FRONT VIEW
The Grand Cherokee is now available as a plug-in hybrid. We got one for a week test drive.
Text and photos by Chad Haire
PRICE SHEET
The Cherokee 4xe starts at $65,760. Ours was loaded up with all the goodies, so comes to a tidy $75,305.
UNDER THE HOOD
Under the hood is a 2.0-liter four-banger rated at 270 horsepower, and torque output of 295 lbs./ft. Hooked to that is a pair of electric hybrid motors creating 178 more horsepower for 375 total, with 470 lbs./ft. of torque. This combo is rated at 23 mpg overall. A separate plug-in battery system allows for 25 miles of electric-only driving.
PLUG IN
Plugging this cord into a 240-volt outlet can give a full charge in about three hours. With a 25-mile trip electric, and 25-mile return trip on gasoline, the EPA claim is 56 mpg.
TIRE
The Cherokee 4xe is one of those rare hybrids that come with a real spare tire.
CONTROLS
Gears are chosen with a knob. On the left, you get drive mode selection: Rocks, Mud, Snow, Auto, and Sport. On the right is a switch for raising or lowering the air suspension.
MIRROR
The rear view mirror is connected to a rear camera, for a very sharp view, day or night.
TIRES
The more air you put in a tire, the less rolling resistance, and the better the fuel economy. Because of this, car makers are suggesting tire pressures are much higher than in the past, but the recommended 42 pounds on this Cherokee is a bit much. So set, the ride quality is too harsh on rough pavement, which defeats the purpose of the soft riding air suspension. We tested the vehicle to factory specs, but when the test was over, we lowered the tire pressures by 6 pounds. The result was a comfortable ride, with no disadvantage in handling or stability. It’s your choice.
POV STREET
The Cherokee is comfortable on long trips. We do think there is a bit too much shiny chrome and plastic in the cabin and it has a habit of reflecting the sun’s rays at certain times of the day. But otherwise, there were no complaints.
POV DIRT
The 4xe is also comfortable to take off the pavement, with the air suspension soaking up impacts.
OFF ROAD #1
With a suspension that can be raised and low-range 4x4 gears, this Cherokee can take trails other Jeeps travel on.
OFF ROAD #2
The 265/60R18 all-season tires are intended more for the street than dirt, but overall off-road performance is still there.
MPG
In 605 miles of fleet driving, 215 electric and 388 gas, real MPG was 23 overall.
MPG #2
After 1,598 miles of fleet commuting, 331 electric, and 1,267 gas, MPG was listed at 22.3 overall. By comparison, the V-6 Cherokee we also drove is rated at 18/25/21, but in the real world, we averaged 18 mpg overall.
