first row lcd monitors jeep cherokee made in china

In the early 1990s many small Chinese carmakers started building weird body-on-frame versions of the legendary unibody SUV, the Jeep Cherokee XJ. These Chinese XJ-like machines featured unique engines and came as pickup trucks and even wagon-like vans. Here’s a look at how these bizarre XJ lookalikes came to be.

It all started in 1984, the XJ’s first model-year and also the birth year of the Beijing Jeep Corporation, abbreviated BJC and commonly  known as Beijing-Jeep. This was a joint venture between the Beijing Auto Industry Corporation  (BAIC) and the American Motors Corporation (AMC), which owned Jeep. Under the terms of the agreement, the Chinese side would bring in land, factories, and people, while the American side would bring in the actual cars and  technology. This was a typical joint venture arrangement, similar to other agreements signed around  the same time, like Shanghai-Volkswagen (1984) and Dongfeng-Peugeot Citroen (1992).

Initially, Beijing-Jeep produced two vehicles: the Jeep Cherokee XJ and the Beijing BJ212L (a body-on-frame off-roader whose chassis, you’ll learn soon, would later be used to build utterly absurd XJ lookalikes). Under Chinese law at the time, joint ventures were necessary to gain access to the Chinese car market; the foreign partner was not allowed to own more than 50% of the shares in a joint venture.

When Chrysler bought AMC in 1987 it became the new partner in Beijing-Jeep. This continued until 1998 when Chrysler merged with Daimler to become DaimlerChrysler. From then on DaimlerChrysler was the new partner.The Beijing-Jeep joint venture remained alive until 2007 when Chrysler was sold to Cerberus. At that time, now-Chrysler-less Daimler-Benz took full control of the joint venture and renamed it Beijing-Benz. This joint venture remains to this day.

Production of the Cherokee XJ continued almost until the end of Beijing-Jeep, and even afterwards, with BAIC continuing the production of some Cherokee variants for a few years more. Over the intervening years, the joint venture also produced the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Chrysler  Sebring JS, Chrysler 300C,  the Mitsubishi Outlander and Pajero Sport (Chrysler had a partnership with Mitsubishi), and the early versions of the BJ2022 Brave Warrior. The latter was a military vehicle for the Chinese armydeveloped by Beijing-Jeep.

In China, every production car gets one or more government-assigned designations. The system is extremely complicated and has changed many times over the years. But basically, the designation depends upon the car maker, the sort of vehicle, the vehicle’s size, and the vehicle’s engine. In 1985, the initial Cherokee XJ got “BJ2021” and “BJ2026.” BJ stands for Beijing, short for Beijing Auto Industry Corporation. Every car made by BAIC, including the ones made by its joint ventures, has a designation starting with BJ.

The Beijing Jeep Corporation made the Cherokee XJ only as a four-door,never as a two-door offered in other markets including the U.S.Like American-market XJs, the Beijing-Jeep was available with the 2.5 liter four and the legendary 4.0 liter inline-six engine. Over the following years, the range expanded rapidly. In 1999, Beijing-Jeep created a long-wheelbase version (BJ7250EL), various variants with a raised roof,  and a basic variant with rear-wheel drive only. The 2.5-liter versions had a five-speed manual gearbox, and the 4.0-liter version a five-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic; this all aligns with U.S. models.

The basic versions were very basic indeed. I was lucky enoughto own one for many years. It did without any luxuries; there were no automatic windows, there was no sunroof, and there wasn’t even a rev counter. The big advantage of this, and of similar basic variants of other cars made by other joint ventures, was that any repair shop in the country could fix my Jeep. This came in very handy, as build-quality was not, shall we say, fantastic. During my travels, I regularly had to take my Jeep to small repair shops in faraway places. But the mechanic, cigarette in hand, always managed to fix the car — and on we went.

The other car made by the “Beijing-Jeep” joint venture between Jeep and BAIC was the Beijing BJ212L. The brand is Beijing, the designation BJ212L, so the full name was Beijing-Jeep Beijing BJ212L. This was a rudimentary body-on-frame off road vehicle based on the iconic Beijing BJ212 (without the L) that acted as a 4×4 utility vehicle for the Chinese armed forces.

Production of this Beijing BJ212 started in 1965 at Beijing Auto Works (BAW), which eventually became a part of BAIC. The names BJ212 and BJ212L led to some confusion, so later on the Beijing-Jeep version was renamed BJ2020.

Beijing-Jeep was to modernize the original design, and to develop new variants. At the same time, chassis maker BAW would use technology provided by Beijing-Jeep to update its BAW BJ212. This may sound rather complicated but this sort of arrangement was common for the early joint-ventures, when the main aim of the Chinese side was updating their own cars.

Over the next decade, Beijing-Jeep created dozens and dozens of upgraded and new versions of the  BJ212L; with four doors, five doors, pickup trucks, wagons, military variants, and many more.  Some of these upgraded cars got the 2.5-liter Cherokee engine, though none ever used the 4.0. And BAW did indeed improve the original as well, creating new versions, even including an amphibious car.

During this time, the Beijing-Jeep Cherokee XJ gained popularity and sales exploded. Many cars went to various government agencies, but private sales were gaining momentum too. BAW continued to sell the original BJ212 platform to other automakers, and this is where something typical Chinese started to happen.

These other automakers noticed the success and popularity of the Cherokee XJ. However, they couldn’t get their hands on it, as the joint venture didn’t license the XJ to others. But the carmakers did have the BJ212 body-on-frame vehicle. The obvious solution: build a Cherokee body and drop it on the BJ212 chassis. And that is precisely what they did.

From the mid until late 1990s, a dozen or so smaller Chinese outfits created their own Cherokee clones. But they didn’t stop at the basic four-door version. They also came up with entire new Cherokee variants: four-door pickup trucks and wagon-like vans. They were all powered by the BJ212 engine: a  “492Q” 2.4 liter four-cylindergasolineunit with 75 hp.

They were based on a platform provided by BAW, a subsidiary of BAIC, the partner of AMC/Chrysler in the Beijing-Jeep joint venture, which made the real Cherokee XJ.

Naturally, the dimensions were a little off. The Cherokee XJ was 360 millimeters longer than the BJ212, 340 higher, 40 wider, and with a 276 millimeter longer wheelbase.

Besides the 4×4 utility chassis, BAW also sold a pickup truck chassis to these other automakers. This chassis was basically a stretched variant of the BJ212, but mostly rear-wheel drive instead of four wheel drive. This chassis was used for some Cherokee clones as well.

These smaller companies did not only clone the Cherokee XJ, although it was by far the most popular car-to-clone. There were also clones of the Dacia Pick-Up, the Nissan Patrol, the Toyota Land Cruiser, the Toyota Previa, the Chevrolet Lumina (see above), and much more.

