This week we are reviewing the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk 4xe. Our vehicle was assembled at the Detroit assembly plant in Michigan, USA and had an MSRP of 88,170.00 CAD before incentives.
Fun Factor: 8
As with the Jeep Wrangler 4Xe, the Grand Cherokee Trailhawk 4Xe has a 2.0L turbocharged engine paired with an electric motor. The engine generates a total power of 375 horsepower and 470 pounds-feet of torque, which may seem unbelievable. Still, it surpasses the power of the 5.7-litre V8 we previously tested in the Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit here. This powerful engine enables the Grand Cherokee to accelerate from a complete stop to 100 kilometres per hour in a mere 5.3 seconds. However, its towing capacity is slightly lower at 6000 pounds compared to the 7000 pounds of the V8.
Can it Family: 8
Inside the cabin, you will find the full scope of changes made to the Grand Cherokee. Every surface where you usually place your hands has been upgraded. We all expect a Jeep to be rough, rugged and loud, but here, it’s all premium components, leather or superior-looking plastics compared to earlier models. The front dashboard has seen a complete overhaul. The steering wheel looks much better with two spokes, rather than only one from the left and the paddle shifters; these upgrades keep the Grand Cherokee fresh in a quickly changing segment. The digital gauge cluster is also an upgrade with a built-in full-screen map and the ability to personalize the screen to show the information you want. Small details such as window switches and the Start/stop button look premium. The amount of work done is astonishing.
Fuel-Friendly: 9
Jeep announces the following fuel economy for the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4Xe once the battery is depleted as 10.3L/100km in the city, 9.7L/100km on the Hwy and a combined consumption of 10L/100km. During our test, we achieved an average of 8.1L/100km. After confirming the amount of fuel we added to the vehicle, including its electric range, we calculated an average fuel economy of 4.71L/100km. It seems like there's an issue with the dashboard calibration. We noticed that when the vehicle is stationary and running in electric mode, the onboard computer shows a 99L/100km consumption, which doesn't make sense. We saw the same occurrence on the Jeep Wrangle 4Xe. In my opinion, the manufacturer needs to address this issue because it misleads existing customers into thinking that fuel efficiency is poorer than it truly is.
HWY-warrior: 6
On the Hwy, the 2.0L turbocharged aided by the electric engine feels peppy and, contrary to the Wrangler interior, stays quiet. The electric motor can reach highway speeds on its own, but it takes a little longer. Since the interior is so quiet, you might unintentionally go faster than the speed limit without noticing it.
Karaoke Friendly: 7
The Alpine Premium System on the Trailhawk model produces good sound quality with nine speakers. However, if you're looking for the highest quality audio with a McIntosh 19-speaker system, you'll need to upgrade to the Overland model. Unfortunately, this is not available as an option on the Trailhawk. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system is easy to use and allows wireless connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Google Android. The screen displays crisp and clear colours. Our version also had a tinted side passenger screen, which is a great option to add. This feature is typically found in more expensive cars and is an option. The co-pilot can program the navigation on their screen, allowing the driver to focus on the road. The tinted screen ensures that the driver is not distracted while driving.
Baby-friendly: 7
To make it easier to access the vehicle, the doors of the Grand Cherokee open wide, and the suspension lowers. This is the same as the non-hybrid version. If you want to see detailed photos, click here. The latches are concealed behind a leather wrap, giving a neat appearance. The ISOFIX ports are easily accessible, making it easy to attach car seats. Families with babies can install spacious rear-facing car seats in the Grand Cherokee without compromising space for front passengers. This makes it a wonderful option for new families who don't need to upgrade to a larger vehicle. We experienced some challenges with front-facing seats, and booster seats were not able to fit perfectly because the headrests stood in the way and could not be removed. Moreover, attempting to fit the top anchor between the headrests proved challenging due to the narrow opening. Finally, the belt buckles are positioned inwards towards the seat, making it more difficult for kids to buckle themselves.
City Cruising: 9
The Grand Cherokee feels most at home in the city, with the announced 42km daily commutes can, in most cases, be done without a drop of gas. The average range we saw during our testing was closer to 40 km with the A/C on, which we found strange as our Wrangler can easily do 42 km with road-going tires. We assume that the all-terrain tires have a negative impact on the range of the Grand Cherokee Trailhawk. Hence, we suggest the Trailhawk if you really need beefier tires and require them daily.
Why would we buy the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk, or what we liked about it?
The Trailhawk version is fitted with an enhanced Quadra-Trac and helps in the most challenging situations. The vehicle is well-insulated and gives the impression of being constructed with quality materials. The battery is sealed so that you can drive off-road without worries.
Why would we not buy the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk, or what did we not like about it?
Reliability is an important question when considering a Jeep; though there has been some quality improvement, new owners are still experiencing minor issues that can be frustrating. Despite Jeep's move towards a higher-end market, the price tag of $88k is still not a bargain for this segment.
Jeep has lent us this vehicle for one week as a press vehicle. We have no affiliation with Jeep Canada. The above reflects our personal opinion of the car referred to above.
