The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee is an all-new version of an American icon. And when we say all-new, we really mean it. Jeep has finally ditched its aging Mercedes-based platform that's been around since 2005 in favor of a flexible architecture that supports multiple wheelbases and electrification. That means for the first time ever Jeep offers a three-row Grand Cherokee L model (reviewed separately) and an upcoming 4xe plug-in hybrid that will arrive in 2022. For now, Jeep will offer the two-row Grand Cherokee with carryover 3.6-liter V6 and 5.7-liter V8 options ranging from 293 horsepower to 357 hp.
Along with the new platform, the 2022 Grand Cherokee arrives with handsome styling, a decadent interior, impressive technology, and familiar Jeep off-road capability. All of these changes come with a sizable price increase from last year's model, making the Jeep more expensive than other mainstream midsize crossovers like the Chevrolet Blazer, Honda Passport, and Nissan Murano. But thanks to its premium cabin and outstanding features, the Grand Cherokee feels more comparable to luxury SUVs like the Range Rover Sport. Jeep flew us to Moab, Utah to experience the 2022 Grand Cherokee where it greatly exceeded expectations.
Finally, after being on sale for nearly 12 years, the fourth-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee (WK2) has been replaced. To be fair, the previous car remained competitive right until the end, but it was time to let go.
The 2022 Grand Cherokee rolls in with a more grown-up, elegant design, all the latest gadgets, an upmarket interior, and the option of a hybrid model. As always, the Grand Cherokee was engineered to be a proper off-roader, with a total of three 4x4 off-road systems available.
On the downside, the 3.6-liter naturally-aspirated Pentastar and 5.7-liter V8 engines have been carried over from the previous model. A plug-in hybrid 4xe model with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder will be added to the lineup next year.
See trim levels and configurations:
Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drivetrain | Price (MSRP) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Laredo |
3.6L V6 Gas
|
8-Speed Automatic
|
Rear-Wheel Drive
Four-Wheel Drive
|
$38,325 |
Altitude |
3.6L V6 Gas
|
8-Speed Automatic
|
Rear-Wheel Drive
Four-Wheel Drive
|
$38,325 |
Limited |
3.6L V6 Gas
|
8-Speed Automatic
|
Rear-Wheel Drive
Four-Wheel Drive
|
$44,645 |
Trailhawk |
3.6L V6 Gas
|
8-Speed Automatic
|
Four-Wheel Drive
|
$54,235 |
Overland |
3.6L V6 Gas
|
8-Speed Automatic
|
Rear-Wheel Drive
Four-Wheel Drive
|
$54,240 |
Jeep's new design language should be familiar to you by now. The Grand Cherokee's face made its debut on the longer Grand Cherokee L, and it's also used on the Grand Wagoneer. The new design ethos is sublime, mostly because it strays away from the oversized grille trend. Jeep kept its famous seven-slot grille, tastefully incorporated and no bigger than it needs to be. The slim headlights and taillights work well with the square body. Overall, it's a pleasing thing to look at. All models get premium LED headlights with integrated LED daytime running lights. A power tailgate is standard on all but the base Laredo model. A dual-pane sunroof is only standard on the high-end Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve models.
The new Jeep Grand Cherokee is noticeably larger than the car it replaces. Compared to the old model, the new GC's wheelbase has grown by roughly two inches. On top of the 116.7-inch wheelbase, it has an overall body length of 193.5 inches. It's 84.6 inches wide with the mirrors extended and stands 70.8 inches tall - air suspension adds a tenth to that.
The lightest model is the 2WD Laredo with a curb weight of 4,238 pounds. The heaviest model is the 4WD Summit with the optional 5.7-liter V8, weighing 5,045 lbs. It's worth noting that Jeep has not published curb weight figures for the 4xe yet, but we expect it to be heavy considering it has a turbocharged four-pot, two electric motors, and a 400-volt battery pack.
As for off-roading, 4x2 models on the standard suspension get 8.4 inches of ground clearance, increasing to 10.9 inches if you spec air suspension and set it to Off-Road II. Combustion-powered Trailhawk derivatives boast the greatest clearance at 11.3 inches. When it comes to approach, breakover, and departure angles, you get three different sets of figures. At the lower end of the spectrum, the GC boasts approach/departure/breakover angles of 20.5/26.6/19.1 degrees although the standard 4xe drops the latter figure to 16.3. At the upper end of the spectrum, gas-powered Trailhawk derivatives boast 35.7/30.2/24.4-degree maximums, with the 4xe Trailhawk slotting between these two extremes.
Jeep's color palette is pretty minimal. The only no-cost option for the Jeep Grand Cherokee is Bright White. On the Laredo, Altitude, and Limited, you can choose between four $395 options, including Diamond Black, Baltic Gray, Silver Zynith, and Velvet Red Pearl Coat. The Trailhawk is mostly available in two-tone colors with red exterior accents, with Diamond Black ($395) being the only singular color option. Trailhawks all have a partially black hood, which can be combined with Baltic Grey, Silver Zynith, and Red Velvet Pearl Coat.
The Overland is available in the same color options as the base models, and the same two-tone options as the Trailhawk. But instead of a black hood decal, you get a black roof and pillars. The same two-tone roof options are available for the Summit and Summit Reserve, but you can have them painted completely in Diamond Black for $395.
The final trim options for the 4xe have not been confirmed yet, but the color options will likely be the same, give or take a color here and there. We hope Jeep introduces a nicer green or blue to the mix. The Trailhawk 4xe model does come with its own unique blue decals (replacing red), in addition to the black hood.
There are three engine options available for the Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV, and only one of them can be described as modern. Jeep is getting the most out of the Pentastar V6 and the 5.7-liter HEMI V8, but, to be fair, neither engine is considered state of the art. The Trailhawk, Summit Reserve, and 4xe models are only available in 4WD, while the rest of the range comes standard with RWD and 4WD as an option. Jeep offers RWD on the V6 only, while all V8 trims are 4WD-exclusive.
Outputs range from 293-357 hp, and inevitably, we'll see SRT models and perhaps even a new Grand Cherokee Trackhawk. But in base form, these SUVs aren't about 0-60 dashes and top speed runs. When it comes to SUVs, the tow rating is far more important. The 4xe has the lowest tow rating at 6,000 lbs, followed by the V6, which can tow 6,200 lbs. With a V8 up front, the Grand Cherokee can tow 7,200 lbs.
Jeep provides a mix of old and new with three powertrain options. The 3.6-liter base V6 produces 293 hp at 6,400 rpm and 260 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. The 5.7-liter V8's 357 horses arrive at 5,150 rpm, while the 390 lb-ft kicks in at 4,250 rpm. As you can see, both engines are quite peaky when it comes to torque delivery due to the lack of turbocharging.
The 4xe's powertrain delivers 375 hp at 5,200 rpm and 470 lb-ft at a much lower 3,000 rpm. Thanks to the electric motor, a huge portion of the torque is available instantaneously. Jeep assures us that a reserve battery means you'll never run out of electric assistance and revert back to base power outputs, which is a fault that has been leveled against hybrids in the past. Having not yet driven the 4xe, this is something we're yet to test.
All models use the same eight-speed automatic transmission, but the 4xe models' electric motor is incorporated into the gearbox. Jeep did this to ensure that you still have 4WD, even if the batteries are flat.
Speaking of 4WD, there are three options available: Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, and Quadra-Drive II with rear electronic limited-slip differential. The first is a basic permanent 4WD system with an active torque split function, while Quadra-Trac II adds a transfer case with a low range. Quadra-Drive II is limited to the Trailhawk models, as it has a two-speed transfer case with a 2.72:1 low-range gear ratio, a rear electronic limited-slip differential, and the advanced Selec-Terrain traction management system with various driving modes.
Jeep priced the Grand Cherokee above other mainstream crossovers, so it needs to perform like a near-luxury model. We are pleased to say that it clears this benchmark handily. Jeep handed us the keys to a fully-loaded Summit Reserve trim for our on-road drive, meaning we could sample the Quadra-Lift air suspension. While not the softest ride we've ever experienced, the Grand Cherokee won't let imperfect roads disturb its passengers in any meaningful way. Road noise is minimal too, so highway trips won't feel tiresome. Though Jeep's newest architecture trims weight compared to the old model, the Grand Cherokee still feels substantial on the road, though well-calibrated steering and a sorted chassis keep it composed in corners. Jeep only had a few V8-equipped cars at the drive event, so we sampled the base V6 instead. While this engine gets the car up to speed without too much fuss, we can't help but imagine the V8 offers more effortless passing power at the expense of fuel economy. Buyers shopping for a pseudo-luxury experience at a more reasonable price won't be disappointed with the Grand Cherokee.
