Grand Cherokee plug-in hybrid en route
Jeep has unveiled its allnew 2022 Grand Cherokee lineup, which includes a Trailhawk ultra-off-roader and the brand’s first plug-in hybrid (PHEV) — and you’ll even be able to get a combination of those two, a plug-in Trailhawk.
The Grand Cherokee moves into its fifth generation, with new a platform, and new interior and exterior styling. Most models will go on sale in Canada later this year, with the electrified Grand Cherokee 4xe arriving early in 2022.
The 4xe is expected to get 40 kilometres of all-electric driving after it’s been plugged in and charged. Once that runs out, it automatically switches to conventional gasoline/electric hybrid operation, with a combined range of about 708 km and a fuel efficiency rating of 4.1 Le/100 km.
The PHEV uses a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with eight-speed automatic transmission, two electric motors, and a 400-volt battery pack. The system produces 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, has a Quadra Trac II 4x4 system with two-speed transfer case, and can tow up to 6,000 pounds.
The new Trailhawk trim includes sway-bar disconnect, rear limited-slip differential, air suspension, 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, off-road camera, and Selec-speed Control, a low-speed cruise-control function for off-road driving. The Trailhawk 4xe will have up to 27.8 centimetres of ground clearance, and can ford water up to 61 cm.