Keen readers will know that Jeep has been building vehicles with the Cherokee name for more than 45 years. However, the American automaker has been facing increasing pressure to drop the callsign following its reintroduction to the U.S. market in 2013. As such, Car and Driver talked about the issue at length in a recent article.

“I’m sure this comes from a place that is well-intended, but it does not honor us by having our name plastered on the side of a car,” said Chuck Hoskin Jr., Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation, after Car and Driver reached out for comment.

We’d be remiss not to mention that over the past eight years following the reintroduction of the name into Jeep’s lineup, the Cherokee Nation has never explicitly said that Jeep should change the car’s name until recently. Currently, the American automaker is facing increasing pressure to make a change next to the release of the latest Grand Cherokee.

“The best way to honor us is to learn about our sovereign government, our role in this country, our history, culture, and language, and have meaningful dialogue with federally recognized tribes on cultural appropriateness,” said Hoskin.

While the automotive world could be seen as a niche market for such changes, we’ve seen swift action in the world of sports with the MLB and NFL; Cleveland’s pro baseball team swiftly dropped its nickname and mascot. Even before the MLB rebadge, Washington changed its name to the Washington Football Team before the 2020-2021 season had even started.

Regardless, Jeep responded with the claim that the names on its cars were intended to honor and celebrate the Native American tribes, and noted that the brand is committed to a respectful and open dialogue going forwards. It was reported that representatives from the American automaker had reached out to Chief Hoskin via phone, but the nation’s stance remains unchanged.

If you want more Grand Cherokee, you're going to have to pay more. The new, larger 2021 Grand Cherokee L with three rows of seats is predictably more expensive than the existing two-row version, with prices starting at $38,690 and rising to over $65,000 for the top trim levels. Depending on model, the L costs between $2975–$6280 more than the equivalent two-row; but remember, the L is also the first representative of the Grand Cherokee's new generation, while the two-row version of the new design won't arrive until the 2022 model year.

The L starts off with the Laredo trim, which comes standard with rear-wheel drive and a 3.6-liter V-6. The available four-wheel-drive system costs $2000 extra for all Grand Cherokee Ls. The next model is the Limited, which starts at $45,690 and adds features such as a power liftgate, leather seats, and heated second-row seats.The Overland starts at $54,690 and offers a 5.7-liter V-8 as an optional upgrade for $5295 extra (the engine upgrade also necessitates adding four-wheel drive). It also comes with features such as a power-folding third row of seats, a cooling function for the second-row seats, and an upgraded audio system. The $58,690 Summit, appropriately enough, sits at the top of the lineup and has extras such as 20-inch wheels, four-zone climate control, nappa leather seats, and massaging front seats.

There's an even better-equipped Summit Reserve model starting at $63,690 that includes cooled second-row seats, 21-inch wheels, and even nicer interior trim. A fully loaded Summit Reserve with the V-8 engine tops out at $66,985.

Jeep says the 2021 Grand Cherokee L start arriving at U.S. dealerships in the spring.

The two-row 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee has been spotted testing in the wild alongside its three-row sibling, giving us our first glimpse at how Jeep plans to differentiate the two beyond their available seating configurations.

This is our first look at the two-row variant of Jeep's replacement for its now-decade-old WK2-generation Grand Cherokee, which is kind of surprising, considering the fact that Jeep has already revealed the three-row Grand Cherokee L. Sales of the current two-row remain strong, so Jeep isn't exactly missing out on sales by letting the new seven-seater get out ahead of the short-wheelbase replacement, but it's an interesting quirk of the new model's development.

Viewed side-by-side, there are some obvious differences between the two- and three-row models even under the former's camouflage. The rear doors on the three-row model are longer, granting easier access to those way-back seats. There are also visible differences in the D-pillar treatment; the two-row model's is shaped differently and appears to lack the blacked-out insert seen on the L between the chrome trim on the pillar itself and the glass on its liftgate. There are visible differences up front too. The lower bumper grille on the two-row appears to be inverted compared to the L's, though we can't rule out the possibility that this will vary based on trim.

Jeep has not yet confirmed much about the two-row Grand Cherokee beyond the basics, but we expect much of its underpinnings to match the L's. That would mean a 3.6-liter V6 making 290 horsepower and 257 pound-feet of torque would be standard, and a 5.7-liter V8 with 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque should be optional. A plug-in hybrid variant of the L (dubbed 4xe, like the Wrangler PHEV) has already been announced; we have no reason to believe it will be reserved for the larger variant.

