Jeep is an American brand. Something that becomes evident when you land in any city in America, and you will see Wranglers and Cherokees, one in every five cars mostly kitted up proudly moving around. One can see the pride American’s associate with Jeep and has a very deep-rooted DNA dating back to the World War 2. We will not get there but there is an interesting history with Cherokee XJ, which has been Credited for basically starting the whole modern SUV thing, it was also the first all-new Jeep design for over 20 years when it was launched, it used a unibody construction and inspired countless rivals. Since we are on history there was one previous generation of Grand Cherokee which did come with a bonkers Trackhawk version, with a 6.2-litre supercharged V8 producing a ridiculous 707bhp and 875 Nm of Torque. Insane, isn’t it? Now digest this, it did 0–100 km in just 3.7 seconds bending physics. I went to America and landed in Los Angeles in search of that XJ, but, as you would expect, it was exorbitantly expensive and what I got my hands on was the more gentleman version of Grand Cherokee which I drove back-to-back in LA and Mumbai. The truth is Jeep India is not being allocated big numbers to sell, but the Cherokee is the halo brand and the most INR Jeep can command from your wallet. Now in its 5th generation and available only in one variant priced at Rs 77.5 lakhs (ex-showroom) does it have enough muscle to wield the BMW X5, Audi Q7, Volvo XC90 and a few others.
Verdict
Jeep has sold more than 7 million units of the Cherokee globally, that’s a colossal number which speaks of its pedigree and the 2022 Grand Cherokee comes out clean, shattering all glass walls with future tech, simplistic yet powerful design languages and advanced safety features. This American muscle has been completely ripped and is flexing its triceps to its competition and if you are looking for a heritage name plate which is a luxury off-roader, then there is none at the price point at which the 2022 Grand Cherokee is available.
In Los Angeles I was driving in smooth buttered tarmac , and the NVH levels were non-existent, while back in Mumbai it was the same feeling and that’s the first thing which you don’t expect from a Jeep. The Grand Cherokee has completely nailed it with minimalistic road noise seeping into the cabin even though riding on 20-inch rims. We were strictly told not to take this test vehicle for off-roading so will hold my verdict of the off-roading part, but whatever broken patches we did encounter , the suspension set up soaked that very well. It’s seriously a luxury off-roader with a 4x4 – Quadra-Trac system with an active transfer case that moves torque to the wheel with the most grip. What is neatly integrated is the front-axle disengaging itself automatically from four-wheel drive to two-wheel drive, when not required improving fuel economy in the process. For a 2.5-tonne SUV riding on 20-inch with 215 mm of ground clearance you do expect body roll. Again, the Grand Cherokee surprises with minimalist body roll over and drives with full autonomy and control even on sharp turns. Here is the best driving tech – its four-wheel drive automatically springs back to work when the moving vehicle senses its need. It’s available only in one variant - 2.0-litre, turbocharged petrol engine swirling out 268 HP and 400 NM of torque which kicks in post the 2500 RPM mark. The engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission and is untouched upto 533mm of water wading.
It comes loaded with ADAS features which makes driving in terms of safety at par with cars one segment above. Its driving aids matches with Volvo XC90 like the Speed Collision Warning, Active Braking and Pedestrian including rear cross path Detection, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go, LaneSense Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist and some very interesting features like the Drowsy Driver Detection system. Steering grip has a power feel to it and invites you to go hard on the SUV with total confidence.
Normally Jeeps are known for their ruggedness and offroad capabilities with minimalist tech. Take the Wrangler Rubicon for instance, the infotainment centre is smaller than the Samsung Z Fold4 and the resolution will take you back to the blackberry days, but the Rubicon never meant to appeal to the geek in you. With the Grand Cherokee even the staunchest of nerd will come out with a satisfying wide grin. It has three screens, the first central 10.1-inch touch screen with crisp display and two 10.25-inch digital instrument panel display including the segment first passenger side screen, which has been placed at an angle and with a resolution which is not seen to the driver’s eyes. This is one of the coolest features and calls for a round of loud clapping. There is also a full-colour, 10-inch head-up display (HUD). The passenger side screen can be paired to individual headphones, and you can connect via HDMI and USB and stream your video without distracting the driver and without holding your smartphone on your hand for that Himalayan drive. There is also a digital rear-view mirror which relays all the action behind the car and with a simple toggle you can switch from normal to camera feed view, just like the Range Rovers. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto work seamlessly, and wireless charging pad is also on offer along with Amazon Alexa virtual assistant. The Grand Cherokee has 8 -way adjustable front seats, with three-level configurable controls, all electronically operated.
Some notable highlights inside the cabin includes capri leather seats with perforated inserts, pure leather-wrapped instrument panel, second row window shades, and LED ambient lighting system with a five-colour selection system. The centre stack and console have been aligned to offer plenty of space and ease of accessibility for the driver. The front passenger seats also get electric eight-way adjustment, power lumbar, memory, and heated/vented options.
Let’s start with the design first, the seven-slot grille somehow has a floating feel when you look closely and it’s very distinct from the Meridian and the taillight from the rear does not connect giving it more premium appeal. It’s a classic hooligan dressed as a gentleman. Will come to that in a bit. The Square wheel arches trademark of Jeep now also has an orange reflectors on each side which is another distinct part. From the side straight shoulder lines and Cherokee badging on either side brings forward the American muscle character. We will only get the 5-seater version which means the boot is huge to pack in 3 bean bags and large size suitcases, may be a human being as well to go as far as the Himalayas. You can literally slide your mountain bike with straight handles which most cars in its segment can’t do it. The seating at the rear seat also has good leg room, shoulder and head room with large vertical windows and huge panoramic sunroof. It feels luxurious with the seating and the interior trim leather seats and cushioning is also spot on and the central arm rest when unfolded rests your hand rather on a higher pedestal giving you the mafia boss feel. There is also a long-range radar and comes with 20-inch dual tone alloy wheels, which gives it the butch stance. The Dual-Pane Panoramic Sunroof, LED Headlights, tail & fog Lamps add to the overall design aesthetics.
Specifications
Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol
Power: 268bhp
Torque: 520Nm + 250Nm e-boost
Gearbox: 268bhp
Price – Rs 77.5 lakhs
