2023 JEEP Grand Cherokee 4xe PHEV Trailhawk Review
When Jeep’s fifth generation Grand Cherokee debuted in 2022, it was obvious the mid-size sport utility vehicle (SUV) was evolving upmarket. The new sheet metal was sharper, and more handsome than before and the upgraded interior offered levels of luxury and technology not previously seen in anything with a Trail Rated badge. Now, with the 4xe powertrain option, the Grand Cherokee has embraced electrification, albeit in a plug-in hybridized (PHEV) form.
Is the new Grand Cherokee better with a plug?
The move does come at a cost. The 4xe PHEV versions of the Overland and Summit trims start at roughly $15,000 higher than their comparable counterparts that have an internal combustion engine (ICE) alone.
Is it worth it?
I’m driving the Midnight-Skycoloured 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe PHEV Trailhawk version. The Trailhawk badging gets applied to the PHEV version of the vehicle alone.
The Trailhawk is outfitted with Jeep’s Quadra-Drive II 4x4 system, which gives each axle its own limited-slip differential. This enables the Trailhawk to doll-out up to all of the engine power to a single wheel when needed. The front sway bar can be disconnected at the push of a button to allow for added axle articulation, skid plates line the Trailhawk’s underbody, and the ride height can be adjusted to deliver up to 277 mm of ground clearance. And yet, you wouldn’t really cop to the Trailhawk’s elevated abilities, nor its PHEV status, at a glance.
A trained eye will spot the Trailhawk rides on chunkier, All-Terrain tires and that it sports some baby-blue tow hooks, but otherwise the styling is unchanged, which is no bad thing.
The forward canted grill delivers a classic presence that the previous generation lacked. The lowered beltline is flat and purposeful, delivering a taut, sculpted profile. Despite having a boxy overall shape, the new design feels sleeker and slimmer.
The interior has undergone extensive modernization. Nothing feels cheap to the touch and there is a cohesion to the esthetic. It’s welcoming and indulgent. The suede and leather seats are heated, cooled and extremely comfy. Passengers in the back are well coddled and the widened track of this generation of Grand Cherokee delivers extra space in every direction. The driver’s spot is the most comfortable and accommodating I’ve felt in a Jeep. The 10.4-inch display is expansive, well laid out, easy to read. Stellantis’ Uconnect 5 system controls the large, 10.1-inch main touchscreen and does a great job of juggling CarPlay, Android Auto and its home-baked user interfaces. Lag time is minimal. Even in direct sunlight, the display is easy on the eyes. Your passenger gets their own screen, which sits above the glove box so that they can help with navigation or just tune out to the media of their choice. Key functions still get their own buttons and knobs; HVAC, stereo, seating and steering wheel temps can all be easily fiddled with without taking your eyes off the road.
Pop the hood and the differences between PHEV and ICE Grand Cherokees start to emerge. You’ll find a two-litre, four-cylinder engine sitting in the bay. The engine generates 270 horsepower and 295 pounds-feet of torque, which alone would be sufficient to tackle most chores. But, in 4xe Jeeps, the engine works in conjunction with two electric motors, one in the front and one in the rear. These bring combined output to 375 horsepower and 470 lbs.ft. of grunt.
The Grand Cherokee is pretty quick, especially for a machine of about 2,500 kg. With all motors lit and spinning, it will get up to highway speeds from naught in under six seconds, which makes it the quickest Grand Cherokee. You can summon the 4xe’s electric motors, fed by a 17-kilowatthour (kWh) battery, to handle all the driving for you via Electric Mode. Even with their limited output (134 horsepower, 195 lbs.-ft.) the Trailhawk doesn’t feel underpowered. Of course, all-electric mode is limited; travel distances are estimated at around 42 km. (I was able to average that most days despite winter-ish temps.)
The benefit of PHEVs over fullfledged EVs is a full charge comes via a standard 110-volt plug. There is no need to install a fast charger. If your commute is less than 40 kilometres and your right foot is not too heavy, gas-free trips into the office are a breeze. Most everyday driving can be tackled by the Trailhawk easily without the need for a drop of petrol. Should you need to go a little further, the other PHEV benefit is immediately realized: the ICE engine fires up to alleviate range anxiety and get you to your destination.
Is the convenience of EV cruising and having an engine to back you up enough to squash the price? The answer is going to depend on two things: your typical use and how long you plan to own the vehicle.
If your daily commute takes you further than the battery alone can cover (and you don’t have a plug at the office lot), it will be extremely slow to score any kind of cash advantage.
Otherwise the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe PHEV is an excellent vehicle to spend time in.
And it is better with the plug.