Jeep's lineup is only growing, with the brand introducing new models and hybrid powertrains. The company has so far hybridized the Renegade and Compass in Europe while electrifying the Wrangler in the US. The three carry the brand's 4xe plug-in hybrid badge, and soon there'll be yet another Jeep model wearing it – the Grand Cherokee. A new video from the TFLnow YouTube channel caught one test vehicle in the Colorado mountains.

The video shows a thoroughly camouflaged five-seat SUV, though the tight warp reveals the upright front end, the iconic slotted grille, bold bumper, and sleek headlights. Out the back, there's a quirky-looking tailpipe. However, the Jeep doesn't truly reveal itself until it starts moving – silently. The Jeep backs out of its parking spot and pulls away without a hint of sound, which suggests it's operating only on electricity. There's no sound of the engine starting, nor is there any exhaust note as it cruises away.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe isn't a secret. Earlier this year, Christian Meunier, Jeep's global head-honcho, confirmed the model was in development and that customers shouldn't worry about the off-roader going soft. He said the hybrid "is as competent" as the V8 version but with better fuel economy. Details about the hybrid powertrain are elusive, though we can look to the Wrangler 4xe, which offers 375 horsepower (280 kilowatts) and 470 pound-feet (673 Newton-meters) of torque. That's a lot of twist.

The Wrangler allows for up to 25 miles of pure-electric driving, and the Grand Cherokee could exceed that depending on the battery size. We don't know when Jeep will reveal the Grand Cherokee 4xe because the company still has to reveal the regular five-seat model. Rumors suggest dealers could see the 2022 Grand Cherokee arrive by the third quarter, though the 4xe variant isn't expected to debut until early next year.

Carrying families since the early 90s, the Jeep Grand Cherokee has always been a two-row SUV. The new Jeep Grand Cherokee L is here, and not only is it the first Grand Cherokee model to offer a third row in the back, it has had a full makeover. It’s still a unibody and it’s still sporting an aluminum hood, but there’s a whole lot that is different for the newest iteration of this American icon.

Behind the fascia and comfort is a plethora of engineering tweaks that enable it to clamber up a steep rocky grade or down into a water crossing. One significant piece of that puzzle is an all-new multi-link front and rear suspension system with a virtual ball joint.

Recently, I put the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee L through its paces at the brand’s Chelsea Proving Grounds near Detroit, Michigan. The course set up for the purpose was challenging enough to impress, and the front camera made a big difference when reaching the summit of a hill and the SUV’s nose was pointed to the sky. Overall, the ride was both nimble and luxurious, a combination you don’t get in a Wrangler or Gladiator.

Lead engineer Tom Seel told the media group at the launch that there was quite a bit of pressure in reengineering this icon, and they wanted to “honor the seven slots”. The Jeep Grand Cherokee L has been re-built from the ground up on a new WL chassis to replace the outgoing WK2; the WL is 15.1 inches longer and sits on a wheelbase that has seven more inches on it in order to accommodate three rows. The whole project was no small challenge, including the engineering updates.

For the first time on a Grand Cherokee, the front axle is bolted directly to the engine to save weight and improve its vehicle dynamics. A new multi-link suspension in front and rear has been updated with mission-specific ball joints, which Chief Engineer for the Jeep Cherokee L Fil Grado says was a no-brainer.

Ball joints play an important role in the Grand Cherokee L’s steering and suspension, connecting the steering knuckles to the short and long control arms. Each link is focused on either handling or comfort, eliminating the need to share conflicting requirements; the decoupling of the handling and comfort link function improves overall isolation and steering performance. Even if you're not mechanically inclined, seeing a bad ball joint job like the one we heard about in Australia (which was cobbled together with wire and zip ties) you'll understand how critical this component is for a safe and comfortable ride.

With the Jeep Grand Cherokee L's new setup, the ball joint was moved to a virtual point In the past, the pivot point was inside the vehicle, between the wheels. Placing the virtual ball outside the wheels gives the vehicle more lateral stability.

"By moving the virtual ball more outboard, the vehicle is less sensitive to varying road inputs and vibrations to the driver, also providing additional stability and on center steering performance," Grado says.

