Last fall, Jeep's new fifth-generation Grand Cherokee blew me away. We played around with the V-8 and V-6 options at the GC launch and noticed a hybrid was waiting in the wings. I wondered out loudwhether hybrid GC may turn out to be the Goldilocks choice, twistier and quicker than the V-6, just as functional for most Americans as the V-8 but a lot less thirsty.
After driving the hybrid Grand Cherokee in Austin, Texas, I can confirm my suspicions. Jeep has another stellar team on its hands.
As an introduction, this one is called the Grand Cherokee 4xe (pronounced "four times 'e'"). Just as the Brits say, this Grand Cherokee does exactly what it says on the tin; It's an SUV powered by a hybrid powertrain, with all the off-road capability you'd expect from a Jeep and all the on-road civility you want in a Grand Cherokee.
And maybe even a little more.
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"This is the most capable Grand Cherokee ever," was a common refrain during the presentation, echoed by Jeep's product manager and his engineers. One even said the 4xe had more off-road capability than any gas-powered Grand Cherokee ever built.
And this is an important distinction, one that resonates well beyond the scope of a single hybrid SUV.
A hybrid emblem is often short for dull, slowed down, or uncompressed, a visual indicator that the vehicle is less exciting and charismatic than the equivalent gasoline-powered vehicle. Early hybrids (even blank slate designs) and the structure they established in our culture did little to combat this narrative. Our most famous hybrid, the Toyota Prius, evokes no images of boldness, excitement, or real desire. It is, and always has been, just a device for moving sensitive pieces of meat from one place to another. A taxi without sex. Nothing else.
The 4xe is something else, but mostly it's an unqualified Jeep Grand Cherokee. This hybrid system does not detract from the basic excellence defined by Grand Cherokee's ICE trim. Instead, the 4xe offers Grand Cherokee buyers a legitimate alternative to its V-6 and even V-8 versions, but without any of the compromises imposed by most hybrids. Instead, the 4xe offers a different character to its gas-powered brethren, which may suit some buyers better than the ICE alternatives.
This is possible because 4xe was not designed as an afterthought. Instead, the new Grand Cherokee platform was designed to accommodate everything from the hybrid powertrain to the traditional naturally aspirated V-8. So the underfloor batteries don't reduce legroom for rear passengers, nor does the powertrain impose other awkward ergonomic concessions.
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About that drive train; On all trims, the Grand Cherokee 4xe takes advantage of the direct-injected 2.0-liter inline-four borrowed from several other Jeep products, including the recent Wrangler plug-in hybrid. He associates this mill with a motor behind the engine, built into the transmission, which replaces the torque converter. A separate motor/generator applies torque to the front axle and replaces the starter motor. The power train is paired with an 8-speed transmission with a two-speed transfer case. Steel skid plates enclose the entire package and protect the batteries and power train.
Much of the front frame was constructed of aluminum to reduce weight, and Jeep engineers routed the front axle through the crankcase to lower the vehicle's center of gravity by more than two inches compared to its ICE counterparts.
The net effect of all this complexity: some staggering numbers. The 4xe goes from one stop to sixty in six seconds,almost a second fasterthan the V-8 Grand Cherokee. That's thanks to 470 lb-ft. available in the hybrid system, with instant torque delivery from a standstill. Dedicated heating and cooling circuits for the battery system keep this performance available in all conditions, allowing the powertrain to consistently drop 375 total hp. That's a lot, but torque is the real star here, especially how it's delivered.
The 4xe's eLSD allows 100 percent of the torque to be transferred to either wheel and torque to be sent exclusively to either side of the vehicle. That trick difference, combined with the lower center of gravity, pays dividends down the road. Especially on gravel or dirt, where managing a vehicle's weight transfer and maximizing power delivery with limited grip is essential.
By virtue of its multi-link front suspension, semi-active dampers and unibody construction, the 4xe maintains the high standards set at the launch of the new ICE Grand Cherokees. In the loose red dirt outside of Austin proper, that split second where you expect the body of a body-on-frame SUV to stop at a corner disappears (even some monocoque Utes are guilty of this). The GC 4xe compresses this movement to a tenth of a second. The 4xe handles more like a car here, with no wallow and just a little extremely controlled body roll.
