This isn't the first time the Jeep Grand Cherokee has waded the British shores looking to challenge the class and heritage of a Range Rover with all-American muscle. In fact, this has been the case since the first-generation Grand Cherokee arrived here in 1996.
Meanwhile, Grand Cherokees came and went, and while some were pretty, none resembled a Range Rover.
That may have just changed. Not only is the new Grand Cherokee for sale, but it has a much more luxurious interior than any previous model and is only available as a plug-in hybrid model that hitsRange Roverand more affordableRange Rover Sportdirectly in the solar plexus of the business user.
So can Americans finally take over British fame in the UK?
Appearance and rivals
Jeep designers have made every effort to ensure that this generation of Grand Cherokee bears several stylistic references to the 1963 Grand Wagoneer, the car that Jeep is credited with rediscovering the luxury SUV sector nearly a decade before the original Range Rover arrived.
- Range Rover at 50: remembering its 1970 launch and how exclusive 4x4 changed the game
The large, seven-slot front grille slopes slightly forward, giving the large Jeep a wrinkled face that is accentuated by slim LED headlights.
The only model sold in the UK for the time being - the Summit Reserve - has heavy chrome exterior and chunky badging, so there are angles from which the Grand Cherokee looks tactile, but overall it's really handsome. Maybe a bit dull in the rear where the slender lights float in a great sea of metal, but overall it's an impressive and good-looking car.
It eschews the arrogance of the Range Rover or the Range Rover Sport and feels a bit more approachable as a result, but it's still a tall and wide SUV and therefore not meant to be loved by everyone.
Interior and practicality
Traditionally, the Grand Cherokee has always had a slightly lower-priced cabin, too full of cheap plastics and old-fashioned switches to ever look or feel like a true premium product. Everything has changed and it's dramatic.
Our test car had front seats in "Palermo" leather with diamond stitching that looked great and felt just as nice.
Comfort is clearly the Grand Cherokee's forte. The dashboard, doors and even the lower section of the steering wheel are covered in an open-pore oak veneer that feels authentic to the touch, unlike the over-smooth veneers of some others.
It's a cabin you'll immediately feel at home in, and the key touchpoints - the steering wheel, the massive clock-like rotary gearshift and the air suspension setting switches - are appropriately priced and pleasant to the touch.
Various sections of the center console feature useful - if not quite massive - storage space, as well as physical controls for heating and ventilation.
There is room to lie down in the rear, although the contours of the outer seats likely preclude any comfort for anyone attempting to sit in the narrower center rear seat.
The trunk - with a capacity of 580 liters - is, if anything, a bit disappointing as it's barely larger than what you'd get in a much more compact Audi Q5 or BMW X3. In addition, the power tailgate release button is mounted inside the left rear pillar. It's clearly designed to drive on the left - of course you'd just stick your hand up the column and press a button, heading for the driver's door on the left - but for UK buyers it's in the wrong place and uncomfortable to use as a result.
Technology and security
This Summit Reserve model offers three large screens, ranging from a large driver's gauge display to a 10.1-inch touchscreen in the center of the dashboard.
This is further enhanced by a second 10-inch screen in front of the passenger, which allows them to use navigation on the move or connect a device via HDMI and sit back to watch a movie, with the screen thankfully tucked away and hidden from the driver.
The on-screen menus and buttons are fairly easy to use, but the layout and graphics aren't as smart, and the digital dashboard doesn't look as expensive as the one used by some rivals - especially Land Rover and Mercedes provide digital dashboards with a more upscale look.
On the other hand, there are four USB connectors on the front and two more in the rear compartment. There is also a pad for wireless charging of the phone.
The sound system is provided by McIntosh, a maker of expensive retro-style home stereos that use traditional valves instead of transistors. Here, of course, there are no such valves, but the sound quality is excellent.
When it comes to safety, Jeep has obviously worked hard to catch up with the competition in Euro NCAP crash tests. Previous models didn't fare well, but this Grand Cherokee is equipped with an all-round camera and radar system and automatic emergency braking that detects not only pedestrians and cyclists, but also animals.
