The Jeep Grand Cherokee has always been known as a capable, family-friendly SUV that’s been a prevalent vehicle for Jeep. This 2022 version has a host of welcomed changes, including the option of a plug-in hybrid known as the Cherokee 4XE model.

We love the updated front fascia, which includes some nice-looking metal scrips around the lower front end with a matte finish. It still sports the 7 vertical pods that are representative of the 7 continents. You can easily recognize this 4xE model over other Cherokee’s as the logos have a blue highlight trim. Jeep slapped on some great-looking 21-inch allow wheels that combine a matte black and metal look.

Going around to the back, you’ll also see some nice updates as well. Including the wrapped-looking tail lights that are visually bound together by a great-looking strip of molding. There’s an integrated brake light on the top with a rear wiper, Jeep logo, and dual exhaust with chrome tips.

While the Cherokee offers a wide selection of engines, there’s only one in this model.

Under the hood, you’ll find a turbocharged, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine augmented by an electric motor. Its combined output is a potent 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. Power is delivered to all four wheels by way of an 8-speed automatic transmission. It has a good power band and propels the 4xE from 0-60 in 6 seconds. Fuel economy is rated at 56 MPGe by the EPA, however, a full charge only provides up to 25 miles of EV range. While that’s good enough for many daily commuting scenarios, it might not be enough for folks who don’t want to fuss with charging.

Jeep pulled out all of the stops in with the infotainment system in this Cherokee. It uses the latest UConnect version 5 and is easily handled by a 10.1-inch screen with a 10.5-inch instrument cluster as well as a 10.25-inch passenger entertainment screen above the glovebox – it’s not visible to the driver, however.

A McIntosh 950-watt, 19-speaker system will surround the occupants of this vehicle in sublime audio performance. In fact, the McIntosh system is best in class for the price-point of the Cherokee. You’ll have full support for AM/FM/Bluetooth audio, Satellite Radio, integrated navigation, or Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The visual quality of the infotainment screen is second to none. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a screen in any car that provides as good of visual detail.

There aren’t many features lacking – everything from adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, blind-spot alert, surround view cameras, forward-facing cameras, heads-up display, front collision active braking, a rearview mirror that has a camera mode, and even night vision. Yes, night vision. While we can’t think of many times you’d use night vision it sure is cool to brag about to your friends.

Five drive modes are available with a toggle switch on the center console. You can select from rock, sand/mud, snow, auto, and sport. Shifting to sport mode makes a noticeable difference in the tone of the exhaust, applies more aggressive shift points, and dampens the steering wheel feel to be more weighted. Additionally, you can also adjust the height of the Cherokee for more ground clearance and there’s hill descent control as well as 4-wheel-drive low.

With the factory tires, we found this Cherokee to be very capable off-road, with only the most extreme trails being off-limits to almost everything on this side of a Wrangler Rubicon.

The materials used inside, are top-shelf. You’ll find real wood panels, soft leather, and heated/cooled front seats that also provide massage.

While the second row does have a good amount of leg room, it’s a bit shy of come of the Cherokee’s competitors. However, second-row passengers have their own climate control, USB ports, an AC power outlet, side ventilation, privacy shades, and a fold-down armrest with integrated cup holders.

On the road, you’ll find the 4xE Cherokee to handle itself really well. It has a surprisingly short turning radius, there’s minimal body roll and a sense of stability and control for the driver. You’d never know you’re driving a vehicle that weighs over 5,500 pounds.

The cargo space with the rear seats in the upright position is 37.7 cubic feet. Underneath the floor cover is a full-size spare tire. If you fold down the rear seat, you’ll be rewarded with 70.8 cubic feet of cargo space.

Pricing for the 4xE starts at $59,000 but our test model had the Summit Reserve trim level and was loaded with all the bells and whistles priced out at $78,000. While it’s still rather spendy, we feel it presents one of the best values going today for a top-shelf, capable SUV. There’s not much to dislike about the Grand Cherokee and if you start to do some research, you’ll find it has no issues going toe-to-toe with its competition.