2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe vs 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe stood out with its distinctive sound and appearance. It featured a “4xe” badge, sky blue accents, and a power port at the windshield's base. When running on battery power alone, it was nearly silent, drawing attention as it moved through Yosemite National Park. The Rubicon trim, painted in Firecracker Red, was well-equipped with over $13,000 in options, bringing the price to $66,690. Inside, the Wrangler 4xe maintained its rugged simplicity, with blue stitching and PHEV-specific gauges. The interior was practical, with controls designed for functionality, and it offered more comfort than previous models, though luxury was not its focus.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee, a two-row version of the Grand Cherokee L, retained classic Jeep design elements while offering a modern twist. Available in various trims, it ranged from $37,390 to $63,365, excluding destination charges. The Grand Cherokee impressed with its versatility, offering trims for simplicity, off-roading, or luxury. Its design paid homage to the 1963 Wagoneer, with a forward-leaning grille and tapered roof pillars. Inside, it mirrored the Grand Cherokee L, with options ranging from basic cloth seats to luxurious leather and high-end audio systems. The interior was spacious, though rear-seat legroom was tight for taller passengers.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe combined a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors and a 17-kWh battery, offering 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. It provided an estimated 21 miles of electric range and 49 MPGe. The Wrangler 4xe featured three powertrain modes: Hybrid, Electric, and e-Save, allowing flexibility in power usage. During testing, it achieved 20.8 mpg on a road trip, with regenerative braking enhancing efficiency. Despite its electric capabilities, the Wrangler 4xe maintained its off-road prowess with skid plates and Dana 44 axles.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered a choice between a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 293 horsepower and a 5.7-liter V8 with 357 horsepower. Towing capacity ranged from 6,200 to 7,200 pounds. Three 4WD systems were available, catering to different off-roading needs. The Trailhawk trim excelled off-road with features like Quadra-Drive II and a Quadra-Lift air suspension. Fuel economy varied from 17 to 21 mpg, depending on the engine and drivetrain. The Grand Cherokee provided a balanced ride, with the V6 offering efficiency and the V8 delivering power.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe required some effort to enter due to high door sills, but once inside, it offered a classic Wrangler driving position with clear visibility. Storage was limited, and rear-seat space was tight for taller passengers. Cargo access was challenging due to the swing-out tailgate, but it offered 27.7 cubic feet of space, expandable to 72.4 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee provided comfort across all trims, with options for heated and ventilated seats, a panoramic sunroof, and improved visibility. Rear-seat space was tight for adults, but cargo capacity was generous, with 37.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 70.8 cubic feet with them folded. The Grand Cherokee L offered more space for those needing extra room.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe featured an 8.4-inch Uconnect infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. While intuitive, it showed signs of aging in responsiveness and graphics. Charging indicators and trip data were helpful features, but an upgrade to Uconnect 5 was needed.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee boasted advanced technology, including a head-up display, Night Vision, and multiple touchscreens. Uconnect 5 offered improved responsiveness and over-the-air updates. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a McIntosh audio system were available. The optional passenger interactive display added convenience and entertainment.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe offered safety features like blind-spot warning and adaptive cruise control. However, its headlights received a Marginal rating from IIHS, and it had a four-star frontal-impact rating from NHTSA. The Wrangler tipped over in some crash tests, highlighting safety concerns.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee featured a robust safety structure with aluminum and high-strength steel. It included advanced driver assistance systems like Intersection Collision Assist and Active Driving Assist. The system provided semi-autonomous driving capabilities, with a hands-free version expected in 2022.