As Jeep continues its march to a fully electric future, the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe (pronounced “four-by-e”) takes the first step by providing plug-in hybrid technology in an SUV known for its on-road dynamics and off-road ability.
With the ability to travel up to 25 miles solely on electric power, the Grand Cherokee 4xe becomes a total green machine for short, around-town jaunts. Meanwhile, its powerful turbocharged gas engine provides all the muscle and convenience required for long-distance off-road adventures.
Although Jeep offers the Grand Cherokee 4xe in four trims, the Trailhawk most intrigues us. Fitted exclusively with the 4xe plug-in hybrid system, the Trailhawk includes Jeep’s most competent off-road suspension and 4-wheel-drive (4WD) system. This combination enabled the Trailhawk to complete the grueling 22-mile Rubicon Trail solely on electric power.
There are very few competitors in the Grand Cherokee 4xe’s league, but the PHEV versions of the RAV4, Hyundai Santa Fe, and Mitsubishi Outlander might do the trick for light off-roading.
2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe (starting at $58,465)
The base Grand Cherokee 4xe derives power from a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and two electric motors, achieving a combined output of 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque.
A 17-kWh battery provides enough juice to move the Grand Cherokee 4xe up to 25 miles, after which a 19-gallon gas tank ensures over 400 miles of total cruising range.
When not needed, the front axle disconnects to create a rear-drive setup that helps lessen fuel consumption.
Jeep’s Quadra-Trac II full-time 4WD system comes standard, as does a heavy-duty suspension, an 8-speed automatic transmission, and the Selec-Terrain traction management system with five settings: Auto, Snow, Rock, Sport, and Mud/Sand.
Similarly, an E Selec mode allows customization of the hybrid powertrain, with selections for Hybrid (combines gas and electric motors), Electric (runs on electric power only), and eSave (prioritizes the gas engine to conserve battery power for when it’s needed).
The base Grand Cherokee 4xe rides on 18-inch painted aluminum wheels. It features heated side mirrors (with memory), automatic LED headlights, LED fog lights, LED taillights, and a dual-pane panoramic sunroof.
Remote start comes standard, as does a roof rack, a power rear liftgate with LED puddle lights, dark-tinted rear privacy glass, speed-sensitive variable wipers, and a rear wiper/washer.
Passive keyless entry requires only having the key fob with you to touch the door handles and unlock the front doors. Once inside, a push-button start engages the engine.
Amenities inside the Grand Cherokee 4xe’s cabin include dual-zone automatic climate control, a 10.25-inch color digital gauge cluster, a leather-wrapped heated tilt/telescoping steering wheel, and LED lighting.
Capri leather covers the seats and door panels, with 8-way heated power front seats. The driver gets 4-way power lumbar support and a memory feature.
The 60/40-split folding rear seats feature heating for the outboard positions.
On the infotainment front, the Grand Cherokee 4xe features the Uconnect 5 system with a 10-inch color touchscreen containing navigation, a rearview monitor, wireless Android Auto, wireless Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, the SiriusXM 360L suite including Guardian, Traffic, and Travel Link.
Jeep Connect services are available for purchase after a 3-month trial subscription.
To ensure all your electrical needs get met, Jeep provides four USB outlets (two Type A and two Type C), a 115-volt outlet, and two 12-volt outlets, one in the console and the other in the cargo bay.
A 10.25-inch passenger side interactive digital display and a 9-speaker, 506-watt Alpine audio system are unexpected in a base model but most definitely appreciated.
The Grand Cherokee 4xe has a bevy of safety and driver-assist systems, including forward collision warning and avoidance (with pedestrian and cyclist detection), lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors with automatic braking.
The standard adaptive cruise control maintains a safe distance from the traffic ahead, with the ability to automatically slow and even stop the Grand Cherokee 4xe if necessary.
Additional assists include trailer sway control, hill start assist, hill descent control, and full airbag coverage, including side-curtain and driver’s knee airbags.
Those who want more luxury and technology can opt for the Luxury Tech Group II. It adds rain-sensing wipers, four-door passive entry, Capri leather seats with perforated inserts, ventilated front seats, a wireless charging pad, and a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel.
Also in the group are a digital rearview camera mirror, manual second-row door sunshades, a rear camera washer, a 360-degree Surround View camera, and front and rear parking sensors. The package’s Intersection Collision Assist system warns of vehicles approaching from the left or right and initiates braking if the driver fails to act.
The Black Appearance Package adds black exterior accents and 21-inch black wheels, while the Trailer Tow Group 1 adds a Class IV hitch receiver, load-leveling rear suspension, a full-size spare tire, plus a 4- and 7-pin wiring harness.
A 30th Anniversary trim is expected later in the year. It builds off the base Grand Cherokee 4xe with unique exterior colors and treatments, 20-inch black alloy wheels, and most of the optional equipment in the Luxury Tech Group II.
Standalone options include 20-inch wheels and a rear seat entertainment package with dual 10-inch touchscreens, USB/HDMI ports, and Fire TV for Auto.