We also looked at some gnarly off-road sections outside of Austin, every ounce as intimidating as anything since the Grand Cherokee ICE's unveiling in Moab last fall. The 4xe passed all tests with flying colors. Plus, the sheer electric power and available torque add even more off-road capability, allowing for smooth and precise electric power delivery when tackling slippery obstacles. Many of the off-road professionals who design these events that showcase the capabilities of a Jeep said they would select the 4xe as their personal set of wheels over the V-6 or V-8 options.
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That's all to say that the 4xe stands up to all the driving plaudits from my review and previous offerings.furtheron-road or off-road performance.Whether or not to choose the 4xe comes down to a few things: how well its purely electric features fit your life, and price.
More on the hybrid/electric side of the equation: Inside the 4xe is a three-switch panel that lets you select between powertrain modes. The "hybrid" switch first tries to use cheaper electric miles, but turns on the gas engine when necessary. There's a pure electric switch, running the vehicle completely on battery power except when absolutely necessary. Then there's the "E-save mode" which saves battery power for future use and makes the car run on internal combustion (the use case here is driving off-road in pure electric mode, and it's a lot of fun ; Jeep drove the entire Rubicon Trail in all-electric mode, just to prove they could).
This gives buyers a lot of flexibility.
Expect 470 miles of total range with charged batteries and a full tank of gas. And even when the 4xe's center display tells you it's dead on battery, there's a charge of torque coming from the batteries to get you away from stop lights and even highway speeds. This means you enjoy the benefits of hybrid power even when your all-electric range is at zero.
But there is a somewhat limited use case for pure electrical power. Instead of a wider range of batteries that offer more electric range but weigh even more than the 4xe, the plug-in hybrid model offers almost split personalities.
Jeep claims that most Americans commute less than 30 miles a day, and the 4xe allows enough electric range to cover the trip to the office and back (even better if you can plug it in at work). With every job I've had (and I've had a dozen up to this point), that number sticks.
But obviously, whether this purely electric cooker fits into the infrastructure of your daily life is a very personal matter. Please note that it takes approximately 3.4 hours to recharge the 4xe from an empty battery. You can use level 2 chargers on either 120v or 240V and program your 4xe to charge from a mobile app. Officially, the 4xe offers around 25 miles of pure electric range (at 56 mpge). We saw perhaps a little more than that on a simulated drive from downtown Austin, which included a drive through the city's suburbs and then a short drive down the freeway. I live in a condo with no way to charge the thing (other than using a 100' extension cord, which should please the neighbors), so it's not a good fit for me, although any town or small town with a garage and/or charger must be tested
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Now back to price, which is perhaps the second determining factor for buyers. As stated, the hybrid Grand Cherokee is not the budget option. In fact, its MSRP rivals that of the V-8 Grand Cherokee. Here is the spread.
Without destination fees, a basic 4xe will set you back $57,700; $62,485 for the Trailhawk; $65,800 for land; $69,820 for the top of the range Summit. Stellantis provided some sample rental amounts, which could include the $7,500 federal tax credit on electric vehicles, noting that you can often get your rental payment lower than ICE models. Jeep representatives call this a value proposition, but that's relative. Equipped the way you'd choose a 4xe (Overland trim and packages that have the top-down camera and Nappa leather seats), this is a $73,000 truck. This is in keeping with the top-of-the-line V-8 Grand Cherokee Summit Reserve. A similarly equipped V-6 Overland will cost more than $10,000 less (according to Jeep Configurator). See what incentives you can lock in and make your decision from there.
You would have 4xe if you had some kind of charging infrastructure. Really. It offers better straight-line performance than the V-8 and better overall efficiency than the V-6. It's more versatile and expansive in its capabilities than either, and also the most luxurious Grand Cherokee experience, by virtue of its near-silent operation (there's additional sound deadening in the barrier layer under the mat and also on the dash, and seamless integration into the hybrid system, which completely drowns out the groans of the four in a row).
