Test drive: Jeep Grand Cherokee 4Xe, semi-powered hybrid (2024)

Do you remember the Jeep Grand Cherokee? This SUV with a classic American look that made us want to travel the plains of far west overcome any obstacle. This is the latest generation and the obstacle that must be overcome is not physical…but ecological!

outside

Of course, we can talk about the “all” new Grand Cherokee, but the date of its launch from 2022. That being said, everything was done with greater tact, on the Old Continent at least. In terms of design, the newcomer somewhat breaks the rules established by its predecessor. So we get a longer SUV (4.9 m), softer and smoother.

In front, it is impossible to miss the grille and seven incisors typical of the brand. It is, in this case, more vertical and higher, marking the line of the hood using two horizontal optics. On the sides, we see a long roof line that does not leak a single iota, ending in a rear that is finally square and vertical. You can’t tell, but under its angular forms is Giorgio’s Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio platform.

Internal affairs

All the exterior parts opt for a style evolution, while the interior gets a complete makeover. The dashboard, completely horizontal, does not present less than three screens. The instrument panel measures 10.25 inches, the infotainment measures 10.1 inches and the passenger-mounted screen (reserved for the Summit Reserve version) is 10 inches.

The finish is not bad, with oak wood, chrome plastic and a good part of the furniture covered with leather (imitation). However it sounds empty. At least, for parts that are connected correctly! Additionally, the bass of the McIntosh sound system will not fail to get you noticed. It screams, it sings, it screams all around…

In addition to this meeting worthy of an English car from the 60s, the Grand Cherokee offers a very comfortable accommodation. Its wheelbase of 2.96 meters provides enough space for the rear passengers, while the trunk is not affected by the battery and has a volume of 835 liters. There is room for everyone! Well, except for 7 passengers, because this version of the Grand Cherokee is only reserved for the United States …

Engine

This is not the only thing that we Europeans are denied. Yes, no V6, no big V8 under the hood. The Grand Cherokee should be powered by a small 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder. Fortunately, it combines it with a plug-in hybrid system including a 145 hp electric motor placed in an 8-speed automatic gearbox. All of it produces 381 hp and 637 Nm of torque. In today’s hybrid world, that’s respect.

That being said, where the Grand Cherokee has to bow compared to many of its competitors… it’s all about efficiency! Yes, with a battery – small these days – of 17.3 kWh, it can only claim a low electric range of 48 km. This gives CO2 emissions of 60 to 69 g/km, with an average consumption of 2.6 to 2.9 l/100 km . All of its competitors perform better, while also providing more power!

On the road

As is typical with plug-in hybrids and electronics, the displayed frequency does not match the actual frequency. “Our” Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Reserve with 21-inch rims could not even exceed 20 km. In 2023/2024, it’s sad! However, the story did not end there. Once the juice runs out, the 2.5-tonne SUV struggles to hide its transition between electric and petrol. That’s not to mention the sound of the 2.0 liter …

In addition, the air suspension offers a rare combination of a lack of body support and the absence of filtering. What’s the point of having an air mattress if it doesn’t provide any comfort? In addition, this durability once again makes the interior furniture sing … With the little freedom that our test model showed, its lack of efficiency is not a surprise. After a week – of course, without another electric charge – our average stays at 10.4 l / 100 km.

Price

So far, we cannot say that the Jeep Grand Cherokee does a run home. Will he manage to come up with a list of his prices? Yes and no! Let’s start with the positives: the entry-level Overland (not available in France) offers a very well-stocked base bag; from electric leather seats, heating, ventilation and even massage, to all infotainment with air suspension and LED lights. The Summit Park Edition adds Palermo leather, a McIntosh sound system, a limited slip differential, etc

Initially, the Grand Cherokee impressed with its equipment and its price was more affordable than the competition. These days, he only does the former. Yes, the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4Xe starts at €93,000 (not available in France) and €101,500 for the Summit Reserve version (France: €99,500). It hurts the wallet…

Decision

The Jeep Grand Cherokee 4Xe tries to sell us the American idyll and efficiency that Europe demands, but this cow misses the mark. Taken alone, it can be interesting, if you can get past the solid dirt and half-baked interior. However, its Achilles heel is the first competition that offers more electric range and better performance for the same price…