Ep 39. Jeep Grand Cherokee

In season 41, episode 39 of MotorWeek, the team zeroes in on the Jeep Grand Cherokee, a midsize sports utility vehicle that has been gaining a reputation as one of the more versatile and reliable models of its kind. For this episode, the MotorWeek crew takes the Grand Cherokee on a test drive, pushes its limits, and evaluates its performance and amenities.

Aesthetics

At first glance, the Jeep Grand Cherokee looks like a standard midsize SUV, with a chiseled exterior and a bold front grille that immediately identifies it as a Jeep. Variations on the exterior design, including different color options and wheel sizes, allow buyers to customize the Grand Cherokee to their preference.

Inside, the cabin is spacious with various features such as an eight-inch touchscreen display, navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, and a range of audio and climate control settings. The leather-trimmed seats provide comfort with varying levels of adjustability, while the back seats provide ample legroom.

Performance

The Grand Cherokee’s performance boasts a variety of capabilities, for both off-road and on-road functions. There are five engine options, including a 3.6 liter, 295-horsepower V6 engine and a 6.4-liter, 470-horsepower V8 engine. Additionally, the suspension is sturdy enough to handle rough terrain, providing an excellent level of off-road driving capability.

During their test drive, the MotorWeek crew praised the Grand Cherokee’s smooth handling, with the vehicle accelerating and decelerating seamlessly in daily driving conditions and on curvy roads. The brakes are highly responsive, while the steering is precise and effortless.

Safety

The Jeep Grand Cherokee has a wide range of safety features, equipped with an advanced airbag system and a rearview camera as standard features. Additional safety features, such as forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring, are available. The crew noted the vehicle’s handling on different road conditions, praising its stability and traction on wet pavement and icy surfaces.

Fuel Efficiency

The Grand Cherokee’s fuel efficiency ranges from 13 city/19 highway for the SRT model to 19 city/26 highway mpg for the V6 engine. The team commented on the Grand Cherokee’s fuel efficiency, saying that it's not very fuel-efficient for its class, but this is expected given the vehicle’s high power output.

Conclusion

The MotorWeek team rated the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee a well-performing and well-equipped midsize SUV. Pentastar V-6, 5.7 Hemi V-8, 6.4 liter Hemi V-8, and 6.2 Hemi supercharged V8 engines, provide different performance options for drivers. Both on-road and off-road capabilities are abundant, making the vehicle highly versatile. Overall, the Grand Cherokee earned praise for its premium features, ride comfort, and handling, making it a reliable choice for drivers who want a sporty SUV that can thrive in off-road adventures as well as daily commutes.