Most of my trips around Seattle actually have less than 20 miles of electric range, save for one bi-monthly trip of about 400 miles, which I'm confident the 4xe will dispatch in absolute comfort. I don't tow often, though Jeep notes that the 4xe has a 6,000-pound towing capacity and even brought a Willy's on a trailer to prove their claims. But that maximum towing capacity that the V-8 offers is not necessary for me.
What's more surprising: Instead of a cheap imitation, Jeep came up with a genuine hybrid alternative to the V-8 Grand Cherokee. If you can make the numbers work within your budget and make use of its all-electric range, you won't find a slimmer or more versatile SUV in the segment. You should see the Grand Cherokee 4xe "available for delivery" sometime this spring, according to Stellantis.
kyle kinardKyle Kinard, the only member of the team to flip a grain truck on its roof, is the senior editor at R&T and resident disgruntler.
FAQs
Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe: The V-8 Hybrid Killer? ›
The EPA rates the Grand Cherokee 4xe at 56 mpg-equivalent using both gas and electric motors, 23 mpg combined when relying solely on its internal combustion engine.
How many miles per gallon does a Jeep Grand Cherokee hybrid 4xe get? ›The EPA rates the Grand Cherokee 4xe at 56 mpg-equivalent using both gas and electric motors, 23 mpg combined when relying solely on its internal combustion engine.
What is the range of a Grand Cherokee 4xe in hybrid mode? ›The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe is a plug-in hybrid with an EPA-estimated 25 miles of all-electric range and 56 mpg-equivalent rating, and it's rated at 23 mpg once that range is depleted.
How many miles per gallon does a Grand Cherokee hybrid 2023 GET? ›The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee MPG ratings come to 19 mpg in the city, 26 mpg on the highway, and 22 mpg combined. These are excellent numbers given the Grand Cherokee's size and weight, and it's all thanks to a trio of robust engine options under the hood.
How much horsepower does a Grand Cherokee 4xe hybrid have? ›Engineered for adventure, the Grand Cherokee 4xe offers uncompromised performance. Take control of a hybrid powertrain that delivers 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque.
How many miles per gallon does a 23 Grand Cherokee 4xe get? ›| 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe | |
|---|---|
| EPA MPG MPGe:Miles per Gallon Equivalent 1 gallon of gasoline=33.7 kWh | Elec+Gas Reg. Gas Combined MPG on Electricity:56 MPGe combined city/highway 0.0 gal/100mi of gas +58 kWh/100mi Combined MPG on Gas Only:23 MPG combined city/highway 4.3 gal/100mi |
With nearly silent operation, a 25-mile all electric range 7 and a 470-mile combined driving range 8, the 4xe gives you the freedom to adventure nearly anywhere while doing your part in the shift to a more sustainable future.
Does Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe charge while driving? ›The Jeep 4xe battery charges while driving thanks to its regenerative braking system.
How many MPG does an electric only Jeep 4xe get? ›Whether you want to take an off-road adventure or simply get around town on all-electric power, the Wrangler 4xe features a manufacturer's estimated 49 MPGe rating 5.
How many more miles per gallon does a hybrid get? ›Hybrids are the most gasoline efficient of all cars - they typically get 48 to 60 mpg (claimed). Not bad, but only about 20% to 35% better than a fuel efficient gasoline powered vehicle - like the Honda Civic, for example, that gets 36 mpg.
How many miles can a 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee go on a full tank? ›
How many miles can you go on a tank of gas in a Grand Cherokee? The 2023 Grand Cherokee fuel tank capacity of 23 gallons offers a driving range of 437 miles in the city and 598 miles on the highways.
How many miles per gallon does a jeep get in hybrid mode? ›Running on hybrid gas-electric power, the Wrangler 4xe MPGe is a combined city/highway 49 miles per gallon/kilowatt, and the EV range is an estimated 21 miles.
