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The Jeep Grand Cherokee is an absolute icon, it popularized SUVs in the US market by offering a mix of offroad ability and everyday usability in a way that we hadn’t seen before. Today, the Grand Cherokee is mixing in a new ingredient to its winning recipe. That new ingredient is electricity, in the form of a plug-in hybrid drivetrain, the chief distinction between the Grand Cherokee and the Grand Cherokee 4xe. In 4xe form, the Grand Cherokee is massively powerful, offering best-in-class torque, but still manages to sip fuel with a 56 MPGe combined rating**. Everything else that you love about the Grand Cherokee is present in the 4xe as well, from the rugged offroad capability to the ample cargo space and well-appointed interior. There’s a lot to love about the Grand Cherokee, and with the 4xe you don’t need to use so much fuel to enjoy it.
The Grand Cherokee 4xe is still a pretty new model, so not much has changed, but an Anniversary Edition is being offered for this year. This special edition is based on the base trim, but comes with some extra equipment, like rain-sensing wipers. But most of the differences are visual, including a painted front fascia, blue tow hooks, and a set of 20-inch wheels.
It’s the plug-in hybrid drivetrain that sets the 4xe apart from the standard Grand Cherokee. And that drivetrain is quite an impressive one at that. Not only does this make the 4xe the most fuel-efficient Grand Cherokee, but it’s also incredibly powerful, boasting a combined output of 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. And when you want to maximize the Grand Cherokee’s fuel-sipping abilities, there is an all-electric mode that lets you travel up to 25 miles without using the gasoline engine at all. The maximum towing capacity is 6,000 pounds, nearly identical to that of the conventional Grand Cherokee, so you don’t have to worry about sacrificing capability for fuel economy. Jeep even installed solar-powered charging stations near several of the more popular offroading trails around the country, so you can top up your battery before heading out into the wilderness.
No matter how quick or how fuel efficient the Grand Cherokee 4xe is, it wouldn’t be a Jeep if it couldn’t also go offroad. Jeep didn’t hold back outfitting the Grand Cherokee 4xe for offroading. In fact, the most offroad-focused trim of the Grand Cherokee, the Trailhawk, is only available as a 4xe. Three different 4x4 systems are offered on the Grand Cherokee 4xe, Quadra-Trac I®, Quadra-Trac II® and Quadra-Drive® II. These offer different levels of offroad readiness, and the Quadra-Drive® II also offers a rear electronic limited slip differential. The available Quadra-Lift® Air Suspension System lets you lower the ride height for better aerodynamics on the highway, or raise it to better clear obstacles on the trail. The high air intakes and water-sealed battery mean that the 4xe can ford up to 24 inches of water. And a full set of skid plates protect the mechanical components on the underside.
If offroad ability was all you care about, you would buy a Wrangler. The appeal of the Grand Cherokee is that it mixes that capability with a well-appointed and supremely comfortable interior. Seats are available in Capri leatherette, Nappa leather, or Palermo leather, and heated seats are standard, both front and back, as is the steering wheel. Ventilated seats are available too, even for the back. The infotainment system is powered by the much-praised Uconnect® 5 system, and a 9-speaker stereo system with a 506-watt amplifier comes standard. If that’s not enough for you a truly incredible 19-speaker, 950-watt system is available, and standard on several trims. Ambient lighting is standard, and the available oak interior accents add to the sophisticated feel inside the Grand Cherokee. An available surround camera system keeps you from having to twist around in your seat, and the available night vision with pedestrian and animal detection keeps you from being surprised in the dark.
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*MSRP excludes destination, taxes, title and registration fees. Starting at price refers to the base model, optional equipment not included. A more expensive model may be shown. Pricing and offers may change at any time without notification. To get full pricing details, see your dealer.
**Manufacturer’s estimated miles per gallon of gasoline equivalent. Actual mileage may vary.
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