After spending some time with the new Jeep Grand Cherokee L both onroad and playing in the dirt, I can tell you that the edges have been smoothed out on this vehicle. In the popular three-row SUV segment, this update represents the seven slots quite well.

There are years of rumors about Jeep developing a new 3.0-liter inline-six engine under the codename Tornado. A new report from the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) claims that the powerplant could finally make a debut under the hood of the new, two-row Grand Cherokee.

The Tornado engine is allegedly turbocharged and comes with 48-volt mild-hybrid assistance. It'll connect to a ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic, according to the SEMA rumor.

In previous rumors, the Tornado engine was allegedly debuting first in the new Wagoneer and was eventually going to be available in the Grand Cherokee, Dodge Charger, Challenger, and Ram pickups. Some tunes of the turbocharged, mild-hybrid inline-six would allegedly be just as powerful as the existing 5.7-liter V8 if not even more potent.

The two-row Grand Cherokee should debut before the end of the year, and spy shots suggest it has slightly different styling than the three-row Grand Cherokee L. There's a tweaked front fascia. More notably, the rear glass and pillar have a more angular look, in part because of the vehicle's reduced length.

Spy shots also tell us that the two-row Grand Cherokee is getting a 4xe plug-in hybrid variant. It will reportedly share a powertrain with the Wrangler 4xe. If so, this will be a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with two electric motors making a total of 375 horsepower (280 kilowatts) and 470 pound-feet (673 Newton-meters) of torque.

If the two-row Grand Cherokee adopts the same interior tech as the three-row Grand Cherokee L, which seems likely, then it would offer very luxurious surroundings for occupants. There are amenities like 8.4- and 10.1-inch infotainment screens, open-pore waxed wood, and high-end leather. Safety tech includes full-speed collision warning, rear cross-path detection, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, lane-keep assist, and more.

Introduced in 2018, the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is among the most powerful mainstream production vehicles money can buy today. It’s also impressively quick off the line with a 0 to 60 miles per hour (0 to 96 kilometers per hour) acceleration time of 3.5 seconds. Unfortunately, you probably have just a few more months if you want to buy a brand new Grand Cherokee Trackhawk as the range-topper could be discontinued for the new model year.

Jeep is now gearing up for the production of the next-generation Grand Cherokee and “sources within Stellantis” told MoparInsiders a new-gen Trackhawk most likely won’t happen. Originally, the automaker had plans for a new supercharged V8 model but Stellantis electrification push and the ever-growing emissions regulations forced the company to rethink its strategy.

In fact, there might be a new Trackhawk later during the model’s lifecycle but it won’t feature a supercharged V8 powertrain. Instead, according to rumors, it may use a hybridized 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine with up to 525 horsepower (391 kilowatts) and instant torque delivery thanks to the electric motor. While this number is nowhere near the 707 hp (527 kW) of the current Trackhawk, the gap could be filled by the hybrid technology and its power delivery.

​​​​​​​Another, less powerful electrified engine is also in the works for the new Grand Cherokee. Seen testing on public roads last month, the 4xe version will reportedly use the same electrified powertrain as the Wrangler 4xe. If this turns out to be true, the SUV will be getting a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine supported by two electric motors for a total output of 375 horsepower (280 kilowatts) and 470 pound-feet (673 Newton-meters) of torque.

Jeep wants a lineup that produces zero emissions, and the company plans to sell models in every SUV segment that meet that mandate by 2025. In addition to announcing its plans for an electrified future, Jeep showed the first official image of the new 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee. This marks the first time we've laid eyes on the non-L Grand Cherokee, which features a shorter wheelbase and only has two rows of seats compared with the three-row 2021 Grand Cherokee L. However, the version shown is a plug-in-hybrid 4xe model.

The 2022 Grand Cherokee 4xe follows in the tire tracks of the electrified 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe that's now currently on sale. The plug-in Wrangler combines the nameplate's iconic off-road abilities with an eco-minded powertrain that generates a combined 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. The EPA estimates the Wrangler 4xe has an all-electric range of 22 miles and a combined MPGe rating of 49.

In a video posted on YouTube, Jeep brand CEO Christian Meunier not only promises an extended lineup of electrified models by 2025, but he also said the company is planning to install solar-powered charging stations to support off-roaders out on the trail. Plus, Meunier revealed that the upcoming Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer will eventually get the 4xe treatment, too.

