Most importantly to the Jeep-buyer, the Grand Cherokee 4xe plug-in hybrid Jeep retains the all-terrain prowess of a Jeep. And like most other Jeeps these days, the Grand Cherokee 4xe proves you don’t have sacrifice luxury and comfort to play in the dirt, mud, gravel and water.
The engineering team used aluminum on much of the 4xe’s front and carefully managed the electronic limited slip differential (eLSD) to maximize the delivery of power for unmatched performance on the most challenging of terrains. And all the other Grand Cherokees, it also maintains a multilink front suspension, semi-active dampers, and unibody construction that allow it to wade through water.
Quicker than the Gas Grand Cherokee
The Grand Cherokee 4xe leverages a 270-hp 2.0-liter engine. Behind it are two electric motors. An injection inline-four motor integrates with the 8-speed transmission, replacing the torque converter. A separate generator/motor applies torque to the front axle to replace the starter. Together, this antes up the total output to 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. This makes the 4Xe quicker on the road, vaulting from zero to 60 rating in 5.5 seconds, a full second less than its V8 sablemate.
A three-switch panel allows drivers to select between powertrain modes. “Hybrid” uses electric miles first and engages the gas engine when needed. A pure electric button runs the vehicle entirely on the batteries’ power, except when absolutely necessary. Or, choose “E-save mode” to conserve the battery for future use, and runs the car exclusively on the internal combustion engine (ICE).
4Xe vs ICE
The first factor in comparing the 4Xe to ICE counterparts is how you plan to use the vehicle. The 4xe has a towing capacity of 6000 lbs. versus the V8’s 7,200 lbs. Next you must weigh 4xe’s price premium for the 30 miles on electric-only driving that you gain. If indeed, the 30 miles gets you around town during the week and you have time and access to charge it between, keep reading.
Using electric and gas, the MPGe rating is 56 combined city/highway driving. After that, the 4Xe gets an EPA-estimated gas-only rating of 23 mpg combined compared to the V8’s 22 mpg combined rating. However, if you do a lot of off-road driving, the advantages of full-on low-end torque and regenerative braking give the electronic motor a far superior edge in fuel efficiency compared to ICE cousins.
All that said, the base price for our Grand Cherokee Trailhawk 4xe was $65,260. But our tester equipped with options most would want, plus delivery charges, was $73,125. That puts it right in line with the range-topping V-8 Grand Cherokee Summit Reserve.
SUV or Minivan?
Compare the Grand Cherokee PHEV SUV with its cousin–the Chrysler Pacifica PHEV minivan.