With the $1,795 destination fee, the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe costs $60,260. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and zero down, the monthly payment comes to approximately $1,083. See 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe models for sale
2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe includes:
- Alpine audio – Tuned by audio specialist Alpine, this 9-speaker audio system includes a 506-watt amplifier and powered subwoofer for brilliant music reproduction.
- Interactive passenger display – The passenger enjoys a 10.25-inch touchscreen allowing access to the infotainment and navigation system. It’s the perfect setup for anyone assigned co-pilot duties.
- Available digital rearview mirror – Using a rear-facing camera, this digital screen takes the place of the rearview mirror. It projects an unobstructed view behind the vehicle, devoid of passenger heads or bulky cargo that can block a traditional rearview mirror’s view.
2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk 4xe (starting at $63,660)
Building off the base Grand Cherokee 4xe, the Trailhawk adds the Quadra-Drive II 4WD system with a 2-speed transfer case, a 2.72:1 low-range gear, an electronic limited-slip rear differential, a disconnecting sway bar, and the Quadra-Lift air suspension with semi-active shock damping.
Jeep’s Selec-Speed Control comes standard. It acts like low-speed cruise control for off-roading, holding the vehicle at a steady slow speed while the driver concentrates on steering.
The Trailhawk touts 10.9 inches of ground clearance, a 47.4:1 crawl ratio, and an ability to ford water up to 24 inches deep. We know what you’re thinking, but don’t worry. The Grand Cherokee 4xe’s battery pack and electronics are sealed and waterproof.
The Trailhawk stands apart with blue front tow hooks, an integrated off-road camera, power-folding side mirrors, and Trailhawk exterior styling elements, including a black painted roof and a matte black hood decal.
The base model’s dual-pane panoramic sunroof is optional on the Trailhawk.
Completing the Trailhawk’s unique look are blue accented 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires.
The Trailhawk interior also sees a few upgrades, including ventilated Capri leather seats with suede inserts.
There are two optional equipment packages for the Trailhawk. The Advanced ProTech II Group includes the Night Vision infrared animal and human detection system, a Surround View camera, Intersection Collision Assist, front and rear park assist, and a rear camera washer.
The Luxury Tech Group III adds rain-sensing wipers, four-door passive entry, a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, a wireless charging pad, second-row manual sunshades, a digital rearview camera mirror, Intersection Collision Assist, and a foot-activated hands-free power liftgate.
The Trailer Tow Group comes standard on the Trailhawk.
With the $1,795 destination fee, the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk 4xe costs $65,455. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and zero down, the monthly payment comes to about $1,176. See 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk 4xe models for sale
2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk 4xe includes:
- Quadra-Lift air suspension – This advanced air suspension replaces steel springs, modulating shock stiffness based on road (or trail) conditions and elevating the Trailhawk with five different height settings.
- Disconnecting sway bar – With the push of a button, the sway bar separates electronically from the front wheels, providing increased wheel articulation when off-roading.
- Available Night Vision – This system lets you see in the dark. It uses infrared sensors to detect and highlight animals or people up to 219 yards away.
2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland 4xe (starting at $67,430)
The Overland has long been the Jeep trim synonymous with rugged luxury.
Above the base 4xe’s standard features, the Overland adds the Quadra-Lift air suspension with semi-active damping, unique Overland front grille and fascia, additional chrome exterior trim, and front tow hooks.
Overland owners enjoy a foot-activated hands-free power liftgate, premium LED reflector headlights, door handle and puddle lights that illuminate upon approach, auto-tilt down in reverse mirrors with auto-dimming driver’s side mirror, and 20-inch machined cast aluminum wheels.
The Overland goes on to include rain-sensing wipers, five-color ambient interior lighting, perforated Nappa leather upholstery, a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, one-touch up/down power windows, and a premium 19-speaker McIntosh audio system.
Front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking come standard, as does four-door passive entry (meaning touching any door handle can unlock the vehicle).
Oddly, the base model’s interactive passenger screen is optional on the Overland.
The Off-Road Group brings Quadra-Drive II 4WD, skid plate protection, an electronic limited-slip differential, and 18-inch polished wheels.
Optional equipment beyond the base 4xe and Trailhawk trims includes a head-up display, map-in-cluster navigation screen, and Active Driving Assist. ADA is a semi-autonomous driving mode that keeps the vehicle centered in its lane even when rounding modest curves.
Unique features of the Luxury Tech Group IV include massaging front seats, 4-zone automatic climate control, and 12-way power front seats with memory for the driver and passenger.
With the $1,795 destination fee, the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland 4xe costs $69,225. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and zero down, the monthly payment comes to approximately $1,244. See 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland 4xe models for sale
2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland 4xe includes:
- Foot-activated liftgate – No need to fumble for the key fob; swipe your foot under the rear bumper, and the liftgate automatically opens.
- McIntosh audio – This excellent sound system includes 19 speakers powered by a 950-watt amplifier and a 10-inch subwoofer. McIntosh’s trademark blue backlit analog meters get digitally replicated on the infotainment screen in a nod to visual coolness.
- Available massaging front seats – Massaging seatbacks help relieve sore muscles and reduce fatigue during long drives.
2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit 4xe (starting at $71,195)
