Is The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Better Than Its Competition? Find Out Here
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The Jeep Grand Cherokee was first unveiled in 1992, and since then it’s established itself as a firm favorite with everyone from families to off-road enthusiasts. The latest WL generation of the Grand Cherokee was first unveiled in 2021 in three-row “L” form, but for 2022 all GC variants are now underpinned by this new architecture. The car does a great job of living up to the Jeep reputation, but the midsize SUV segment is now more competitive than ever. Can the Grand Cherokee compete with its many rivals?
The short answer is yes, although it’s not without its flaws. The GC’s selection of trims is now more wide-ranging than ever, but there are a few pitfalls hidden in its lineup that buyers would do well to avoid. That said, this is still very much a top-tier Jeep, one that manages to balance its rugged off-road capability and family-hauling practicality better than pretty much anything else in its segment. To find out exactly how it manages that, let’s take a closer look at each key feature of the car.
8 Power
There’s a selection of three powertrains available for the 2022 Grand Cherokee, two that will be instantly familiar and one that’s a new addition. The first two are a 3.6L V6 and a 5.7L Hemi V8 that have been carried over from the last generation car, so no surprises there.
The third option is a hybrid setup that combines a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an electric motor for a total output of 375 hp. Although most buyers will want their Jeeps with 4WD or AWD, base trims of the Grand Cherokee actually only come with RWD as standard, although all-wheel drive will be optional on all trims.
7 Handling
Striking the balance between refined on-road handling and rugged off-road capability is no easy task, but Jeep has decades of expertise here. The Grand Cherokee is just as settled and predictable on the highway like any other midsize SUV, yet it packs more punch than any of them on a rough trail.
It’s not like the GC is going to blow anyone’s socks off in terms of driving experience, at least not unless we’re talking about the mad Trackhawk, which requires a separate review of its own. But, razor-sharp handling isn’t really the point of an SUV like this, and for everyday commutes and grocery runs, the Grand Cherokee is just as competent as anything else in the segment.
6 Interior
One of the biggest flaws with the previous generation of the car was its interior, as it felt dated and cheap especially considering its premium price tag. With the new WL generation, Jeep has stepped their game up, and finally provided a cabin that’s competitive with other similarly priced SUVs.
Especially in higher trims, the Grand Cherokee now feels properly luxurious, with quilted leather seats and real wood trim available on Overland and Summit models. Basic models still feel comfortable, but for those with the cash, the higher-spec cabins are noticeably plusher.
5 Space
The Grand Cherokee is fairly spacious for its segment, with cargo space totaling 37.7 cubic feet with the second row of seats up and 70.8 with them folded down. In three-row L form, even more, space is on offer, although other rivals do offer more room for less cash.
It’s not the best value for money on a purely space-to-price basis, but the Grand Cherokee is still one of the roomiest SUVs overall for its size and offers more than enough cargo capacity for most families. Anyone looking for significantly more space will probably have to start looking at full-size SUVs to find it.
4 Technology
Another improvement for 2022 is that Jeep has revamped the Grand Cherokee’s infotainment with the new generation. There’s now a dual-screen entertainment system for the rear passengers that comes with Amazon FireTV on upscale Grand Cherokee L trims. Regular-sized Grand Cherokees also see improvements, with Jeep’s latest infotainment suite and an optional 19-speaker Mackintosh audio system available.
There’s also a Level 2 autonomous package promised for buyers, which should offer a degree of self-driving capability. Reports suggest many of its functions will be limited to major highways, and it isn’t clear exactly what self-driving features will be offered yet.
3 Towing
Towing capacity for the Grand Cherokee varies significantly depending on the powertrain, with hybrid models only able to tow 6,000 lb. Swap in a V6 and that figure rises to 6,200 lb, but anyone wanting maximum towing capacity will need to spec the Hemi V8, which can manage 7,200 lb.
That’s pretty much top of the class for a midsize SUV, with the Chevy Blazer only able to tow 4,500 lb and the Ford Edge faring even worse with a maximum capacity of 3,500 lb. Really, to find an SUV with better towing capabilities than the Grand Cherokee, buyers will have to look to the full-size Wagoneer, which costs a significant premium over most GC trims.
2 Economy
The gasoline variants of the Jeep are largely typical of other midsize SUVs in terms of their efficiency. The V6 is rated at 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway, while the V8 is a little more thirsty at 14 mpg city and 22 mpg highway. Adding the optional all-wheel-drive decreases those ratings by 1 mpg each.
The hybrid is expected to be much more efficient than either of the two gasoline options, although it hasn’t received an official EPA rating yet. Jeeps and electrification might seem like an unlikely pairing, but with emissions regulations getting stricter every year, the hybrid version is a glimpse of what all of Jeep’s lineup will look like in the near future.
1 Price
The Grand Cherokee is subject to what some refer to as the “Jeep tax”, that is that it commands a premium over other cars in its segment. Its starting price is $40,120, which put it way above rivals like the Kia Telluride and Chevy Blazer, which start at $34,345 and $34,595 respectively.
Opting for a top-spec Grand Cherokee will almost double the base price, with the Summit Reserve hybrid costing $76,095. That pushes it up into full luxury SUV territory, with a base Porsche Cayenne costing $6,000 less. In that context, the Jeep might become a harder sell for more value-oriented buyers, but no doubt the brand’s army of fans will be happy to fork out the extra for what’s clearly one of the most versatile Jeeps on the market.
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