Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe: The Plug-In Hybrid SUV That Can Do It All

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is one of the world's most iconic and successful SUVs. It has been around for almost 30 years, offering a blend of luxury, performance, and off-road capability that few competitors can match. Jeep constantly evolves and adapts to its customers' changing needs and preferences. And the latest example of that is the Grand Cherokee 4xe, the first plug-in hybrid version of the flagship Jeep model.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe is not just a token gesture to appease environmentalists or regulators. It is a serious contender in the plug-in hybrid SUV segment, offering a wide range of benefits. Here are some of the reasons why the Grand Cherokee 4xe is the plug-in hybrid that can do it all.

Power and Efficiency

The Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe combines a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with two electric motors and a 17-kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The result is a total system output of 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, enough to propel the SUV from zero to 60 mph in just 6 seconds. That's faster than some of its rivals, such as the Audi Q5 TFSI e and the Volvo XC60 Recharge.

But the Grand Cherokee 4xe is not just about speed. It is also about efficiency and versatility. The plug-in hybrid system allows the SUV to travel up to 25 miles on electric power alone, which is ideal for short trips or city driving. The battery can be recharged in about two hours using a Level 2 charger or overnight using a standard 120-volt outlet. And when the battery runs low, the gasoline engine kicks in seamlessly, giving the Grand Cherokee 4xe a total driving range of up to 470 miles.

The Grand Cherokee 4xe also gives drivers the choice of three driving modes: Hybrid, Electric, and eSave. Hybrid mode uses both the engine and the electric motors for optimal performance and efficiency. Electric mode relies solely on battery power for zero-emission driving. And eSave mode preserves the battery charge for later use, such as when entering a low-emission zone or an off-road trail.

Capability and Technology

The Grand Cherokee 4xe is not just a plug-in hybrid. It is also a Jeep. And that means it has to live up to the brand's reputation for off-road prowess and adventure. And it does. The Grand Cherokee 4xe comes with standard four-wheel drive and offers two advanced systems: Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II. Both systems feature an active transfer case that can distribute torque between the front and rear axles as needed and a Selec-Terrain traction management system that lets drivers choose from five modes: Auto, Sport, Snow, Sand/Mud, and Rock.

The Quadra-Drive II system adds an electronic limited-slip differential that can further split torque between the left and right rear wheels for enhanced traction and stability. The Grand Cherokee 4xe also features an air suspension system that can raise or lower the ride height by up to four inches, depending on the terrain or speed. And thanks to its water-sealed battery pack, the SUV can ford water up to 20 inches deep.

But the Grand Cherokee 4xe is not just about brute force. It is also about finesse and intelligence. The Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe SUV comes with a host of advanced driver assistance and safety features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. It also features a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a wireless charging pad, a head-up display, a digital instrument cluster, and a premium McIntosh sound system.

Style and Comfort

The Grand Cherokee 4xe is not just a plug-in hybrid or a Jeep. It is also a luxury vehicle. And that shows in its style and comfort. The Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe SUV boasts a sleek, sophisticated exterior design that blends elegance and athleticism. The signature seven-slot grille, slim LED headlights, sculpted hood, muscular fenders, chrome accents, and dual exhaust tips give it a distinctive and refined look. The only clues to its electrified nature are the blue tow hooks on the front bumper and the blue "4xe" badges on the charging door and the tailgate.

The interior of the Grand Cherokee 4xe is equally impressive, offering a spacious and comfortable cabin that can accommodate five passengers and their luggage. The SUV features high-quality materials, including Nappa leather upholstery, wood trim, piano black accents, and soft-touch surfaces. The seats are supportive and adjustable, with heating, ventilation, memory, and massage functions available. The rear seats can also recline and fold flat, expanding the cargo space from 37.7 to 70.8 cubic feet.

The Grand Cherokee 4xe also offers a range of options and packages to suit different tastes and needs. For instance, the Luxury Tech Group IV package adds features such as a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, a 360-degree surround-view camera, and front and rear park assist. The Trail Rated package adds features such as skid plates, tow hooks, all-terrain tires, and a Trail Rated badge. And the 30th Anniversary Edition package adds features such as commemorative badging, black exterior accents, and unique interior details.

Price and Value

The Grand Cherokee 4xe is not just a plug-in hybrid, a Jeep, or a luxury vehicle. It is also a great value proposition. The Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe SUV starts at $52,995 for the base Laredo model, which is only $3,000 more than the equivalent gasoline-only model. The mid-range Limited model starts at $57,995, while the top-of-the-line Overland model starts at $65,290. All prices include a $1,495 destination charge.

But the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe also qualifies for federal and state incentives that can lower the cost significantly. For instance, the SUV is eligible for a $7,500 federal tax credit and various state and local rebates and incentives, depending on the location. Additionally, Jeep offers attractive leasing and financing deals for the Grand Cherokee 4xe, such as no monthly payments for 90 days or $499 per month for 39 months, with $4,999 due at signing.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe also offers lower operating costs than its gasoline-only counterpart, thanks to its improved fuel economy and reduced maintenance needs. The SUV has an EPA-estimated rating of 25 mpg combined in hybrid mode and 56 MPGe combined in electric mode. That means it can save up to $750 per year in fuel costs compared to the gasoline-only model, assuming 15,000 miles driven per year and a gas price of $3.00 per gallon.

Conclusion

Some of the plug-in hybrid SUVs that the Grand Cherokee 4xe competes with are:

The Toyota RAV4 Prime has an EPA-estimated rating of 42 mpg combined in hybrid mode and 94 MPGe combined in electric mode. The Toyota RAV4 Prime also has a system output of 302 horsepower and can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds.
The Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid has an EPA-estimated rating of 41 mpg combined in hybrid mode and 100 MPGe combined in electric mode. The Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid also has a total system output of 221 horsepower and can travel up to 37 miles on electric power alone.
The Volvo XC60 Recharge has an EPA-estimated rating of 27 mpg combined in hybrid mode and 57 MPGe combined in electric mode. The Volvo XC60 Recharge also has a total system output of 400 horsepower and can travel up to 19 miles on electric power alone.

As you can see, the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe offers a good balance of power, efficiency, capability, luxury, and value among its plug-in hybrid SUV peers.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe is the plug-in hybrid that can do it all. It offers power, efficiency, capability, technology, style, comfort, and price and value. It is a versatile and well-rounded SUV that can meet modern drivers' diverse and demanding expectations. Whether you are looking for a family hauler, a daily commuter, an off-road adventurer, or a luxury cruiser, the Grand Cherokee 4xe has you covered. It is the ultimate expression of the Jeep brand's heritage and innovation.