2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Review, Pricing, and Specs
When you close your eyes and think of a Jeep, it's likely that the rough-and-tumble Wrangler comes to mind, but the Grand Cherokee is every bit as important to the success of the famed off-road brand in terms of sales. Its appeal is bolstered by the fact that it pairs impressive off-road capability with on-road refinement; offers lots of available luxury appointments and features; and has the rugged, outdoorsy look Jeep buyers love.
For the 2021 model year, Jeep launched a new generation of the Grand Cherokee but offered the new model only as a the L three-row variant (reviewed separately) alongside the previous generation two-row GC. For the 2022 model year, the Grand Cherokee sheds the old-gen model with the introduction of a two-row body style riding atop the new architecture.
What's New for 2022?
The two-row Grand Cherokee transitions to a more modern design that's shared with the three-row L variant that launched for the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee model.
There is also the new 2022 Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Jeep Wagoneer about to roll out any month now across South Florida.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
Pricing and options haven't been released, so we're estimating prices here based on what limited information Jeep has revealed so far. The Limited model represents the best mix of features for the price and upgrade the base Laredo with enough equipment to satisfy luxury buyers. The Limited comes standard with leather upholstery, a power operated rear liftgate, heated front and rear seats, interior ambient lighting, and much more.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Like the last generation Grand Cherokee, the new one is powered by your choice of either a 3.6-liter V-6 or a 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 engine. Jeep is also preparing to drop its plug-in hybrid 4Xe powertrain into the Grand Cherokee to offer electrification for the first time in its family SUV. Rear-wheel drive will likely continue to be offered as standard, but this being a Jeep, several different all-wheel drive systems are optional. It also boasts a whopping 390 pound feet torque.
A Trailhawk model with more-robust off-road equipment and rough-country capability is all but a certainty, although Jeep has not mentioned such a variant just yet. When we get a chance to test the new Grand Cherokee at our test track, we'll update this story with results. On the performance end of the spectrum, we expect Jeep to continue to offer high performance SRT and Trackhawk models, but we review those separately.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
Fuel economy estimates haven't been released for the new Grand Cherokee yet, but we aren't expecting much to change. The current Grand Cherokee is rated as high as 26 mpg highway for rear-wheel drive V-6 models and as low as 14 mpg city for the all-wheel drive V-8 model. The plug-in hybrid 4Xe should deliver better fuel economy but we'll have to wait for additional details regarding that powertrain. For more information about the Grand Cherokee's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo Space
A thoroughly modernized cabin will step in to replace the Grand Cherokee's somewhat dated interior. While base Laredo models will likely offer the essentials, upscale Summit and Overland trims will add luxuries like quilted leather upholstery, open-pore wood trim, and high-tech digital displays.
The Grand Cherokee is strictly a two-row SUV, but buyers seeking a third row can upgrade to the Grand Cherokee L, which we review separately. We haven't had a chance to test the new Grand Cherokee yet, but we expect it to accommodate more of our carry-on suitcases than the previous generation model.
Infotainment and Connectivity
We haven't seen the inside of the 2022 Grand Cherokee yet, but we expect it to be nearly identical to the 2021 Grand Cherokee L. That will mean all models will come with a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen floating just above the surface of the Grand Cherokee's dashboard and offer Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio as standard.
In-dash navigation with real-time traffic and weather updates will likely be an optional feature and higher-end models are expected to offer wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While the Laredo and Limited models should ship with a standard six-speaker stereo, buyers will be able to upgrade to either a nine-speaker Alpine audio setup or a high-end 19-speaker McIntosh arrangement.
Safety and Driver Assistance Features
Driver assistance features such as pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, and semi autonomous driving modes are becoming increasingly important to shoppers, and Jeep is delivering a more comprehensive suite of standard safety tech to satisfy that demand. For more information about the Grand Cherokee's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Standard lane departure warning and lane-keeping assist
- Standard adaptive cruise control
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
One of the few things that won't change with the 2022 Grand Cherokee will be its standard warranty package. Rivals such as the Kia Telluride and the Hyundai Santa Fe both offer longer terms here, but the Jeep's warranty lines up with most other rivals, including the Chevrolet Blazer and the Ford Edge.
- Limited warranty covers 3 years or 36,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
- Three years of complimentary scheduled maintenance is included
