There are two issues here. The first is that you’re paying a lease on a vehicle that isn’t functioning right now. There’s not much that anybody can do about that and it’s not really anybody’s fault. The disaster that is current global supply chains has meant that freight out of the United States is either moving at snail’s pace or not moving at all. Many Australians are waiting for bits and pieces from North America, all of which seem to be stranded on the dock in the US. Perhaps you could talk to your finance company about some interest-rate relief, but based on past experience, I wouldn’t be holding my breath there. And since it’s not Jeep’s fault that global trade is in such a state right now, I don’t think you’d do much good there, either. Nor is this a Jeep-specific problem; many car brands are having trouble sourcing repair and service parts.
As for the vehicle being replaced, on the face of it, I doubt that you have much of a case. If Jeep refuses to or cannot repair the vehicle, then you’d have grounds for a refund or replacement, but if Jeep believes that replacing the engine will fix the problem, then consumer law allows for that to happen.
The chances of the same vehicle having two engine failures seems pretty slim, so I wouldn’t be worried about it happening again. Don’t forget that there are any number of reasons (fuel pump, sensor, electrical problem, fuse, relay and a thousand more) for an engine to stop virtually in its tracks. Again, this is not a Jeep thing; all car-makers have experienced engines that for whatever reason have simple spluttered to a stop, often at speed on the highway.
When that happens, of course, you can lose the assistance to the power-steering and the braking system which is what your wife is concerned about. But it’s probably worth explaining that even though she would have to wrench the steering wheel with lots of muscle and really stomp on the brake pedal, even if the engine stops, she would still have brakes and steering. They just won’t be power-assisted. And even if she doesn’t think she’d be able to turn the wheel if that happened, adrenalin is a very powerful force on its own in such situations. And, again, the same thing could happen in any make or model of car.
Overview
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. We like it too, in fact, and gave it an Editors' Choice award. A trio of powertrains are offered, including familiar V-6 and V-8 options and a new plug-in-hybrid variant that Jeep calls 4xe. While rear-wheel drive is standard on models with the V-6, there are no less than three different all-wheel-drive systems available to help tackle whatever your lifestyle requires, whether that's simply commuting through snowy weather or crawling rocks in Moab.
Where This Vehicle Ranks
What's New for 2022?
For the 2021 model year, Jeep launched a new generation of the Grand Cherokee, but it only offered the new model 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 its old bones with the introduction of a two-row body style riding atop the new architecture. Curiously, Jeep is still selling the previous generation—dubbed Grand Cherokee WK—through the 2022 model year.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
Laredo
$40,120
Altitude
$45,225
$46,440
Trailhawk
$56,030
Overland
$56,035
Limited 4xe PHEV
$59,495
Summit
$60,095
4xe PHEV
$61,660
Trailhawk 4xe PHEV
$64,280
Summit Reserve
$66,575
Overland 4xe PHEV
$67,555
Summit 4xe PHEV
$71,515
Summit Reserve 4xe PHEV
$76,095
The Grand Cherokee starts thousands higher than rivals such as the Kia Telluride and the Hyundai Palisade–consider it the Jeep tax–and its higher trims are priced similarly to some luxury SUVs. That being said, we think the Limited model represents the best mix of features, besting the base Laredo with more equipment to satisfy luxury buyers. The Limited comes standard with leather upholstery, a power-operated rear liftgate, heated front and rear seats, power-adjustable front seats, interior ambient lighting, automatic high-beam headlamps, remote start, and more. We'd spring for the Entertainment Group package, which adds the larger 10.1-inch infotainment display and a nine-speaker Alpine stereo. We'd also choose the Lux Tech Group II package, with rain-sensing windshield wipers, a wireless phone charger, perforated leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, a power-adjustable steering column, a digital rearview mirror, second-row sunshades, a 360-degree exterior camera system, front and rear parking sensors, and a collision avoidance feature that helps when traveling through intersections.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Like the last generation Grand Cherokee, the new one is powered by either a 3.6-liter V-6 or a 5.7-liter Hemi V-8. Jeep also offers its plug-in-hybrid 4xe powertrain that introduces electrification to its family SUV. Rear-wheel drive is standard with the base V-6, but all-wheel drive is standard on Grand Cherokees with the V-8 or plug-in-hybrid powertrain. Several different all-wheel-drive systems are available, including an electronically locking limited-slip differential. A Trailhawk model with more robust off-road equipment and greater capability is available, too, and it features an adjustable air suspension that provides up to 11.3 inches of ground clearance and a disconnecting sway bar that allows greater wheel articulation for tackling difficult terrain. During our initial test drive, we were impressed with the Grand Cherokee's composed, smooth ride and found both the V-6 and V-8 engines to be plenty perky. At our test track, our V-6–powered Summit test vehicle managed a respectable 7.4-second run to 60 mph; the off-road oriented Trailhawk completed the same test in 7.7 seconds.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
