2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe
The Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe Tops New Ridge Of Efficiency
It’s hard to think of a brand that embraces tradition more than Jeep. But that doesn’t mean they’re stuck in the past. Indeed, Jeep is in the process of electrifying every one of their models; the latest being this Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe. So, let’s see what the 4xe adds to an iconic 4×4!
The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe is electric, but not all electric. It’s a plug-in hybrid or PHEV. A very sensible approach to electrification in our view, rather than going all-in and forcing faithful followers to adapt their lifestyle to a revolutionary business strategy.
Moreover, most of the powertrain specs of this 5-passenger standard wheelbase Grand Cherokee have commonality with the Wrangler 4xe we tested last year. Except the 17.3-kWh battery. It ekes out a little more EV range; 25-miles compared to the Wrangler’s 22.
The 2.0-liter I4 turbo engine, twin electric motors, and 8-speed automatic work together to deliver the same 375-horsepower and 470 lb-ft. of torque; 4-wheel-drive is of course standard.
So, it’s no Trackhawk, but that 470 lb-ft. of torque is 80 more than the GC’s optional V8, so off to our Mason Dixon test track to try it out.
We saved some battery power, and the 4xe put it to good use. There is a nice surge of spirit at launch that had us hitting 60 in just 5.3-seconds.
About halfway down the track, you can feel the electric influence lessen, and the turbo engine really takes over, delivering great mid-range power. Shifts from the automatic are very smooth and quick, with our best ¼-mile pass taking 13.9-seconds at 102 miles-per-hour. Once the battery drains, there’s noticeably less umph off the line.
True, the 4xe can’t match the V8’s 7,200-lbs. tow rating, but 6,000-lbs. is still quite good for a midsize utility.
As in the Wrangler, all battery and EV hardware is packaged well out of harm’s way, so there’s no loss of off-road capability.
Our Overland tester, however, had more of a pampered lifestyle in mind. It came equipped with a panoramic sunroof, Nappa leather seats with both front and rear heat, and heated steering wheel.
A luxury tech group adds wireless charging, digital rearview mirror, 4 zone climate, rear sunshades, and massaging seats.
While an advanced protech group delivers active driving assist, night vision, and navigation maps in the driver display.
And no matter how many times you see it, the available interactive front passenger display looks impressive, and gives the person riding shotgun something to amuse them.
Now, unlike the Wrangler 4xe, where driving around with no engine noise seemed to amplify other sounds and reinforce its rough edges; here in the Grand Cherokee 4xe, the powertrain silence seems to fit right in with its more refined nature.
Transitions of power between battery and gasoline engine are very smooth, as is ride quality.
Given its size, the 4xe Grand Cherokee felt solid and willing through our handling course. Steering was light, but accurate, and there was only moderate body roll.
The 4xe felt solid and stable in panic braking runs too, but also very heavy. Stops from 60 stretched out to a longish 129-feet.
There are indicators of the 4xe’s plug-in status, an additional access door in the driver’s side front fender for the charger port and small amounts of blue trim. But otherwise, you’d be hard pressed to tell it’s different from just about every other 5th gen Grand Cherokee.
18-inch wheels are standard. A black finished roof is optional. Active grille shutters and front fender aero treatments are in place to maximize fuel efficiency.
Government Fuel Economy Ratings are 56 Combined MPGe for gas and electric, 23-Combined strictly on the gasoline engine. We averaged 22 miles-per-gallon of Regular in Hybrid mode with no charging.
So, the 4xe rates a very good Energy Impact Score, using just 6.0-barrels of oil yearly, with 2.9-tons of CO2 emissions.
The 4xe is available in most of the Grand Cherokee’s trim levels including Trailhawk, starting with Limited at $61,660, and working up to Summit Reserve for a lofty $78,870. Our Overland tester resides in the still high middle-ground at $69,675. Right now the 4xe treatment is not available on the 3-Row Grand Cherokee L.
Yes, those prices are steep, but unfortunately aren’t out of line for a luxury-minded off-roader these days. And the 5th generation Grand Cherokee has certainly attained a new level of luxury, sophistication, technology, and practicality. Now, this 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe adds a new level of efficiency, making it an even smarter midsize SUV choice.
Specifications
- Engine: 2.0L I4 Turbo
- Battery: 17.3-kWh
- Electric Range: 25 miles
- Horsepower: 375
- Torque: 470 lb-ft
- 0-60 mph: 5.3 seconds
- 1/4 Mile: 13.9 seconds at 102 mph
- 60-0 Braking: 129 feet (avg)
- Towing Capacity: 6,000 lbs
- EPA: 56 MPGe | 23 Combined
2024 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy Night Edition
Hyundai Turns To The Dark Side To Create A Special Palisade
Hyundai turned the page on their lineup when they launched the three-row Palisade crossover utility 4 years ago. Still the same Hyundai value we loved, but with more luxury, and more room for growing families. Now for their next big hit, it looks like Hyundai is working on their night moves.
If you’ve been following the auto industry, you’ve probably noticed a darkness setting in. No, we’re not talking about EV mandates, we’re talking about the increasing number of manufacturers invoking darkness or using some reference to the color black to create special editions of their vehicles or note their highest trim level. Well, that’s what we have here with the 2024 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy Night Edition, a way to take the range-topping Calligraphy trim to an even higher level of exclusivity.
Available in either Abyss Black or this Hyper White, the Night Edition applies a dark chrome treatment to the grille, rear bumper, and door moldings. There’s also glossy black trim for both the front and rear fascias, as well as the roof rails, while door handles are now body color. Finishing it off are 20-inch “black liquid” wheels and unique finishes for all logos including the HTRAC badge that signifies all-wheel drive, which is standard here in the Calligraphy Night Edition, optional on most lesser Palisades.
All-wheel drives get additional Snow and Tow driving modes, as well as the ability to lock in a 50/50 torque split. All Palisades share the same V6 engine, a naturally aspirated 3.8-liter unit which produces 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. Nothing changes there, but it’s more than enough to move this big utility down the road with ease and pull 5,000 lbs. of trailer, aided by the standard eight-speed automatic transmission. In addition to steering wheel mounted paddle shifters, minimal buttons for controlling the transmission share space on a rising center console which also houses the touch sensitive climate controls. On top of the dash sits a 12.3-inch touchscreen with navigation standard on all Palisades. A separate 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster resides in front of the driver on Limited trim and above.
As for the rest of the interior, Night Editions adds a unique blackout theme with some added dark aluminum trim and devilish 630 watts of Harmon Kardon premium audio. There are also some exclusive premium micro-suede materials on the seats, though most of our staff felt they didn’t seem quite as luxurious as the Nappa leather seats in the regular Calligraphy. Second row captain’s chairs here of course, plus a power folding third row that holds three Palisades come as both seven or right seaters with up to 16 cupholders! There’s also adequate room for adults in that third row, though seating comfort drastically improves moving forward. Cargo capacity remains a strong point for the Palisade, with 18.0 cubic-feet available behind the third row, 45.8 behind the second, and a max of 86.4 with all seatbacks folded.
At Mason Dixon Dragway, the Night Edition delivered a moderate dose of power, enough to battle a little wheel spin off the line leading to a steady jog to 60 of 7.6 seconds; about a half second slower than the last Palisade we tested. Gear changes happened smoothly, causing minor power flow pauses throughout the quarter-mile, completed in 15.8 seconds at a respectable 90 mph.
This big unibody bruiser is suspended with MacPherson struts up front and a multi-link independent setup in back. They provided a surprisingly nimble platform for shuffling through our handling course. There was a reasonable amount of feedback through the steering wheel, helping us stay on top of the slight understeer that we encountered. There was very soft pedal action in our panic braking runs, along with a reasonable amount of nosedive, but 102-foot stops from 60 rate great!
All Palisades come with a healthy complement of active safety features like Lane Keeping Assist and Highway Driving Assist, while Calligraphies add a more advanced Parking Collision Avoidance Assist system. With all-wheel drive, Government Fuel Economy Ratings are 19 City, 24 Highway, and 21 Combined.
Even with the Night Edition establishing a new high mark, it’s still priced less than many large three-row utilities at $55,245. That’s $3,500 over the standard Calligraphy, and about $17,000 more than the base SE Palisade.
So, when it comes to this 2024 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy Night Edition, there’s no need to be afraid of the dark. The only thing lurking in the shadows here is more tremendous value, something that Hyundai has been bringing to light for years and years.
Specifications
As Tested
- Engine: 3.8-liter V6
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Horsepower: 291
- Torque: 262 lb-ft
- 0-60 mph: 7.6 seconds
- 1/4 Mile: 15.8 seconds at 90 mph
- Braking, 60-0 (avg): 102 feet
- EPA: 19 City | 24 Highway | 21 Combined