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 BMW X2
The X1’s Dynamic Alter Ego Gets Bigger and Better
It seems like everyone in the SUV world is trying to out-rugged one another. But over at BMW, they just keep doing what they do: Making stylish, high-performance sports activity vehicles, and even making them more attainable. This latest BMW X2 is proof of that.
At first glance, the 2024 BMW X2 Compact Sports Activity Coupe looks like the more dynamic platform-mate to the BMW X1. Afterall, the X1 utility is just so boring it needed the help. Weel, that’s not at all true, of course, but BMW is the brand that spearheaded the whole coupe-like SUV movement and continues to spread that theme throughout their lineup. So, hence this fast roof X2.
For its second generation, the X2 has gotten a lot bigger, a full 7.6-inches longer, which means it can now call the X1 its little brother. The roof slopes more drastically than before too, with even bigger changes in back, with the SUV-like liftgate and minimal back glass replaced with more glass set in a hatchback-style lid. Some might say the exaggerated fenders and sharp creases are a bit much, but we’re not among them. It looks great, especially with the optional M Sport Package’s 19-inch wheels, unique bumpers, and black trim.
Still, like many stylish small utilities, it is still a little hard to see out of. But that’s what cameras and a myriad of sensors are for. The X2 is clearly more upscale than before with xDrive all-wheel-drive now standard. So, no more front-wheel-drive X2s for now, though that never was a big deal to us, or to the owners of the new MINI Countryman who share this chassis.
BMW’s curved display is easily the highlight of the interior; operating with the ninth generation of iDrive technology, it blends the LED driver display into the central touchscreen. Front seats are both sporty and comfortable, and while many stylish sloped roof SUVs often sacrifice the utility part, rear seat space in the X2 is plentiful. With 25.3 cubic-feet of space, rear cargo capacity is barely less than the X1, and max capacity, at 51.7 cubic-feet, is actually more than the X1 due to the longer body.
This xDrive28i is the base offering, powered by a 241-horsepower 2.0-liter turbo-4 with 295 lb-ft of torque. For an upgrade, that same engine gets cranked up to deliver 312 horsepower in the M35i; both get a seven-speed DCT. We stuck with the standard 2.0-liter for testing, dialed in Sport mode, and hit the track. And while it does feel very quick on the street, whether it was turbo lag or engine tuning, there just wasn’t a real sense of urgency off the line.
Once it got rolling though, power did pour on pretty effectively, getting us to 60 in 6.2 seconds, and then stayed very consistent down the track. There was even a nice little kick of additional oomph with every gear change. So clearly not the most invigorating BMW experience we’ve had recently, but the 14.9-second quarter-mile, finished at 96 mph, is plenty quick for an entry-level ute, and there’s always the M35i.
We’d also put handling in the “upscale” category. Even with the M Sport Adaptive suspension, softer tuning produced more body roll than expected. Steering was a bit too vague and light for our taste; without the tenacious grip we expected through our handling course. On the other hand, this X2 was very stable and safe, with a more substantial feel than before. In our panic braking test, the X2’s pedal was soft until the very end of travel when it firmed up quickly. But with an average stopping distance of a scant 96 feet, they clearly did their job.
Government Fuel Economy Ratings for the xDrive28i are 24 City, 33 Highway, and 28 Combined. We averaged a quite good 31.1 mpg of Premium. That rates slightly better than average for the Energy Impact Score, 10.6 barrels of annual oil use with 5.3 tons of CO2 emissions.
Pricing starts at $42,995, which is $1,500 more than a base X1. Then a healthy step up to the M35i which starts at $52,395.
While we did appreciate the original X2 for its more stylish take on the X1, there’s a lot more to love this time. The 2024 edition of the BMW X2 is more than just a better looking X1, it’s bigger and better all around. Now, one could argue if any brand really needs three coupe-like SUVs in their portfolio. But when you’ve got the formula for success like no one else, you might as well deploy it in as many ways as you can.