I am not always a hybrid, electric vehicle fan.

Of course, you can still opt for the V6 or V8 engine, but the PHEV option is a standout and the 4xe is offered on any standard 4x4 trim. I say it should be a strong consideration for new vehicle buyers.

INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR HIGHLIGHTS

The 2022 Grand Cherokee is 3.7 inches longer and an inch wider than its older sibling from previous years and the 2022 has a lower roofline too. The wheelbase is at 116.7 inches meaning two inches longer than the earlier generation.

Other notable changes include heated front seats, remote start, wireless charging, an adjustable height liftgate, 115-volt power outlet and rain-sensing wipers.

The 2022 Grand Cherokee Summit has a good amount of storage space, there is 37.7 cubic feet of cargo space and that is behind the second row of seats. If you seriously need to haul the rear seats can also be split and flattened for more space as needed. And the smaller storage is also worth mentioning with well-placed cupholders and the console is big enough with extra bins in the first and second row of seats.

ALONG FOR THE RIDE

Indeed, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee has been boldly restyled but retains its Jeep-defined personality. Compared to the 2021 version, the 2022 Grand Cherokee has a boxier look and it comes with a flatter nose, sure noticeable changes are apparent, but it is still classically designed.

The technology on this one includes the latest Uconnect 5 infotainment system. Of course, the navigation is strong with graphics and the navigation system is easy to use with proper instructions, so you don’t get lost before you even get on the road.

As always too, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is an easy ride with plenty of room and comfort and one I highly recommend – try the 4xe and you won’t be disappointed.

Should You Need to Know: The Jeep warranty offers three years/36,000 miles of basic and five years/60,000 miles of powertrain and roadside assistance coverage.

Miles: The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe plug-in hybrid offers 25 miles of all-electric range and 56 miles per gallon equivalent with 23 miles per gallon combined in the city and on the highway.

Cost: The base price for the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Reserve 4xe I drove was $69,820 and with the extra options of Summit Reserve Group, Luxury Tech Group V and the Advanced Protech Group V it came in with a price tag of $79,000.

Rita Cook is a member of Women’s World Car of the Year and Texas Motor Press. She writes books and covers lifestyle, car, travel, crime, and politics beat. You can follow her at @ritatheroguewarrior on instagram and @ritacook13 on twitter.