Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe review

• What is it?
• What’s the difference?
• How much more efficient is it?
• Is it a one-spec model?
• What's the verdict?
• What is it like to drive?
• What is it like on the inside?
• What should I be paying?

Overview

What is it?

We’ve recently seen a new two-row version of the Grand Cherokee, then a new three-row version, the Grand Cherokee L. This is the new hybrid – 4xe in Jeep lingo – variant which is available in the two-row bodyshell only.

The plug-in hybrid drivetrain broke cover on the Wrangler last year and quickly became a market favourite. It’s fair to say this hybrid GC could also be the pick of the range, combining all the Jeep SUV flexibility with mpg numbers cresting 50mpg when the car is charged regularly.

What’s the difference?

The 4xe drivetrain replaces the standard V6 or V8 engine with a turbocharged four cylinder unit mated to two electric motors and a 14kWh battery pack. The combined output is a useful 375bhp and 470lbft.

How much more efficient is it?

Max claimed range per gallon when in hybrid mode with a fully charged battery is 57 mpg. It’s less than half that when operated solely as a hybrid with no charging. The transmission is an eight-speed auto.

Is it a one-spec model?

The 4xe GC is available in five trim levels, the top five from the purely petrol-powered range: 4xe, Trailhawk 4xe, Overland 4xe, Summit 4xe and Summit Reserve 4xe. Two 4×4 systems are offered depending on spec: Quadra-Trac II, which sends torque to the axle with the greatest traction and the more sophisticated Quadra-Drive II which routes torque to individual wheels, depending on available grip.

This 4xe version, in any of the spec levels, is probably the pick of the Grand Cherokee range for most people. Its combination of trademark Jeep SUV flexibility and ability on and off road combined with its useful frugality when used as a plug-in hybrid make it a compelling choice.

The substantial price premium over non-hybrid models can be offset by tax breaks. Plus the 4xe’s excellent projected residuals mean that leasing one could actually be cheaper than a petrol-powered one.

The only same-size alternative in this price bracket is the Ford Explorer Hybrid. That lacks the Jeep’s off-road ability and has a way less refined drivetrain, so it’ll only appeal to Blue Oval diehards.

Talking of limitations, the GC 4xe is only available as a two-row model, so if you need the third row this won’t work. But for everyone else who wants a rugged and capable – and unthirsty – SUV, this is a win.

Driving

What is it like to drive?

The good news first. The 4xe has lost none of the new Grand Cherokee’s improved steering and road manners. So it has sharp – for an SUV – turn-in and clear steering feel, allowing you to hustle it along nicely.

That’s the upside of carrying all the batteries down low. The downside is that you need to allow for the extra weight when braking. And the suspension – especially on the non air-sprung models – is a little too firm for comfort.

Should be fine once a bit of extra human or baggage weight is added but if you are going to use it with just one or two people in for most of the time, make sure you opt for the air suspension.

Running in Electric mode the over-riding noise is tyre slap. Everything else – suspension, gearboxes, interior, even wind noise – is well suppressed. On higher-level models there is also active noise control to make it even more quiet, which works a treat.

There are three modes to the drivetrain: Electric, on which it has a pure battery rage of 25 miles; Hybrid, which is a blend of both petrol and electric; and e-save, which allows you to charge the battery while driving so that you have the full 25 mile range when you need it.

There is also a Max Regen button which can be on in any mode. This effectively acts as a one-pedal driving activator. In normal free-flowing traffic, you don’t need to use the brake pedal until down to 10mph.

Off-road the Electric and Max Regen buttons – allied to the low range, when necessary – are a great combo. You can silently climb and descend rocks and hills and reuse a good chunk of the energy in the process.

The 4xe Grand Cherokee has the full off-road capability of other GCs, so it doesn’t need to be treated any differently. We bashed it up, over, down and around bogs, mud pits, rock outcrops and worse. It just took everything in its stride, as a Jeep should.

Interior

What is it like on the inside?

The 4xe models add their new talents and features to the fifth gen GC’s already plush and well-appointed interior.

The only differences between the 4xe’s interior and the standard GC are the Max Regen button on the centre stack and the drivetrain mode switches above the driver’s left knee.

Otherwise all the materials and craftsmanship are first rate – the wood is real wood, the hides smooth and blemish free. And the sound system can be upgraded from the standard Alpine unit to the ear-pleasing McIntosh audiophile system.

And the sound system is not the only treat. Showing the trickledown of luxury features from super premium models, this new Grand Cherokee is also available with night vision and full massage seats, too.

But don’t think it’s gone soft – Jeep hasn’t forgotten the Grand Cherokee’s core purpose in life is to haul people and all their stuff over whatever terrain is in front of it. It’s still as durable as ever. It just now comes with a few more upmarket touches, too.

Buying

What should I be paying?

The base Grand Cherokee 4xe has an MSRP of $57,700. That might sound steep when compared with the base two-row petrol-powered GC which starts at a little over $40k. But you’re getting a lot of equipment as standard on the hybrid.

This includes leather seats, a suite of screens for driver and passenger, dual-pane panoramic sunroof and much more. A comprehensive safety package is also included featuring every type of warning and crash prevention system. So you’ll have no excuse when you scrape it.

The blue tow-hooked – blue is the colour denoting it’s a 4xe – Trailhawk 4xe starts at $62,485. The standout extra features here are low-range Selec-Speed Control, which is an autonomous off-road driving assistant, Quadra Lift air suspension with semi-active damping and sway bar disconnect, which allows better axle articulation over rocks.

The Overland 4xe has an MSRP of $65,760. It upgrades the standard GC 4xe spec by adding tech features including Quadra Trac II, Selec-Terrain and Hill Descent Control. Inside, the Overland gets Nappa leather seats, real wood trim, ventilated seats and the McIntosh sound system.

The top-spec GC 4xe is the Summit which has an MSRP of $69,820. There is a Summit Reserve premium package that adds yet another layer of spec for an extra $5,480. Key highlights include Quadra-Drive II, quilted seats, a 19-speaker version of the McIntosh sound system including a 950w amp, quilted seats and real Oak trim.

The Overland looks like the sweet spot of the range for most buyers, the Trailhawk for the serious off-roaders. But the Summit Reserve does provide a very high-class space for reasonable money. Look for another hybrid SUV with this high level of spec and you won’t find one.

Keyword: Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe review