1. Introduction
a. Briefly introduce the electric vehicle you’re reviewing
The Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe presents a plug-in hybrid variation of the popular Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV, merging the off-road prowess of its predecessor with the advantages of electrification.
The 4xe model is equipped with a potent hybrid powertrain comprising a gasoline engine and an electric motor, resulting in enhanced fuel efficiency and reduced emissions compared to conventional gasoline-powered vehicles. This configuration allows drivers to choose between a purely electric mode for shorter trips or utilizing the gasoline engine for longer distances.
b. Explain the context or significance of the vehicle in the EV market
The Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe strives to provide an appealing combination of off-road capability, adaptability, and sustainable driving. It boasts impressive performance, cutting-edge technology, and environmentally friendly attributes.
2. New Features in 2023
Expanding upon the rich heritage of the highly acclaimed Grand Cherokee SUV, the all-new Grand Cherokee 4xe introduces a fresh architecture, a novel plug-in hybrid powertrain, a redesigned exterior, and a revamped interior that showcases exceptional craftsmanship and cutting-edge technologies.
The electrified Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe marks a significant addition to the extended Grand Cherokee lineup, which already includes the Grand Cherokee and the three-row Grand Cherokee L. This new iteration sets a benchmark in the full-size SUV segment, delivering innovative features and captivating design elements.
Some new features include the following:
- Trailhawk model is exclusively available on Grand Cherokee 4xe
- Grand Cherokee Trailhawk 4xe gets standard Gloss Black exterior accents (replace Neutral Gray exterior accents)
3. Design and Aesthetics:
a. Exterior design and style
The Grand Cherokee 4xe incorporates several design enhancements to improve its aerodynamic performance, efficiency, and overall appeal. These include a lowered and tapered roof, which does not compromise cargo space.
It also has a lowered beltline with expansive glass that increases visibility and brightness in the cabin. The front end features a wider seven-slot grille, concealing advanced technology components such as a long-range radar. The elongated hood and assertive stance contribute to its strong visual presence, while the aerodynamic body design allows for improved fit and finish.
The vehicle incorporates the following features to enhance on-road performance and fuel efficiency:
- active grille shutters
- front wheel spats
- air curtains
- a hood aero flick
- a lowered roofline
- and rear vertical-pillar spoilers
Additionally, a Gloss Black roof option is available on the Overland models. It comes standard on the Trailhawk, Summit, and Summit Reserve trims, adding a touch of sophistication to the vehicle’s exterior design.
Available exterior colors include:
- Baltic Grey
- Bright White
- Diamond Black
- Ember
- Hydro Blue
- Midnight Sky
- Rocky Mountain
- Silver Zynith
- Velvet Red
b. Interior design and materials
The Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe interior exudes luxury and modernity, boasting high-quality materials and an array of advanced features.
The front panel showcases sleek HVAC vents, a repositioned center stack for improved driver access, and 10.1-inch (25.6 cm) digital screens for the digital cluster and touchscreen radio. It also introduces a pioneering 10.25-inch (26 cm) interactive display for the front passenger, a first in its segment.
Additionally, the vehicle offers a high-definition rear-seat entertainment system integrated with Amazon Fire TV. Meanwhile, the center console layout is designed to accommodate two wireless devices and includes a wireless charger, adding convenience for users. Across all trim levels, the Grand Cherokee 4xe features a premium suite of customizable LED lighting that can be adjusted for both daytime and nighttime settings. Additionally, the Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve models offer true ambient lighting with five colors, elevating the interior ambiance and enhancing the overall style of the vehicle.
