By: Joshua Lee
November 7, 2023
Ever since Jeep introduced its first plug-in vehicle, the Jeep Wrangler 4xe, it has become one of the best-selling PHEVs in Canada. It’s a great move for Jeep bringing in new customers to the family while expanding the history of the ever-popular 4×4. The brand has also redesigned their midsize SUV, the Grand Cherokee, and even offers a 3-row variant, Grand Cherokee L.
So, what if the Wrangler 4xe isn’t big enough but you’d still want a plug-in hybrid with exceptional off-road capabilities? You can read our review of the Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland 4xe, but we also have the Trailhawk 4xe with us for this test.
Using the same powertrain as the Wrangler 4xe, the Grand Cherokee 4xe has a turbocharged 2.0L inline-four engine producing 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. A 134-horsepower electric motor is added generating a combined output of 375 horsepower, 470 lb-ft pf torque and a towing capacity of 6,000lbs. This means the hybrid powertrain is the most powerful beating the 5.7L V8. There are no complaints when it comes to power, but the four-cylinder engine is a little loud when you accelerate. There are three modes: Hybrid, using both the electric motor and gas engine, Electric, using only battery power with around 40KM of EV range, and eSave, which uses the gas engine solely so you can use the battery range for later. You can choose between saving or charging the battery in the latter mode.
The Grand Cherokee 4xe is equipped with an eight-speed automatic that’s smooth to operate. Steering doesn’t feel too heavy for this midsize SUV but as expected, there will be some body roll when going into a corner. Thankfully, our tester is standard with Quadra-Lift air suspension which always kept the ride composed. Drivers are able to select Max Regen for stronger regenerative braking.
The redesigned 4×4 is quite alluring as it maintains its athletic stature. The seven-slat grille and LED exterior lighting makes for a stylish presence. Our Midnight Sky Trailhawk 4xe comes with 18-inch wheels and all terrain tires, a panoramic sunroof, black exterior badging with a signature blue contrast, matte black hood decal, and blue tow hooks. The Trailhawk is also equipped with a front disconnecting stabilizer bar, skid plates, a rear electronic limited-slip differential, 47.4:1 crawl ratio, 10.9 inches of ground clearance, and the ability to ford 24 inches of water.
While higher trims of the Grand Cherokee 4xe are more lavish, the Trailhawk is more subdued with its Global Black Capri leather and suede-faced interior. Blue contrast stitching is nice, but the amount of gloss black trim attracts dust and fingerprints. It is incredibly techy in this SUV; there is a 10.25-inch frameless digital gauge cluster, a 10.1-inch Uconnect 5 infotainment system, and a 10.25-inch front passenger display. The controls aren’t too hard to use but it does take a bit of time going through all the menus on the infotainment system. The front passenger display isn’t distracting from the driver’s side and lets your “copilot” assist with navigation and visual entertainment. Both rows of seats are heated while the front are also ventilated. The seating position provides great visibility, but we feel there could be more padding in the lower area of the seats.
Rear seat passengers are spoiled with the optional Rear Seat Video Group featuring individual video screens, USB video ports, and Amazon Fire TV Built-In. Cargo capacity behind the 60/40 split folding rear bench is 1067L can expands up to 2004L folded down.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe has a fleet of standard safety features, Jeep says there are more than 110 advanced safety and security features that include: full-speed collision warning with active braking, adaptive cruise control, active lane management, blind spot monitoring, front and rear parking sensors, a 360-degree parking camera, and an integrated off-road camera. Our Trailhawk tester features Night Vision which scans the road 100 meters ahead for pedestrians and animals which provides clear video in the instrument cluster.
According to Energuide, the fuel consumption rating for the Grand Cherokee 4xe is 10.3L/100KM city, 9.7L/100KM highway, for a combined 10.0L/100KM. Once you run out of battery, the numbers are higher as we’ve recorded 9.8L/100KM. However, driving in the city or being stuck in traffic, we saw the rating go down to 7.8L/100KM. Charging the 17-kWh battery takes around 12 hours on a level 1 charger and around 2 hours on a level 2 charger.
Our Trailhawk 4xe starts at $77,595 and is fitted with $8380 worth of options totalling to $88,170 with taxes and delivery.
There’s a lot to love about this premium SUV and with a new plug-in hybrid powertrain, customers can enjoy the Grand Cherokee with lower fuel consumption than its gasoline-only model. This only works well if you live in a more urban area as the EV range isn’t much. The tech and safety features work extremely well and it’s the most luxurious feeling Jeep Grand Cherokee to date. The ride is quiet and effortless on road; opting for the Trailhawk gives you extra capability when going offroad. For this price point, it’s great value for a fully loaded luxury SUV which can compete with the Europeans.
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