Jeep unveiled the Grand Cherokee L at the beginning of the year, but for whatever reason, the company is taking its sweet time unveiling the two-row version. Granted, it did briefly show the electrified 4xe model a little over a month ago during the eventful Stellantis EV Day, but a full debut is still to come. Meanwhile, our spies have stumbled upon a prototype of the five-seat SUV undergoing final testing and devoid of camouflage.

As you would expect, it looks virtually identical at the front and rear as its bigger three-row sibling. The main difference is the side profile, specifically aft the front doors. The greenhouse is smaller, especially if you compare their quarter glasses. In addition, we are getting the impression the rear doors are not as wide as they are on the L model. Look closer and you can see the chrome line follows the quarter glass' upper contour rather than remaining almost flat as it's the case with the three-row version where it serves a visual divider between the roof and rear pillar.

The prototype in question appears to be a Limited trim, which starts at just under $47,000 for the three-row model. Since this isn't an Overland or Summit model where the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 is offered, the test vehicle likely has the base 3.6-liter V6 Pentastar engine with 290 horsepower and 257 pound-feet of torque channeled to the road via an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission.

Reports state a new Trackhawk has been ruled out as parent company Stellantis is switching focus to electrification and downsizing at the detriment of "dinosaurs" such as the supercharged V8. Not all hope is lost as some say a high-performance Grand Cherokee could still happen, allegedly with the long-rumored inline-six engine dubbed "Tornado" and combined with a mild-hybrid setup for better efficiency and improved low-end output.
Surely the official debut is likely around the corner as we're expecting the two-row Grand Cherokee for the 2022 model year. It will join Jeep's expanded SUV lineup, now including the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer as the flagship models positioned above the Grand Cherokee L.

Due to the most recent attempt at a New York International Auto Show being canceled, the all-new two-row 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee got robbed of its public debut. Mopar Insiders reports that the show will go on nevertheless, the outlet's dealer contacts saying Jeep has opened the gates to dealer orders for three trims of the 2022 sport ute. The first is the middle Limited trim in 4x4 guise, coming standard with the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6. If the mill sticks to the formula used on the Cherokee L, output will be 290 horsepower and 257 pound-feet of torque. This trim is said to include the optional Entertainment Group that upgrades to a 10.1-inch Uconnect 5 infotainment screen, available on the Grand Cherokee L for $995, and the Dual-Pane Panoramic Sunroof available on the Grand Cherokee L for $1,795. A Lux Tech package is also included, this combining familiar features like rain-sensing wipers and wireless phone charging with newer features like a 360-degree camera.

The second model open for ordering is the top-trim Summit Reserve 4x4, which comes with the 5.7-liter Hemi V8. On the Cherokee L, that engine produces 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque. The Summit Reserve throws in a slightly different Lux Tech package than the one mentioned above, installing wireless phone charging and rear window sunshades. An Advance ProTech Package gets fitted, too, going all-out with tech such as a heads-up display and night vision with pedestrian and animal detection.

The third option will be the Summit Reserve 4xe. Moper Insiders says this gets the same Lux Tech and Advance ProTech Package as on the Summit Reserve, plus the 10.25-inch Passenger Screen from the Wagoneer Series III and Grand Wagoneer models. As MI describes it, this effectively becomes a second infotainment screen for the front passenger's use, overlaid with a privacy filter to keep from distracting the driver. The passenger can use this screen to mirror a smartphone and gain more display real estate when using apps. The dealer sources say the hybrid model will use a setup like that in the Wrangler 4xe, being a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder shifting through an eight-speed automatic, but Jeep hasn't even told its dealers what the actual specs will be.

Initial colors are said to be the same as those now offered for the Grand Cherokee L: Baltic Grey, Bright White, Diamond Black, Silver Zynith and Velvet Red.

Production of the non-hybrid 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee codenamed WL74 is scheduled to commence on September 27 at the Detroit Assembly Complex, Mack Facility, the 4xe trim starting down lines a month later.

Modern technology brings all kinds of neat features to automobiles, but it's proving to be a double-edged sword for manufacturers. The latest casualty of the global semiconductor shortage reportedly comes from Jeep, specifically the Quadra-Lift air suspension system available on some new Grand Cherokee L models.