Available interior colors include:
- Global Black
- Global Black/Wicker Beige
- Global Black/Steel Grey
- Tupelo
c. Build quality and fit and finish
As mentioned above, the vehicle features high-quality materials and precise craftsmanship. The combination of premium components, solid construction, and stringent quality control measures contribute to the Grand Cherokee 4xe’s excellent build quality, fit, and finish.
d. Ergonomics and comfort
The seating arrangement in the Grand Cherokee incorporates a length-adjustable cushion for the front-row passengers. The 16-way adjustable front seats provide power lumbar support and memory function, while higher-spec variants offer seat back massage for the driver and front passenger. Furthermore, heated and ventilated seats are available in the first two rows, equipped with three-level configurable controls to tailor the comfort settings according to individual preferences.
The Jeep Quadra-Lift™ air suspension has been enhanced with electronic semi-active damping. With the ability to offer up to 10.9 inches (28.7 cm) of ground clearance and enable water fording of up to 24 inches (61 cm), this system ensures impressive off-road performance.
In essence, it automatically adjusts the shock tuning to adapt to varying road conditions, enhancing comfort, stability, and control. Additionally, it can be manually controlled using the console controls and offers five different height settings to optimize ride performance.
e. Cargo space and storage
The dimensions of the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe create a comfortable and inviting SUV for both the driver and passengers. The well-proportioned size of the vehicle ensures a cozy and enjoyable experience for everyone inside, no matter the purpose of the journey.
The Grand Cherokee 4xe has an interior cargo volume of 37.7 cubic feet and a maximum interior cargo volume of 70.8 cubic feet.
Below are the vehicle’s additional dimension details:
- Passenger volume: 145 cubic feet
- Front legroom: 41.3 inches
- Rear legroom: 38.2 inches
- Front headroom: 39.4 inches
- Rear headroom: 39.4 inches
- Front hip room: 57.4 inches
- Rear hip room: 56.3 inches
- Front shoulder room: 59.2 inches
- Rear shoulder room: 58 inches
4. Performance and Driving Dynamics:
a. Powertrain and battery specifications
The 2023 Grand Cherokee 4xe has two electric motors generating 375 hp and 470 lb.-ft. of torque. It is also equipped with the following components:
- 400-volt battery pack
- 17-kWh EV battery
- 2.0-liter turbocharged
- four-cylinder engine
- TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission for maximum efficiency and capability
b. Acceleration and top speed
Car and Driver conducted instrumented testing on the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe and determined that it is the fastest variant among the new Grand Cherokee lineup. According to their findings, the 4xe model accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in an impressive 5.3 seconds and reaches 100 mph in 13.9 seconds, coinciding with the completion of a quarter-mile run. These performance figures highlight the agility and speed of the Grand Cherokee 4xe, showcasing its ability to deliver swift acceleration and exhilarating driving dynamics.
c. Handling and ride quality
Trail Rated Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe boasts a ground clearance of up to 10.9 inches (28.7 cm) and 24 inches (61 cm) water fording.
Furthermore, the Selec-Terrain™ traction management system, which leads its class, empowers customers to select the ideal setting for either on-road or off-road conditions, ensuring optimal performance for their 4×4 vehicles. This advanced feature electronically synchronizes various components, including the following:
- 4×4 torque split
- braking and handling systems
- steering and suspension systems
- throttle control
- transmission shift
- transfer case
- traction control
- stability control
- antilock brake system (ABS)
- steering feel.
By seamlessly coordinating these elements, the system maximizes the vehicle’s capabilities and enhances the overall driving experience in different terrains.
d. Braking performance
The Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe braking performance is impressive, delivering ample stopping power in diverse driving scenarios. With its sturdy braking system, the Grand Cherokee 4xe effectively decelerates, bringing the vehicle to a controlled halt. The hybrid powertrain integrates regenerative braking, which not only aids in recharging the battery but also provides supplementary braking force. The Grand Cherokee 4xe ensures responsive and dependable braking performance with its traditional friction brakes and regenerative braking.
e. Regenerative braking
The 4xe system incorporates regenerative braking, which activates when the driver applies the brake pedal. In this process, the powertrain control utilizes the full potential of regenerative braking, harnessing up to 0.25 g of braking force from the electric motors to decelerate the vehicle. The conventional friction brakes of the Grand Cherokee 4xe complement this regenerative braking.
