We have been closely following stellar ownership satisfaction ratings and Georgia’s obsession with the Jeep brand here for years at Landmark Dodge of Morrow. The news is now hot off the wires that the first electrified Jeep Grand Cherokee has arrived, and the Plant City Observer news team took to the task of testing the PHEV, equipped with the 2.0-liter inline-4 turbocharged engine, trail-ready and tough while cranking out 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque.
This awesome and excursion-tackling model includes energy generated by two motors from the 17.3 kWh lithium-ion battery, with delivery taking place courtesy of a 7-speed automatic transmission. Crawling rocks is not a task to be taken lightly, as every little ding and dent along the way can cause long-term damage to the frame and every vital component underneath. The multilink suspension is made up of coil springs, twin-tube coil-over shock absorbers, and all-aluminum arms and knuckles, assuring your longevity and security no matter what kind of terrain you encounter.
An electric rack-and-pinion steering is hard at work here converting revolving motion into linear motion, which ultimately turns the vehicle’s wheels left or right. This is a more straightforward design than a recirculating ball steering system, and they weigh less as well as cost less to build. 13.9-inch and 13.7-inch rear discs are both awesome on full-blown stopping duty, and two capacity is 6,000 lbs. Established as a brand that could handle the demanding terrain that WWII combat medics and infantry were encountering, the Jeep brand grew into an entirely awesome lifestyle, embraced by wanderers and “organized nomads” everywhere.
A few of the additives that make trail life that much easier are the Quadra-Trac 4-wheel drive, driver knee airbag, electronic stability control, rearview camera, remote keyless entry, collision warning with active braking, lane departure warning with lane keep assist, daytime running lights, and tire pressure monitoring system all as standard equipment. The LED reflector headlights now appear much wider and have a bigger seven-slot chrome grille that makes for a practical yet very appealing visual touch. There is a completely redesigned center stack and slimmed-down air vents, adding nicely to the ambience of the cabin.
Many drivers have been persistent about range inquiries as of late, due to rising prices nationwide: this fifth-generation Grand Cherokee does not have quite the gas-guzzling characteristics of yesteryear’s Jeep. With a class-leading passenger and cargo capacity, one of the best interiors in Jeep history, and very customer-focused extras such as the Luxury Tech Package, this is exactly the type of “grand finale with no intention of quitting” that Jeep lovers have been righteously thirsty for. What was long viewed by the public as a “premium” category of vehicle now takes a bold attempt at utmost luxury status, and effectively provides a bridge of sorts while the fine details are ironed out with the incoming and fully electric models of the future.
Black Capri leather seats offering standard ventilation are a huge perk during drives on the longer side of things, along with the 10.1-inch touchscreen running the latest version of the very well-received Uconnect infotainment system. The Grand Cherokee has been around for 30 years, and now Jeep as a company is embracing a very positive goal of Zero Emission Freedom, with this model as an incredibly viable first step in that direction. The Grand Cherokee 4XE also gives passengers their own display, tilted away from the driver and having all the sweet extras to keep entertained on the journey.