There's also a night vision camera that can detect objects from farther away than headlights can handle, along with the expected radar-controlled cruise control, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, and parking assist.
Efficiency, power and acceleration
When it comes to the engine and hybrid system, the Grand Cherokee 4xe appears to be a step or two behind its potentially biggest rival, the Range Rover Sport. The Jeep has a four cylinder engine while the Rangie has an inline six. The Jeep's 17 kWh battery provides just 25 miles of electric range on a full charge, compared to the Range Rover's 70 miles. The Jeep has 374 hp compared to the Range Rover's 433 hp.
However, along the way, the gorge is not as gaping a chasm as one might expect. The four-cylinder engine is more powerful and insistent than the silky-smooth Range Rover six-cylinder engine, but when you stretch it hard, the Jeep's engine develops a pretty nice sporty growl rather than a bland hybrid growl.
The electrical side of the system isn't as good as the Land Rover's, not least because it can only be slowly charged from AC, with no option for fast DC charging, but we still managed to get it off-road a bit on AC alone.
Driving in hybrid mode, if you start a long trip with a full battery, you should be able to get 35 mpg without any problems. You'll almost certainly never get close to the official figure of 100 mpg in actual driving unless you stop to recharge your battery every 20 miles or so.
Driving and handling
With air springs and advanced multi-link suspension at both the front and rear, this Grand Cherokee is completely different from older models with active axles (solid link rods linking the left and right wheels), and as soon as you get going, extra refinement is obvious. It's only really bothered by sudden, sharp intrusions, such as large expansion joints on bridges or small speed bumps - a common problem in large cars with air suspension.
The Grand Cherokee is also much more enthusiastic to drive than you might expect. If you switch everything to sport mode, the Jeep can be hurled along the winding road with much more effort than you think possible. It's not quite an oversized hot hatch, but it's certainly fun to roll gently to transfer weight to the outside front wheel during a long, fast corner.
It's even better in the field. Jeep offers the Summit Reserve model with advanced Selec-Track all-wheel drive, which includes a limited-slip differential on the rear axle. All wheels are always powered, whether you're driving in petrol, hybrid or pure electric mode, and driving into the woods or uphill with the silent electric drive is no small joy.
Fully extend the air suspension and the Grand Cherokee will climb rocky ravines and descend dusty slopes with a skill that will amaze almost any would-be owner. It's far more powerful than anyone who buys it will ever truly experience it, and you really need the wide open spaces of the American West, or at least the Scottish Highlands, to appreciate just how good a Grand Cherokee is when it's on the road. it becomes hard.
There are a range of riding modes to make the car ready for mud, snow, sand and more, so most off-road driving is done with minimal effort while sitting in unparalleled comfort. If you buy one of these and only drive it to the office and back, you're wasting a truly unique piece of engineering.
Price and date of sale
For now, the Grand Cherokee is only available with one powertrain - the 4xe plug-in hybrid - and one trim - the top Summit Reserve. It will cost £85,615 without options, but then you don't have to pick a lot of options.
It comes standard with luxury Palermo leather seats, three digital screens, a head-up display, a McIntosh stereo system with 19 speakers, heated and ventilated front and rear seats, selectable off-road mode, air suspension, four-zone climate control, keyless entry and ignition, 360-degree cameras and 19-inch polished alloy wheels with the option to upgrade to 21-inch wheels.
While not quite a bargain, it's well priced compared to its British and German rivals, although if you're looking for a big, luxury plug-in hybrid, the Lexus RX 450h+ offers better all-around performance for less money - unless you need off-roading, of course.
Review: Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe review
Did the new Grand Cherokee keep pace and beat the mighty Range Rover? Or at least a Range Rover Sport? No, there isn't, but it's closer than ever before. The Jeep Grand Cherokee now feels suitably luxurious and in many ways has a nicer and more inviting cabin than the Range Rover.
It loses on hybrid performance but holds up when it comes to off-road driving, and the two cars are a close match when it comes to fun on twisty roads.
