Quick Take: 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Last year we sampled the new Grand Cherokee L, an extended-wheelbase version of the then-upcoming Grand Cherokee that brought a third-row seat and cargo room for growing families. This year, we managed to finally get behind the wheel of the standard Grand Cherokee with the same powerful V-8 engine that our Grand Cherokee L test vehicle had. Though the normal Grand Cherokee loses the third-row seat, making it strictly a five-seater, we came away with a smile on our face after our seat time.
Our Grand Cherokee test vehicle was specced with the top-end Summit Reserve trim level and the aforementioned Hemi V-8, which puts out 357 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque. Having the V-8 provided the Grand Cherokee with plenty of performance despite not being oriented more towards luxury rather than sport, allowing us to easily pass other vehicles on Highway 1 near Half Moon Bay. Notably, the powertrain is rated by the EPA at 14 miles per gallon in the city yet 22 miles per gallon on the highway.
The Summit Reserve trim comes with numerous luxury features such as a front passenger interactive display, Palermo leather seats, a 19-speaker McIntosh sound system, an active noise control system for increased comfort, a 950-watt amplifier, and ventilated seats for the rear passengers. Naturally, heated and ventilated front seats with massaging capabilities as well as active cruise control with stop-and-go capability comes standard along with navigation and the UConnect 5 infotainment system. In addition, our tester had numerous options such as head-up display, night vision with pedestrian and animal detection, and dual seat back video screens with Amazon Fire TV.
All in all, those looking for an exceptionally comfortable SUV that can provide a dollop of real power on demand will enjoy the Grand Cherokee Summit Reserve. As the Grand Cherokee arguably kickstarted the popularity of SUVs as family vehicles, it’s no surprise that the updated version is a solid, appealing package. With features that deliver an experience comparable to, if not better than, five-passenger midsize SUVs with high-end nameplates, the Grand Cherokee will continue to be a cornerstone of the American automobile market for the foreseeable future.
