2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee: Always Rugged and Now Refined

Beverly Braga

Review QuickTakes:

• Trim Levels
• Test Drive
• Specifications

What is the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee?

One of Jeep’s most popular models, the 2022 Grand Cherokee is a midsize SUV designed for comfortable driving on pavement and class-leading performance off-road. The Grand Cherokee has been a mainstay of the Jeep brand since 1993.

Jeep began rolling out the redesigned Grand Cherokee in 2021 when the new three-row, seven-passenger version debuted as the Grand Cherokee L. This year, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee lineup adds a redesigned two-row, five-passenger version. Like the L, the new 2022 Grand Cherokee comes with a standard V6 or an optional V8 engine and rear-wheel or four-wheel drive. In addition, the two-row model gets a new plug-in hybrid powertrain in what is called the Grand Cherokee 4xe.

Note that Jeep has also continued the old two-row Grand Cherokee for another year. That version is now known as the 2022 Grand Cherokee WK, and it comes with fewer trims, colors, and options than before. This review does not include commentary about the WK Grand Cherokee.

What's New for the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee?

Redesigned for the first time in a decade, the new 2022 Grand Cherokee represents a dramatic improvement in refinement, safety, and technology. The previous high-performance SRT versions are gone, but a new plug-in hybrid Grand Cherokee 4xe model is available and provides an EPA-estimated 26 miles of electric driving before reverting to gas-electric hybrid operation. In addition, the Grand Cherokee L continues with minor updates for the new model year.

How Much is a Jeep Grand Cherokee?

This year, 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee prices range from the low $40,000s to the mid $70,000s, including the $1,795 destination charge to ship the SUV from the Detroit factory that builds it to your local dealership.

2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trim Levels and Configurations

Jeep offers the 2022 Grand Cherokee in standard and extended-length versions, the latter known as the Jeep Grand Cherokee L. Additionally, a Grand Cherokee 4xe is available, a plug-in hybrid based on the standard configuration. Depending on which version of the SUV you choose, you can select between seven trim levels:

Grand Cherokee Laredo – With the Grand Cherokee Laredo, you get the features you need without any unnecessary frippery. It comes with an 8.4-inch infotainment system, adaptive cruise control, and a suite of advanced driver assistance features.

Grand Cherokee Altitude – For a sportier look, the Altitude adds blacked-out exterior trim and 20-inch wheels, remote engine starting, leather seats with simulated suede inserts, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, rain-sensing wipers, wireless smartphone charging, and more.

Grand Cherokee Limited – Limited trim adds a little luxury with full leather upholstery, heated rear seats, ambient interior lighting, and other nice-to-have features. It's also your on-ramp to a wider variety of options and packages.

Grand Cherokee Trailhawk – If you want maximum off-roading capability, the "Trail Rated" Grand Cherokee Trailhawk is the version to get. In addition to the hardware and software necessary for its purpose, it also comes with simulated suede seat inserts, ventilated front seats, a navigation system, a premium sound system, and more.

Grand Cherokee Overland – Extras with Overland trim include 20-inch wheels, an air suspension, front parking sensors, premium leather, a panoramic glass sunroof, a hands-free power liftgate, and other niceties.

Grand Cherokee Summit – Summit trim represents luxury with unique exterior detailing, quilted leather, real wood trim, massaging front seats, four-zone climate control, a larger infotainment display, additional driver-assist technology, a surround-view camera, and several other upgrades.

Grand Cherokee Summit Reserve – This is the most luxurious Grand Cherokee, equipped with 21-inch wheels, super-premium hand-wrapped leather, a simulated suede headliner, a high-end 19-speaker sound system, a 10.25-inch infotainment screen for the front passenger, and ventilated second-row seats.

Beverly Braga

2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Review and Test Drive

By Beverly Braga

Test Drive QuickTakes:

• The Design
• The Technology
• The Drive

Jeep continues to grow the Grand Cherokee family, rolling out an all-new two-row model that shares plenty with the three-row Grand Cherokee L that debuted last year. However, there are distinct differences between the two. In a 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L comparison, you'll find the familiar two-row model is nearly a foot shorter in length, loses a third-row seat, and loses 13.8 cubic feet of maximum cargo space. However, it gains a plug-in hybrid powertrain option and a Trailhawk trim level that allows it to go places the Grand Cherokee L can't.