If the look and feel of a Range Rover doesn't quite match your style, this is a tempting alternative.
Keep in mind that Jeep is currently struggling to keep up with demand for this model in the US market, so delivery times to the UK are likely to be long.
Related articles
- After reading our first Jeep Grand Cherokee ride, you may want to read oursRange Rover Sport PHEV review
- Do you dream of a fully electric car? Here it isall car manufacturer's EV plans
- Or read whyJeremy Clarkson thought the Jeep Renegade 4xe was 'hopeless'
Latest articles
The full-size version of Tamiya's remote-controlled buggy can travel on roads at speeds of up to 60 miles per hour
Britain's first autonomous bus service launched in Scotland, carrying up to 10,000 passengers a week
Learning to drive at age seven: Two children evaluate lessons at Firefly Sport
Uber aims to create a fleet of all-electric taxis in London by 2025
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee review: I'm looking for a Range Rover Sport
Tesla cancels right-hand drive Model X and Model S 'foreseeable future'
Mercedes is cooperating with the police after a gunman left two dead at a factory in Stuttgart
The Porsche 718 Spyder RS is the ultimate incarnation of the Boxster powered by the 911 GT3 engine
The Alpine A290_β heralds the French brand's sizzling electric hot hatch
FAQs
How many miles per gallon does a 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe get? ›
The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee MPG ratings come to 19 mpg in the city, 26 mpg on the highway, and 22 mpg combined.
How many miles does the new Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe provide an all electric range? ›With nearly silent operation, a 25-mile all electric range 7 and a 470-mile combined driving range 8, the 4xe gives you the freedom to adventure nearly anywhere while doing your part in the shift to a more sustainable future.
What is the 0 to 60 on a 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe? ›What is the 0-60 MPH time for the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe? The 4xe has a 0-60 MPH time of 6.4 seconds.
How much powertrain horsepower does the Grand Cherokee Limited 4xe hybrid have? ›Engineered for adventure, the Grand Cherokee 4xe offers uncompromised performance. Take control of a hybrid powertrain that delivers 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque.
Can the Jeep 4xe run on gas only? ›Absolutely! 4xe vehicles are plug-in hybrid electric SUVs that combine a powerful electric motor with a gas engine, which means that even when they aren't charged, you can still drive using the gas engine.
How many miles per gallon does a 4xe get on a road trip? ›2023 Jeep wrangler 4xe MPG:
Electric Motor & Gasoline Engine Combined: 49 mpg combined city/highway per gallon/kilowatt. Gasoline Engine Alone: 20 mpg combined city/highway.
How much to replace the battery in my Jeep? Depending on power, size, and quality, prices for a replacement car battery range from about $45 to $250.
How long does 4xe battery last in hybrid mode? ›Jeep Wrangler 4xe: Specifications
A plug-in hybrid with an electric range of 49 miles is good. That means that a person driving a Wrangler 4xe can go 49 miles without using any gas. As a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), the Wrangler 4xe can also do well off-road. A full tank of gas can go as far as 370 miles.
The average cost for a Jeep Wrangler Hybrid High Voltage Battery Replacement is between $1,919 and $1,949. Labor costs are estimated between $114 and $144 while parts are priced between $1,805 and $1,805.
What is the top speed of 4xe electric mode? ›- 0-62mph:7.5 seconds.
- Top speed:124 mph.
How fast is the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe? ›
The quickest Grand Cherokee is the 4xe, which leaps to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds and reaches a quarter-mile in 13.9 seconds at 100 mph. That's 0.3 second quicker to 60 mph than the discontinued V-8 model from 2022. At our test track, a V-6–powered Summit test vehicle managed a respectable 7.4-second run to 60 mph.
What is the fastest factory Jeep? ›Electric Motor & Gasoline Engine Combined: 49 mpg combined city/highway per gallon/kilowatt. Gasoline Engine Alone: 20 mpg combined city/highway 20 miles per gallon.