The Beijing Changping Shahe Specialty Vehicle Plant was a small automaker based in Beijing’s Changping District. Officially, it was a so-called “specialty vehicle maker.” In China, that meant acompany that made vehicles based on existing chassis from other companies — mostly flatbed and box trucks, but also more exotic machinery like refrigerator trucks, garbage trucks, and street-cleaning vehicles.In a way, one might say a pickup truck based one another’s chassis — like a Cherokee clone, for example — fit within the description, though most specialty vehicles were more like work trucks and commercial vehicles.

The BCS1021S was a typical Cherokee clone, based on the BJ212 with a clean design. It even had the badge on the same spot on the grille as the real Chinese-market Beijing-Jeep Cherokee! Sadly, the Beijing Changping Shahe Specialty Vehicle Plant is no longer with us today. It was taken over by Foton, a large truck maker now majority-owned by BAIC.

Beijing Kaite Specialty Vehicle Cooperation was based in Changping as well. The operation made over a dozen different Cherokee clones, both wagons and pickup trucks. Their brand name was Kaite, and their company designation was BKC. The BKC6460 was a cool Cherokee clone with an extended rear compartment with benches in the back. It was rated as a nine-seat car.

The BKC2030S was a more basic truck, with a low flat bed and high-mounted mirrors. The grille perfectly resembles the grille of the early Beijing-Jeep Cherokees.

The history of the Beijing Automobile and Motorcycle (BAM) Joint Manufacturing Company is almost as complex as its name. It was established in 1953 and merged and un-merged many times. Eventually, like so many smaller Beijing-based automakers, it morphed into the BAIC conglomerate. The BAM BJ6400 was a rather compact Cherokee clone, and, as always, was based on the BJ212.

The BAM BJ6451 was less of a Cherokee clone. It had an entirely different body and wasn’t based on a BAW BJ212 chassis. But it does have a Cherokee front, so I include it just to show how popular the Cherokee was in those days. Even non-Cherokee-style cars had Cherokee looks!

The Beijing Xinhai Automobile Factory made some very pretty Cherokee clones, resembling the  original a lot. The brand name was Xinhai. The company is no longer around today.

The State-owned North China Traffic Machinery Factory was a company from Hebei, the province surrounding Beijing. In the 1990’s they made several buses and SUVs. They produced one Cherokee clone, the HBJ6440. Red was a popular color! Note the oddly small mirrors and the cool 4×4 badge on the front fender. The company is no longer alive today.

The Hebei Renqiu Bus Factory was a bus maker based in Renqui City in Hebei Province. It made a mix of small buses, SUVs and pickup trucks. There were two Cherokee clones: the RK1020S pickup truck and the RK6490 wagon.

Like so many of these carmakers, the Hebei Xingtai Automobile Factorystarted lifeas a bus maker, later on they moved into small trucks and vans. In the late 1980’s they started with passenger cars. The company made at least two Jeep Cherokee clones: the XT1030 double cab pickup truck, fitted with very classy wheels, and the CT6470A five-door wagon.

Although similarly named, the Hebei Xingtai 114thAutomobile Factory was not directly related to the Hebei Xingtai Automobile Factory. They were both based in the same city but the 114th madefar crazier cars, including a somewhat famous Dacia clone. The company made only one Cherokee clone, the short-wheelbase XTC6460 4×4. The headlights appear to be smaller than on most other “Cherokees.”

The Hebei Yanxing Machinery Factory was, or is, originally a manufacturer of guns andmissile launchers. In the late 1980’s it ventured into the auto industry, producing small trucks, minibuses, and a single Cherokee clone — the cool XYC6480, which was fitted with steel wheels and strangely small door handles. The company isstill around, nowadays as part of the Norinco Group, China’s largest weapon maker.

Shijiazhuang is the capital of Hebei Province, and in the 1990’s home to many small automakers. Among those, the Shijiazhuang Automobile Factory was the biggest. They made three Cherokee clones: a four-door pickup truck, a wagon, and an extended wagon.

The Yizheng Huaxing Automobile Factory was based in the city of Yizheng in Jiangsu Province. The company made two Cherokee clones: a wagon and a double-cab pickup truck. Every Cherokee and Cherokee clone has a rather square shape, but Yizheng Huaxing took it to the extreme: Its Cherokee clones are the squarest of all.

Behold the HQX1030, painted in a trendy light green shape with yellow fog lights on the bumper. Sadly, the company existed only for a short time and is no longer with us. As far as I can see, it didn’t make any other vehicles than the Cherokee clones.

The Xinxiang Firefighting Machinery Factory was based in Xinxiang city, Henan Province. As the name implies, the company made firefighting vehicles and related equipment. The company also made other specialty vehicles like refrigerated trucks. It only made one passenger car and that was the XFJ6460 five-door Cherokee clone, fitted with big off-road tires and orange fog lights. The same lights, probably, as they used on its firefighting trucks.Zhengzhou Automobile Refitting Factory

The Zhengzhou Specialty Vehicle Factory was based in the city of Zhengzhou in Henan Province. The company mainly made minibuses. The ZZG5020XBG was its only passenger vehicle, a clone Cherokee wagon with old-school door handles and black steel wheels.

Sichuan Nanchong Automobile Refitting Factory made various kinds of police vehicles based on minivans. In the 1990’s its started to develop its own cars, mainly minivans and minibuses. The company made one Cherokee clone, the NQG6480 4×4 wagon. The factory photo shows two red cars going over rough terrain. Any Cherokee can handle that! (Though, oddly, these appear to be two-wheel drive).

RecapAnd those were the Chinese Jeep Cherokee XJ clones of the 1990’s. At least, the ones I know about. Undoubtedly, there were more of them. How many of each were made is largely unknown. There was no proper central register for car production numbers at the time, and I’m not sure these smaller car makers cared to tell their numbers to anyone. The cars were largely produced by hand using any part available at a given time. So even within a small series there could be lots of differences between the cars.

An intriguing question is why the Beijing-Jeep joint venture never tried to stop the cloning. First, the cloning period didn’t last very long. In the early 2000’s most of the Jeep Cherokee clones disappeared, almost as fast as they had arrived. The Chinese government had started one of its many restructuring schemes for the auto industry, which led to the takeover of many of these smaller automakers by bigger ones, and that came with the killing of the brands. This was especially so in the big cities, with companies like BAIC and the Shanghai Auto Industry Corporation (SAIC) gobbling up lots of companies.

