With more opulence than ever before, the Jeep Grand Cherokee enters its fifth generation. It rides on a new platform with fresh sheetmetal, retains its V6 and V8 powertrains but adds an electrified variant, and features wood accents and the latest gadgets and gizmos in its interior. The track has been widened, the roofline has been lowered, new active grille shutters and air curtains have been added, and optional 21-inch wheels have been added for the first time. With the Summit Reserve trim, Jeep hopes to push the Grand Cherokee upstream into the $80,000 range, but more on that later.
This Grand Cherokee is one of the most refined and sophisticated models in the company's history. The iconic seven-slat grille remains - it wouldn't be a Jeep without it - but the lines are boxier but cleaner, and muscular hips, as well as slim and contoured taillights, give it a lot of road presence.
The most noticeable upgrades are found on the inside. The Grand Cherokee has finally arrived as a true luxury vehicle, especially in this fully loaded Summit Reserve trim, which includes massage seats, Palerno leather surfaces, wood panel trims, and a 19-speaker McIntosh audio system. The design is simple, with plenty of leather and wood accents, just like the Grand Wagoneer. At least aesthetically, the quality here is better than most Jeep models we've seen in the past. The fit and finish are satisfactory, but not exceptional or segment-leading. The panels don't feel as secure in place as they do in a BMW X5 or a Lexus RX, and the feedback from operating the switchgear isn't particularly upscale or premium.
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Jeep's user interfaces, on the other hand, are exceptional and consistent. That's a good thing, because the Grand Cherokee is loaded with touchscreens, including 10.1-inch displays for the instrument cluster and center screen, as well as a segment-first 10.25-inch touchscreen on the passenger-side dash. It's similar to what you'll find in Ferraris and the Porsche Taycan, and while it may appear to be a gimmick, it actually makes passenger inputs a lot easier.
Jeep made a conscious effort to keep real buttons and dials, despite the fact that the UConnect infotainment system is one of our most highly regarded units in the business - it's fluid, lag-free, and works as smoothly as the latest iPhone. This lack of reliance on digital real estate is appreciated because it makes every interaction user-friendly and keeps the learning curve low. It's also difficult to complain when our lower back is effectively knurled by the five-mode massaging seats.
The peace of mind that comes from knowing that our vehicles are safe while on the road also helps us stay calm. Car thefts are on the rise, especially in Canada, which is why we always recommend installing a miTrail vehicle tracker in your personal vehicle. It's a simple device that plugs into the car's OBD11 port, and you can use a computer or smartphone to track its location in real time. It's an additional layer of automotive security, similar to dash cams or steering wheel locks, and we wouldn't leave our garage without one. You can learn more about miTrail's devices by visiting their website.
The Grand Cherokee comes with a V6 or V8 engine, both with an automatic transmission and four-wheel drive. The V6 engine, with its 293 hp and 257 lb-ft of torque, is the logical and efficient choice, but those looking for a little more oomph will want the more powerful V8, which produces 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque - it's also the engine spec we tested.
When you press the throttle, the V8 delivers strong acceleration and propels this large Jeep forward quickly. It has a typical naturally aspirated power delivery that is linear, sprightly, and full of mid-range vigor. It peaks at around 5,000 rpm, but few people will ever go there because they'll be driving past most city limits by then. The 8-speed transmission isn't designed to provide the quickest or sportiest shifts, and it can take a few moments to wake up when stuck in the wrong gear, but it's a welcome addition to the V8's torquey powerband.
There are no badges or exterior features to distinguish the two additional cylinders; the only way to tell is to pop the hood or listen to the exhaust note, which is burblier, deeper, and richer. It has a low pitch and volume, resonating at the same frequency as a RAM 1500, but it definitely adds to the sense of occasion when you start it up or drive down the on-ramp at full throttle.
The V8 costs $3,495 more and can tow up to 3,265 kg (7,200 lbs), but we don't think it's worth the extra money (and the associated fuel costs) unless towing and high-speed acceleration are your top priorities. Aside from that, the six-cylinder is more than adequate for daily driving, has plenty of power, and is more fuel-efficient.
To combat the V8's thirsty nature, Jeep has fitted it with cylinder deactivation, which shuts down four cylinders during light acceleration or highway cruising. The transitions are seamless and take place behind the scenes, so you won't even notice. The Grand Cherokee's ability to disconnect the front axle, which reduces driveline drag and improves fuel economy, is also new for this year. When the car detects that more grip is required via 4WD, the front axle will be re-engaged. We averaged 15.4 L/100km over a mix of city and highway driving, and with gas prices on the rise, we believe most people will opt for the smaller V6 instead. At the very least, the V8 only requires 87 octane gasoline, which helps to compensate for its startling ability to consume fuel.
When driving the Grand Cherokee, you get a sense of heft and heaviness. It's not unwieldy, and the steering effort can be adjusted in the settings menu, but no matter which of the three settings you choose, it lacks feel. It does, however, provide enough rotational feedback to let you know what's going on with the front wheels.
However, even on its 21-inch wheels, the Grand Cherokee rides exceptionally well, and when the road is relatively smooth, it rivals the comfort and road manners of a comparably equipped Audi Q8 and Mercedes-Benz GLE. However, when it comes to navigating road imperfections, the Jeep's ride is noticeably more brittle and flinty. Its air suspension and new semi-active damping help a lot, but it can't truly muffle the peakier oscillations like its competitors can.
In 2022, the Jeep Grand Cherokee continues to dazzle. Although the optional V8 engine is unnecessary, there are compelling arguments for its sprightlier acceleration and richer exhaust note. Just be aware of the additional fuel costs. Aside from that, the Grand Cherokee is a well-rounded and enjoyable SUV that expertly blends user-friendly interfaces with a long list of high-end features.
Specifications:
- Model: 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit V8
- Paint Type: Baltic Grey Metallic
- Base Price: $74,045
- Price as Tested: $84,970
- Engine: 5.7-litre V8
- Horsepower: 357 hp
- Torque: 390 lb-ft
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Engine & Drive Configuration: Front engine, 4WD
- Fuel Consumption ( City / Highway / Combined ) L/100km: 16.7 / 10.9 / 14.1
- Observed Fuel Consumption (L/100km): 15.4
- Tires: 275/45R21
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