Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe: Pioneer For Eco-Friendly Adventures
The intersection of environmental consciousness and adventure capability has produced remarkable innovations in the rapidly evolving automotive landscape. The Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe is a testament to this evolution, blending the legendary off-road capability that Jeep is known for with cutting-edge plug-in hybrid technology. This technological marvel represents a significant shift in how outdoor enthusiasts approach their adventures, providing a glimpse into the future of eco-friendly exploration.
The Electrified Heart of Adventure
The Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe incorporates a sophisticated powertrain that delivers impressive performance metrics while maintaining environmental responsibility. At its core, the 4xe combines two electric motors, a 400-volt battery pack, a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, and the Jeep TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission. This harmonious integration results in 375 horsepower and a remarkable 470 lb-ft of torque—numbers that outperform many traditional internal combustion engines.
This powerful combination enables drivers to travel up to 42 kilometres in all-electric mode, allowing daily commuters to operate entirely on electric power for their regular driving needs. With a fuel efficiency rating of 4.2 litres equivalent per 100 kilometres (Le/100 km), the 4xe represents the most fuel-efficient Grand Cherokee ever produced.
What truly sets the 4xe apart, however, is that this electrification enhances rather than compromises the vehicle’s off-road capabilities. The instant torque delivery characteristic of electric motors provides precise power control in challenging terrain, allowing for more controlled navigation over obstacles.
Three Driving Modes for Any Journey
Understanding that different situations call for different power delivery strategies, Jeep has equipped the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe with three distinct E Selec driving modes that allow drivers to tailor the vehicle’s performance characteristics to the journey ahead:
Hybrid Mode: This default setting intelligently blends power from electric motors and gasoline engines. The powertrain continuously optimizes the energy balance to deliver the best combination of fuel efficiency and performance based on driving conditions and demands.
Electric Mode: This setting allows the vehicle to operate solely on electric power for those seeking to minimize their environmental footprint. The 4xe will continue in this zero-emission mode until either the battery reaches its minimum charge threshold or the driver requests more power than the electric motors alone can provide—such as during full-throttle acceleration—at which point the gasoline engine seamlessly engages.
eSave Mode: This forward-thinking option prioritizes the gasoline engine, preserving the battery charge for later use. Within this mode, drivers can select between Battery Save, which maintains the current charge level, or Battery Charge, which actively replenishes the battery while driving. You can manage these selections through the Hybrid Electric Pages in the Uconnect 5 infotainment system.
This adaptability ensures that whether embarking on a short daily commute, a long-distance journey, or an off-road expedition, the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe can be configured to provide optimal performance and efficiency.
Uncompromised Off-Road Capability
What truly distinguishes the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe from other electrified SUVs is its unwavering commitment to off-road capability. The 4xe comes equipped with the Quadra Trac II 4x4 system featuring a two-speed transfer case and a 2.72:1 low-range gear ratio, delivering a crawl ratio of 47.4:1 that provides extraordinary control in technical off-road scenarios.
The Trailhawk variant of the 4xe exemplifies this commitment to off-road excellence. As proof of its capabilities, the Grand Cherokee 4xe Trailhawk has conquered the notoriously challenging Rubicon Trail—and did so while operating entirely in Electric mode, showcasing the potential of electrified off-roading.
The Trailhawk enhances the already impressive capabilities of the 4xe with:
Quadra-Drive II 4x4 system with rear electronic limited slip differential (ELSD)
Selec-Terrain traction management system for optimized performance across varied surfaces
Selec-Speed Control functioning as an off-road cruise control
27.8 cm of ground clearance
Water-fording capability of 61 cm
Engineers have ensured that the 4xe electrical components are well-protected for off-road adventures. The 400-volt, 17-kWh EV battery and its control units are mounted underneath the vehicle and protected by a series of skid plates, while the battery features special water sealing that allows drivers to ford through water up to 61 cm deep without concerns about damaging electrical systems.
Towing Capability: Adventure-Ready
For outdoor enthusiasts who need substantial equipment on their journeys, the 4xe maintains impressive capability with a maximum towing capacity of 2,720 kg. This allows owners to confidently tow boats, campers, or trailers for adventure sports equipment without compromising the vehicle’s performance or environmental benefits.
Canadian-Specific Model Lineup
For the Canadian market, Jeep offers a unique lineup of Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe models designed to meet the specific preferences of Canadian consumers. The lineup consists of three packages:
4xe: The base package offering the core plug-in hybrid experience
Altitude 4xe: A Canada-exclusive package featuring Gloss Black exterior accents, 18-inch Gloss Black aluminum wheels, Capri Leatherette seats, heated second-row seats, Automatic High-Beam Headlamp Control, and front LED fog lamps
Anniversary Edition 4xe: Building on the previous 30th Anniversary Edition, this package includes distinctive design elements and enhanced comfort features
Canadians can choose from five exterior colour options: Baltic Grey, Bright White, Diamond Black Crystal, Silver Zynith, and Velvet Red, all available with a Global Black interior.