Secondly, one may wonder how much Beijing-Jeep knew about it.  This was long before the internet, and many of these smaller automakers mainly sold cars in their home provinces, or even just in their own cities. In the great book ‘Beijing-Jeep’ by Jim Mann, the clones aren’t mentioned at all. Mann was one of the first American managers on the ground; he brilliantly tells the tragicomic story of the ups and downs of the early years of BJC. Finally, a third reason why BJC didn’t do anything about the clones may have been the simple fact that BAW was a subsidiary of BAIC, and that it was earning much-needed money by selling chassis to others. What these others did exactly with the chassis wasn’t really BAW’s problem.

The Jeep® brand has always screamed blue, red, and white and prided itself with being 100% American-made since the Willys-Overland marque. But it has been over three decades, and six mergers since AMC took over. As an avid Jeep enthusiast, it would be interesting to know where Jeeps are made and if these historic 4x4s still stay true to their heritage and reputation.

So, where is Jeep made? Jeeps are primarily made in the U.S. About 70% of a Jeep vehicle has parts manufactured in-country, with the other 30% (i.e. powertrain, transmission) coming from 14 other international facilities. The Jeep Renegade, Compass, and Wrangler are exceptions, produced 100% in Italy and America.

Consumers can expect movement in these figures with the consequent demand for energy-efficient, modern-day vehicles. While some sites have reportedly closed due to the effects of the global pandemic, new manufacturing plants are under construction to meet the production needs of the recent Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe and upcoming EVs (electric vehicles) and BEVs (battery electric vehicles).

With the heart of manufacture and assembly staying in the U.S., Jeep fanatics can be assured of the continued high quality of future Jeep® products. Read on, and discover where all the magic begins for this illustrious four-wheeler.

The question “Where are Jeeps made?” no longer comes as a surprise for a brand preceded by its reputation. After all, Jeep has made such an indelible mark in off-roading history, greatly influencing present-day conquerors of rocky terrain and dirt. For a vehicle with its fair share of drawbacks and acclaim, it is but expected of consumers to want to know how it is made.

The current lineup of the Jeep brand consists of the Wrangler, Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, Compass, Renegade, and Gladiator. Common knowledge is that these 4x4s are predominantly (if not all) made in the U.S. However, this is not entirely the case. Where Jeep vehicles are manufactured now depends on the current structure and financial strategy of parent company Stellantis and the target market of the specific Jeep vehicle.

Appreciating the tremendous effort put in assembling a Jeep requires looking back at its roots — all the way to the Willys-Overland era. Back then, these vehicles were intended for military use, manufactured in Toledo, Ohio, and built under license by various firms overseas for foreign markets (examples of these would be the re-dubbed versions of the CJ-3B produced in Mahindra, India, and Izmir, Turkey). Even when the 4×4 dropped the Willys moniker and officially carried “Jeep” in its branding, vehicle production was still concentrated in the company’s mother facility.

Despite an increase in public demand and the addition of new model derivatives, this setup went on until the birth of the Wrangler series alongside the Renault takeover. But if you were to ask, “where are Jeep Wranglers made?” at the time, initial units of the Jeep YJ models were surprisingly produced in the Brampton Assembly Plant in Ontario, Canada (AMC’s main facility). It was not until the plant shut down in 1992 (1995, according to Wikipedia) that all unit production for the Jeep Wrangler was moved to the Toledo South Assembly Plant. Since then, the increase of manufacturing and assembly plants continued alongside every merger the automobile firm underwent.

The turnover from AMC to Chrysler is worth mentioning when it comes to the manufacture and assembly of Jeep vehicles. Chrysler stepping in was a financial saving grace for the Jeep brand and an important milestone in its expansion. Before this acquisition, the Toledo Complex in Ohio was the only facility responsible for bringing the vision of Jeep® to life. But with the merger, Jeep had at least two more facilities supporting the production needs of its highly-regarded off-road vehicles.

This 312-acre site in Toledo, Ohio, began in 1942 with the Stickney Plant — now part of the current Toledo Supplier Park (a.k.a. Toledo South Plant). Initially used for machining and engines, it was later converted for the production of the Jeep Grand Wagoneer, running for a decade until the summer of 1991. When the Brampton Assembly Plant in Ontario shut down, the Jeep Wrangler was pulled out and transferred to this location.

The facility did not have a North Assembly Plant until 1997. This second half was built specifically for the production of the Jeep Liberty, which rolled off this assembly line for the next 11 years. The all-new Jeep Cherokee later replaced the Liberty on June 24, 2013. Along the way, Chrysler invested $500M in this section of the complex to cover for upgrades, a Metrology Center, and a six-acre expansion of the facility.

Similarly, the Toledo Supplier Park was not built until 2005 — in preparation for the Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited series. Essentially, it was on the same site as the old Stickney Plant and Parkway Annex. This assembly line rolled off the remaining Jeep Wrangler generations up to the last unit on April 27, 2018. After which, it picked up on the production of the Jeep Gladiator following a $273M investment in the south plant’s modernization.

At least a year before the last Jeep Wrangler JK was rolled off the south plant, FCA had already made plans to invest another $700M in the Toledo North Plant to fund the uninterrupted production of the next wave of Wranglers. This meant making room for the swap and consequently ending the Jeep Cherokee line in April 2017. Production of the 2018 Jeep Wrangler began eight months after. The Jeep Wrangler 4xe followed suit in 2020.

Originally one of Chrysler’s main assembly plants, this 3.69-acre complex is the only auto assembly plant entirely within the Detroit city limits and is where Jeep Grand Cherokees are made. Opened in 1991, the facility began producing and assembling the Grand Cherokee line in 1992 and has been doing so since. The now-discontinued Jeep Commander also rolled of this assembly line between 2006 and 2010. As of today, this facility has put together over 3,000,000 Grand Cherokees.

A refurbished plant whose history goes as far back as the 1916 Michigan Stamping Co., this site is now the assembly home of the 2022 Grand Cherokee L and potentially of plug-in hybrid models later within the year. Before becoming the facility it currently is, Mack Avenue used to be in limbo between 1979 and 1990 due to industrial toxins left in the abandoned warehouse. After being demolished in 1995, Chrysler converted it into an engine plant producing 4.7-liter V8 engines and Pentastar V-6 engines from 2000 through 2012. This complex now houses a body shop, a paint shop, and a general assembly building.

Regarded as the most efficient Stellantis plant in Italy, the Melfi Plant houses the assembly of the 1st Jeep SUV to be exclusively produced outside the U.S. — the Jeep Renegade — and is the second home of the Jeep Compass (alongside the Fiat 500x). The facility was salvaged from bankruptcy during Chrysler’s merger with Italian automaker Fiat in 2014. Subsequently, Jeep decided to move the assembly of all North American and European models of the Jeep Compass from the Belvidere Assembly Plant to this site.

