Quality vehicles come in many generations — or, at least, that's what car manufacturers want to achieve, quality repeated over the years. We don't have the actual statistics, but it does happen that we trust more the already established lines that lived to see many upgrades.
Anyhow, every car generation comes to an end sooner or later, and the question is, what do car manufacturers do with the models left in the inventory? It seems that some of them opt to push forward another round of models within the ending generation until they sell them out completely. It's actually clever thinking and helps the customers since the old-new models usually come at a discount.
The same thing happened with Jeep and the Grand Cherokee, a mid-size SUV that's been around since the 70s in five generations. We have an official new model (literally named "The New" on the Jeep website) and the WK selling simultaneously.
What's the difference between the new 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee and the previous-generation WK one? Learn all the details in this article.
Deciphering The "Old" And The "New" In The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee
The entire thing between the "new" and the "old" Jeep Grand Cherokee can be confusing, considering both models are marketed for the 2022 production year. But it helps to separate them according to code names. The new model bears the WL, and the old one (from the previous generation) the WK codename.
But what is the trick? How does Jeep plan to interest the customer base with the outgoing generation when they have an option to go for the new model? The answer lies in the price decrease, as the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee WK starts at $37,375, which is $1,345 less than you have to pay for the WL ($38,720 MSRP).
Now, we were initially excited about seeing the Grand Cherokee discounted, but is $1,345 all that Jeep could pull off? Of course, every cent counts, but most people lease vehicles these days and would probably argue this is not the best offer they could get. What's more, the WL comes with more options than the WK, and a couple of more bucks may be well worth it.
The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee WK comes only in three trims, and although they are less expensive than the three out of four ones the WL includes, the deduction is not sky-high. Moreover, the WL offers plug-in-hybrid models, a better towing capacity, more color options, and some other extras. It's also differently styled, which some customers may also prefer.
What Will The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee WK Bring To The Table?
Discount and our expectations aside, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee WK is still an excellent unit. If you don't need all the extra bells and whistles from your new SUV, why wouldn't you save $1,000 on your purchase? So, don't get us on the wrong side, we're all up for a discount. It's just we expected a better deal from Jeep.
The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee WK indeed has plenty to offer. Packed under the hood is a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine that delivers 295 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The vehicle also comes with electronic stop/start technology and can tow up to 6,200 pounds.
The Selec-Terrain Traction Management System is one of the Grand Cherokee WK features Jeep highlights, as it adjusts shift patterns and balances power for excellent control on demanding roads and conditions. The 4x4 System is another great addition.
When it comes to safety on the road, Jeep's Pro-Tech II package has your back. Standard and advanced features include forward collision warning with active braking, lane departure warning, brake assist, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, parallel and perpendicular park assist, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. A full package indeed.
From the outside, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee WK is a true representative of the badge it wears, sporting rugged but at the same time elegant lines. The WK is essentially a modern SUV with a touch of tradition that suggests its great capability.
Inside, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee WK aims to achieve a blend of comfort and convenience. The leather-trimmed bucket seats look good and provide a cozy experience during every ride. Plus, the driver's seat is adjustable and can memorize your settings, so you don't have to readjust it every time you sit behind the wheel.
The WK also offers modern capabilities, such as a big center screen, but doesn't get rid of the buttons and knobs. This makes it more traditional-like and preferable in a sea of minimalistic styling. Of course, you also get an option to customize your 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee WK once you pick your trim, so you'll get even more features than the ones listed here.