For this 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee review, I test-drove one with Limited trim. It had the standard 3.6L V6 engine, eight-speed automatic transmission, and numerous options that brought the final Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) to $58,775, including the $1,795 destination charge. Jeep provided the vehicle in Detroit for a week-long evaluation period.

Beverly Braga

Suffice to say, this Limited model was not lacking in features. Upgrades included four-wheel-drive ($2,000), premium Velvet Red Pearl paint ($395), a 20-inch polished-aluminum wheel package ($1,645), the Luxury Tech Group II ($2,295), the Rear Seat Video Group I ($1,995), a dual-pane panoramic sunroof ($1,835), a front-passenger interactive display ($1,095), and a 10.1-inch Uconnect 5 infotainment system with navigation ($1,075).

2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Review: The Design

Everything may be all-new with the 2022 Grand Cherokee, but it remains distinctively Jeep. Big, blocky, and bold remain the pillars of every Jeep design, and the fifth-generation Grand Cherokee is no exception.

The Grand Cherokee's wheelbase gains two inches to measure 116.7 inches, while its overall length extends another 3.7 inches to a total of 193.5 inches. The SUV also grows an inch in width to 77.5 inches and 1.5 inches in height to 70.8 inches. Ground clearance is shaved by 0.2 for a standard 8.4 inches.

Beverly Braga

So, its dimensions have increased, yet thanks to a tapered roofline, elongated hood, lowered beltline, widened grille, and redesigned front fascia, the new Grand Cherokee's profile appears longer but leaner and no less imposing. There's an air of sophistication and maturation to its exterior styling that becomes even more evident in the cabin.

One word comes to mind about the Grand Cherokee's revamped interior: upscale. Thanks to a complete overhaul, the dashboard design is clean and modern yet equipped with frequent-use buttons and knobs for climate control and audio settings. Although the Uconnect infotainment system retains a standard 8.4-inch touchscreen, everything on the center stack and console is realigned to be more appealing and minimize eye travel. In addition, the air vents are now horizontally rather than vertically positioned, and the slimline look only adds to the cabin's luxury leanings.

The new interior materials feel upscale too. The gear selector is a rotary dial, with a large knob that’s metallic and easy to grip. Equally large, metallic, and tactile is the drive mode toggle positioned to the gear knob's immediate left. And if the SUV has the Quadra-Lift adjustable air suspension system, a similar toggle appears on the right.

One demerit is the high use of glossy black finishes. Sure, the piano black trim gives a premium appearance, but it also effortlessly showcases dust, dirt, fingerprints, and scratches. My low-mileage test vehicle already exhibited a litany of careless scratches around the gear knob and cup holders, which cheapened the interior's look.

Beverly Braga

Comfort and ergonomics go hand-in-hand, and the 2022 Grand Cherokee has plenty of both. Cloth seats and an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat are standard, but Limited trim upgrades the SUV to leather upholstery, a power-adjustable front passenger's seat, heated front and rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. The optional Lux Tech Group II package adds perforated leather, ventilated front seats, and a power tilt-and-telescopic steering column.

I tested this vehicle in late winter. Temperatures weren't frigid but still at freezing, and the heated seats warmed up quickly. Also, the entire steering wheel heats up (surprisingly, not always the case with heated steering wheels).

Indeed, the Grand Cherokee will keep you cozy but not snug. As in, there's so much room in this vehicle, a friend thought it was the three-row Grand Cherokee L. Even though the Jeep's exterior dimensional gains aren't massive, the interior passenger volume increases by 39.2 cubic feet to a new total of 144.6 when compared to the previous generation non-L model. Front headroom holds steady at 39.9 inches, but every other measurement increases.

Beverly Braga

It's a different story in the backseat, which is about the same size as the outgoing Grand Cherokee (WK). Nevertheless, because the mere feeling of spaciousness offsets the actual measuring tape, the new interior's overall sensation of roominess is enough for someone to mistake it for a three-row SUV.

