2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Test Drive Review: American Icon
The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee is an all-new version of an American icon. And when we say all-new, we really mean it. Jeep has finally ditched its aging Mercedes-based platform that's been around since 2005 in favor of a flexible architecture that supports multiple wheelbases and electrification. That means for the first time ever Jeep offers a three-row Grand Cherokee L model (reviewed separately) and an upcoming 4xe plug-in hybrid that will arrive in 2022. For now, Jeep will offer the two-row Grand Cherokee with carryover 3.6-liter V6 and 5.7-liter V8 options ranging from 293 horsepower to 357 hp.
Along with the new platform, the 2022 Grand Cherokee arrives with handsome styling, a decadent interior, impressive technology, and familiar Jeep off-road capability. All of these changes come with a sizable price increase from last year's model, making the Jeep more expensive than other mainstream midsize crossovers like the Chevrolet Blazer, Honda Passport, and Nissan Murano. But thanks to its premium cabin and outstanding features, the Grand Cherokee feels more comparable to luxury SUVs like the Range Rover Sport. Jeep flew us to Moab, Utah to experience the 2022 Grand Cherokee where it greatly exceeded expectations.
2022 Grand Cherokee Exterior
Dimensions
| Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width | Curb Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 193.5 in | 116.7 in | 70.8 in | 77.5 in | 65.4 in | 65.4 in | 4,238.0 lbs |
2022 Grand Cherokee Performance
Handling and Driving Impressions
Jeep priced the Grand Cherokee above other mainstream crossovers, so it needs to perform like a near-luxury model. We are pleased to say that it clears this benchmark handily. Jeep handed us the keys to a fully-loaded Summit Reserve trim for our on-road drive, meaning we could sample the Quadra-Lift air suspension. While not the softest ride we've ever experienced, the Grand Cherokee won't let imperfect roads disturb its passengers in any meaningful way. Road noise is minimal too, so highway trips won't feel tiresome. Though Jeep's newest architecture trims weight compared to the old model, the Grand Cherokee still feels substantial on the road, though well-calibrated steering and a sorted chassis keep it composed in corners. Jeep only had a few V8-equipped cars at the drive event, so we sampled the base V6 instead. While this engine gets the car up to speed without too much fuss, we can't help but imagine the V8 offers more effortless passing power at the expense of fuel economy. Buyers shopping for a pseudo-luxury experience at a more reasonable price won't be disappointed with the Grand Cherokee.
While visiting the off-road capital of the United States in Moab, Utah, we also sampled the Grand Cherokee Trailhawk. This trail-rated model offers the best off-road capability in the lineup, with Jeep's Quadra-Lift air suspension and Quadra-Drive II 4x4 system standard. The Jeep team directed us to the edge of town to show us how the Trailhawk could easily climb to the top of a cliff overlooking Moab. We placed the Selec-Terrain off-road system into its most rugged rock setting, raising the air suspension to its maximum height and preparing various systems for the task ahead. With the 4WD switching into its low-range setting and the sway bar disconnected, the Trailhawk made short work of a challenging mountain climb. To make the task even easier, Jeep's Selec-Speed Control functions as off-road cruise control, helping the Trailhawk crawl up or coast down an obstacle without needing driver input. Though we doubt many Grand Cherokee owners will use their SUV like a Wrangler, it's nice to know that the capability is there if needed.
2022 Grand Cherokee Interior
2022 Grand Cherokee Trunk and Cargo Space
Warranty
| Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Roadside Assistance | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Years / 60,000 Miles | 5 Years / 60,000 Miles | 5 Years / Unlimited Miles | 5 Years / 60,000 Miles | 3 Years / Unlimited Miles |
Verdict: Is the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee A Good SUV?
Jeep has elevated its game tremendously in recent years, and the 2022 Grand Cherokee feels like the culmination of those efforts. The all-new Grand Cherokee feels measurably more premium than mainstream competitors from Chevy, Ford, or Nissan in the USA. We'd go so far as to call it an American Range Rover Sport alternative, at least in the higher trim levels. We certainly wouldn't call the Grand Cherokee great value in its segment (quite the opposite in fact), but Jeep backs up its higher pricing strategy with a truly premium product. Whether or not the Jeep badge is worth such a premium is up to individual buyers. First model year vehicles can sometimes present issues, but since Jeep stuck with familiar engines under the hood, we expect the Grand Cherokee to be reliable.
If someone was in the market for a two-row mid-size SUV with impressive towing and off-road capabilities, we'd highly recommend the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee as a budget alternative to options like the BMW X5, Land Rover Range Rover Sport, and Mercedes-Benz GLE. Those SUVs may provide more prestigious nameplates, but if you analyze the specs and try out Jeep's technology, you might now understand why the Europeans charge so much more. With a three-row model now available and a more efficient plug-in hybrid model on the way, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee feels like a winner.
2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Comparisons
2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs Jeep Cherokee
Jeep's main competition comes from within its own ranks. If you remove the "Grand" out of the name you end up with the Cherokee, which is also a two-row SUV. It's not as big, but still large enough for a family of four. It's also a lot cheaper. The most expensive Cherokee retails for just over $30,000, while the base Grand Cherokee Laredo kicks off at $37,390. That's a huge pile of money, but it's worth it. The top-spec Cherokee is equipped with a 3.2-liter V6, which is an adaptation of the 3.6-liter engine used in the Grand Cherokee. It produces 271 hp and 239 lb-ft compared to the Grand Cherokee's 293 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. Granted, it's not a big difference, but the biggest deciding factor here is the gearbox. The newer eight-speed in the Grand Cherokee is sublime, while the Cherokee's nine-speed automatic is perhaps the main reason why we wouldn't go near one. It's dimwitted, slow, and tends to get confused; almost as if it's constantly going through an existential crisis.
The current Cherokee also dates back to a time when Jeep tried to emulate luxury but got it completely wrong. The dash layout is fine and the touchscreen interface with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto works a charm. But the buttons feel cheap and the interior is simply too generic compared to Jeep's latest products. The Grand Cherokee is easily worth the extra money, even if you can only stretch to a base model. If you can't, keep in mind that there are better rivals competing in the Cherokee segment.
2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs Ford Explorer
In 2021 the Explorer won this comparison without even trying too hard. It was a few years ahead of the aging Grand Cherokee, so beating it wasn't too hard.
Now both are great cars, equipped with the latest technology and high-quality interiors. Ford's engine offerings are more modern. You can choose between a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-pot that produces 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. That's easily more than the Jeep's 293 hp and 260 lb-ft. It also consumes less fuel. You can also get a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6, producing 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. It makes Jeep's 357 hp/390 lb-ft 5.7-liter V8 feel like something out of the stone age.
Still, these are two very different cars. If you're looking for an engaging SUV that will spend most of its time in the city or on road trips, the Explorer might be the better option. But the low-slung Explorer isn't capable of doing half of what the Grand Cherokee can do off-road, and Jeep's latest interior and technology is well into the premium realm!