2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk 4xe: A Plug-In Trailblazer With A Few Bumps In The Road

When Jeep decided to electrify the Grand Cherokee, they didn’t just tinker – they engineered a wild mix of torque, eco cred, and off-road muscle. The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk 4xe arrives as the first plug-in Grand Cherokee ever, marrying a turbocharged four-cylinder with dual electric motors and Jeep’s legendary off-road hardware.

Over the last week driving it, I’ve found that it’s not just a “green version” of the SUV that we all know and love, but it’s also one of the most capable all-terrain SUVs on the market. That said, the experience isn’t without its quirks, and depending on your priorities, the traditional gas-powered model might still make more sense.

Bold Looks With Blue-Tinted Cred

The current-gen Grand Cherokee is already one of the sharpest-looking SUVs in the midsize segment, and the 4xe Trailhawk kicks it up a notch with subtle but cool details that hint at its electrified heart. Blue tow hooks, badges, and accents give it a distinctive vibe without shouting about its hybrid status.

The charging port is neatly integrated into the driver-side front fender, and the Trailhawk trim adds all the rugged gear you’d expect: skid plates, knobby all-terrain tires, recovery hooks, and Jeep’s adjustable air suspension for extra ground clearance when the trail gets gnarly.

It’s tough, handsome, and upscale – exactly what you want in a Jeep that’s as comfortable at a valet stand as it is halfway up a rocky incline.

Powertrain: Electrified Muscle With Some Rough Edges

Under the hood, the 4xe pairs a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with two electric motors for a combined 375 horsepower and a stout 470 lb-ft of torque, nearly matching the output of the old V8 while delivering a healthy kick of instant electric shove. In theory, this should be the best of both worlds: silent EV running for short trips and strong hybrid punch when you need it.

In practice, though, the drivetrain isn’t as refined as I’d hoped. Transitions between gas and electric power can feel abrupt, especially in stop-and-go traffic, and the eight-speed automatic occasionally hunts for gears under heavy throttle. It’s plenty quick when you floor it, but the overall driving experience doesn’t feel quite as polished as the gas-powered Grand Cherokee we drove awhile back.

That said, the electric assist does make a noticeable difference off-road. The instant torque helps the Trailhawk crawl over obstacles with impressive ease, and the selectable e-modes let you creep along silently – a surprisingly handy feature on the trail.

Efficiency & Charging: Good Numbers, If You Remember to Plug In

Jeep claims about 25 miles of all-electric range, and I saw close to that in real-world driving with a light foot. That’s enough for most daily commutes or errands without burning a drop of gas. Once the battery is depleted, the 4xe operates as a regular hybrid, returning roughly 23 MPG combined. While it’s not bad for something this heavy and capable, it’s not a massive improvement over the standard V6 either.

Charging is straightforward. On a Level 2 home charger, the battery will reportedly recharge in about 2.5 hours, while a standard 110-volt outlet will take 8-15 hours. And yes, it qualifies for the $7,500 federal EV tax credit, which helps offset the steep price of entry.

On-Road Comfort: Mostly Smooth Sailing

On pavement, the Jeep Grand Cherokee remains one of the most comfortable and composed midsize SUVs around. The air suspension delivers a cushy, controlled ride, the cabin stays quiet at highway speeds, and the steering is light but accurate. The weight of the hybrid system is noticeable, but body motions are well-managed, and the chassis feels confident even on winding roads.

Still, the occasional drivetrain hiccups and slightly inconsistent brake feel (a common trait in PHEVs) keep it from feeling quite as seamless as the gas version. It’s never bad — just not as refined as I hoped for at this price.

Off-Road: A Trailhawk Through and Through

Off-roading is where the 4xe earns its “Trail Rated” badge. The Trailhawk trim packs all the right hardware: a two-speed transfer case, low-range gearing, an electronic limited-slip rear differential, a disconnecting sway bar, and up to 10.9 inches of ground clearance with the air suspension cranked up. Combined with the instant torque from the electric motors, the 4xe is a beast on the trail.

It’s shockingly good at slow-speed rock crawling and can tackle mud, sand, and snow without breaking a sweat. The hybrid system’s added complexity never gets in the way — if anything, it enhances the Trailhawk’s legendary capability.

Interior and Tech: Familiar Luxury With a Few Tricks

Inside, the 4xe is pure modern Grand Cherokee: upscale materials, excellent build quality, and one of the best infotainment systems in the business. The 10.1-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen is fast and intuitive, and the optional passenger display is a neat party trick for navigation or entertainment. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and Jeep’s digital driver display is crisp and configurable.

The only real compromise is cargo space, which shrinks slightly due to the battery pack, but it’s still roomy enough for family road trips or overlanding gear.

Pricing and Value: A Tough Pill to Swallow

Here’s where things get tricky. The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk 4xe starts at $62,485, while my tester clocked in at an eye-popping $72,185 with options. That’s a pretty significant premium over a comparably equipped V6 or even V8 Grand Cherokee. While the tax credit softens the blow, it’s still a lot of money for a midsize SUV — even one this capable.

Yes, the plug-in tech, off-road hardware, and tax incentives are appealing, but the price tag will give many buyers pause, especially when the gas-powered version drives more smoothly and costs thousands less.

Verdict: Great Idea, Slightly Flawed Execution

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk 4xe is an ambitious and capable evolution of Jeep’s iconic SUV. It’s comfortable, rugged, stylish, and more eco-friendly than ever, with legitimate off-road chops and some impressive electric range. But it’s also more expensive, a little rough around the edges, and if I’m honest, not quite as satisfying to drive as the gas-powered model.

If you’re committed to going greener and want the best off-road PHEV SUV on the market, this is it. But if seamless power delivery and everyday refinement matter more than tax credits and torque, you might be happier sticking with one of Jeep’s traditional powertrains.

What do you think of the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk 4xe?