2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Review: The Technology

To match the sophistication of the Grand Cherokee's all-new interior, Jeep also focused on the vehicle's technology offerings. Unsurprisingly, Jeep says the new 2022 Grand Cherokee has the most advanced technology features of any prior version of the SUV. And that's not boastful grandstanding when the new Jeep offers nearly 61 inches of digital displays.

Beverly Braga

For one, the new Grand Cherokee is available with a segment-first front passenger screen. No, that's not a typo. The front passenger can enjoy a separate screen measuring 10.25 inches. And this is no dinky TFT monitor but an interactive touchscreen that offers co-pilot-style controls for navigation, cameras, and entertainment menus. If so equipped, the Grand Cherokee can have four large display screens up front and two in the rear.

A Uconnect 5 infotainment system is standard for all Grand Cherokees. Five times faster than the previous Uconnect system and offering over-the-air update capability, Uconnect 5 includes the usual connectivity suspects such as Bluetooth with simultaneous connection for two phones, voice recognition capability, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio. You command all of these features through a standard 8.4-inch touchscreen display.

Trailhawk and Overland models get Uconnect 5 NAV, adding more tech bits like navigation, voice text reply, and expanded services through SiriusXM's Guardian, Traffic, and Travel Link connected services. Built into the navigation system, these added features provide real-time travel-related data, roadside assistance, and remote start and vehicle access. The top-of-the-line Grand Cherokee Summit and Summit Reserve receive the same system but with a 10.1-inch touchscreen available on all other trims except for the entry-level Laredo.

Beverly Braga

A rear-seat entertainment system is also available. It includes two 10.1-inch touchscreens, USB/HDMI ports, and Amazon Fire TV access when connected to the internet through the available in-vehicle 4G Wi-Fi hotspot or smartphone tethering. Or, skip the Wi-Fi streaming and watch downloaded Amazon Prime Video content. The Grand Cherokee has 16 GB of dedicated built-in storage for the rear-seat displays. The best function of the entertainment system is that you can sync the screens to play the same content so passengers can watch together or choose individual programming.

Finally, there are the driver information screens. A 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster is standard across the model line, while a 10-inch full-color head-up display is available for Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve trim levels. If screen acreage matters to you, you'll enjoy this fun fact. At a minimum, Grand Cherokee owners get 18.65 inches of full-color digital monitors and, at most, 60.8 inches of blue light-emitting specials. Unfortunately, Jeep does not include a free optometrist visit.

Is all of this tech even worth it? I think the answer is yes and no. All the displays have clean, crisp graphics with easy-to-read fonts. However, the Uconnect display's user interface wasn't as customizable as I'd like, particularly the shortcut widgets. Size and placement are limited to pre-installed layouts. Also, the front passenger's display is difficult to see in the daylight, even at its brightest setting. It's comparable to having a privacy screen applied to deter nosy neighbors, but one that hinders even the passenger's view. But I'll give Jeep a pass for its first-ever, all-new, segment-exclusive gimmick.

Something that should operate adequately is Bluetooth. Jeep's former parent company, Daimler Chrysler, introduced the hands-free communication system 20 years ago, so you'd think it'd function flawlessly in a 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Nope. The Bluetooth system in my test vehicle was finicky, either disconnecting my previously connected phone or unable to "find" it for a connection. When the system decided my phone did exist, at least phone call clarity was top-notch.

The ease in using voice activation with Uconnect 5 is also worth commending. You can press the voice button on the steering wheel or simply say, "Hey, Uconnect." I experienced no issues when using the system for navigation. Tedious and specific prompts like "Navigation" followed by "Find address" were unnecessary, unlike in some competitor vehicles. Instead, Uconnect 5 recognized my natural speech pattern after asking for navigation assistance, and then I could easily state the address. It even recognized a city as strange to spell and say as "Ypsilanti, Michigan."

For whatever reason, though, the volume settings for voice, navigation, and the phone would annoyingly reset each time I turned the engine off. The default was level 15, which is nearly halfway on the dial, and I preferred half of that half. On a quiet morning, 15 is just startling. This problem happened even after creating a personalized driver profile. Oh, and don't ask Uconnect to tell you any jokes. Unlike advanced infotainment systems in BMW, GM products, Toyota, etc., Uconnect doesn't know any.