While visiting the off-road capital of the United States in Moab, Utah, we also sampled the Grand Cherokee Trailhawk. This trail-rated model offers the best off-road capability in the lineup, with Jeep's Quadra-Lift air suspension and Quadra-Drive II 4x4 system standard. The Jeep team directed us to the edge of town to show us how the Trailhawk could easily climb to the top of a cliff overlooking Moab. We placed the Selec-Terrain off-road system into its most rugged rock setting, raising the air suspension to its maximum height and preparing various systems for the task ahead. With the 4WD switching into its low-range setting and the sway bar disconnected, the Trailhawk made short work of a challenging mountain climb. To make the task even easier, Jeep's Selec-Speed Control functions as off-road cruise control, helping the Trailhawk crawl up or coast down an obstacle without needing driver input. Though we doubt many Grand Cherokee owners will use their SUV like a Wrangler, it's nice to know that the capability is there if needed.
According to the EPA, the Pentastar V6 engine is capable of 19/26/22 mpg city/highway/combined gas mileage figures, regardless of whether you spec 2WD or 4WD. The 5.7-liter V8 can only be coupled with a 4WD system, in which case it consumes fuel at a rate of 14/22/17 mpg.
The final fuel consumption figures for the 4xe are not available yet, but Jeep says that it's aiming for 57 MPGe combined, and an all-electric range of 25 miles. The charging times for the Jeep also haven't been released yet. Jeep does state that the Trailhawk 4xe can do the entire Rubicon Trail on EV power only, but take this with a pinch of salt as the 22-mile trail will require more effort than 25 miles of electric on-road driving.
Jeep really upped its interior game with the previous generation Grand Cherokee, but the interior of this new model is something else. The cabin makes it quite clear that Jeep is going German-hunting with the new model, as high-end models offer a blend of real wood, rich leather, contrast stitching, and high-resolution displays. The newly designed steering wheel looks sensational, as do the light wood inserts on the doors.
Jeep kept the layout beautifully simple. The driving controls consist of a rotary dial for gear selection, flanked by two large switches for the driving modes and the ride height if the car is equipped with an air suspension. 4WD Low is engaged at the touch of a button.
Base models aren't quite as impressive, thanks to a smaller touchscreen with a large black frame. The gear selector dial also looks quite lonely and sad without the drive mode and ride height switches. Still, this interior is another giant leap forward for Jeep.
As before, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is strictly a five-seat model with two rows. A new three-row Grand Cherokee L offers seating for up to seven passengers and is reviewed separately. Total interior volume is up 4.1 cubic feet over the outgoing model, totaling 144.6 cubic feet (37.7 of which is dedicated to cargo). Front-seat occupants have plenty of space with 39.9 inches of headroom and 41.3 inches of legroom, while the rear seat is rather generous with 39.4 inches of headroom and 38.2 inches of legroom. Some competitors offer more space for rear passengers, but the Grand Cherokee doesn't feel cramped from any seating position.
The base Grand Cherokee Laredo gets Global Black cloth seats, while the Altitude upgrades to Global Black leather-trimmed seats. The more upmarket trim levels match the 4xe's interior with Capri leather available in either Global Black or a mix of Wicker Beige and Capri Black, and wood trim becomes standard fitment. The Trailhawk comes with some nice contrast red stitching and darker wood trim to match the Global Black leather and suede seats. The Overland comes standard with Nappa leather, while the Summit models come with Nappa leather available in Global Black, Steel Grey/Global Black, and Tupelo/Black.
The main difference between the 4xe and the ICE models is the Summit Reserve trim. In this model, Palermo leather is standard, available in Global Black and Tupelo/Global Black.
The new Grand Cherokee was designed as a hybrid from the start, so the placement of the batteries does not impact the cargo capacity. The trunk offers 37.7 cubic feet of cargo space, which is fairly average in the segment, but far from class-leading. Drop the second row flat and you get a full 70.8 cubes to work with.
Thanks to a well-arranged interior, there are loads of storage spaces. Front passengers get a storage space underneath the center console, dual cupholders, and a large storage space underneath the center armrest. Rear passengers get large door pockets and dual cupholders hidden in the center seat seatback.
The big news when it comes to features is Jeep's decision to include almost every advanced driver assistance system as standard. Every model in the range gets forward-collision warning with automatic braking and pedestrian/cyclist detection, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and lane-keep assist, a rearview camera, and rear parking sensors. The only features left on the options menu are night vision, intersection collision assist, drowsy driver detection, parallel and perpendicular parking assistant, and a newer version of traffic sign recognition.
