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| October 19, 2021 | Volume 17 Issue 39 |
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All-new 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee: 4x4 with style in a lot of flavors
All-new 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk.
Whether you are climbing mountains or cruising in town, the all-new 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a top-line choice when it comes to 4x4s with proven capability and style. The fifth-gen lineup brings an all-new architecture, a plug-in hybrid powertrain option, all-new exterior and interior design, and first-to-market tech to the global full-size SUV segment.
The new Grand Cherokee lineup consists of Laredo, Altitude, Limited, Overland, Trailhawk, Summit, and Summit Reserve trims. Standard on all models is the all-aluminum 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine rated at 293 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. It has an estimated class-leading driving range of more than 500 miles and a towing capacity of up to 6,200 lb.
A 5.7-liter V8 engine is available on Overland, Trailhawk, Summit, and Summit Reserve. It is rated at 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque delivered over a broad power band. The V8 delivers performance and efficiency with Variable Valve Timing (VVT) and Fuel Saver Technology (cylinder deactivation). It has a towing capacity of up to 7,200 lb. With Fuel Saver Technology, the engine control computer turns off fuel and spark and closes the valves to four of the engine's cylinders during light-load operation, such as highway cruising, when full power is not needed. The system immediately re-engages the deactivated cylinders when the driver presses on the accelerator pedal.
Each engine mates to a TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission. New for the 2022 Grand Cherokee 4x4 is front-axle disconnect. If the vehicle senses that road conditions do not require all-wheel drive, the front-axle disconnect automatically places the Grand Cherokee in two-wheel drive, reducing drag on the driveline and improving fuel economy. Four-wheel drive automatically re-engages when the vehicle senses it is needed.
The line's new purpose-built, flexible architecture, including new unibody construction and chassis, is engineered for both three- and two-rows, as well as electrified 4xe capability. It offers three available best-in-class Jeep 4x4 systems (Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, and Quadra-Drive II), Quadra-Lift air suspension, and Selec-Terrain traction management. The flexibility of the new architecture allows for two different wheelbases and lengths. While the two-row Grand Cherokee and three-row Grand Cherokee L share the same overall width of 84.6 in., the two-row Grand Cherokee has a 116.7-in. wheelbase compared with the Grand Cherokee L's 121.7-in. wheelbase, 5 in. shorter. In overall length, the two-row is 193.5 in. compared to the Grand Cherokee L's 204.9 in.
Overall, the line features a slim, sculpted exterior that delivers a more modern and updated premium appearance. A lowered, tapered roof improves the vehicle's aerodynamic performance, while the lowered beltline and expansive glass allow more light into the cabin and increase outward visibility.
A wider and larger seven-slot grille and new front fascia conceals a long-range radar and other advanced technology features. New active grille shutters, front wheel spats, air curtains, and hood aero flick, along with the lowered roof line and rear vertical-pillar spoilers, improve on-road performance and fuel efficiency. A gloss black roof is available for the first time on the Overland models and comes standard on Trailhawk, Summit, and Summit Reserve.
An exciting pick in the lineup is the new Trailhawk, which features standard all-terrain tires, integrated off-road camera, Quadra-Lift air suspension with up to 11.3 in. of ground clearance; improved approach, departure, and breakover angles; and the Quadra-Drive II active transfer case with rear eLSD and Selec-Terrain.
Jeep considers this trim "the most capable model in the new Grand Cherokee lineup." It also features:
- Class-exclusive sway-bar disconnect to allow for improved articulation and traction over rocks and rough terrain,
- Selec-Speed Control for managing vehicle speed in 4LO while traversing off-road terrain. On steep inclines/declines or when traversing obstacles, Selec-Speed Control automatically applies engine torque and/or brake pressure to maintain a consistent and safe off-roading speed without requiring the driver to control the throttle or the brake,
- High-strength steel skid plates,
- Red tow hooks,
- 18-in. wheels with all-terrain tires, and
- Class-leading traction, ground clearance, maneuverability, articulation, and increased water fording capability up to 24 in.
