We can all agree that the fourth installment of the Jeep Grand Cherokee still looks modern and isn’t in dire need of a replacement despite its 10-year tenure.
Even with that said, Jeep has revealed a fresh new fifth-generation Grand Cherokee for the 2022 model year to keep up with what rivals have to offer in the SUV segment. The new Jeep Grand Cherokee is available in seven trim levels; Laredo, Altitude, Limited, Overland, Trailhawk, Summit, and Summit Reserve.
Buyers can choose from three powertrains. There is a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 with 219 kW of power and 348 Nm of torque. The 5.7-litre V8 unit churns out 266 kW and 528 Nm, allowing a tow capacity of up to 3,265 kg.
Joining the range is the 4xe plug-in hybrid option for the Limited, Trailhawk, Overland, Summit and Summit Reserve derivatives. The 4xe pairs an electrically-assisted 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 280 kW and 637 Nm plus a 17 kWh battery pack. The Jeep Grand Cherokee can travel 40 km on battery power alone.
The transmission comes courtesy of an 8-speed automatic with a front-axle disconnect function.
In terms of looks, the iconic seven-slot front grille is bigger, wider and conceals a long-range radar and other advanced technological features. The grille boasts new active shutters, front-wheel spats, air curtains and bonnet aero flick. The Overland models can be had with a gloss black roof for the first time while it comes standard on the Trailhawk, Summit and Summit Reserve.
For better handling prowess, Jeep has widened the Grand Cherokee’s track by 36 mm. There are eight wheel options with available sizes ranging up to 21".
Inside, the front panel incorporates new slim HVAC vents, a re-aligned centre stack and 10.1” digital screens for the instrument cluster and touchscreen radio. Jeep offers a 10” head-up display and buyers can fit a 10.25” screen for the front passenger. Rear passengers are treated to a 10.1” rear-seat entertainment display with Amazon Fire TV built in.
Some of the new features lurking in the Jeep Grand Cherokee are a length-adjustable cushion for the front row passengers, new 16-way adjustable front seats with power lumbar and memory function. Range-topping models are fitted with a new front driver and passenger seatback massage and heated/vented seats for the first two rows.
On the safety front, the Jeep Grand Cherokee boast items like full-Speed collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, adaptive cruise control and even a night vision camera.
The new Jeep Grand Cherokee is expected to go on sale in global markets in 2022.