There's a large gap between the base Laredo and the Summit Reserve, and this is reflected when it comes to other standard features. The base model gets a few basic, and some nice to have features. These include LED headlights, a manual liftgate, tri-zone climate control, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and six USB charging ports. Even the base model is equipped with the new full-color frameless 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster, which does the most to elevate the interior ambiance. As you climb up ranks, Jeep starts adding front seat heating and ventilation, heated rear seats, a 10.25 multimedia display for the front passenger, and ambient lighting. You can also get a heated steering wheel, power steering column adjustment, a hands-free power tailgate, dual-pane panoramic sunroof, and quad-zone climate control.
All 2022 Grand Cherokee models ship with Jeep's excellent Uconnect 5 infotainment technology, housed on one of two touchscreen sizes. The Laredo and Limited trims include a standard 8.4-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, HD Radio, Bluetooth for two devices, AM/FM radio, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM 360L, and over-the-air updates. Stepping up to the Trailhawk or Overland adds built-in TomTom navigation, plus SiriusXM Guardian, SiriusXM Traffic, and SiriusXM Travel Link. All trims (excluding Laredo) are available with a larger 10.1-inch screen as part of a package, while the Summit and Summit Reserve include it as standard. A digital gauge cluster comes standard on all trim levels, while an additional 10.25-inch passenger display is available as part of a package or standard on the Summit Reserve.
We first sampled the passenger screen in the Grand Wagoneer, where it allows the front passenger to access their own entertainment options including Amazon Fire TV. Speaking of Fire TV, an available rear-seat entertainment package bundles two 10.1-inch touchscreens in the back, each with its own Fire remote. Using this system, kids in the pack can watch streaming services on the go, like Netflix or Hulu. Each screen can pair to a Bluetooth headset for everyone to listen to their own shows, or you can listen through the standard Alpine audio system with nine speakers, a subwoofer, and a 506-watt amplifier available from the Trailhawk onwards. Below this point, you get a measly six speakers. Buyers who want one of the best audio experiences on the market can opt for the McIntosh high-performance sound system with 19 speakers, a 10-inch subwoofer, and a 950-watt amplifier.
The 2022 Grand Cherokee is all-new, so it starts off with a clean slate. Even more so since this is an all-new platform not shared with anything to have come before it. There have been no recalls so far. Unfortunately, Jeep has a bit of a reputation when it comes to customer complaints and recalls. A vehicle will usually receive a few recalls at the start of its lifecycle, and it will eventually drop down to zero as the manufacturer makes constant improvements. Even though the previous-generation Grand Cherokee was more than a decade old, the 2021 model was still recalled for an iffy rearview camera and owners having difficulty activating the high beams.
Jeep has made a point of selling the Wagoneer twins with a premium experience that includes dedicated aftersales service, so let's hope this new premium Grand Cherokee comes with a premium dealership experience to match.
Jeep includes a three-year/36,000-mile limited warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty as standard. As an added bonus, customers also get a three-year complimentary scheduled maintenance plan. The latter should go a long way toward improving the Jeep ownership experience.
Looking at the old Jeep Grand Cherokee, there was loads of room for improvement in the safety department. The IIHS gave the previous model a marginal and a poor rating in two important categories, though the NHTSA gave it a full five-star safety rating.
Unfortunately, there are no reviews of the Jeep Grand Cherokee yet from either the NHTSA or the IIHS. We have no doubt that it will happen if only so Jeep can start over with a clean slate.
NHTSA safety ratings are not available at this time.
All models are stacked with driver assistance features. Jeep deserves praise for this, considering the Grand Cherokee is essentially a family car, but it should be noted that Jeep was late to the party in this regard, and many rivals have been adding these features for a while now.
As standard, all models get trailer-sway control, tire pressure monitoring, hill start assist, traction and stability control, a rearview camera, LATCH anchors, and seven airbags including a driver's knee airbag. The list of driver assistance features starts with adaptive cruise control, a rearview camera, and rear parking sensors, but also includes full-speed collision warning and automatic braking with pedestrian/cyclist detection. More than this, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert all feature, while Summit models add drowsy driver detection, automatic parking assist, and traffic sign recognition. Front parking sensors are standard from the Overland trim.
