For many Americans, the end of the year is exciting because it’s full of holiday cheer — perhaps involving some travel, time off work and family memories. For auto enthusiasts, the end of each year is also exciting because new model years hit the dealership lots, meaning there are tons of new specs and features to check out.
The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee is no exception. It’s a household name amongst mid-size SUVs but it’s getting a few upgrades for the new model year that are worth checking out — especially for drivers always considering how to get their family across town in comfort and style.
Here’s what you need to know about the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
It Has Three Distinct All-Wheel-Drive Systems
As expected, the new Cherokee will offer three all-wheel-drive systems.
Trim levels start with the Quadra Trac I system, which sends power to wheels as needed when it senses one or more wheels slipping. The Quadra Trac II system are available in trim levels like the Overland and Summit, which reroutes torque to whichever axle needs it at the moment.
What is the difference between these two systems? The Quadra Trac I is always running in high-range and splits power between the front and rear axles almost in half without requiring the driver to do anything. The Quadra Trac II has two-speeds at low range and can send 100 percent of the torque to either axle.
The Quadra-Drive II system adds a rear limited slip differential and can send torque front to back or side to side.
A Plug-In Hybrid Grand Cherokee Is Coming
The Grand Cherokee will offer the same two gas engines we saw in the last model year: a 3.6L V6 or a 5.7L V8. But soon a plug-in hybrid will join the lineup capable of 375 horsepower and 470 lb.ft. of torque. This powertrain will give drivers a choice of traveling in true hybrid mode, going all electric or utilizing an “eSave” mode.
How far will you be able to cruise on electric power alone? Expect an all-electric range of 24 miles, according to the manufacturer.
The New Grand Cherokee Has Some Changes to Its Cabin
According to Forbes Wheels, some of the most apparent upgrades to the 2022 Grand Cherokee occur in the cabin — namely more passenger space in the backseat, a more spacious cabin, seat heaters and more tech touches, like the available touchscreen for passengers that brings a whole new way to split up the duties between driving and navigating.
…And Some Changes to Its Structure
The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee model year brings a slightly longer SUV with slightly wider wheel positionings. It also utilizes an air suspension that does a few helpful things. First, it enables the Grand Cherokee to lower its body when the vehicle is turned off, which makes it easier to hop in and out. The air suspension also improves the ride, absorbing bumps and dips with its electronic damping. This makes for an all-around smoother ride according to those who have test driven it, like the team at Motor Trend.
It’s fair to call the Jeep Grand Cherokee a beloved staple of the American SUV scene, seeing as more than five million of them have been sold over the course of nearly three decades. Still, this model has come a long way over the years — and the improvements made ahead of the 2022 model year just represent another leap forward in that lineage. All signs point to the Grand Cherokee being the most eco-friendly, passenger-friendly version the world has ever seen.
