Moab is Utah’s unofficial capital for adventure. There are many off-road routes that wind up the red rocks and past mesas beneath an azure sky. You can follow twisty roads that run alongside the Colorado River, through the hilly and rocky terrain. It’s the ideal location to show off both the on- and off-road prowess of the redesigned 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Jeep has split the Grand Cherokee lineup in its fifth generation. The shorter, three-row Grand Cherokee L made its debut earlier this year. This year’s two-row Grand Cherokee L has also been introduced. Although they share the same looks and engines as well as four-wheel drive systems and interior designs respectively, each vehicle has its own driving characteristics. That is something I am grateful for.
Grand Cherokee L, and Grand Cherokee L both ride on a dedicated rear-wheel driven platform. It is the same size as the fourth-gen model. Grand Cherokee L measures in at 193.5 inches with a 116.7-inch base and its wheelbase extends 2.0 inches. The L is another 8.2 inches longer on a wheelbase that’s 5.0 inches longer.
The fourth-generation model’s platform was the last and best gift Mercedes-Benz gave Chrysler Group during the DaimlerChrysler merger. Grand Cherokee enjoyed its superior bones and sporty ride, as well as a feel that was substantial.
Driving the Grand Cherokee L, it was clear that I had concerns about the Fifth-Generation model losing the magic powder Mercedes had given to it. It rides more smoothly, has more body lean and is easier to steer. It will appeal to families, but it doesn’t have the control I expected.
2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee
2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee
2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Don’t worry, because there is a two-row version. Jeep made every effort to improve the Grand Cherokee’s handling. Due to increased use of high-strength metal, the new body weighs 250 lb. Active engine mounts reduce vibrations caused by the change in the front cradle. The engine moved 1.6 inches lower. This required routing of the front axle through an oil pan. An extended-arm, shorter arm front suspension is back, however the lower center gravity at the front has been balanced by an independent five-link rear suspension. It replaces the four-link arrangement.
Grand Cherokee’s new model has the same solid feel on the road as the previous model. It is direct and weighty, providing excellent stability on the highway. The Grand Cherokee’s 8.4 inch ground clearance gives it some flexibility in cornering despite its firm suspension. However, the Grand Cherokee feels light and controlled.
For the most comfortable ride and handling, the Trailhawk’s, Overland’s, and Summit models have air suspensions and adaptive dampers. The Sport model reduces air suspension by a little over a quarter inch. This helps to combat body lean, and allows Grand Cherokee to carve corners more confidently with the 20- or 21-inch Summit and Overland tires.
Powertrain options don’t change for 2022. Stellantis’ robust 3.6-liter V-6 comes standard. The SUV can go from 0-60mph in just 7.5 seconds thanks to its 293 horsepower and 260 lbft torque. According to Jeep, it is capable of producing 293 hp. The 8-speed manual transmission is responsive and works well. It’s the better choice. The step up is Jeep’s venerable Hemi 5.7-liter V-8 that ups the output to 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque and cuts the 0-60 mph time to 6.9 seconds. That’s not much of an improvement, and it costs 4 mpg, for 17 mpg combined. The V-8’s roar is its biggest benefit. However, a 4xe hybrid model will be available next spring. It should have about the same power and a much better fuel economy. Also, it has a 20-mile range for electric vehicles.
2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee
2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee
2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Rim running
Moab’s off-road trails are as diverse as the terrain itself. After spending the morning in a Laredo, I switched over to a Trailhawk model for the run up the private course at Raven’s Rim.
While every Grand Cherokee has off-road chops, the $53,070 Trailhawk combines all of Jeep’s best off-road features in one model. Quadra-Drive II, the four-wheel-drive top-of-the-line Quadra-Drive II system features a 2 speed transfer case with an electronic locking limited-slip back differential. It can transmit all power to either side in order to get traction. Front sway bars can be disconnected to allow either tire to fall to make the most of the suspension travel of 9.3 inches. This allows the vehicle to purchase the tires that would otherwise be dangling in the air.