Jeep has elevated its game tremendously in recent years, and the 2022 Grand Cherokee feels like the culmination of those efforts. The all-new Grand Cherokee feels measurably more premium than mainstream competitors from Chevy, Ford, or Nissan in the USA. We'd go so far as to call it an American Range Rover Sport alternative, at least in the higher trim levels. We certainly wouldn't call the Grand Cherokee great value in its segment (quite the opposite in fact), but Jeep backs up its higher pricing strategy with a truly premium product. Whether or not the Jeep badge is worth such a premium is up to individual buyers. First model year vehicles can sometimes present issues, but since Jeep stuck with familiar engines under the hood, we expect the Grand Cherokee to be reliable.
If someone was in the market for a two-row mid-size SUV with impressive towing and off-road capabilities, we'd highly recommend the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee as a budget alternative to options like the BMW X5, Land Rover Range Rover Sport, and Mercedes-Benz GLE. Those SUVs may provide more prestigious nameplates, but if you analyze the specs and try out Jeep's technology, you might now understand why the Europeans charge so much more. With a three-row model now available and a more efficient plug-in hybrid model on the way, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee feels like a winner.
The price of the new Jeep Grand Cherokee errs on the tough-to-digest side of the segment in the US. The Laredo kicks off at $37,390, increasing to $41,945 for the Altitude. Limited trims retail for an MSRP of $43,710, the Overland starts at $53,305, and the Summit costs $57,365. All of these models come as standard with RWD and a 4x4 drivetrain will cost an additional $2,000. The Trailhawk and Summit Reserve are only available in 4x4 and cost $51,275 and $63,365 respectively. All of these Grand Cherokee prices exclude Jeep's destination charge of $1,795. Looking for a V8? On the Trailhawk, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve, this option adds $3,295 to the price.
The pricing for the 4xe range is not available yet.
There are a total of seven trim levels across the Grand Cherokee range: Laredo, Altitude, Limited, Trailhawk, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve.
All models use the same eight-speed transmission. The base engine on all ICE models is a 3.6-liter V6, though you can upgrade to a 5.7-liter V8 on certain models.
The base Laredo comes with a full suite of driver aids including the likes of automatic collision avoidance, adaptive cruise control, and front parking sensors to name a few. Additionally, LED exterior lights, a manual tailgate, automatic headlights, cloth seats, eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, tri-zone climate control, and an 8.4-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen interface with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a six-speaker sound system all feature.
Altitude models add leather seats, 20-inch gloss-black wheels and gloss black exterior accents, remote start, and a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel.
The Limited trim comes standard with Capri leather, heated front, and second-row seats, a power liftgate, and a power-adjustable passenger seat.
The Trailhawk is the serious off-roader in the range, and it comes standard with the serious Quadra-Drive II system with an electronically locking rear limited-slip differential, Quadra-Lift air suspension, a disconnecting sway bar, 18-inch alloys with all-terrain tires, skid plates, red tow hooks, a black hood decal, leather and suede seats with red stitching, a nine-speaker Alpine sound system, and Uconnect 5 with navigation.
Overland trims add Nappa leather seats, heated and ventilated front seats, a hands-free power liftgate, ambient lighting, 20-inch alloy wheels, and a dual-pane sunroof.
The Summit adds an active driving assistant, all of the advanced driver assistance features like drowsy driver detection, a parallel and perpendicular parking assistant, and traffic sign recognition. The front seats are upgraded to 16-way power adjustment with memory and massage, quad-zone climate control, and the larger 10.1-inch touchscreen interface running Uconnect 5 with wireless Apple CarPlay, and wireless Android Auto.
The top-spec Summit Reserve is also only available in 4x4 guise but does not have the more advanced Quadra-Drive II system. It comes with Palermo leather seats, 21-inch alloys, a dual-pane sunroof, a 19-speaker Premium McIntosh sound system, and waxed walnut trim.
There are multiple packages available, but not all of them are available across the range.
The Laredo can be ordered with the Luxury Tech Package I, consisting of heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, power liftgate, rain-sensing wipers, remote start, and a wireless charging pad, to name just a few. It retails for $1,295. There are no packages for the Altitude and Limited, apart from the Finishing Package by Mopar, which costs $425 and adds paint protection, and front and rear splash guards.