The height-adjustable suspension is – or was – standard equipment on Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve according to Mopar Insiders. Nosing around the Grand Cherokee L online configurator, only the standard suspension shows up now. Further investigation found that the Quadra-Lift feature was removed, with the report citing a Jeep spokesperson as stating it was removed due to the ongoing chip shortage. Motor1.com contacted Jeep to confirm this, and to determine if there's a projected timeframe for when the feature will return. We will provide an update if new information becomes available.

The air-ride system provides five different settings that alter suspension stiffness and ride height. Clearance can vary as much as 4.2 inches, which is significant for any vehicle with off-road intentions. As such dropping the Quadra-Lift feature from the lineup changes the Grand Cherokee L's maximum approach and departure angles.

Realistically speaking, we suspect very few owners would be trekking their $60,000 three-row SUVs in an environment where such capability is required. That's probably why Jeep decided to remove the feature instead of delaying overall production. And since it was a standard item on some Grand Cherokee L trim levels, Mopar Insiders reports a credit of $750 is applied to the final MSRP on affected models.

This is the latest in a series of on-the-fly adjustments made by numerous automakers to keep production lines operating. Earlier this year, GM delivered Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups without the fuel-saving cylinder deactivation feature on models with the 5.3-liter V8. Volkswagen sold its subcompact Fox in Brazil without infotainment systems. Ford built F-150 trucks without some electronic modules, but held them until those modules were available before sending them out. Even with these solutions, temporary production-line shutdowns have affected most every automaker around the world to some degree.

Jeep broke the Grand Cherokee line into two earlier this year, introducing the three-row Grand Cherokee L. The regular, two-row GC hasn’t been completely absent, but there hasn’t been a full reveal yet, either. That will change next week when Jeep finally – fully – reveals the regular 2022 Grand Cherokee. It will happen on September 29, and it will include the 4xe hybrid plug-in variant, too.

A short teaser video posted to Jeep’s Instagram page reveals the GC’s front end, though we saw it earlier this year when Jeep teased the 4xe variant. Our spy photographers also caught the model out testing without any camouflage covering its design. The two-row Grand Cherokee looks as sleek and elegant as its longer stablemate. The GC sports a similar front end to the GC L, though the lower grille opening looks a bit sportier. Jeep’s iconic grille is front and center, flanked by a pair of sleek headlights.

The bulk of the GC’s styling differences are at the rear, where the greenhouse is much smaller while sporting a unique floating-pillar design. The GC is expected to borrow the same powertrains available in the larger GC L, meaning the model’s entry-level offerings will have the brand’s venerable 3.6-liter V6 under the hood. It produces 290 horsepower (216 kilowatts) and 257 pound-feet (348 Newton-meters) of torque. Jeep will reserve the 5.7-liter Hemi V8, which makes 357 hp (266 kW) and 390 lb-ft (528 Nm) of torque, for the Overland and Summit models.
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The regular Grand Cherokee will also offer a plug-in hybrid powertrain, which the company teased this summer. Rumors continue to suggest that Jeep will use the same setup offered in the Wrangler 4xe – a turbocharged 2.0-liter paired to two electric motors. The combo produces 375 hp (280 kW) and 470 lb-ft (673 Nm) of torque, which would make it the most potent variant. We’ll get all the details next week at the debut that starts at 9 a.m. ET.

Jeep has expanded its Grand Cherokee range by contracting the wheelbase 5-inches (126 mm) to create a two-row, five-seat companion to the seven-seat model revealed back in January.

The shorter 2022 Grand Cherokee shares the same styling as its 2021 Grand Cherokee L big brother, but shrinks the wheelbase to 116.7-inches ( 2964 mm), and brings hybrid power to the range for the first time.

The new PHEV model combines a four-cylinder engine with dual-motor electric assistance, just like on the smaller Wrangler 4xe. The combination of a 2.0-liter gasoline motor and 17 kWh battery pack gives the 4xe a solid 375 hp and even more useful 470 lb-ft torque rating. Also useful for city folk is the 25 miles of electric range, and a theoretical total range of 440 miles.

There are, however, plenty of other powertrains available for drivers who still want a traditional V6 or V8. A 3.6-liter V6 Pentastar V6 kicks off the range, but while its 293 hp and 260 lb-ft figures might be enough for drivers who like to take things easy, we can imagine many being tempted by the optional 5.7 Hemi.