Technology: The Connected Explorer
The fifth-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee introduces the most advanced technology package in the model’s history, with the 4xe benefiting from this comprehensive suite of innovations:
Uconnect 5 infotainment system offering up to three 10.1-inch and two 10.25-inch digital displays
Segment-exclusive front passenger screen for co-pilot assistance with navigation, camera viewing, and entertainment
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration
Digital rearview mirror for unobstructed rear visibility
Full-colour, 25.4 cm windshield Head-up Display (HUD)
Wireless charging pad in the front centre console
Enhanced connectivity allowing two Bluetooth-enabled phones to be paired simultaneously
Amazon Alexa virtual assistant functionality
Uconnect mobile app integration
SiriusXM 360L platform with personalized Pandora stations
TomTom navigation with predictive search, natural speech recognition, and live traffic updates
4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot supporting up to eight devices
These technological features ensure that occupants remain connected, informed, and entertained even when venturing far from populated areas.
Safety: Protect the Adventure
The Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe comes equipped with more than 110 advanced safety and security features, many of which are standard across all trim levels:
Full-speed Forward Collision Warning with Active Braking and Pedestrian Detection
Rear Cross Path detection for safer reversing
Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go
Active Lane Management
LaneSense Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist
Advanced Brake Assist
Blind-spot Monitoring
ParkView rear back-up camera
ParkSense rear park assist with reverse stop
Switch-activated electric park brake
Tire-pressure monitoring system
Traffic Sign Recognition
Optional safety features further enhance the protective capabilities:
Intersection Collision Assist
Digital Display Rearview Mirror
ParkSense front/rear park assist with stop
Surround 360-degree camera system with front and rear washers
This comprehensive safety suite ensures that adventures remain exciting rather than hazardous, providing peace of mind during both everyday driving and off-road explorations.
Interior Luxury: Comfort in the Wild
While focusing on capability and environmental responsibility, the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe doesn’t compromise on comfort and luxury. The next-generation interior features handcrafted materials and modern amenities:
Front panel with slim HVAC vents and a centre stack oriented for improved driver accessibility
10.1-inch digital screens for instrument cluster and infotainment
Segment-first available 10.25-inch front passenger interactive display
Standard heated front seats and steering wheel on Canadian models
Available ventilated front seats and heated second-row seats
Centre console designed to hold two wireless devices plus a wireless charger
Premium, customizable LED lighting with daytime/nighttime settings
Aerodynamic Design: Form And Function
The exterior design of the Grand Cherokee 4xe isn’t merely aesthetic—it’s functional. Several aerodynamic enhancements improve the vehicle’s on-road performance and fuel efficiency:
Active grille shutters that open and close based on cooling needs
Front wheel spats to reduce turbulence
Air curtains directing airflow around the vehicle
Hood aero flick for improved air routing
Lowered roof line (10mm decrease from previous generations)
Rear vertical-pillar spoilers to optimize airflow
These design elements contribute to the impressive efficiency while maintaining the iconic Jeep Grand Cherokee silhouette.
The Future of Off-Roading
The Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe represents a paradigm shift in approaching off-road adventures. By combining the capability that off-road enthusiasts demand with the environmental benefits of electrification, Jeep has created a vehicle that allows outdoor adventurers to enjoy natural spaces while minimizing their impact on those same environments.
The ability to traverse challenging trails in Electric mode means explorers can experience nature without the noise and emissions of a traditional internal combustion engine—hearing the sounds of the forest rather than the rumble of an engine, and leaving behind only tire tracks rather than exhaust fumes.
As charging infrastructure expands, the potential for extended electric-powered adventures grows accordingly. The 4xe eSave mode provides the flexibility to conserve electric power for when it’s most beneficial—such as when travelling through sensitive ecological areas or enjoying the serenity of silent off-roading.
Jeep Grand Cherokee: Electrify Your Adventure Spirit
The Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe demonstrates that environmental consciousness and adventure capability need not be mutually exclusive. By embracing the potential of plug-in hybrid technology, Jeep has created a vehicle that enhances rather than compromises the off-road experience.
With 42 kilometres of all-electric range, impressive torque for technical terrain, and the flexibility of three distinct driving modes, the 4xe allows outdoor enthusiasts to approach their adventures with a newfound environmental mindfulness. The vehicle’s comprehensive technology, safety, and comfort features ensure that this environmental responsibility comes with no sacrifice to the overall ownership experience.
As we look toward a future where electrification becomes increasingly prevalent in the automotive industry, the Grand Cherokee 4xe stands as a compelling example of how this technological evolution can enhance rather than diminish the freedom and capability that adventure seekers have come to expect from their vehicles. For those ready to embrace this new chapter in off-road exploration, the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe provides a pathway to electrified adventure without compromise.
