2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee review

There is no better place to test a new four-wheel drive than Moab, Utah. The region’s combination of stunning scenery, diverse terrain and trails ranging from mild to wild renders it a natural platform to evaluate on-road manners and limits of capability.

This summer we drove the new Grand Cherokee L (the larger three-row seating variant) at the Chelsey Proving Grounds near Detroit, but when Jeep presented the opportunity to test the Trailhawk on Moab’s slickrock, we decided to re-visit this fifth generation of the brand’s now-iconic luxury wagon.

Before we dive into the details, we’ll start by stating that the Gen V Grand is a completely new platform. While it hails from its predecessors’ DNA, everything from the suspension and chassis, to interior and bodylines, have been brought up to speed with the latest technology and manufacturing processes.

Over the past decade, the auto industry has experienced a shift toward utilising high-strength steel and aluminium components. It simply makes sense, as the combination results in platforms that are lighter, more rigid, stronger, and more fuel efficient. In the Grand’s case, a mere 27 per cent is now comprised of conventional mild steel.

UPDATE, May 12 2022: The new Jeep Grand Cherokee L is now in Australia, and we've driven it. Read and watch our review at the link below.

The story to here

38

CHASSIS & DRIVETRAIN

It is no surprise that the two powerplant options are the Pentastar 3.6-litre V6 and 5.7-litre Hemi V8. These two mills have proven to be both reliable and powerful during their 10-plus years in existence. Tuned specifically for the Grand, the six-banger produces 218kW and 352Nm, while the HEMI generates a neck-snapping 266kW and 528Nm. Both employ the TorqueFlite 8HP70 8-speed automatic, but things change as we move aft.

The base model incorporates the single-speed Quadra-Trac I transfer case, which means no low range. The Quadra-Trac II brings low range back, but move up to the Quadra-Drive II and you have an electronically controlled transfer case that distributes torque fore and aft precisely as needed based on conditions. You also get an electronically controlled rear limited slip differential.

38

The Grand Cherokee’s four-corner independent suspension is here to stay, so hold off on a firestorm of expletives. The reality is that it works exceptionally well for its intended purpose, and has been improved upon with a rear five-link setup. The front has also undergone a redesign, featuring what Jeep calls a “virtual ball joint.” It allows the tyre’s contact patch to remain flat to the road under almost any steering condition. The result is a consistently larger contact patch, better handling, and reduced tyre wear.

INTERIOR ABODE & TECH

One will barely recognise the Grand Cherokee’s interior if comparing to its granddaddy, the ZJ. Summit Reserve is the premium model, and features natural elements such as fine leather and walnut hardwood trim throughout. The passenger-side LCD screen is new, allowing the co-pilot to manage dozens of functions including second row seat LCD screen, navigation, and HVAC. The audio system, a 950-watt monster by McIntosh, includes an array of 19 speakers sprinkled throughout the cabin. In short, it is sublime and loud enough to annoy your neighbours at a stop light.

Glancing across the dash from the heated, 16-way adjustable driver’s seat is an exercise in optical opulence. The utilitarian analogue gauges of lore are now sophisticated LCD screens with Apple CarPlay. The multi-zone HVAC system can be operated from any seat in the house, and knobs and buttons are now machined aluminium eloquently recessed in hardwood panels. Did I mention the back massager? Its pulsating fingers will put you to sleep.

38

By now we are well-acquainted with Drowsy Driver Alert, Active Cruise Control, and Lane Change Assist, but new technologies include Pedestrian Detection radar, an infrared night vision camera, heads-up display, and a host of other safety features. A goal with the new Grand was to have most functions accessible without taking your hands off the wheel. Re-designed controls on the steering wheel allow you to toggle through engine vitals, media and vehicle pages, navigation, and IR camera settings with your thumb.

The re-design also included increasing driver visibility, enlarging interior cabin space, and lowering door access thresholds. The vehicle is about three inches longer than its predecessor. While some of this was required for government-mandated safety requirements, much of it was added to enhance passenger leg room and allow for full-size adults to comfortably ride in the back seat.

ON THE ROAD

Our on-road drive took us to the 2,700-metre heights of the La Sal Mountains through red rock canyons and serpentine alpine roads. The fully-electric power steering was initially a concern to me, expecting it to be a bit unruly and lack the positive feedback found in traditional hydraulic systems. I couldn’t have been more wrong. Steering is precise, controllable and predictable.

The tyres reacted with less than five degrees input at the steering wheel, return to centre was spot-on, and feedback felt very natural … like a well-tuned hydraulic system. Roll cycle (when the vehicle/suspension settles after an emergency lane change) was minimal, a credit to the electronic semi-active damping system.

38

On smooth sections or bouncing over potholes, NVH (noise, vibration, & harshness) were more than acceptable - much quieter than anything I own. Some of this might be credited to the electronic front drive line disconnect, which automatically engages or disengages the axle as needed. All of the aforementioned systems did what they should, and the new Grand was simply a pleasure to drive on the road.

ON THE TRAIL

The proof of the pudding with any vehicle honoured with sporting a seven-slot grill is how it performs on the trail. The latter half of the day was on a technical rock crawling loop in a Trailhawk equipped with a Pentastar V6 and Quadra-Drive system.

With the suspension set on the highest position and in ‘rock’ mode, we had 28.7cm of ground clearance under the chassis. However, the route required more to keep the tyres on the ground. This is where the rear electronic limited slip, a well-tuned traction control system, and active Quadra-Drive transfer case came into play, keeping the vehicle moving smoothly over the larger obstacles.

38

Air suspensions have traditionally been fairly rigid, but enhancements in the Quadra-Lift system have alleviated much of the jarring experienced in previous models. When the dust settled, the Trailhawk tackled this trail - which 99.9% of the public would never consider attempting - with the bravado fitting of a Jeep. We didn’t find any creeks or rivers to play in, but the Grand will also safely handle a 61cm water fording.

DEPARTMENT OF COMPLAINTS

While there is not a lot to complain about, if I had to pick one thing that drives me nuts it is the larger brake discs and calipers. Believe me when I say they work phenomenally well, but that extra diameter requires an 18-inch minimum wheel size (Summit Reserve is 21-inch). Sure, all this means reduced rolling resistance, better fuel economy, safer stopping distances, and blah blah blah.

38

But it also leaves us with nary a sidewall and limited opportunity to reduce tyre pressure when desired. While most of the purchasing public has no idea why one would let air “out” of a tyre, for those of you in the know, you understand my grievance. Fine, call me an old curmudgeon.

ON THE HORIZON

As the Grand Cherokee line-up moves into 2022, the Summit, Overland, and Trailhawk will be joined by a 4xe hybrid version. While they did have a 4xe on display, it is still in the developmental stages and we were not able to drive it.

We did perform a good crawl-around and can say that is aesthetically similar, save the 4xe blue colour scheme. We are told it will have an estimated 440-mile range (708km), 25 of that in full-electric mode, and will get an estimated 57 miles per gallon (24km/L)

As for a full EV Grand, we didn’t get a firm answer but feel as the brand electrifies its fleet a zero-emission Grand Cherokee is in our future.

2022 GRAND CHEROKEE L SPECS