Is the Jeep 4xe a hybrid worth it? ›Absolutely, if you have access to charging whether it's at work or home you will end up saving a ton of money on fuel in the long run. Plus if you run out of electric range, the 4xe starts behaving like a traditional hybrid with a combustion engine; so you are still increasing your mpg.
How long does a Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe battery last? ›2021 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 4xe batteries usually last between 3-5 years, but this is variable depending on the type of battery, weather conditions, driving habits, and more.
What is the 0 to 60 time for a 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe? ›The quickest Grand Cherokee is the 4xe, which leaps to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds and reaches a quarter-mile in 13.9 seconds at 100 mph. That's 0.3 second quicker to 60 mph than the discontinued V-8 model from 2022. At our test track, a V-6–powered Summit test vehicle managed a respectable 7.4-second run to 60 mph.
How much does it cost to charge Jeep Grand Cherokee 4Xe? ›| 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe | |
|---|---|
| Cost to Drive 25 Miles | $2.03 (on a single charge) |
| $3.98 (driving on gas only) | |
| Cost to Fill the Tank | $70 (gas only) |
| Tank Size | 19.0 gallons |
Fuel & MPG
437.0/456.0 mi. 26 mi. 3.4 hr. 19.0 gal.
Engine & Transmission
For the best performance and fuel economy, Jeep recommends using premium 91-octane gasoline.
Recharging the Grand Cherokee 4xe when its battery is depleted takes around two hours on a 240-volt Level 2 charger, but it takes considerably longer on a traditional 15-amp household plug — or when using the SUV's portable charger.
What is the difference between Jeep 4xe hybrid and electric mode? ›Electric Mode uses only battery power for low-emissions zones in cities or quiet off-roading with maximum torque and horsepower, while e-Save Mode reserves battery power for later. Hybrid Mode gives you the best of both worlds. What Jeep® Brand models are currently available in 4xe?
How much does it cost to charge a 4xe? ›
According to this Allpar member, the cost to charge the batteries fully is around $1.05 (but just 15¢ with the local utility's overnight rates). The Jeeps come with regenerative braking, so the batteries are not limited to power from the plug; they act as a normal hybrid-electric when the initial charge is used.
What happens if I dont charge my Jeep 4xe? ›Plug-in hybrid Jeep vehicles feature a larger battery than standard hybrid vehicles so you can experience some full-electric driving range. However, there's no need for range anxiety as your Jeep 4xe will simply switch to its internal combustion engine that's powered by gas when you run out of charge.
Can you drive Jeep 4xe just on gas? ›Yes, the 2023 Jeep Wrangler 4xe is a fuel-efficient SUV. It can run on both gas and electricity, giving Clinton drivers the best of both worlds.
Can you drive a Jeep 4xe on gas only? ›Jeep 4xe eSave Mode: If your electric battery is getting a bit too low for your liking, you can switch your Jeep Wrangler 4xe into eSave Mode, which prioritizes the engine over the electric motor and only uses gasoline. You can recharge your Wrangler 4xe battery either at home or on the go using an EV charging station.
Can the 4xe recharge itself? ›One of the best things about the 4xe is your battery can be charged in several ways, such as wall outlets or charging equipment, by the engine itself, or by regenerative braking.
What is the range of the 2023 Jeep 4xe? ›The 2023 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Plug-In Hybrid has an all-electric driving range of up to 21 miles and a total driving range of up to 370 miles.
How much does it cost to replace the batteries in a Jeep Wrangler 4xe? ›The average cost for a Jeep Wrangler Hybrid High Voltage Battery Replacement is between $1,919 and $1,949. Labor costs are estimated between $114 and $144 while parts are priced between $1,805 and $1,805.
Do hybrids last as long as gas? ›That being said, compared to regular vehicles with internal combustion engines, it is predicted that hybrids will last longer. Since hybrids have both regenerative batteries and a fuel engine, both are used proportionally less — meaning both are likely to last longer.
What hybrid gets 90 mpg? ›The Crosstrek Hybrid also carries over for 2022, and it's good for an EPA-estimated 17 miles of all-electric range on a full charge. It has a combined rating of 35 mpg thereafter and up to 90 mpg-equivalent.