Otherwise referred to as BVAP, this production facility first opened in 1965 and was made to assemble Plymouth, Dodge, and Chrysler C platform vehicles. When Chrysler Group LLC came to fruition, the plant added the Jeep Compass and Jeep Patriot models to its assembly line. Including these two, a total of 18 products have been assembled in this plant until 2016. Then FCA took over and decided to dedicate this site to the production of the Jeep Cherokee crossover from 2017 onward.

Another location where Jeep Compass vehicles are made is in this 220-acre facility. Opened in 1968, this plant has been one of DaimlerChrysler’s major assembly sites long before the merger with Chrysler Corporation in 1998. it is essentially similar to the Belvidere Plant in that it mostly produced Fiat, Dodge, Plymouth, and Chrysler models before focusing its efforts on the Jeep Compass product line in 2016. To date, the Toluca Plant assembles the Jeep Compass for North and Latin American markets, alongside other facilities in China, India, and Italy.

This assembly complex (a.k.a. the Jeep® Automotive Pole in Pernambuco) is another export hub where the Jeep Renegade and Jeep Compass models are made. It was the most modern assembly plant FCA had at its launch, not to mention the biggest. Concept-wise, it is similar to the mother facility in Ohio since it has a main plant and an adjacent supplier park. And just recently, it has been confirmed as the 1st carbon-neutral industrial complex in Latin America.

The Ranjangaon Assembly Plant is another export hub for the Jeep Compass product line, together with sites in China, Brazil, and Mexico. It officially started operations in June 2017 and has since played an important role as the sole export facility for RHD (right-hand-drive) markets worldwide. Like the Toledo Assembly Complex, the Ranjangaon plant adopted the World Class Manufacturing (WCM) system in all aspects of its vehicle production. There are also plans to include the Jeep Grand Cherokees and Wranglers down the road.

Initially designed for building the Eagle Premierduring AMC’s ownership, this plant eventually served as the assembly home for earlier AMC and Jeep vehicles and has done so from 1961 to 1992. But with Chrysler’s takeover of the manufacturing company, products from this facility were changed to Chrysler LH platform cars and their derivatives beginning in June 1992 through 2004. The site currently rolls Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger off its assembly lines. But it is fondly remembered by Jeep savants as the original home of the first-generation Wranglers before being moved to the Toledo South Assembly Plant in Ohio.

Facilities in Hunan province and the Panyu District of Guangzhou have been rolling off Jeep Cherokee, Renegade, and Compass vehicles since 2012 and 2015, respectively. These plants were built to have a combined vehicle production capacity of 328,000 units and 220,000 engines per year. There is no online reference to the total number of Jeep vehicles produced from these sites. But due to waning sales caused by the pandemic, Stellantis plans to move unit production of the Jeep Cherokee, Renegade, and Compass to Changsha.

This revisit made perfect sense for former parent company Chrysler Corporation since the old Willys already had a joint venture with the Argentinian government-owned Industrias Kaiser Argentina (IKA) from 1955 to 1977. Within this period, the facility assembled U.S.-imported Jeep CJ-5 components (in standard and long-wheelbase versions) and took care of casting metal and bodywork. This familiarity with Jeep vehicles made the site more than suitable to handle the production of locally made Jeep Cherokees and Grand Cherokees in the country.

Known for making trucks since 1938, this 76-acre facility predominantly produced Dodge pickups, vans, and wagons before being completely revamped in 2020. The upgrades done to the plant were in preparation for the unit production of the revived Jeep Wagoneer and Jeep Grand Wagoneer lines. Conversion of the site also included production capacity for heavy-duty Ram pickup trucks – although these versions are currently built in Mexico. At the moment, the Ram 1500 Classic is also sourced from this location.

According to FiatGroupWorld.com, Stellantis currently has 52 combined facilities (joint venture and self-owned) in 24 different countries. Of these, 12 facilities are involved in the production and export of various Jeep vehicles. While not all Jeep production models are 100% American-made, the Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Gladiator, Jeep Cherokee, and Jeep Grand Cherokee are still produced and assembled within U.S. soil. Conversely, the Jeep Renegade, Jeep Compass, and Jeep Cherokee crossover are assembled mostly in Italy, Brazil, and China.

Depending on the model or version you are interested in, your Jeep may or may not be made in the U.S. As detailed in this guide, certain models are produced exclusively in markets outside of America. But in truth, where the car is sourced or assembled should not be a concern for the Jeep enthusiast. With Stellantis’ leadership and vision, loyalists are guaranteed the brand’s founding values of freedom, adventure, authenticity, and passion, manifested in every Jeep vehicle’s quality and functionality.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a range of mid-size SUVs produced by the American manufacturer Jeep.body-on-frame construction, the Grand Cherokee has used a unibody chassis from the start.

The Grand Cherokee"s origins date back to 1983 when American Motors Corporation (AMC) was designing a successor to the smaller Jeep Cherokee (XJ).Larry Shinoda, Alain Clenet, and Giorgetto Giugiaro—were also under contract with AMC to create and build a clay model of the Cherokee XJ replacement, then known as the "XJC" project.Jeep Concept 1 show car foretold the basic design.

As AMC began development of the next Jeep in 1985, management created a business process that is now known as product lifecycle management (PLM).François Castaing, Vice President for Product Engineering and Development, the smallest U.S. automaker was looking for a way to speed up its product development process to compete better against its larger competitors.computer-aided design (CAD) software systems making the engineers more productive. Meanwhile, new communication systems allowed potential conflicts to be resolved faster, thus reducing costly engineering changes, because all drawings and documents were in a central database.Chrysler purchased AMC in 1987, it expanded the system throughout its enterprise, thus connecting everyone involved in designing and building products.

The Grand Cherokee thus became the first Chrysler-badged Jeep product. Development work for the new Jeep model continued and Chrysler"s employees (after the 1987 buyout of AMC) were eager for a late-1980s release date; however, CEO Lee Iacocca was pushing for redesigned Chrysler minivans, thus delaying the Grand Cherokee"s release until late 1992Explorer competitor. Unlike the Explorer, the Grand Cherokee utilized monocoque (unibody) construction, whereas the Explorer was a derivative of the Ranger pickup with a separate body-on-frame. A Dodge branded version was designed as a precaution should Jeep dealers struggle handling so many Grand Cherokee units.

The Grand Cherokee debuted in grand fashion at the 1992 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan. The vehicle that was driven was a Poppy Red Clear Coat 1993 Grand Cherokee ZJ Laredo with a quartz cloth interior and high-back bucket seats. Then Chrysler president Robert Lutz drove Detroit mayor, Coleman Young, from the Jefferson North Assembly Plant on North Jefferson Avenue via a police escort to Cobo Hall, up the steps of Cobo Hall and through a plate glass window to show off the new vehicle.model year Grand Cherokee began in April 1992.