Fuel economy estimates for the V-6–powered Grand Cherokee are typical of the mid-size SUV segment at 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway when paired with rear-wheel drive. Adding all-wheel drive drops each of those estimates by 1 mpg; the V-8 model is rated for 14 mpg city and 22 mpg highway. The plug-in hybrid 4xe should deliver better fuel economy but the EPA has not released estimates for that model yet. Models with the 4xe plug-in-hybrid powertrain come with a 14.0-kWh battery pack and a 134-hp electric motor that allows the Grand Cherokee to cruise for up to 25 miles per charge. Jeep boasts that the Grand Cherokee with the 4xe powertrain completed the famed Rubicon Trail entirely in its EV driving mode. For more information about the Grand Cherokee's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
A thoroughly modernized cabin replaces the outgoing Grand Cherokee's somewhat dated interior. While base Laredo models 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
Floating just above the surface of the Grand Cherokee's dashboard is either an 8.4- or 10.1-inch touchscreen with standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. In-dash navigation with real-time traffic and weather updates is optional, and higher-end models can be had with a digital gauge cluster, a 10.0-inch head-up display, and another 10.3-inch display embedded into the dashboard for use by the front-seat passenger. While the Laredo and Limited models ship with a standard six-speaker stereo, buyers are 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 hasn't changed with the 2022 Grand Cherokee will be its standard warranty package. Rivals such as the 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
Specifications
Specifications
2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit 4X4
Vehicle Type: front-engine, 4-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE
Base/As Tested:
$62,095/$71,080
Options: Summit Reserve group (front passenger display, Palermo leather seats and premium headliner, 10.1-in infotainment display, McIntosh high performance audio), $4480; Advance Protech Group IV (head-up display, night vision with pedestrian detection, auto-dimming rearview mirror with digital display), $2235; rear-seat entertainment, $1995; Luxury Tech Group V (wireless charging and second-row sunshades), $275
ENGINE
DOHC 24-valve V-6, aluminum
block and heads, port fuel injection
Displacement: 220 in3, 3604 cm3
Power: 293 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque: 260 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
TRANSMISSION
8-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: multilink/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 13.9-in vented disc/13.8-in vented disc
Tires: Continental CrossContact LX Sport
275/45R-21 110Y M+S
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 116.7 in
Length: 193.5 in
Width: 77.5 in
Height: 70.9 in
Passenger Volume: 145 ft3
Cargo Volume: 38 ft3
Curb Weight: 4863 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 7.4 sec
1/4-Mile: 15.6 sec @ 87 mph
100 mph: 21.4 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 7.8 sec
Top Gear, 30–50
mph: 4.0 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 5.3 sec
Top Speed (gov ltd): 117 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 163 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.85 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 14 mpg
75-mph Highway Driving: 22 mpg
Highway Range: 500 mi
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 22/19/26 mpg
2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk
Vehicle Type: front-engine, 4-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $56,030/$65,535
Options: Advanced Protech Group, $2235; dual-pane panoramic sunroof, $1835; Uconnect 5 navigation w/10.1-inch display, $1615; luxury tech group III (hands-free power liftgate, rain-sensing wipers, digital display rearview mirror, wireless phone charging), $1455; front passenger display, $1095; Mopar rock rails, $995; Velvet Red paint, $395
ENGINE
DOHC 24-valve V-6, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection
Displacement:
220 in3, 3604 cm3
Power: 293 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque: 260 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
TRANSMISSION
8-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: multilink/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 13.9-in vented disc/13.8-in vented disc
Tires: Goodyear Wrangler Territory AT
265/60R-18 110H M+S
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 116.7 in
Length: 193.5 in
Width: 77.5 in
Height: 70.9 in
Passenger Volume: 107
ft3
Cargo Volume: 38 ft3
Curb Weight: 4887 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 7.7 sec
1/4-Mile: 15.8 sec @ 88 mph
100 mph: 21.6 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 8.3 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 4.2 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 5.5 sec
Top Speed
(gov ltd): 117 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 185 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.78 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 19 mpg
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 22/19/26 mpg
C/D TESTING EXPLAINED
More Features and Specs