Golden retrievers, the fourth of July, apple pie. If we’re talking about quintessentially American things we might as well add the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Reserve to that list. Proudly built in Detroit, Michigan, the WL-generation Grand Cherokee is new for the 2022 model year and is being offered alongside its long-wheelbase variant. After nearly a 11-year run of the previous generation we set out to see how the newest model compares.
Although the platform is brand new, Jeep hasn’t gone out of their way to completely reinvent the drivetrain here. The base engine for all models remains the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, whereas higher trim models such as our Summit, the Overland or Trailhawk can be optioned with the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 good for 357 horsepower and 390 lb-ft. of torque. Both engines will come mated to the excellent eight-speed automatic transmission. This transmission combined with the tried-and-true HEMI has proven to be a reliable, effective drivetrain.
The optional V8 in our tester is silky smooth and because the transmission is responsive and the shift points are programmed well, it can make use of all the power the engine has to offer. This same HEMI is available in a couple of Stellantis vehicles, however the application of it in the Grand Cherokee is perfectly executed. You can really feel the brutish nature of the V8, without any of the harshness. For most people the V8 may be overkill, however I think that if towing or hauling is at all a concern, the V8 is a great option as it also enables the maximum towing capacity of 7200 lbs.
The V6 equipped Grand Cherokee is rated at 12.3L/100km city and 9.2L/100km highway for a combined 10.9L/100km. When you step up to the V8, these figures increase to 16.7L/100km city and 10.9L/100km highway for a combined 14.1L/100km. In our testing with primarily highway driving we saw average fuel consumption values of 15.7L/100km. It’s not exactly frugal, but for a heavy four-wheel-drive SUV, these numbers can be considered average.
One of the best parts of the previous generation Grand Cherokee is the handling. The WK2 Grand Cherokee shared bits with the Mercedes-Benz ML and this is one of the primary reasons that generation of Grand Cherokee was able to stick around as long as it did. The Grand Cherokee L we tested earlier this year unfortunately lost some of that well-weighted precise steering, however I believe the short-wheelbase model here gains some of that back.
The newest Grand Cherokee offers a better ride than the outgoing model, however it does in fact come with numb steering and more body roll. Personally, I think that for the most part, buyers of the Grand Cherokee will probably not notice, however if you’re coming from the previous model, that is a consideration that should be made. Our Summit Reserve tester came equipped with the Quadra-Lift air suspension system which we found to work well, offering an impressive amount of lift. All models from the Trailhawk upwards will come standard with this kit.
The interior of the Grand Cherokee doesn’t disappoint, either. The dash layout and design represent a substantial upgrade from the previous generation, and it really helps this Jeep feel upmarket. Although the center stack still incorporates a large amount of piano black plastic that marrs remarkably easily, other materials such as the natural wood grain and the aluminum shifter and switchgear for the Selec-Terrain and Quadra-Lift systems all feel substantial and premium. The seats are also very nicely trimmed in a diamond quilted pattern and are reminiscent of offerings from much higher market brands.
Overall comfort and space for both rows of seating are quite good, and the cargo area is also cavernous. We don’t believe you will have a problem getting everything you need to haul within the Grand Cherokee, and those looking for even more space can still step into the long-wheelbase variant. Sightlines are also good, and for when they aren’t, the excellent 360-degree surround view camera will be there to help out.
All of the tech offered with the Grand Cherokee is really impressive. There are a total of three screens on board. The all-digital gauge cluster is responsive and remarkable with its ability to display a lot of information without feeling cluttered. The main infotainment screen, housing Uconnect 5 software, works well and as expected, offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
A feature first seen on much more expensive vehicles, a touchscreen for the passenger allows for some basic controls and can even be supplied with information from the HDMI port in the center console, so you can watch, game, or otherwise stay entertained on long journeys. For all of the fancy tech on offer in the Grand Cherokee, driver assistance tech is pretty average here and offers most of the staple features available in the market today. One thing you will not find is any lane-centering assist; drivers will need to keep both hands on the wheel and actually use them to steer at all times – bummer.
Pricing for the 2022 Grand Cherokee starts at just $52,545 for the Laredo trim with the V6. There are seven distinct trims to choose from, including the Summit Reserve trim tested here. As-tested, our Summit Reserve with the optional Baltic Grey Metallic paint ($445), HEMI engine ($3,495), Advance ProTech Group IV with a fantastic night vison system and head-up display ($1,895), and lastly the Luxury Tech Group V ($595) for a grand total of $88,165 before taxes and fees.
The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Reserve offers an incredible amount of technology mixed with the legendary capabilities of a Jeep. The interior materials and build quality are on par with higher marks such as Range Rover, but at a much more affordable price tag. The Grand Cherokee is a unique vehicle that suits the needs of those that may need a towing vehicle with space for a family, and still value a refined experience. The newest model does the legendary nameplate proud.