Production of the Grand Cherokee started shortly afterward in the purpose-built Jefferson North Assembly in Detroit, Michigan. European Grand Cherokees are manufactured in Austria by Magna Steyr.

Upon its introduction, it was the first full-scale manufacture of an automobile in the US using HFC-134a refrigerant in place of HCFC-12 for the HVAC system.

The original Grand Cherokee was launched in 1992 as a 1993 model year vehicle in the luxury SUV segment. The "ZJ" models, manufactured from 1992 to 1998, originally came in three trim levels: base (also known as SE), Laredo, and Limited, subsequent trims were added, included Orvis (MY 95–98), TSI (MY97–98). The base model included features such as full instrumentation, cloth interior, and a standard five-speed manual transmission, while gaining the moniker "SE" name for the 1994 model year. Power windows and locks were not standard equipment on the base trim. The minimal price tag differential resulted in low consumer demand, and as a result, the low-line model was eventually discontinued. Additional standard features included a driver-side airbag and four-wheel anti-lock braking system (ABS). The Laredo was the mid-scale model with standard features that included power windows, power door locks, cruise control, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Exterior features included medium-grey plastic paneling on the lower body and five-spoke alloy wheels. The Limited was the premium model, featuring body-color lower body paneling, and gold exterior accents. The Limited also boasted standard features such as leather seating, heated mirrors, front power seats, a keyless entry system, woodgrain interior appliqué, lace style alloy wheels, a driver information center with a compass, digitized climate control, an electrochromic rearview mirror, and Jensen brand stereo with multi-band equalizer. By 1996 the options list grew to include heated seats. Standard was the 4.0, with the 5.2 V8 (and 5.9 in 1998) being optional, as with other models. Package groups with the various trim levels included: fog lamps, skid plates, as well as convenience, lighting, luxury, power, security, and trailer towing packages.

When it was first introduced in April 1992 as an early 1993 model year vehicle, the Grand Cherokee only had one powertrain choice: the 4.0-liter AMC-derived straight-six engine that made 190 horsepower (193 PS; 142 kW). This became the "volume" engine for the Grand Cherokee. Transmission choices included a four-speed automatic transmission (early production ZJs used the AW4—the A500SE (later 42RE) replaced the AW4 during the latter half of the 1993 model year) or an Aisin AX15 manual transmission. Low demand for the manual transmission resulted in its discontinuation after 1994, but European-market ZJs retained it when coupled to the diesel engine (which was unavailable in North America). The drive train choices included rear-wheel drive or four-wheel-drive. In 1995, the engine dropped 5 horsepower (5 PS; 4 kW) to 185 horsepower (188 PS; 138 kW) due to new EPA regulations imposed on the 1996 model year.

In 1997, for the 1998 model year, a variant of the top-level Grand Cherokee Limited, the "5.9 Limited" was introduced. Jeep ads claimed it to be the "world"s fastest sport utility vehicle", verified by third-party testing. The primary improvements in the 5.9 Limited version included a 245-horsepower (248 PS; 183 kW) 5.9-liter OHV V8 engine, heavy-duty 46RE automatic transmission, functional heat-extracting hood louvers, unique wide-slot body-colored grille with mesh inserts, special rocker moldings, low-restriction exhaust with three-inch chrome tip, a low-profile roof rack, and special 16" Ultra-Star wheels. The 5.9 Limited also received a 150 amp alternator and a 2-speed electric cooling fan. Other features include a standard 180-watt, 10-speaker Infinity Gold sound system with rear roof-mounted soundbar, standard sunroof, and an interior swaddled with unique "calf"s nap" soft leather and faux wood trim. The 5.9 Limited was awarded "4×4 of the Year" for 1998 by

Launched in September 1998, the redesigned WJ 1999 Grand Cherokee shared just 127 parts with its predecessor (mostly fasteners). The European model was coded WG. The spare tire was relocated from the side of the cargo compartment to under the floor. (Like the 1998MY ZJ, the rear tailgate glass opened separately.) The two heavy pushrod V8 engines were replaced by Chrysler"s then-new PowerTech. The new V8 engine produced less torque than the old pushrods, but was lighter, offered better fuel economy, and provided similar on-road performance figures (the 23-US-gallon (87 l; 19 imp gal) fuel tank was replaced with one of a 20.5-US-gallon (78 l; 17.1 imp gal) capacity). The straight-six engine was also updated. A redesign of the intake manifold added 10 horsepower (10 PS; 7 kW). While other Jeep vehicles used the Mopar 5 × 4.5 bolt circle, this was the first Jeep following the 1987 Chrysler buyout to receive a wider bolt pattern—5 × 5.

A notable feature available in this generation was the automatic four-wheel drive option called New Venture Gear NV247 transfer case. This two-speed chain-driven transfer case uses a gerotor, a clutch pack coupled to a hydraulic pump, to transfer torque between the front and rear axles. The transfer case contains three modes, 4-All Time, Neutral, and 4-Lo. In 4-All Time, 100% of torque is sent to the rear axle in normal conditions. If the rear axle starts spinning at a higher rate than the front axle, hydraulic pressure builds up in the gerotor and causes the clutch pack to progressively transfer torque to the front axle until both axles return to the same speed. A neutral mode is intended for towing the vehicle. In 4-Lo, the front and rear axles are locked together through a 2.72 reduction gear ratio. The NV247 transfer case is mated to front and rear axles containing Jeep"s Vari-Lok differentials. Vari-Lok differentials also use a gerotor to transfer torque between the wheels on either side of the axle. The major advantage of Quadra-Drive was that the combined transfer case and progressive locking differentials in each axle could automatically control traction between all four wheels. However, only the center differential could be permanently locked, and only in 4Lo. The Quadra-Trac II system included the NV247 transfer case with the standard open front and rear differentials.

The automatic transmission in the WJ was notable. It included three planetary gear sets rather than the two normally used in a four-speed automatic. This gave it six theoretical speeds, and it would have been the first six-speed transmission ever produced in volume, but it was programmed to only use five of these ratios. Four were used for upshifts, with a different second gear for downshifts. Although five of the six ratios were used, Chrysler decided to call it a "4-speed automatic". For MY 2001, the programming was changed to make use of all six ratios. Rather than have six forward gears, the transmission was programmed to act as a five-speed with the alternate second gear for downshifts. The rpm at 70 miles per hour (110 km/h) on a 545RFE is 2,000 rpm, 200 rpm less than the 45RFE programming. 1999 and 2000 model-year WJ owners can have their 45RFE transmission"s programming flashed to enable the extra gear as both transmissions are physically the same. (Must purchase new PCM and ABS module and program them with a fake VIN to make this work.) The 42RE 4-speed automatic remained the transmission for the inline 6 engine. It had slight changes from the previous model Grand Cherokee.