Beverly Braga

Nevertheless, the most crucial vehicle technologies would be related to safety, and Jeep claims the 2022 Grand Cherokee has more than 110 security and safety features. Standard advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) include adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian/cyclist detection, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking assist sensors.

Newly available driver-assistance features for 2022 include a night vision camera, intersection-collision assist, a driver attention monitoring system, parallel and perpendicular parking assist, traffic sign recognition, a 360-degree surround-view camera, and Active Driving Assist for semi-autonomous driving. Active Driving Assist combines the adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering assist function to ease highway driving, and Jeep is planning to make a hands-free version available in the future.

Neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has performed crash tests on the all-new 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee. However, with more standard and available safety features and an all-new vehicle platform, I can only hope that the redesigned Grand Cherokee improves over the old Grand Cherokee WK model's less than stellar results.

2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Review: The Drive

Carrying over from the previous Grand Cherokee, the standard 3.6L V6 and optional 5.7L V8 gasoline engines lost a little horsepower in the transition to the redesigned SUV's engine bay. The V6 now makes 293 horsepower (previously 295 hp), and the V8 produces 357 horsepower (formerly 360 hp). Torque is unchanged, at 260 pound-feet for the V6 and 390 lb.-ft. for the V8. Two-wheel drive (2WD) is standard for Grand Cherokee V6 models, with a four-wheel-drive system (4WD) available as an option. The V8 comes only with 4WD. Both engines pair with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Beverly Braga

With this redesign, Jeep drops the performance-tuned SRT and even more potent Trackhawk variants of the Grand Cherokee, which means you can no longer get a 6.4L V8 or a 6.2L supercharged V8. Instead of traditional performance, the new Grand Cherokee lineup adds the 4xe plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV), which supplies environmental performance.

The Grand Cherokee 4xe uses an entirely new powertrain setup, pairing a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder with an eight-speed automatic, dual electric motors (creating standard 4WD), and a 17-kWh battery pack. This setup provides 26 miles of electric driving range before switching to gas-electric hybrid operation and returning an EPA-estimated 23 mpg in combined driving. Not only is the Grand Cherokee 4xe the most efficient version of the new SUV, but it's also the most powerful, supplying 375 hp and 470 lb.-ft. of torque.

Jeep also attempts to make the gasoline engines as efficient as possible. For example, all V6 models have an engine start-stop (ESS) system that can turn the engine off when idling in traffic and at intersections if conditions suit this operation. In addition, the V8s have Fuel Saver Technology, which automatically deactivates four of the engine's eight cylinders when full power isn't needed, such as when cruising on the highway. Need the V8's full force? Just push down on the accelerator, and the system re-engages the deactivated cylinders.

Beverly Braga

According to EPA fuel economy ratings, the 2022 Grand Cherokee's V6 engine does consume less fuel than before, even if ever so slightly. Regardless of drive configuration, the V6 is EPA-rated to return 19 mpg in the city, 26 mpg on the highway, and 22 mpg in combined driving. The old Grand Cherokee WK gets 21 mpg combined. However, on my road test loop, which is mostly highway, I averaged an unimpressive 19 mpg. At the end of my vehicle loan, and with more city driving added into the mix), the final mpg tally was just 17.9 mpg. Yikes. The Grand Cherokee's saving grace is that it can run on regular octane gasoline.

Jeep also offers a Selec-Terrain drive mode system on the new Grand Cherokee. My Limited 4WD test vehicle had Auto, Sport, Snow, and Sand/Mud, each setting specifically tuned to adjust traction for the selected road conditions. Unfortunately, although I tested the Grand Cherokee during the winter, there was no snowfall at the time to try the Snow mode. Also, Sport on the Selec-Terrain toggle is different from a separate Sport Mode button that appears on the dashboard (if equipped). The former affects traction; the latter adjusts engine, transmission, and steering response.

Adjustments specific to the electric steering include Normal, Sport, and Comfort. Normal was pretty tight and required a heavy hand. The Comfort setting felt on par with what amounts to Normal in other vehicles. Suffice to say, that was my preference.