With 357 hp and 390 lb-ft, plus a towing rating of 7,200 lbs versus 6,200 for the V6, it promises to be a handy stepping-stone to the Hellcat-powered Trackhawk version Jeep has yet to confirm.

One variant that is confirmed and should keep true dirt lovers happy is the Trailhawk. Air suspension giving up to 11.3-inches (287 mm) of ground clearance, off-road rubber, a rear locking differential and more trail-related goodies are standard to help keep you safe from harm off the beaten track.

Back on the black stuff, the rest of the range comprises of Laredo, Altitude, Overland, Summit and Summit Reserve trims. But if you want the 4xe hybrid powertrain, you’ll have to dig deep: it’s not available on the bottom two trim levels.

All-wheel drive comes in Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II flavors depending on the model, but in each case the front axle will disconnect to save fuel when it senses you don’t need the added traction.

On the inside, just as on the outside, the five-seat Grand Cherokee looks almost identical to its long wheelbase seven-seat L brother. And that means it shares the same luxury vibe, and some of the technology seen on the flagship Wagoneers, including an optional McIntosh audio system.

The five-seat Grand Cherokee hits U.S. dealers later this year as a 2022 model, but if you want the 4xe, you’ll have to wait until a few more months. Jeep hasn’t released prices, but we expect the five-seat Grand Cherokee to cost slightly les than the L, which currently starts at $38,635.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee has classically been a mid-size SUV with two rows of seats. But Jeep flipped the script with the latest generation, introducing the fifth-generation SUV's redesign first with a new three-row L model. The company is now getting around to launching the standard-wheelbase version of the new model, and the 2022 Grand Cherokee will arrive in the U.S. later this year to replace the outgoing 2021 two-row model that's currently being sold alongside the new Grand Cherokee L.

The two-row Grand Cherokee has a five-inch shorter wheelbase than the three-row model, and it's nearly a foot shorter in overall length. But the styling is similar to the Grand Cherokee L's aside from some trim differences and unique wheel designs. The rear end looks a bit sleeker and features a floating pillar design.

Inside, the biggest difference is the seating setup. A three-place second-row bench makes for five-passenger capacity, and neither a third row nor second-row captain's chairs are available like you'll find in the L. The dashboard is otherwise similar and offers a digital gauge cluster as standard along with central infotainment screens ranging from 8.4 to 10.1 inches depending on trim level. There's even an optional screen available for the front passenger that can display functions including audio and navigation.

The two-row model also differentiates itself with a broader lineup that includes an off-road Trailhawk model and a 4xe plug-in-hybrid variant. These two configurations can even be combined into a single Grand Cherokee that offers the opportunity for electric driving in off-road settings. We've detailed the 4xe powertrain separately, but the basics are the same as in the Wrangler 4xe: a total of 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet from a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four gasoline engine plus two electric motors. Jeep claims an electric driving range estimate of 25 miles on a full charge.

The nonhybrid powertrains are the same for the two-row and three-row models. A 3.6-liter V-6 with 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque is standard, while a 5.7-liter V-8 with 357 hp and 390 pound-feet of torque is optional. Rear-wheel drive is standard with the V-6 and a choice of several different four-wheel-drive systems are optional, while the V-8 comes only with four-wheel drive. An eight-speed automatic is standard across the board.

The trim levels comprise Laredo, Limited, Trailhawk, Overland, and Summit, with the V-8 optional on the latter three models. The 4xe hybrid setup is available on all but the base Laredo. There's a wide range of equipment levels contained within the broad lineup, with the Laredo making do with cloth seats, 17-inch wheels, and black plastic exterior trim and the Summit loading up with tons of chrome, 20-inch wheels, fancy leather upholstery, and a McIntosh audio system.

Many driver-assistance features are standard equipment, with the notable optional systems including a 360-degree camera system, drowsy driver detection, and a night-vision camera. A trailer-towing package is also optional; the V-6 can tow up to 6200 pounds, the V-8 up to 7200 pounds, and the 4xe up to 6000 pounds.

The only versions of the Grand Cherokee that earn Jeep's "Trail Rated" badge are the Overland with an optional off-road package and the Trailhawk. The Trailhawk features Goodyear Wrangler Territory all-terrain tires, an air suspension with increased ground clearance, and the most sophisticated four-wheel-drive system called Quadra-Drive II that has a transfer case and an electronic limited-slip rear differential. It also has skid plates, red tow hooks (blue if you opt for the 4xe), and a hood decal.

