The upcoming Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe plug-in hybrid was spotted in prototype form along with other two-row test vehicles that recently hit roads across the country. A plug-in hybrid variant of the three-row Grand Cherokee L (called 4xe, as in the Wrangler PHEV) has already been announced; These photos confirm that it is not reserved for the three-row.
While Stellantis has already confirmed plans to expand the 4xe range in Europe with some of its smaller models, the variant of that powertrain we get in the Wrangler is certainly powerful enough to be a V8 replacement, or at least an acceptable alternative. The 4xe puts out 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque in the Wrangler combined, and while the accompanying battery probably adds a decent amount to its host’s curb weight, keep in mind that all Mopar V8 models are iron block (yes, even the SRTs ); The jump from the DOHC 3.6L Pentastar to the OHV 5.7L Hemi in a current Grand Cherokee is about 265 pounds.
Jeep hasn’t confirmed much about the two-tier beyond the basics, but we expect much of its basics to be in line with the Ls. That would mean a 3.6-liter V6 with 290 horsepower and 257 pound-feet of torque would be standard, and a 5.7-liter V8 with 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque should be optional. However, we’ve heard rumors that Stellantis may be on the verge of unveiling its next generation of gasoline ICEs, including a reinforced inline-6 that could power some of the models that once housed the Hemi V8. A variant of the Wrangler’s 2.0-liter turbo engine is also reportedly being considered for the Grand Cherokee, likely only in the smaller two-row engine pictured here.
New Grand Cherokee prototypes have popped up everywhere. A reader pointed out a suspected Trailhawk model that was discovered in California in February, and the standard two-row model has been on the streets of Metro Detroit for a week, suggesting that Jeep is closer to us redesigning its Show SUV. If the rumors prove true, we should know more by the middle of the year.