The Advanced Pro Tech Package II ($1,995) is only available for the Trailhawk and includes night vision pedestrian/animal detection system, Intersection Collision Assist system, a surround View camera, front and rear park assist, and rear backup camera washer. The Trailhawk is also available with the $1,295 Luxury Tech Package III which consists of includes rain-sensing windshield wipers, four-door passive entry, a power tilt telescope steering column with memory,
wireless charging pad, second-row manual window shades, digital rearview mirror, Intersection Collision Assist system, and a hands-free power-adjustable height liftgate.
The Overland is available with two packages. The $1,995 Luxury Tech Package IV adds a wireless charging pad, second-row, manual window shades, digital rearview mirror, power seat-back massage for driver and front passenger, 12-way with a four-way power lumbar adjustable seat position with memory for driver and front passenger, and four-zone automatic temperature control. The Advanced ProTech Pack III costs $1,995 and adds a Map-in-Cluster display, head-up display, Active Driving Assist system, night vision with pedestrian/animal detection system, Intersection Collision Assist, a surround-view camera, and rear back-up camera washer.
The Luxury Tech Package V for the Summit costs just $245 and adds manual second-row window shades and a wireless charging pad. You can also add the Advanced ProTech Package IV, which retails for $1,995, and add a head-up display, night vision, and a digital rearview mirror with auto-dimming.
After spending time with the decked-out Grand Cherokee Summit Reserve, we'd have a tough time downgrading to one of the lower trims. But since we know some buyers might be put off by the concept of a $70,000 Jeep, we'll recommend a nicer middle ground. The Limited trim offers a nice assortment of standard features starting at $43,710 for 4x2 or $45,710 for 4x4. Even with 4x4, adding the larger infotainment system, a panoramic roof, and larger 20-inch wheels will only push this trim to roughly $52,000. Should off-road adventures be in your future, we'd recommend the Trackhawk model starting at $51,670 with Jeep's beefiest Quadra-Drive II 4x4 system standard. This model can quickly approach and exceed $60,000 with the larger screen, glass roof, Luxury & ProTech Groups, or the larger V8 engine. Though the V8's extra power and towing capacity are tempting, we'd struggle to say it's worth a $3,295 upgrade. The V6 is fine.
Competitor | Horsepower | MPG | Price (MSRP) |
---|---|---|---|
Jeep Grand Cherokee | 293 hp | 19/26 mpg | $38,325 |
Jeep Cherokee | 180 hp | 22/31 mpg | $29,995 |
Ford Explorer | 300 hp | 21/28 mpg | $34,010 |
Jeep's main competition comes from within its own ranks. If you remove the "Grand" out of the name you end up with the Cherokee, which is also a two-row SUV. It's not as big, but still large enough for a family of four. It's also a lot cheaper. The most expensive Cherokee retails for just over $30,000, while the base Grand Cherokee Laredo kicks off at $37,390. That's a huge pile of money, but it's worth it. The top-spec Cherokee is equipped with a 3.2-liter V6, which is an adaptation of the 3.6-liter engine used in the Grand Cherokee. It produces 271 hp and 239 lb-ft compared to the Grand Cherokee's 293 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. Granted, it's not a big difference, but the biggest deciding factor here is the gearbox. The newer eight-speed in the Grand Cherokee is sublime, while the Cherokee's nine-speed automatic is perhaps the main reason why we wouldn't go near one. It's dimwitted, slow, and tends to get confused; almost as if it's constantly going through an existential crisis.
The current Cherokee also dates back to a time when Jeep tried to emulate luxury but got it completely wrong. The dash layout is fine and the touchscreen interface with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto works a charm. But the buttons feel cheap and the interior is simply too generic compared to Jeep's latest products. The Grand Cherokee is easily worth the extra money, even if you can only stretch to a base model. If you can't, keep in mind that there are better rivals competing in the Cherokee segment.
In 2021 the Explorer won this comparison without even trying too hard. It was a few years ahead of the aging Grand Cherokee, so beating it wasn't too hard.
Now both are great cars, equipped with the latest technology and high-quality interiors. Ford's engine offerings are more modern. You can choose between a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-pot that produces 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. That's easily more than the Jeep's 293 hp and 260 lb-ft. It also consumes less fuel. You can also get a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6, producing 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. It makes Jeep's 357 hp/390 lb-ft 5.7-liter V8 feel like something out of the stone age.
Still, these are two very different cars. If you're looking for an engaging SUV that will spend most of its time in the city or on road trips, the Explorer might be the better option. But the low-slung Explorer isn't capable of doing half of what the Grand Cherokee can do off-road, and Jeep's latest interior and technology is well into the premium realm!
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