Ride comfort is remarkably smooth for an SUV that can tackle significantly challenging terrain. The suspension soaked up unpaved, pockmarked roads with ease, even at 45 mph. It's not a soft ride, mind you, but it is compliant and comfortable. Long drives won't lead to stiffness or lower back pain. Road noise is minimal, too. Midwest highways aren't the smoothest, with grooved sections and large-gap asphalt being the norm. The Grand Cherokee isn't library-quiet, but it's soundproofed well enough that I didn't even notice I had passed the "loud section" of my test loop. If anything, "noise" came from the throaty V6, which I found a welcome intrusion.

Beverly Braga

Overall handling was typical for a body-on-frame SUV. Some corners shone an unflattering light on the Jeep’s mass, so winding roads are not its happy place. But since most people will use the Grand Cherokee as a commuter vessel or a slow-and-easy off-roader, that is a non-issue. From behind the wheel, visibility is much better than in the previous generation. That is mainly due to an inch lower beltline and larger windows.

For those interested in towing, Grand Cherokee models with the V6 have a maximum towing rating of 6,200 pounds for both 2WD and 4WD configurations. The 4xe model can pull 6,000 pounds with its PHEV powertrain. Opting for the V8 will get you a class-leading 7,200 pounds of towing capability.

Is the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee a Good SUV?

Although consumers will not shop for the new Jeep Grand Cherokee as a value-oriented vehicle, it continues to carry the Jeep banner high and proud. No longer outdated in looks and features, the 2022 Grand Cherokee is a strong contender for SUV buyers who want a handsome design, premium amenities, and a legacy of off-road capability. Better yet, it's much better to drive on pavement, where most Grand Cherokees spend most of their time.

Jeep Grand Cherokee Competitors for 2022

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee deftly straddles three different SUV camps. Its off-roading capability puts it in direct competition with the equally capable Toyota 4Runner, but its newfound refinement and sophistication make it a credible alternative to crossovers such as the Chevrolet Blazer, Ford Edge, Honda Passport, and Hyundai Santa Fe. Furthermore, when equipped with Summit or Summit Reserve trim, a loaded Grand Cherokee can take on a range of luxury SUVs from the BMW X5 and Genesis GV80 to the Land Rover Defender 90 and Lexus GX.

Jeep Grand Cherokee Features

Highlights

Built in Detroit and available with a good 'ole American V8, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee is nevertheless turning a page in its history. A Grand Cherokee 4xe plug-in hybrid version adds electrification to the lineup for the first time, and this is the most technologically advanced Grand Cherokee ever made.

2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Safety Features

• Adaptive cruise control – Standard, and it includes stop-and-go capability
• LaneSense – Standard lane-departure and lane-keeping assistance
• Intersection Collision Assist – Available forward cross-traffic warning system*
• Night Vision – Available infrared camera detects pedestrians and animals on the road ahead*
• Active Driving Assist – Available Level 2 driving assistance pairing adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance technology*

2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Technology Features

• Uconnect 5 – Standard next-generation infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Selec-Speed Control – Trailhawk only; off-road cruise control system for use at single-digit speeds
• Digital Rearview Mirror – Available camera-based rearview mirror display*
• Passenger Screen – Available 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment display located on the dashboard in front of the passenger*
• Rear-seat Entertainment System – Available dual 10.1-inch touchscreen displays with content streaming capability*

2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Interior Features

• Panoramic sunroof – Available feature*
• Heated/Ventilated seats – Available feature for front and second-row seats*
• Massaging seats – Available feature for front seats*
• 4-Zone Climate Control – Available feature*
• Premium sound system — Available McIntosh high-end audio system*

2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Specs

3.6L V6 engine

• 293 hp and 260 lb.-ft. of torque
• 8-speed automatic transmission
• Rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive
• EPA fuel economy rating of 21 mpg to 22 mpg in combined driving
• 6,200-lb. maximum towing capacity

5.7L V8 engine

• 357 hp and 390 lb.-ft. of torque
• 8-speed automatic transmission
• Rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive
• EPA fuel economy rating of 17 mpg in combined driving
• 7,200-lb. maximum towing capacity

2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, two electric motors, 17-kWh battery pack

• 375 hp and 470 lb.-ft. of torque
• 8-speed automatic transmission
• Rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive
• Electric driving range of 26 miles
• EPA fuel economy rating of 23 mpg in combined driving
• 6,000-lb. maximum towing capacity

*Availability is subject to specific trim level selections