What is the gas mileage on a Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe hybrid? ›The EPA rates the Grand Cherokee 4xe at 56 mpg-equivalent using both gas and electric motors, 23 mpg combined when relying solely on its internal combustion engine.
How many miles can a Jeep hybrid go on electric? ›When the battery has more than a 1% charge, it can run in Electric Mode. This allows for nearly zero tailpipe emissions up to highway speeds. The vehicle can run in this mode for up to 21 miles 6.
Can you charge Jeep 4xe while driving? ›Charging Your 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe
Level I charging takes 12 hours and is great for making sure your battery is ready for your morning commute. You can also use public charging stations to recharge while on the go. Your battery can maintain its charge while driving with the Regenerative Braking System.
Absolutely, if you have access to charging whether it's at work or home you will end up saving a ton of money on fuel in the long run. Plus if you run out of electric range, the 4xe starts behaving like a traditional hybrid with a combustion engine; so you are still increasing your mpg.
How many miles per gallon does a Jeep 4xe get in gas mode? ›Jeep 4xe Hybrid Mode
Electric power is used first while your Jeep is in this mode, and then gas power. The Jeep 4xe mpg in Hybrid Mode ranges from 49 MPGe to 56 MPGe but varies depending on the model.
Jeep manufacturers recommend using 87-octane regular unleaded gasoline in the Wrangler 4xe.
How far can Jeep Wrangler 4xe go in hybrid mode? ›
The 4xe is rated at 49 MPGe with a usable battery capacity of about 15 kWh. That means it stores 15/33.7 gallon equivalents of electrical energy. If we multiply that by the 49 MPGe rating, or 49*(15/33.7), you'll get the ~21 mile range.
How long does Jeep 4xe battery last before replacement? ›Your 2021 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 4xe battery will generally last between 3 to 5 years, but that can fluctuate heavily depending on type of battery, weather conditions battery size, and driving habits.
How long does a new Jeep battery last without being driven before it dies? ›Typically, your car can sit about four weeks to two months without driving before the battery dies. The reason your car can sit only for so long before it dies is the fact that your car battery is in use even when you're not behind the wheel.
How long does a factory Jeep battery last? ›Your Jeep Wrangler battery will typically last between 3 to 5 years, but that can vary heavily depending on weather conditions battery size, type of battery, and driving habits. Even still, just because your battery isn't completely dead, doesn't mean it's operating at optimal levels.
How do you prolong hybrid battery life? ›Go on a drive – When hybrid vehicles are not driven for a long amount of time, the battery doesn't get that kinetic energy it needs to stay charged. Slowly, it will begin to die. If you don't need to use the car, find a need. Take it for a leisurely drive, use it for errands once or twice a week or plan a road trip.
How long can a hybrid battery sit unused? ›The length of time that you can comfortably leave your hybrid unused will vary between different manufacturers and models. So, generally, if you're going to leave your car sitting for more than 30 days, it's best to have a look at your owner's manual to find specific storage instructions.
What is the range of the 2024 4xe? ›Thanks to a sizable 17.3-kWh battery fighting the 4xe's hefty weight and fridge-like aerodynamics, the plug-in hybrid Wrangler was also capable of 22 miles of range on electric power alone.
How much does it cost to fill up a Jeep 4xe? ›...
Compare Side-by-Side.
| 2023 Jeep Wrangler 4dr 4xe | |
|---|---|
| Cost to Drive 25 Miles | $2.62 (on a single charge) |
| $4.41 (driving on gas only) | |
| Cost to Fill the Tank | $61 (gas only) |
Is it worth it to replace a hybrid battery? With the current cost of cars, yes, it is generally worth replacing the battery, if the rest of the car is in good condition. If, however, your car has done very high mileage or is in need of many other repairs this could change.
How much does it cost to replace plug in hybrid battery? ›Hybrid battery replacement ranges from between $2,000 to $8,000, but bear in mind that most drivers have sold their vehicle by the time their battery is due for a change.