The Grand Cherokee received a minor facelift for 2004 including round fog lamps, a lower front fascia, and a new body color-matched inset grille design.

The WK Grand Cherokee debuted in 2004 for the 2005 model year at the 2004 New York International Auto Show with available Quadra-Drive II four-wheel drive, rear-seat DVD player and optional 5.7-liter Hemi V8. The 3.7-liter V6 engine replaced the 4.0-Liter straight-6. A Mercedes-Benz-sourced 3.0-liter V6 Common Rail Diesel (CRD) was available outside of North America from launch.

Jeep replaced the XJ-era leading-arms live-axle front suspension (found in the ZJ and WJ) with an independent double-wishbone setup like that which debuted in the 2002 Liberty. Classed as a truck-based SUV, the WH/WK Grand Cherokee offers "crossover" refinement, capability and NVH.

The 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee made its European debut at the Euro Camp Jeep in Ardèche, France. This Jeep has gained 4 stars in the Euro NCAP crash safety tests conducted in 2005.

The Grand Cherokee received a minor facelift for 2008 with revised headlights and available High-Intensity Discharge (HID) Headlamps with auto-leveling. The lower portion of the front bumper was still removable as it was from launch to increase the approach angle for off-road use. The 4.7-liter was refined, now producing 305 hp (227 kW; 309 PS), and 334 lb⋅ft (453 N⋅m; 46 kg⋅m).

The 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee is available with an improved 5.7-liter Hemi engine rated at 357 hp (362 PS; 266 kW) and 389 lb⋅ft (527 N⋅m; 53.8 kg⋅m) of torque. The engine uses variable valve timing to increase fuel economy.

The fourth-generation WK2 Grand Cherokee went on sale in summer 2010 as a 2011 model.2009 New York Auto Show.Chrysler Chapter 11 reorganization that same year.

Like previous generations, the WK2 Grand Cherokee chassis is a steel unibody. Unlike previous generations, it features four-wheel independent suspension for better on-road handling. The WK2 and 2011 Durango use a Chrysler designed and engineered platform/chassis that Mercedes-Benz later used for the Mercedes-Benz W166 series. The Chrysler designed platform was part of the DaimlerChrysler engineering projects that were to launch the WK2 Grand Cherokee with the Mercedes-Benz ML to follow.

The new Grand Cherokee SRT8, which started production on July 16, 2011,Hemi V8 engine. Jeep claims the new SRT8 gets 13 percent better fuel economy than its predecessor.

For the 2022 model year, Jeep marketed the outgoing Grand Cherokee WK2 alongside the all-new Grand Cherokee WL model as the Grand Cherokee WK (not to be confused with the Grand Cherokee (WK), which was produced from 2005 until 2010). The lineup is condensed to base Laredo "E", mid-level Laredo "X", and range-topping Limited trims, with the only engine option being the base 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 gasoline engine.

The fifth generation (WL) Grand Cherokee was revealed as the three-row LWB version, Grand Cherokee L on January 7, 2021. The two-row version was revealed on September 30, 2021.Mack Avenue Assembly Complex, which is built on the grounds of the Mack Avenue Engine Complex in Detroit, Michigan. The two-row Grand Cherokee will continue to be assembled at the nearby Jefferson North Assembly Plant, where it has been assembled since its introduction in 1992 for the 1993 model year.

Three different four-wheel-drive systems will be available: Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II featuring low range, and Quadra-Drive II with low range and "Quadra Lift" air suspension system, as well as rear-wheel drive. When properly equipped, the Grand Cherokee will be able to tow up to 7,200 pounds (3,300 kg). The Grand Cherokee will also be able to ford up to two feet (24 in) of water (when equipped with the Quadra Lift air suspension system). All engines will be mated to a ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic transmission that is controlled via a rotary shift knob. The Selec Terrain system, first introduced on the Jeep Grand Cherokee (WK2), will also be available on the Grand Cherokee WL, and is now controlled via a toggle switch in the center console. The Quadra Lift air suspension system is available only with the Quadra-Drive II system.

The 2021 Grand Cherokee is the third Fiat Chrysler Automobiles product to offer the new UConnect 5 infotainment suite, which will offer either an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch high-resolution touchscreen display, SiriusXM Satellite Radio with 360L, SiriusXM Travel Link services, UConnect Guardian (powered by SiriusXM), a 4G LTE wireless Internet hotspot, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, and an integrated virtual assistant that can be activated by the phrase, "Hey UConnect", or "Hey Jeep", and can control multiple features of the vehicle, as well as provide other pertinent information.

The Grand Cherokee L went on sale in June 2021, wheelbase is 6.9 inches (175 mm) longer than the previous generation two-row model, and 5 inches (127 mm) longer than its two-row counterpart. It is equipped with an independent front and multi-link rear suspension.

The Grand Cherokee L is available in five trim levels: Laredo, Altitude, Limited, Overland, and Summit. While all models will be powered by a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 gasoline engine producing 290 hp (294 PS; 216 kW) and 257 lb⋅ft (348 N⋅m; 36 kg⋅m) (now assisted by the eTorque Mild Hybrid system), Overland and Summit models will also offer the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 gasoline engine with Multi Displacement System (MDS) that will produce 357 hp (362 PS; 266 kW) and 390 lb⋅ft (529 N⋅m; 54 kg⋅m) of torque.

For the first time, the Grand Cherokee will offer a 950-watt, nineteen-speaker McIntosh premium amplified surround sound audio system, replacing the previous 825-watt, eighteen-speaker Harman Kardon system on the Grand Cherokee WK2. Other new features available for the first time on a Grand Cherokee include massaging front seats, a rear seat view camera, a surround-view (360-degree) camera system, a rear view camera digital mirror, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, Qi-compatible wireless device charging, heated and ventilated second-row seats, second-row captain"s chairs, twenty-one inch tires and wheels, Level 2 semi-autonomous driving technology, and power-folding second and third-row seats.

Originally scheduled to be released for the 2021 model year, but delayed until 2022, The two-row Grand Cherokee is available in seven trim levels: Laredo, Altitude, Limited, Overland, Trailhawk, Summit, and Summit Reserve (the off-road oriented Trailhawk trim will not be available on the long wheelbase Grand Cherokee L model). Compared to the previous generation two-row Grand Cherokee, the total passenger volume increases by 4.1 cubic feet (120 L), while cargo space is up 1.4 cubic feet (40 L).