The class-leading Selec-Terrain traction management system lets customers choose the on- or off-road setting for optimum 4x4 performance. This feature electronically coordinates 4x4 torque split, braking and handling, steering and suspension systems, throttle control, transmission shift, transfer case, traction control, stability control, anti-lock braking system (ABS), and steering feel. The Selec-Terrain system offers five available terrain modes (Auto, Sport, Rock, Snow, Mud/Sand) to provide optimized calibrations for any given driving scenario.
The interior is really luxurious, featuring handcrafted materials and modern amenities. The front panel features new slim HVAC vents, a realigned center stack for greater driver accessibility, and 10.1-in. digital screens (digital cluster and touchscreen radio), as well as segment-first available 10.25-in. front passenger interactive display and a new high-def rear-seat entertainment system with FireTV built in. The center console layout now has updated switches, more storage space in the front bin that can hold two wireless devices, and a wireless charger.
The state-of-the-art Jeep Grand Cherokee boasts more than 110 advanced safety and security features, including:
- 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 and LaneSense Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist, and
- Advanced Brake Assist and Blind-spot Monitoring.
Additional available safety features include:
- New Night Vision Camera with pedestrian and animal detection,
- New Intersection Collision Assist,
- New Drowsy Driver Detection system,
- Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist and new Traffic Sign Recognition, and
- New 360-degree surround view camera system with front and rear washers.
First-ever plug-in hybrid option
The all-new 4xe powertrain is the line's first-ever hybrid option. It sports a 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 and features two electric motors, a 400-V battery pack, and a TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission. It is available on Limited, Trailhawk, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve.
All-new 2022 Jeep. Grand Cherokee Summit 4xe.
Overall, the 4xe system delivers 375 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. It has an estimated 25 miles of all-electric range, returns an estimated 57 MPGe, and has an estimated total range of more than 440 miles.
The high-tech, direct-injection engine uses a twin-scroll, low-inertia turbocharger mounted directly to the cylinder head. Efficiency is enhanced via the use of electric power steering and an electrically driven air conditioning compressor, removing those loads from the engine.
The conventional alternator is replaced with a high-voltage, liquid-cooled motor generator unit. Connected to the engine crankshaft pulley via a belt, the motor generator spins the engine for nearly seamless, fuel-saving, start-stop operation and generates electricity for the battery pack.
A larger high-voltage motor generator is mounted in the transmission, replacing the torque converter. Two clutches manage power and torque from the e-motor and engine.
A clutch is mounted between the engine and the motor. When the system operates in electric-only mode, this clutch is open so there is no mechanical linkage between the engine and the e-motor. When the clutch is closed, combined torque from the 2.0-liter engine and the e-motor flows through the automatic transmission. A variable clutch mounted behind the e-motor manages engagement with the transmission to improve drivability and efficiency.
The battery pack system includes a dedicated heating and cooling circuit to keep the battery at its optimum temperature for best performance. The system includes a dedicated heater unit and a chiller that uses the Grand Cherokee's air-conditioning refrigerant to reduce coolant temperature when needed.
The Grand Cherokee's 4xe system also includes an Integrated Dual Charging Module (ICDM) that combines a battery charger and a DC/DC converter in a single, compact unit and a Power Inverter Module (PIM) that is reduced in size. These are mounted under the body and protected with steel shields. The charge port is beneath a push-open/push-close cover on the left front fender.
With E Selec modes, the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe driver can tailor the hybrid powertrain to best suit each trip, whether it be commuting, off-roading, or long-distance travel: Hybrid, Electric, eSave. Regardless of the mode selected, the Grand Cherokee 4xe operates as a hybrid once the battery nears its minimum state of charge.
Regenerative braking is part of the 4xe system, and a driver-selectable Max Regen feature deploys a more assertive regenerative braking calibration when the vehicle sees zero throttle input from the driver (coasting). Max Regen can slow the Grand Cherokee 4xe faster than standard regenerative braking and generate more electricity for the battery pack.
The all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee will arrive in Jeep dealerships in North America in the fourth quarter of 2021. The Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe is scheduled to arrive in North America early in 2022 and in global markets later that year.
Pricing has not been released, but we expect it to start at $35,000 to $60,000, depending on trim. Learn more at jeep.com/all-new-grand-cherokee.html.
Source: Jeep/Stellantis
Published October 2021
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