5. Range, Charging, and Efficiency:
a. EPA-estimated range and real-world range
The Jeep Grand Cherokee delivers 25 miles of all-electric range and 56 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe).
b. Charging options and infrastructure
The Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe offers various charging options and is compatible with standard charging infrastructure. It can be charged using a standard household outlet (Level 1 charging) or a dedicated Level 2 charging station. Level 1 charging typically takes longer, while Level 2 provides faster charging times.
c. Charging times for various charging levels (Level 1, Level 2, DC Fast Charging)
The charging duration for the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe can vary depending on the charging method and available power supply. Here are approximate charging time estimates:
- Standard Household Outlet (Level 1 Charging): Using a standard 120V household outlet, charging the Grand Cherokee 4xe typically takes the longest time. It can require around 12 to 14 hours for a full charge.
- Dedicated Charging Station (Level 2 Charging): Utilizing a Level 2 charging station with a 240V power supply considerably reduces the charging time. It can take approximately 2 to 3 hours to fully charge the vehicle, depending on the battery level.
d. Energy consumption and efficiency
| The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe | Elec+Gas | Reg. Gas |
| EPA MPG MPGe:Miles per Gallon Equivalent 1 gallon of gasoline=33.7 kWh | 56 MPGe combined city/highway 0.0 gal/100mi of gas +58 kWh/100mi | 23 MPG combined city/highway 4.3 gal/100mi |
6. Infotainment and Connectivity:
a. Dashboard and instrument cluster
The Grand Cherokee features the most advanced Uconnect 5 system, offering up to three 10.1-inch (25.6 cm) and two 10.25-inch (26 cm) digital displays. It also has a wireless charging pad in the front center console.
b. Infotainment system and features
The driver information display and primary Uconnect touchscreen feature Eco Coaching Pages allow owners to monitor power distribution and observe the effects of regenerative braking. Additionally, they can review their driving history, including a breakdown of electric and gasoline usage, offering valuable insights into their driving habits.
In addition, it also has the following features:
- two Bluetooth-enabled phones paired simultaneously
- Amazon Alexa virtual assistant functionality
- SiriusXM 360L platform with Personalized Stations Powered by Pandora
- 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot to connect up to eight devices
c. Smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay, Android Auto)
It supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.
e. Over-the-air software updates
It supports Maps over-the-air (OTA) updates.
7. Safety and Driver Assistance:
a. Driver assistance and safety systems (ADAS)
The Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe introduces a wide range of over 110 cutting-edge safety and security features, including the following:
- Full-Speed Collision Warning with Active Braking and Pedestrian/Cyclist Detection
- Rear Cross Path detection
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go
- Active Lane Management
- LaneSense Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist
- Advanced Brake Assist
- Blind-spot Monitoring
- ParkView rear backup camera
- ParkSense rear park assist sensors with stop
- Switch-activated electric park brake
- Tire-pressure monitoring
- Night Vision camera with pedestrian and animal detection
- Intersection Collision Assist
- Drowsy Driver Detection system
- Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist and Traffic Sign Recognition
- 360-degree Surround View camera system with front and rear washers
- Active Driving Assist (L2) hands-on-wheel and eyes-on-road automated driving
8. Reliability, Maintenance and Warranty:
a. Reliability and build quality concerns
J.D. Power rated the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee’s predicted reliability with a 77 out of 100 scores. For context, 91-100 is considered the Best, 81-90 is Great, 70-80 is Average, and 0-69 is Fair and considered below average.
b. Maintenance and service requirements
Maintaining your 4xe will be simpler compared to gasoline-powered vehicles. Regular maintenance tasks include checking tire pressure and inspecting wheels for any signs of wear and tear, which should be done every thirty days. Additionally, you may need to refill windshield wiper fluid if necessary.
