2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe

Jeep is not an automaker most people would think about when considering buying an electrified hybrid vehicle, but the 2023 Grand Cherokee 4xe is exactly that, and a pretty good one. If nothing else, it suggests that the American brand is serious about moving towards greener propulsion. It borrows its hybrid powertrain from the smaller Wrangler 4xe, which means it has a respectable 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. This puts it in a strong position to compete with the Ford Explorer Hybrid; the Ford is cheaper but lacks the Jeep's plug-in hybrid capability and all-electric range of 25 miles. The Jeep will also be favored for occasional off-road adventures. These strengths don't come cheaply, as the 4xe is roughly $20,000 pricier than the base gas-only Grand Cherokee. Whether it's $20k better is a question we'll try to answer in this review.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe is large, and the price reflects not just this but also its semi-premium plug-in hybrid status. The base model costs $59,865, while the new 30th Anniversary ups the ante to $64,565. Next up is the Trailhawk trim at $65,260, and starting this year, there is also a Trailhawk CARB State Edition for $66,555. The mid-tier Overland approaches the $70k mark with a price tag of $68,880. Lastly, there are a pair of Summit trims, the regular $73,345 one, and the Summit Reserve, which starts at $77,825. These are the MSRP prices for the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe and do not include any options, tax, registration, or the $1,795 destination charge.

Considering what you're paying, you will be expecting quite a lot from the Grand Cherokee 4xe. For the most part, it delivers a great driving experience. It has good road manners and an available quadra-lift air suspension that can soak up even large bumps on the road. There are softer rides out there, but for a vehicle that can tackle the roughest terrain without batting an eyelid, it's not half bad. The cabin is well-built and dampens road and wind noise, making long trips comfortably quiet.

As for how it handles, this is a very large car, and it weighs a lot with all those hybrid components. Luckily, the powertrain is strong enough to move the hefty SUV with a good amount of gusto. It's never going to be athletic, but it is solidly grounded and comes with sharp and responsive steering that makes it easier to maneuver. It also won't lose its footing going around corners, thanks to its well-tuned chassis and suspension.

Like so many other Jeeps, it really shines when it ventures off-road. This is one of the reasons why shoppers in the USA may choose to avoid electric cars, but hybrids still get the job done just as well as a gas- or diesel-powered model. You'll want the Grand Cherokee in Trailhawk spec if this is one of the main reasons you're buying one, as it has the best approach/ramp breakover/departure angles of all models, along with sway bar disconnect and a rear electronic slip differential.

Hybrids often lean too far one way or the other; they are hyper-efficient but get passed by snails, or they are quick but offer no real improvement in economy. The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe manages to strike a nice balance between the two. It has more than enough oomph to get around without a fuss, and while it doesn't offer much in the way of all-electric range, the improved gas mileage is definitely welcome in a vehicle that has been seen as a gas-guzzler. It boasts a competent 6,000-pound towing capacity, too, and can head off-road with the best of them, making it a truly versatile vehicle. It takes what is already a well-liked model and gives it a boost in all the right areas to make a product that is definitely worth your attention. In our review, the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe was found to be a good SUV with a lot to offer, but if we have to find something to complain about, it would be the price.

If you want a hybrid with good fuel economy and the ability to go off-road whenever you want, then the Trailhawk trim is the obvious choice. It's not significantly more expensive than the base-level Grand Cherokee 4xe, but adds some much-needed features like Quadra-Drive II with an air suspension, along with all-terrain tires and more clearance to clamber over obstacles. But, if you are buying for the family in the city, then the Overland brings a lot more to the table. It starts at nearly $70k but adds Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a hands-free liftgate for convenience. Anything more than this would just be paying too much, in our opinion.