Engine choices are carried over from the previous generation Grand Cherokee (WK2), with two naturally-aspirated units, but also added is turbocharged gasoline/electric plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain. The base engine on all Grand Cherokees is the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 gasoline engine, producing 290 hp (294 PS; 216 kW), and 257 lb⋅ft (348 N⋅m; 36 kg⋅m) of torque.

The optional engine, available on all Grand Cherokee trims aside from the Laredo, Altitude, and Limited, is the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 gasoline engine with the Multi Displacement System (MDS) cylinder deactivation system, producing 360 horsepower (365 PS; 268 kW), and 390 lb⋅ft (529 N⋅m; 54 kg⋅m) of torque. When equipped with the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 gasoline engine, the all-new Grand Cherokee has a maximum towing capacity of 7,200 pounds (3,300 kg). All engines, including the Plug In Hybrid (PHEV) powertrain, are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with Stellantis manufacturing the 850RE transmission for the 3.6-liter model, and ZF manufacturing the 8HP70 transmission for the 5.7-liter model (all transmissions are based on the design of the ZF 8HP transmission, and use a new rotary controller in the center console). In addition to rear-wheel-drive, three different four-wheel-drive systems are available, and use a new Selec-Terrain toggle controller (the Quadra Drive II four-wheel-drive system also features the Quadra-Lift air suspension system. The Quadra-Lift system can raise or lower the vehicle to different heights, and is standard on all Trailhawk models.

At the 2022 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS), Jeep introduced the 2022 Grand Cherokee 4xe High Altitude Edition Package. Available on both Summmit and Summit Reserve trims, the High Altitude Edition Package features dark exterior accents, unique 21-inch wheels. Following introduction on the Grand Cherokee 4xe, the High Altitude Edition Package will also be available on the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L in both Summit and Summit Reserve trims. A new exterior color, Hydro Blue Pearlcoat, will also be available on most Grand Cherokee, Grand Cherokee 4xe, and Grand Cherokee L models.

In 2010, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) launched an investigation into 1993–2004 model year Jeep Grand Cherokees which involves the fuel tanks of these SUVs. In moderate- to high-energy rear collisions, the fuel tank (located behind the rear axle) could be compromised structurally, resulting in fuel leakage and fire. The NHTSA claims that it has reports of 157 deaths resulting from fires caused by Grand Cherokees crashing. Also affected are 2002–2007 Jeep Liberty models and 1986–2001 Jeep Cherokee models, which totals about 5.1 million affected vehicles.

In June 2013, Chrysler Corporation responded to the recall, agreeing to recall 2.7 million Jeeps, though eliminating both the 1986–2001 Jeep Cherokee (XJ) and 1999–2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee WJ from the recall. The recall will include 2.7 million 1993–1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee ZJ and 2002–2007 Jeep Liberty KJ vehicles.

Two weeks prior to this recall, Chrysler Corporation claimed that the affected Jeep vehicles were safe, citing the vehicles" rates of fatal rear-impact crashes involving fire as well as their compliance with then-current requirements of FMVSS standard No. 301,trailer hitch onto the rear bumpers of the vehicles that will protect the fuel tank if the vehicle is involved in a rear impact. If an affected vehicle is not currently equipped with a trailer hitch, one will be installed onto it, and older Jeep and non-factory aftermarket trailer hitches will be replaced with one from Chrysler Corporation. Despite the recall, the market for these Jeep vehicles has not suffered.

In April 2016, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) ordered a recall of 2014 and 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokees and other cars that use an electronic gear shifter because it sometimes does not go into (or does not remain in) the park position, despite the operator"s best intentions. Consumers reported that they put the car in park and left the engine running, and then were surprised when the car rolled away under power.

An investigation by FCA US and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found some drivers have exited their vehicles without first selecting "PARK." Such behavior may pose a safety risk if a vehicle"s engine is still running.

In July 2017, 2012–14 Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVs were recalled due to possible alternator failure. If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall and/or if the alternator has a short circuit, a fire may occur.

On February 25, 2022, Stellantis and Jeep issued a stop-sale order for 2022 Grand Cherokee and Grand Cherokee L models in dealership inventory. The order was issued after it was discovered that the Radio Frequency Hub Module (RFHM) would cause some vehicles to not recognize the key fob, rendering the vehicles unable to start. This would require the vehicles to be towed to the dealership. This order only affected a "limited number of vehicles", and parts were shipped to dealerships as soon as they became available.

The first Jeep Cherokee produced in China rolled off the assembly line on Monday, marking a significant milestone for the sport utility vehicle brand.

The GAC Fiat Chrysler Automobiles joint venture expects full Cherokee production in November, with deliveries to begin before the end of the year. By 2016, the Jeep brand’s portfolio in China is expected to consist of three new models, including the locally-produced Jeep Cherokee and Jeep Renegade.

China is an important part of Jeep’s global expansion through 2018. Fiat Chrysler plans to produce 1.9 million Jeeps by 2018 at 10 plants in six countries: the U.S., Italy, China, Brazil, India and one other yet-to-be-announced country. Two years ago, only 798,000 rolled out of four plants in the United States.

Global growth of the brand is a centerpiece of an ambitious five-year plan of Fiat Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne to grow Fiat Chrysler"s global sales to 7 million by 2018, a 60 percent increase from 2013. During the 2015 Detroit auto show in January, Marchionne said globalization of the brand is the key mission for the year.

The GAC FCA Changsha plant, the birthplace of the locally produced Jeep Cherokee, is the first in China to adopt the exacting World Class Manufacturing (WCM) standards. WCM is a methodology that focuses on reducing waste, increasing productivity and improving quality and safety in a systematic and organized way.

spy photos shown above. Though the exterior doesn"t reveal much new, we do get our first look at the inside of the new SUV. Unfortunately, the interior is well-camouflaged. We can tell it has the same corporate steering wheel and shifter as found on other

Dodge Durango, indicating it doesn"t borrow much on the inside from those vehicles. The tachometer is clearly visible, too, and it shows a redline of about 5,500 rpm. That redline corresponds with the turbocharged four-cylinder found in the

leaked images also reveal the name "Grand Commander." Many of the leaks and information about the big Jeep have been related to China, but with automakers such as

Since its introduction to the market in 2009, the Dodge Journey had become a family favorite crossover for Mexican families. The Mexican-built Dodge Journey was one of the more popular options in the Dodge lineup until its discontinuation after the 2020 model year. With the three-row Dodge Durango being out of the financial reach for a majority of Mexican families, it left the Dodge brand without a viable crossover / SUV option for the Mexican market.

For 2022, the Journey returns in a totally new package thanks to the Stellantis’ Chinese connections with Guangzhou Automobile Group Co., Ltd (GAC) and their Trumpchi GS5. Instead of being the family-oriented three-row that everyone who was budget-minded loved, it is now a five-passenger two-row crossover.

