You might have noticed big changes in the Grand Cherokee lately. The larger, three-row Grand Cherokee L comes to mind. But now the beloved, five-seater version of the Cherokee is getting a face-lift.
The inside of the new Grand Cherokee boasts a more modern look than previous versions. Step up to the luxurious Summit Reserve trim level and you will surrounded by high-end finishes in the cabin that rival the pricey luxury vehicles.
Leather with contrast stitching throughout the cabin sets the tone. This Grand Cherokee is all about pampering. The wood trim adds a nice touch of class and breaks up the dark-colored interior to make it warm and inviting.
The technology in the Grand Cherokee is also a leap forward. The large, 10.1-inch touch screen with the latest Uconnect 5 NAV system is easy to use, as are the digital gauges. The 950-watt sound system sounded excellent and is very powerful and clear.
A Grand Cherokee should be a more rugged SUV that is happy off-road. While the Grand Cherokee Summit Reserve has added ground clearance and a slick 4×4 system, it’s geared more toward luxury.
The on-road ride is vastly improved. It is hushed on the highway and the ride is smoother, with the suspension soaking up more of the bumps.
This Cherokee handled better than I remember from previous generations, but there is still some lean in sharper and tighter corners. The standard V6 will please many Jeep buyers, but for those who want more power, there is an optional V-8.
On the outside, the 2022 Grand Cherokee retains that tough, squared-off styling, with a more modern touch than before.
A new nose shows off that famous seven-slot grill, but now there is more of curve blending into the hood. Huge, 21-inch wheels and a two-tone, Velvet Red Pearl paint with a black roof set off the pricey Summit Reserve model from other Grand Cherokee models.
The added ground clearance also helps this SUV do some off-roading or clear some unplowed snow without hassle.
Cost: $59,365; as tested $69,790
MPG: 19 MPG City; 26 MPG Highway. I managed 22.1 MPG in 208 miles of mixed driving.
Options: $395 Velvet Red Pearl-coat exterior paint; $4,000 Summit Reserve group; $245 luxury tech group V; $1,995 advanced protech group IV; $1,995 rear seat entertainment; $1,795 destination.
Safety: Electronic roll mitigation; Parkview with Parksense front and rear park assist; adaptive cruise control with stop and go; blind spot monitoring and cross path detection; advanced brake assist; full speed forward collision warn plus; Night Vision w/ Pedestrian and Animal Detection; Head-Up Display; active lane management; intersection collision assist; drowsy driver detection.
Things to know: The Jeep Grand Cherokee gets a full makeover for 2022 with a new, better interior and a refined ride. It keeps the rugged look and off-road ability. The night vision camera system is a neat safety feature.
Pros:
- Seven trim levels to choose means there is Grand Cherokee for most SUV buyers
- Vastly improved interior and new technology brings the Grand Cherokee to today’s standards
- Still has off-road ability like a Jeep should
Cons:
- Gets pricey with higher trim levels and option packages
- Available V-8 power leads to lower MPGs
- Leans a bit in faster or tighter corners than some crossovers in its class
