JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE 4XE SPIED TESTING IN COLORADO

Jeep is on a major electrification push, as are most automakers these days. Their first vehicle in the US to use some sort of battery assistance was the Wrangler 4xe, showing off-road capability and electrification can work together with some significant benefits. That 4xe badge is expanding, though, and the Jeep Grand Cherokee will be the next vehicle to get the hybrid treatment. The JL Grand Cherokee was revealed last year in three-row L guise earlier this year, but will get the traditional three row version back later this year, when the 4xe is revealed. That very vehicle, the two-row 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, was just spied testing in Colorado by TFL, giving us our first look at the hybrid SUV.

The new JL Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe prototype in question was parked at first, giving us a good look at the vehicle. Unsurprisingly, the two-row Grand Cherokee looks almost identical to the three-row L model, with slim headlights and taillights, a rather small seven slot grille, and squared-off fenders. It also appears to have the same floating roof design as the three row. The biggest differences come when the vehicle pulled away, however. It was silent.

This was the only indication it’s the 4xe version of the WL Jeep Grand Cherokee, as it was operating in pure electric mode. We expect the Grand Cherokee 4xe to use the same four cylinder and electric motor setup as the Wrangler 4xe. If this is true, it should produce 375 hp and 470 lbs-ft of torque. That’s more performance than the upgraded 5.7 liter Hemi V8, which would make it the most powerful Grand Cherokee in the lineup short of any looming performance models.

It’s unclear how far the vehicle will be able to go off battery charge alone, but the Wrangler 4xe could give some clues. That vehicle goes only 21 miles, but we expect the JL Jeep Grand Cherokee to go significantly further, as the Wrangler isn’t exactly the most aerodynamic vehicle. The WL Grand Cherokee was also designed with a hybrid in mind from the beginning of development, so it should be better optimized. The 4xe drivetrain should be offered on two row and three row L models, and the extended version will likely have a small hit in electric range.

If the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe can manage to be the most powerful and fuel efficient Grand Cherokee in the lineup under any performance models, and not carry a massive price hike, it might be the one to get.