Jeep entered the luxury SUV segment with its Grand Cherokee series launch, beginning with the first-ever three-row vehicle, the Grand Cherokee L, that debuted with its two-row trim in 2021. This year, the company has revealed a third Grand Cherokee model, the 4xe plug-in hybrid, a premium off-roader powered by an inline-four engine coupled with an electric motor, thus delivering a powerful performance. The two-row SUV offers more in every sense, be it the higher fuel efficiency or the V6 and V8 engines.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, with its off-roading capability and top-notch features, may just rank number 1 on the Grand Cherokee hierarchy. Boasting features such as an all-electric mode, the utility vehicle also offers economy better than the 3.6-liter Pentastar and power greater than the 5.7-liter Hemi V8.

RELATED: These Are The Specifications Of The Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe

The Class-Exclusive Design

2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe
Via Jeep

The classic and stunning exterior of the vehicle continues to turn heads. The 2022 4xe, crafted with premium materials, contributes to an excellent tradition defined by a balance of elegance and competence. The strong LED lighting with a sophisticated design gives the Grand Cherokee a premium touch. Similarly, the fog lights, LED headlamps, and taillamps, also provide an impressive view both inside and out. A variety of wheel choices, including brand new 21-inch polished aluminum wheels, enhance the stability and smooth handling of the automobile in city streets and rugged terrain. The optional black roof gives a two-tone aesthetic that distinguishes the Grand Cherokee from the pack. The 4xe comes in five trim levels, each of which is meant to satisfy the demands of a different group of customers.

The vehicle comes with a Selec-Terrain System and a heavy-duty suspension. The Trailhawk is the second trim to the 4xe. The Trailhawk sports a front suspension skid plate, gasoline tank, and transfer case skid plate shield to defend itself in any terrain. To illuminate the interior of the Overland, which is the third trim in the lineup, includes LED front footwell and overhead cargo area lighting, and rear reading/courtesy lamps. Lastly, Summit is the fourth trim level. Power driver and front passenger chairs with back massagers are standard on this model, as are Nappa leather seats. The Summit Reserve is the highest trim level. The back seats are ventilated as standard, and the front-seat passenger have their interactive display.

The Uncompromising And Sophisticated Interior

2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe
Via Jeep

The carmaker has ensured that it offers a tech-filled and luxurious cabin space. Thus, a 10.1-inch touchscreen with navigation, a heated steering wheel, heated front and back seats, and a dual-pane sunroof are standard features on the 4xe. Overall, the vehicle is passenger friendly with its comfortable seats featuring standard leather upholstery and memory for the driver's seat. Inside the utility vehicle, an infotainment system powered by Uconnect 5 is standard, with an 8.4-inch or optional 10.1-inch touchscreen. The Uconnect system streams music, makes phone calls, and also offers navigation.

RELATED: These Are The Pros And Cons Of The Jeep Wrangler 4xe

The Most Powerful Grand Cherokee Ever

2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Silver
Via Jeep

The Grand Cherokee 4xe, which is only available in two-row configuration, employs the same plug-in hybrid engine as the Wrangler. The beast is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine with 295 lb-ft of torque, which is also aided by a 44 HP belt-driven motor and a 134 HP electric motor that replaces the torque converter in the eight-speed automatic gearbox. The vehicle’s total output is 375 HP and 470 lb-ft of torque. These stats easily outperform the 5.7-liter V-8's 357 HP and 390 lb-ft of torque. Electricity is stored in a pair of 17.3 kWh batteries mounted on either side of the car’s transmission and driveshaft tunnel, which is a unique piece of packaging. Because this is a Grand Cherokee, the 4xe system is linked to Jeep's "Quadra Trac II" 4x4 system, including a two-speed transfer case. The EPA combined figure of 56 MPGe is marginally higher than the Wrangler's 49 MPGe. Available in three driving modes: hybrid, electric, and eSave, the power of the turbo engine and the electric motor are also combined in Hybrid Mode. Electric Mode exclusively uses the electric motor, while eSave Mode uses the gas engine while saving battery power for later use.

The Grand Cherokee 4xe begins at $57,660, which is about $15,500 more than the base four-wheel-drive V-6 Laredo and offers more standard features. The 4xe powertrain is also available in Trailhawk, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve trims.

Sources: Jeep, Car And Driver, Auto Blog