It also improves off-roading. Trailhawk’s unique front fascia allows for a 11.3 inch maximum ground clearance, which is 0.4 inches higher than most models with air suspension. This improves the approach angle to 35.7 degrees. (up from 20.5 degree without air suspension and 30.1 in the Overland at it max ride height) and also increases the departure angle up to 30.2 degrees. The Tailhawk’s 24.4-degree breakover angle is also 5.3 degrees better than the standard suspension. You can ride it on 265/60R18 Goodyear Wrangler Territories All-Terrain tires.
For the climb up the steep, rocky hill, Jeep’s spotters had journalists choose 4Lo and engage Rock mode, which sent the air suspension to its highest setting. Jeep reached angles of around 20 degrees as the tires pushed in. Also, we drove beside berms that tilted our Jeep 16 degrees. In rutted terrain, the Jeep’s front wheels were able to drop to the ground to help maintain grip when the wheel was ridden high or low. All of this information was visible on the screen at the instrument cluster, which has off-road pages.
It was handled by the Trailhawk like a mountain goat. The only issue I experienced was a football-sized loose rock that shifted under the Jeep’s weight. That caused the vehicle to bottom out, but that’s what the Trailhawk’s standard skid plates are for.
While the descent downhill was a little easier than before, it still proved difficult. To slowly but steadily climb the hill, I used an off-road control system called Selec Speed Control by Jeep. You can adjust the system in increments of 0.6 mph up to 5 miles per hour. It was easy to set it up and use the forward-view cam to select the best steering line for getting down to the pavement.
Raven’s Rim is a technical hill with sharp switchbacks and steep ascents and descents. Few Grand Cherokee Trailhawk owners will ever attack something this tough, but it’s good to know that they can. Many will choose the Trailhawk because of its lifestyle. Buyers get both luxury and comfort with the Trailhawk’s leather and vinyl seats and suede inserts.
2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee
2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee
2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Luxury bordering on the luxurious
The appointments of the Grand Cherokee’s cabin range from premium to full-on luxury. For $40,815, the Laredo model that I was starting in featured a soft touch dashpad, soft surfaces where drivers might rest their elbows, and a four-wheel drive price. (OK, $38,815, but it’s not unreasonable to think of a rear-wheel-drive Grand Cherokee). Jeep equips the Laredo in cloth upholstery and an 8-way adjustable driver seat. It also has wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Amazon Alexa voice commands. The 10.3-inch digital instrument cluster and LED taillights and headlights are included. 17-inch alloy wheels complete the package. The price is $1,560 less than that of the 2021 version, but it includes more safety features like adaptive cruise control, active lanes control, and automated emergency braking.
Buyers who choose top-of-the line models will experience an increase in luxury as well as a higher price. The Summit model is priced at $59160 and comes with the Summit Reserve package, which costs $6,000 Quadra-Drive II and 20-inch wheels are available on the Summit model. The Summit also features quilted nappa and wood trim as well as a larger 10.1-inch touchscreen and active-safety options. Palermo leather and open-pore wood trim are included in the Summit Reserve package. It also includes cooled front seats and second row seats. A 10.3-inch touchscreen for passengers is available. There’s also a McIntosh 19-speaker audio system and 21-inch wheels. The Grand Cherokee is the most luxurious model in the range.
Grand Cherokee owners have more interior space no matter what model they choose. This cabin offers an additional volume of 4.1 cubic feet and slightly more hip, shoulder and hip space. The rear seat has enough space to accommodate three people. These passengers have ample head and leg space, however hard cushions and low seat bottoms make it less comfortable. This improves cargo volume to an extremely useful 37.7 cubic ft behind the rear chairs (upfrom 36.3 cubes) or 70.8 cubic ft when folded flat with the rear seating (upfrom 68.3 cubic ft).
All of this adds up into a comfortable and capable replacement for the beloved fourth-generation Grand Cherokee. Like the last Grand Cherokee, the new model is a smart lifestyle choice that balances off-road prowess with on-road luxury, only now it’s safer and even more luxurious.
Jeep paid for all airfare, accommodation, and the privilege of accessing some the finest off-roading around the country. Motor Authority We are happy to provide this report from the ground.