Jeep has yet to announce prices for the 2022 Grand Cherokee lineup, but we expect it to start a few thousand dollars lower than the Grand Cherokee L, which ranges from $40,570 for the base Laredo up to $64,194 for a Summit Reserve. Nonhybrid models will go on sale first, in the fourth quarter of 2021, while the Grand Cherokee 4xe will arrive in the U.S. in early 2022.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee has finally arrived. Slotting in alongside the three-row variant that was unveiled earlier this year, the standard two-row model gains essentially the same new tech and features, albeit with less interior passenger and cargo room. It's not all downsides, though, as the two-row model is also the first variant of the Grand Cherokee to incorporate Jeep's new 4xe plug-in hybrid powertrain. We covered quite a bit of ground with the unveiling of the Grand Cherokee L, so be sure to check that out if you're curious about any of the Grand Cherokee family's newer features.

Let's start with the powertrain. As in the Wrangler and Wagoneer, the plug-in hybrid 4xe system comprises a 2.0-liter turbocharged ICE and a 100-kilowatt electric motor (along with a 17.3 kWh battery pack for juice) which together produce 375 total system horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. Jeep says it's good for 25 miles of all-electric range (also on par with its other applications), and at launch, it will be the most powerful engine available in the Grand Cherokee, topping the 5.7-liter Hemi V8's 357 horses and the 3.6-liter V6's 293.

The two-row Grand Cherokee is also the most off-road-ready. While it already has a leg up on the three-row thanks to its shorter wheelbase, the five-seater also has the advantage of a dedicated off-road model in Trailhawk, which is to the Grand Cherokee nameplate what Rubicon is to Wrangler and Gladiator, representing the pinnacle of its off-road capability. Trailhawk models with the V6 and V8 get an extra 0.4 inches of ground clearance at the air suspension's max height setting (topping out at 11.3 inches).

Trailhawk 4xe models adjust to the same max clearance as the standard Grand Cherokee – 10.9 inches. Standard height for all models is 8.4 inches off the ground. But there's more to Trailhawk than a re-jiggered air suspension. In fact, for 2022, it gains a class-exclusive electronic sway bar disconnect, allowing for more articulation when things get particularly tricky underfoot. Trailhawks also come standard with all-terrain tires, Jeep's Quadra-Drive II 4WD system with an electronic rear limited-slip differential and the Selec-Terrain drive modes, plus all of the usual trail-ready exterior bits (skid plates, tow hooks, etc.) along with front and rear bumpers designed to improve off-road clearances.

All told, the 3.6L and 5.7L Trailhawks gain 5.6 degrees of approach angle, 1.8 degrees of breakover angle and 3.6 degrees of departure angle. The 4xe fares slightly worse, likely due to the added weight of the PHEV system, but performs at least as well as (and often better than) any other air-suspension-equipped Grand Cherokee. Water fording depth is fixed at 24 inches (61 cm) for all Trailhawk models.

Inside, much of what we saw back in January still applies, but a few additional elements of Jeep's new range-topping Wagoneer SUV have obviously filtered down to the two-row's interior. The passenger-side screen (checking in at 10.25 inches) is optimized for entertainment functions and a second-row high-definition entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV integration is available to expand those options. The range-topping Summit 4xe cabin shown here certainly looks every bit the part of a luxury SUV.

There's not a visible surface that appears neglected by Jeep's interior designers, who clearly wanted to lean into Grand Cherokee's legacy of being a premium SUV. The Summit is available with two wood trim packages (oak for the standard model; walnut for the Summit Reserve package) and upholstery options include cloth, leatherette, leatherette with suede inserts, Nappa leather and quilted Palermo leather (with some perforated variants sprinkled in for extra variety).

As you might expect, there's quite a bit less available interior space, especially in the rear, however eliminating the third row of seats means that much of the cargo space lost to the shortened wheelbase has been recovered, giving up only 9.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row to the larger L. Overall, the Grand Cherokee gained more than 4.0 cubic feet of interior passenger volume and 1.4 cubic feet of cargo space over its predecessor in the move to this newer, more future-proof platform.

Look for pricing and more efficiency details closer to the 2022 Grand Cherokee's arrival in showrooms. Gasoline models will begin to trickle into dealers late this year; 4xe production will begin early in 2022 for the U.S. and later in the year for global markets.