Pretty much every automaker is making a push toward electric vehicles, and Jeep, under the Stellantis umbrella, is no exception. Speculation about which Jeep model would be the next Jeep EV in the US has been high, with the Renegade and the Compass being the top contenders. That speculation has been laid to rest with the announcement that the 2022 Grand Cherokee will be the next 4xe plug-in hybrid electric vehicle from Jeep. Furthermore, it looks to be a worthy entry into the off-roading EV market.

Stellantis is moving toward electrifying vehicles

Stellantis is moving most of its auto brands toward electric vehicles, and Jeep is no exception. In fact, Stellantis just announced during their 2021 EV day that the 2022 Grand Cherokee would be the latest 4xe plug-in hybrid model for Jeep. This is perfectly in line with the Jeep brand’s vision of “Zero Emissions, 100% Freedom.”

The current Jeep 4xe models are pretty impressive

Currently, the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe is the PHEV to beat in the U.S. Autoblog even called it “sneaky good” and proclaimed that, unlike the 392 engine, you would be seen before you are heard. It comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine paired with a 100-kW electric motor to put out a total of 375 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. The 4xe has an eight-speed automatic transmission and three driving modes; Hybrid, Electric, and E-Save. When in E-Save mode, the battery can charge when only using the gas engine. 

In Europe, drivers have more options for a Jeep PHEV with the Jeep Renegade 4xe and the Jeep Compass 4xe. According to Autoblog, the first plug-in hybrid models for Jeep have the same 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an 11.4-kWh electric motor that combines to put out 190 hp and 199 lb-ft of torque, with a 240 hp option available on select trims. Jeep promises a top speed of 81 mph on electric-only power, with a top speed of 124 mph in hybrid mode.

The 2022 Grand Cherokee 4xe and the future of EV Jeeps

Not many specifics have been released regarding the 2022 Grand Cherokee 4xe. However, it is expected to have a powertrain similar to the Wrangler 4xe but with a little extra juice. Jeep has been rumored to be developing a 3.0-liter inline-six engine codenamed Tornado, and there is speculation that this will debut in the 2022 Grand Cherokee. Additionally, the 4xe might have 480 volts of hybrid assistance, which would keep it at the top of the pack as far as towing and power. Inside it is expected to be luxurious yet easy to clean for those who like to go off-road. The Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe is supposed to make its big debut at the New York Auto Show in late August 2021.

As Jeep forges ahead with its “Zero Emissions, 100% Freedom” mission, expect more from Jeep with PHEVs and electric vehicles. Hopefully, we will hear more about the Jeep Magneto, which is conceptualized to be an all-electric Wrangler with a manual transmission. Additionally, it is expected that the Renegade and the Compass will cross the pond and become available in the U.S. soon. Eventually, it is expected that Jeep will make good on its promise to have hybrid options available for every model.

After the Grand Cherokee, maybe the Jeep Gladiator 4xe will be next. The New York Auto Show promises to deliver lots of good info about upcoming Jeep 4xe models in August. Hopefully, a demonstration of that Tornado engine will be part of the show.