c. Warranty coverage and options
Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe’s warranty coverage includes:
- Basic warranty: 36 months/36,000miles
- Corrosion perforation warranty: 60 months/ unlimited distance
- Maintenance warranty: 36 months/ unlimited distance
- Powertrain warranty: 60 months/100,000miles
- Powertrain warranty: 60 months/60,000miles
- Roadside assistance coverage: 60 months/60,000miles
- Traction battery warranty: 96 months/100,000miles
d. Insurance costs and considerations
| Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe Trim Levels | Annual Policy | Per Month |
| 30th Anniversary 4xe | $1,950 | $163 |
| Trailhawk 4xe | $1,956 | $163 |
| Overland 4xe | $1,970 | $164 |
| Summit Reserve 4xe | $2,022 | $169 |
e. Resale value and depreciation
| Years Old | Depreciation | Residual Value | Resale Value |
| 1 | $9,587 | 82.25% | $44,424 |
| 2 | $10,802 | 80.00% | $43,209 |
| 3 | $12,304 | 77.22% | $41,707 |
| 4 | $14,745 | 72.70% | $39,266 |
| 5 | $20,497 | 62.05% | $33,514 |
| 6 | $24,229 | 55.14% | $29,782 |
| 7 | $27,605 | 48.89% | $26,406 |
| 8 | $30,343 | 43.82% | $23,668 |
| 9 | $34,254 | 36.58% | $19,757 |
| 10 | $35,491 | 34.29% | $18,520 |
9. Comparison to Competitors:
a. Compare the reviewed EV to its key competitors in terms of design, performance, range, and pricing
| Specs | 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe Base 4dr 4×4 | 2023 Ford Explorer Platinum 4dr 4×4 |
| MPG (city/hwy) | 56 MPGe combined | 23/24 |
| Horsepower | 270 @ 5.2k RPM | 318 @ 6.5k RPM |
| Engine | l-4 | V-6 |
| Transmission | 8-spd auto w/OD | 10-spd w/OD |
| Seating capacity | 5 seats | 6 seats |
| Cargo space | 70.8 CF | 86.8 CF |
| Pricing MSRP | $59,865 | $55,820 |
10. Variants and Pricing:
a. List the available trim levels, options, and pricing
Customers can now order the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe ahead of first showroom arrivals due this August. Below is the vehicle’s Australian pricing:
| 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee variants | Pricing |
| Grand Cherokee Night Eagle petrol V6 | $77,950 |
| Grand Cherokee L Night Eagle petrol V6 | $82,750 |
| Grand Cherokee Limited petrol V6 | $83,950 |
| Grand Cherokee L Limited petrol V6 | $88,750 |
| Grand Cherokee Overland petrol V6 | $98,450 |
| Grand Cherokee L Overland petrol V6 | $103,250 |
| Grand Cherokee L Summit Reserve petrol V6 | $119,450 |
| Grand Cherokee Summit Reserve 4xe plug-in hybrid | $129,950 (new) |
b. Discuss the value proposition and whether the vehicle is worth the investment
If you value the Grand Cherokee’s performance, ruggedness, and versatility and plan to utilize its off-road capabilities, it may be worth the investment. Additionally, if you prioritize a spacious and comfortable interior, advanced technology features, and a reputable brand name, the Grand Cherokee offers good value for the money.
11. Conclusion
a. Summarize your overall impressions of the electric vehicle
The Jeep Grand Cherokee has impressive off-road capabilities, a spacious and comfortable interior, and a wide range of features and options. Advanced technology and safety features further enhance its appeal, making it a well-rounded option suitable for both daily commuting and adventurous excursions.
b. Provide a recommendation for potential buyers
The Grand Cherokee offers a range of features, such as off-road capability, advanced technology, spacious interior, and powerful engine options. It has also received positive reviews for its performance and versatility. However, it’s important to consider factors like fuel efficiency, ongoing maintenance costs, and resale value. Ultimately, it is recommended to test drive the vehicle, compare it with other options in its class, and consider your specific requirements before deciding.
