Jeep is celebrating thirty years of production on one of its most popular models, the Grand Cherokee, with the 2023 model year. Taking it a step further, the company that has been long known for its off-road ready and rugged designs is celebrating the occasion by updating the legendary model with modern technology.
It is hard to believe that it has been thirty years since Jeep crashed the then-brand-new first example of the Jeep Grand Cherokee into the world’s eye after literally smashing the SUV through a window at the 1992 North American International Auto Show.
Now, in celebration, the 30th Anniversary Edition is being produced in the planet-friendly iteration 4xe introduced by the company in 2020. The plug-in hybrid version of the Grand Cherokee comes with some updated features and several aesthetic changes but is still an example of the 2023 model year Grand Cherokee at heart.
Let’s take a closer look at what you should know about the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe 30th Anniversary Edition!
A Brief Look Back At The Past Thirty Years Of Grand Cherokee
Jeep’s ideas for what would ultimately become the Grand Cherokee originated back in 1983 with American Motors Corporation (AMC) began their designs on a successor to the Jeep Cherokee XJ. The basic design culminated in the XJC Concept 1 show car in 1989, and from there, the company began the development of the Grand Cherokee using new technology for the time, computer-aided design software.
Chrysler purchased the Jeep brand in 1987. The desire of the CEO of Chrysler, Lee Lacocca, to redesign minivans for Chrysler delayed the release of the Grand Cherokee for a few years, and it ultimately ended up releasing as a competitor to Ford’s Explorer, but with a unibody construction concept.
Just a few years later in 1992, the Grand Cherokee entered the world in a blaze of glory by debuting at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan. The SUV was a Poppy Red 1993 Grand Cherokee ZJ Laredo and then Chrysler president Robert Lutz drove the vehicle, accompanied by Detroit’s mayor (Coleman Young) as a passenger and with a police escort, up the steps of Cabo Hall and through a plate glass window.
Breaking into the world in such an exciting fashion did a lot to draw attention to the new model and the Grand Cherokee quickly became a staple in the Jeep lineup. Production began at the Jefferson North Assembly plant in Detroit, and the SUV was the first full-scale production model in the United States manufactured using HFC-134a refrigerant in the HVAC system (a CFC-free version which is safer for the environment).
The Grand Cherokee has continued to innovate for the past thirty years, integrating technological updates and upping power at every turn. From the 707-horsepower Trackhawk to the eco-friendly 4ex, the SUV has stood the test of time.
Specifications, Features, And Highlights Of The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe 30th Anniversary Edition
Although the 30th Anniversary Edition Jeep Grand Cherokee is not totally unique from its non-anniversary counterpart, it is still an impressive ride. The 2023 Grand Cherokee 4xe is a plug-in hybrid version of the current SUV. The company announced earlier this year that they would only be making the Grand Cherokee’s most powerful iteration, the Trailhawk, in the new 4xe plug-in hybrid form going forward, so it comes as no surprise that their 30th anniversary iteration would also feature the hybrid drive train.
The Grand Cherokee comes with the capacity for up to 270 horsepower or 375 net power output from the hybrid system at 5,250 RPM and with four-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. A 2.0 liter I4 DOHC Di Turbo PHEV engine working alongside a 17.3 kWh battery power the truck, and it comes standard with a heavy-duty suspension.
Details on the SUV were shared at the North American International Auto Show this year and can be viewed online through Stellantis' virtual auto show as well. The exterior of the 30th anniversary edition has a black-out aesthetic with 20-inch black wheels and black trim. It also has anniversary badging and body-color accents on the sills, wheel flares, and rear fascia for a touch of additional class. The two tow hooks provide a flash of bright blue color to the SUV.
Within the cabin of the Grand Cherokee, the seats are Black Capri leather with ventilation. Additional cabin upgrades include an Alpine audio system, 10.1-inch touchscreen with the latest software (Uconnect from Chrysler), and a wireless charging pad. The technology is worthwhile as well, with parking sensors, a 360-degree camera system, digital rearview mirror, rain-sensitive wiper blades, and keyless entry.
Rather than a whole trim, the 30th anniversary edition of the 2023 Grand Cherokee 4xe is actually an upgrade package offered for a limited time to the existing model. The upgrade costs $4,700, but with the history behind this amazing model, it makes sense that many Jeep enthusiasts will not hesitate to shell out the difference.