What is the life expectancy of a Jeep Grand Cherokee mileage? ›Average life expectancy for a Jeep Grand Cherokee
Generally speaking, Jeep Grand Cherokees are capable of lasting anywhere between 150,000 and 300,000 miles. Data from the Federal Highway Administration shows that United States drivers put an average of about 14,000 miles per year on their vehicles.
How many miles does a Jeep have to empty once gas tank announcement? ›
Jeep vehicles can go at least 45 miles before adding gas to the tank. Depending on the model, each has 2 to 3 gallons of fuel remaining.
How many miles until Jeep Grand Cherokee is empty? ›The 24.6-gallon gas tank can go about 575 to 639 highway miles, and because the gas light typically illuminates when the tank is at 10-15% capacity, the Jeep Grand Cherokee could go about 57.5 to 95 miles on empty.
Why does my jeep 4xe smell like its burning? ›Common symptoms that your 2021 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 4xe needs a coolant flush are: Sometimes, albeit unlikely, you'll be able to smell an odd burning odor coming from under the hood. Sediment or rust will be visible in the coolant.
Why are hybrid MPG so low? ›The compressor is what drains the fuel economy of the hybrid car. A lot of hybrid cars are made with an extra electric motor that transmits energy to the compressor. This means the battery should power this electric motor in addition to the main electric motor.
Should I put my Jeep 4xe on regular or premium? ›The EPA estimates that the Wrangler 4xe can travel for 21 miles on battery power alone, delivering efficiency equivalent to 49 mpg for those miles. When operating in gas-electric hybrid mode, city/highway combined fuel economy is 20 mpg. Regular gasoline will do, but Jeep recommends using 91-octane premium gas.
Is the new Jeep 4xe reliable? ›I had great expectations - got a lemon
Overall it's much much better than a regular gas version for daily commute, city driving, and gets "awesome" MPG on roadtrips - around 22-23 mpg from my Rubicon while a gas version is lot less. Sadly it's not very reliable, parts are non existent for this Jeep.
How Often Does a Hybrid Battery Need to be Replaced? Hybrid batteries last a long time. US manufacturers are required to warranty them for at least 8 years or 100,000 miles. But some experts, like Auto Trader, say that these batteries often last 10 to 15 years or around 120,000 to 150,000 miles.
How far can the Jeep 4xe go in hybrid mode? ›The 4xe can run for about 20 miles using just its battery. That's because the 2023 Wrangler 4xe is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, or PHEV.
What is the range of the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe hybrid mode? ›The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe is a plug-in hybrid with an EPA-estimated 25 miles of all-electric range and 56 mpg-equivalent rating, and it's rated at 23 mpg once that range is depleted.
What is the battery warranty of Jeep 4xe? ›To assure the customers confidence in the Grand Cherokee 4xe Jeep has put an impressive 10 Year/100,000 Miles warranty on the Jeep 4xe high voltage battery. The Jeep 4xe high voltage battery is a 17.3 kWh Lithium-ion.
How many miles per gallon does a 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe get? ›
The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee MPG ratings come to 19 mpg in the city, 26 mpg on the highway, and 22 mpg combined.
How many miles per gallon does a 2023 4xe Grand Cherokee get? ›| 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe | |
|---|---|
| EPA MPG MPGe:Miles per Gallon Equivalent 1 gallon of gasoline=33.7 kWh | Elec+Gas Reg. Gas Combined MPG on Electricity:56 MPGe combined city/highway 0.0 gal/100mi of gas +58 kWh/100mi Combined MPG on Gas Only:23 MPG combined city/highway 4.3 gal/100mi |
How many miles per gallon does the 2023 Jeep Wrangler 4xe get? Let's take a look at the different numbers below: Electric Motor & Gasoline Engine Combined: 49 mpg combined city/highway per gallon/kilowatt. Gasoline Engine Alone: 20 mpg combined city/highway 20 miles per gallon.