The GS5 also donates an interior that utilizes better materials, with soft-touches surfaces, and attention to detail that again surpasses the 2020 model. For SXT and Sport models, there is an analog gauge cluster with a 7-inch LCD digital information screen in the center. On the top-tier GT model, that gauge cluster isreplaced with a 12.3-inch LCD digital cluster allowing for a much more modern and technological look. Matter of fact, it is the first Dodge vehicle to feature such a display.

To those wanting a plug-in hybrid Jeep that isn’t a life-size Lego car in which the roof and doors come off and the windshield folds, your time has come.

Jeep shoved the Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid’s powertrain into the Grand Cherokee. Like its sibling, the 2022 Grand Cherokee 4xe sacrifices nothing in its transition to become more efficient—except your wallet. Just as with the Wrangler, plugging in comes at a pretty hefty price premium.

The Grand Cherokee 4xe spec sheet reads like a near carbon copy of its windshield-folding sibling. There’s a 2.0-liter turbo-4 with 270 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque paired with a 44-hp motor-generator (which connects directly to the crankshaft via a belt and replaces the starter). A 17.3-kwh battery pack powers a bigger electric motor that puts out 134 hp and 198 lb-ft, sandwiched within the 8-speed automatic transmission. Total system output is 375 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque, making the PHEV model the most powerful one in the Grand Cherokee lineup, at 18 hp and 80 lb-ft of torque over the optional 5.7-liter V-8.

Despite hauling a split battery pack in its chassis (and a somewhat smaller gas tank) the PHEV version of the Grand Cherokee gives up no capability in the name of efficiency and has a total driving range of 470 miles.

Over the course of a day and over about 200 miles of driving both on- and off-road, the Jeep delivered on its EPA ratings of 25 miles of electric range, 56 MPGe, and 23 mpg combined—mostly. In mixed driving starting with the battery at 99% state of charge the Grand Cherokee went 24.5 miles before the juice ran out and the powertrain flipped into hybrid mode netting 23.5 mpg average lining up exactly with EPA ratings. But starting off with an empty battery running in pure hybrid mode over the course of about 100 miles of mostly highway into Austin, Texas the 4xe only mustered 18.5 mpg according to the trip computer. The V-8, and V-6, can do that, and better without a full hybrid system.

Under electric power the 8-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly without issue and the power is linear, but it’s not enough. Put the accelerator to the floor and the gas engine will kick in, but it takes a full second. The point-and-shoot nature of the V-8-powered Grand Cherokee is lost here despite the PHEV’s 0-60 mph sprint of 6.0 seconds vs the V-8’s 6.9 sprint. Finding a hole in traffic and zipping into it from a stop proved difficult, as it’s hard to anticipate the entire powertrain waking up from its slumber.

In hybrid mode, in normal driving around town, the powertrain was smooth, with active noise cancellation blotting out the turbo-4’s spooling and coarse sound when revved. But with nearly 6,000 lb of trailer and classic Jeep mail truck hooked to the back of the 4xe (which maxes out the 4xe’s tow rating, which we don’t recommend doing), the revs climbed and stayed above 3,000 rpm to maintain near 40-plus mph. Pulling away from a stop was easy thanks to the electric motor’s instant torque fill, but quickly the turbo became audible while maintaining speed. On the gravel test loop for towing we weren’t able to top 40 mph safely, which means highway speeds and passing will be left for another day of testing. It’s clear from our very brief initial test the 4xe can tow the rated 6,000 lb and there’s no lack of power. But if towing is the main prerogative the V-8 might be the better option. Towing isn’t an efficient activity.

Off-roading in the 4xe is a mixed bag. The instant torque from the electric motor is nice in theory, but in practice it made climbing rock faces or over boulders slightly more difficult as the power is either on or off like a light switch in electric-only mode with the 4xe’s throttle tuning. This made for some situations where the Grand Cherokee would rock back and forth as it was not easy to creep up a steep incline smoothly.

Jeep said Max Regeneration mode mimics one-pedal driving in an EV, but that’s a stretch. Engaged easily via a button on the dashboard (and it stays on even when key cycling the 4xe), the system bakes in more regenerative braking, but it’s strongest below 40 mph. The system will not enable the Grand Cherokee to come to a complete stop without using the brake pedal, and it does creep forward when you lift off the brake. Max Regeneration mode seemingly responded differently while off-roading in all-electric mode, as it held the Jeep in place and helped modulate the power a bit to have it come online slower in tricky situations.

The 2022 Grand Cherokee 4xe pricing is a bit of a puzzle. Base models cost $59,495 including the $1,795 destination fee. It’s based on the Limited model in the gas-powered Grand Cherokee lineup, but comes better equipped with a 9-speaker Alpine audio system, 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, 10.0-inch touchscreen front seat passenger infotainment screen, and panoramic sunroof, which similarly equipped means a $6,655 price premium. Bake in the federal tax credit, should you be fully eligible, and the base 4xe might cost less than a comparably equipped Limited in the end. A fully loaded Summit Reserve 4xe with night vision along with quilted leather and massaging front seats pushes up against $80,000 before tax credits.

This puts the 4xe into near luxury territory, where the Volvo XC90 T8 Recharge and BMW X5 PHEVs live. Both cost only a few thousand dollars more in base form, are quicker, just as powerful, and more importantly, have more electric range. In top Summit and Summit reserve trim the Grand Cherokee 4xe holds its own, but in lower trims it feels expensive and pushes the limits of value before the tax credits take hold.

Jeep flew me to Austin, had me sleep in a hotel, provided some food, and had me drive to a ranch in the middle of nowhere Texas to bring you this first-hand report.

Cruising up a highway heading north out of New York City, the bright white Jeep Grand Wagoneer I was driving got the sort of attention usually given to Lamborghinis and Ferraris. Other vehicles maneuvered to get a better look and smartphones were held out through car windows for a shot.

I couldn’t help but think that few owners of Grand Wagoneers (or the less luxurious Wagoneer, for that matter) would ever take their expensive full-size SUVs anywhere near actual rocks. But, since it’s a Jeep, off-road capabilities must be displayed. Just as with sports cars, even though few will approach their highest speeds, owners like to know those capabilities do actually exist.

Unlike the familiar Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee, two entirely distinct models with very little in common beyond the name – which a native American tribe would like them to stop using – the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer are two versions of the same big three-row SUV. As its first name implies, the Grand Wagoneer is more opulent, with nicer interior materials and more advanced technology options.

If it were a contest, the Grand Wagoneer makes a strong play for leader in total touchscreen area inside an SUV. There was even a screen just for the front passenger, one each for rear passengers and one in the center between the second row passengers.

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