Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe is truly off-road capable plug-in hybrid SUV

Published 8:33 am Monday, December 30, 2024

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is on track to be the best-selling midsize SUV in America for the third year in a row when final 2024 sales figures are totaled. It’s easy to see why. Jeep revolutionized the SUV market with its first off-road capable midsize luxury crossover in 1992. But the Grand Cherokee has been repeatedly redesigned to stay ahead of the competition.

One reason for the Jeep Grand Cherokee’s popularity is the range of choices. The newest version is offered with either a normally-aspirated 3.6-liter V6 or a turbocharged and intercooled plug-in hybrid (PHEV) 2.0-liter four cylinder engine in the 4xe version. All are available with a range of all- and four-wheel-drive systems that can be tailored to meet practically every driving condition, from heavy rain and snow to muddy mountain trails.

The V6 engine produces a reasonable 293 horsepower and is EPA rated at 19 miles per gallon in the city and 26 on the highway, which is typical for such vehicles. Car and Driver found it could reach 60 miles per hour in a respectable 7.4 seconds.

The 2025 V6 version is offered in an incredible nine trim levels. It starts at a very affordable $32,290 for the base Latitude with rear-wheel-drive. The top-of-the-line Summit Reserve begins at $64,835 and competes well against genuine luxury midsize SUVs. In between are such serious off-road trims as the Overland, which starts at $58,790.

The 4xe version is much more powerful and fuel efficient, however. The engine pumps out 375 horsepower and offers up to 26 miles of all-electric range on a full charge before switching over to a conventional hybrid mode, which is about what most people drive every day. That means the Grand Cherokee 4xe can practically serve as an EV with daily overnight recharging. It also reaches 60 in just 5.3 seconds, according to Car and Driver.

The PHEV version is offered in six trim levels, all of which come standard with 4WD. The Base trim level starts at $62,285, while the top-of-the-line Summit Reserve 4xe, the subject of this review, begins at $80,945. The even more off-road oriented Trailhawk begins at $67,980.

All versions are attractive, comfortable and thoroughly modern midsize SUVs. The 2021 redesign resulted in a sleeker exterior, with chiseled lines and an aggressive front grill. The interior was upgraded with higher quality materials and an interactive infotainment system with a 8.4-inch or optional 10.1-inch center touchscreen that thankfully does not try to overpower the rest of the dash.

It is also available with a class-exclusive front passenger screen in the dash ahead of the passenger seat. It cannot be seen from the driver’s seat, but allows passengers to send directions to the center display and when paired with the available Amazon Fire TV rear seat entertainment system, lets them play movies, stream online content or tune in to their favorite music and podcasts via wireless headphones.

The estimated 26 miles of all-electric range is a little on the low side for PHEVs, but by using the E Selec modes, the driver can tailor the hybrid powertrain to best suit each trip, whether it be commuting, long-distance travel, or off-roading. Choices are Hybrid, which blends torque from the electric motor and gas engine to deliver the best combination of fuel efficiency and performance; Electric, which operates on zero-emission electric power only until the battery reaches the minimum charge or the driver requests more torque (such as wide-open throttle), which engages the engine; and eSave, which prioritizes the engine, saving the battery charge for later use.

My tester was a 2024 Summit Reserve 4xe with the Quadra-Trac II 4WD system, Quadra-Lift Air Suspension, 20-inch aluminum wheels, and additional packages that pushed the final price to $85,310. It was mechanically the same as the 2025 version. Although that’s a lot of money, most equivalent luxury midsize PHEV SUVs cost more and are not as off-road capable.

In a week of driving, the Jeep 4xe was always a treat. It looked great in the driveway, with a wide, purposeful stance, silver paint and a black roof. The interior was highlighted by lightly colored genuine wood trim across the dash and top of the door panels, which gave it a warm feel. In contrast, most luxury cars and SUVs that I’ve tested feature wood that is so dark, I’m not sure that it’s actually wood.

On the road, the turbocharged PHEV engine felt quick in the Hybrid and Electric modes, and only a little slower in the eSave mode where the turbo 2.0 engine provides most of the power. The ride was smooth and more nimble than most other midsize SUVs that I’ve tested, especially during cornering. That surprised me, since no version of the Grand Cherokee is available with a sport tuned suspension, but I enjoyed it.

My tester came with five drive modes: Auto, Sport, Snow, Sand/Mud, Rock. Each is selected by a large switch on the center console, where the options and choice are always visible. I prefer that to most other vehicles, where the selections are conveyed through the infotainment system.

Although the Quadra-Lift Air Suspension allows drivers to increase ground clearance, the even more off-road capable Jeep Wrangler is offered with the same turbocharged PHEV engine. The 2025 4xe version starts at just over $50,000.

For those who like the Grand Cherokee but want three rows of seats, Jeep offers the L version, which is 11.4 inches longer. It starts at $40,830, but is not available with the turbocharged PHEV engine.

There are many reasons why the Grand Cherokee is poised to be the best-selling midsize SUV at the end of 2024. You can check them all out at your local Jeep dealer now.

2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Base price: $39,630 (Latitude V6 RWD)

Price as tested: $85,310 (Summit Reserve 4xe)

Type: Mid-size two-row SUV (three-row L)

Engines: 3.6-liter V6 (293 hp, 260 lbs-ft); turbocharged and intercooled 2.0-liter plug-in hybrid 4 (375 hp, 470 lb-ft)

Transmission: 8-speed automatic

Drive modes: Auto, Sport, Snow, Sand/Mud, Rock

EPA estimated mileage: 19/26 (V6); 56 MPGe/23 mpg (4xe – as tested)

EV range: 26 miles

Overall length: 193.5 inches

Curb weight: 4863 pounds

Final assembly: Detroit, Michigan