How many miles can the Jeep 4xe go on electric? ›When the battery has more than a 1% charge, it can run in Electric Mode. This allows for nearly zero tailpipe emissions up to highway speeds. The vehicle can run in this mode for up to 21 miles 7.
Can I charge Jeep 4xe with Tesla charger? ›You'll need an adaptor like the Tesla Tap that adapts the charger head to the J1772 port that the Jeep uses. Tesla uses their own charging port design while the 4xe uses the industry standard J1772 port.
Can you charge Jeep 4xe with a regular outlet? ›The Wrangler 4xe includes a Level I (120-volt) charging cable and can be charged using a regular home outlet.
How many mpg does a 4xe Jeep Cherokee get? ›The EPA rates the Grand Cherokee 4xe at 56 mpg-equivalent using both gas and electric motors, 23 mpg combined when relying solely on its internal combustion engine.
Does the Grand Cherokee 4xe take regular gas? ›Straight from the hybrid/4Xe supplement manual. This engine is designed to meet all emission requirements, and provide satisfactory fuel economy and performance, when using high-quality unleaded regular gasoline having an octane rating of 87, as specified by the (R+M)/2 method.”
What is the top speed of the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe in 2023? ›What is the top speed for a 2023 Grand Cherokee? The Jeep Grand Cherokee top speed is limited to 117 MPH with the standard powertrain, while the Grand Cherokee 4xe models get a higher 132 MPH top speed.
Does Grand Cherokee 4xe charge while driving? ›The Jeep 4xe battery charges while driving thanks to its regenerative braking system.
How many gallons of gas does a Jeep 4xe hold? ›
The most fuel-efficient Jeep model in the current lineup is the 2022 Jeep Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid, which offers up to 49 MPGe. Meanwhile, the 2022 Renegade is the most fuel-efficient Jeep SUV that features a regular gas powertrain.
Is the Jeep 4xe fuel efficient? ›The 2021 Jeep Wrangler has a combined total miles per gallon of 49, when taking both gas and electricity into consideration. When regarding gas only the 2021 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe has a combined miles per gallon of 20.
Does Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe need premium gas? ›Jeep manufacturers recommend using 87-octane regular unleaded gasoline in the Wrangler 4xe.
What is the gas mileage on a Jeep Grand Cherokee L hybrid? ›Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited: 19 MPG City/26 MPG HWY/22 MPG Combined.
How far can a Jeep Wrangler 4xe go on a full tank of gas? ›Your 2021 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 4xe battery will generally last between 3 to 5 years, but that can fluctuate heavily depending on type of battery, weather conditions battery size, and driving habits.
How much does it cost to charge Grand Cherokee 4xe? ›| 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe | |
|---|---|
| Cost to Drive 25 Miles | $2.03 (on a single charge) |
| $3.98 (driving on gas only) | |
| Cost to Fill the Tank | $70 (gas only) |
| Tank Size | 19.0 gallons |
If you accidentally put premium gas in your car, worry not—it won't damage your engine or any other components.
How much does it cost to charge a Cherokee 4xe? ›According to this Allpar member, the cost to charge the batteries fully is around $1.05 (but just 15¢ with the local utility's overnight rates). The Jeeps come with regenerative braking, so the batteries are not limited to power from the plug; they act as a normal hybrid-electric when the initial charge is used.
What kind of gas does a Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe take? ›
Engine & Transmission
Total output is 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. An 8-speed automatic transmission sends this to a standard-issue 4-wheel-drive system. For the best performance and fuel economy, Jeep recommends using premium 91-octane gasoline.
As a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), the Wrangler 4xe can also do well off-road. A full tank of gas can go as far as 370 miles. This can help ease any worries about the range. Also, using a 240-volt charger takes about 2 hours to charge, but it takes 12 hours when using a 120-volt charger.
What is the most fuel efficient Jeep Grand Cherokee? ›2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Gas Mileage by trim level
Jeep drivers and shoppers near Cincinnati, OH, will find the Laredo trim level comes equipped with the 3.6L V6 engine and can produce an EPA-estimated 19 city and 26 highway mpg, which is the most fuel efficient in the lineup.