What are the benefits of the Jeep 4xe? ›
The arguably bigger advantage of the Wrangler 4xe's powertrain, though, is the total power output. Bring both the turbo four and the electric motor to bear, and the 4xe cranks out 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque.
How much does it cost to charge a Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe? ›According to this Allpar member, the cost to charge the batteries fully is around $1.05 (but just 15¢ with the local utility's overnight rates). The Jeeps come with regenerative braking, so the batteries are not limited to power from the plug; they act as a normal hybrid-electric when the initial charge is used.
What best describes Grand Cherokee 4xe electric mode? ›On the go, the 4xe system has three modes: hybrid, electric and eSave. Electric mode will keep the engine off, allowing the Grand Cherokee to run up to 25 miles on electricity alone. While it won't win any drag races with a Tesla, electric mode has more than enough performance for most typical driving.
How much is the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe 2023? ›2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe Pricing
The 2023 Grand Cherokee 4xe starts at $60,260 for the base model, $64,960 for the 30th Anniversary Edition, $65,655 for the Trailhawk model, and $68,275 for the Overland trim. The luxurious Summit model starts at $72,990 and the loaded Summer Reserve trim begins at $77,470.
With a 707-hp supercharged Hellcat V-8 under the hood, it's not only the most powerful Jeep ever built, it's one of the most powerful SUVs in the world. While the Trackhawk can't keep up with most sports cars at the racetrack, it can outrun some of the best of them in a straight line.
What is the fastest SUV in the world? ›"With a perfect balance of on-road dynamics, 4x4 capability and 4xe performance, the all-new 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee is the most technologically advanced, luxurious and 4x4-capable Grand Cherokee ever." The all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee will arrive in Jeep dealerships in North America in the fourth quarter of 2021.
How many miles per gallon does a Jeep 4xe get in electric mode? ›Jeep 4xe MPG in Electric Mode: EPA-estimated 21 miles. Jeep 4xe MPG in eSave Mode: 20 mpg combined city/highway 20 miles per gallon.
How many miles per gallon does the Jeep 4xe hybrid get? ›The 2023 Jeep Wrangler 4xe mpg is a combined 49 miles per gallon/kilowatt. Drivers in the Brazil and Sullivan areas will surely appreciate the fuel efficiency of this plug-in hybrid SUV.
What is the range of the 2023 Jeep 4xe? ›What is the range of the 2023 Jeep Wrangler 4xe? The 2023 Jeep Wrangler 4xe offers an EPA-estimated 49 MPGe1 and a total driving range of 370 miles2 on a full tank of gas and a fully charged battery.
How many miles can a jeep hybrid go on electric? ›
When the battery has more than a 1% charge, it can run in Electric Mode. This allows for nearly zero tailpipe emissions up to highway speeds. The vehicle can run in this mode for up to 21 miles 6.
What is the difference between MPGe and MPG? ›MPGe is an abbreviation for “Miles Per Gallon Equivalent”. MPG means “Miles Per Gallon” and lets you know how far a specific vehicle can travel utilizing one gallon of gas. MPGe comparatively lets you know the number of miles an electrical vehicle that can travel utilizing what could be compared to one gallon of fuel.
How long will 4xe battery last in hybrid mode? ›Your 2021 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 4xe battery will generally last between 3 to 5 years, but that can fluctuate heavily depending on type of battery, weather conditions battery size, and driving habits.
How far can the 4xe go in hybrid mode? ›The 4xe can run for about 20 miles using just its battery. That's because the 2023 Wrangler 4xe is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, or PHEV.
What kind of gas does a Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe take? ›An 8-speed automatic transmission sends this to a standard-issue 4-wheel-drive system. For the best performance and fuel economy, Jeep recommends using premium 91-octane gasoline.
How many gallons of gas does the 4xe hold? ›Charging Your 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe
You can also use public charging stations to recharge while on the go. Your battery can maintain its charge while driving with the Regenerative Braking System.
With EPA ratings of 22 miles of electric driving range and 20 mpg combined on gasoline after you run through a charge, the 2023 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe makes plugging in worthwhile.