2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk 4xe: First Drive
The Jeep family of vehicles has played a big part in our lives for the past 6 years or so as we own a 2014 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk model. The Grand Cherokee is really the size we would want now with a 5-year-old kid in tow, and this PHEV Trailhawk 4xe is high on our list of vehicles we are interested in as our next family vehicle.
NEED TO KNOW
- The 4xe hybrid system adds meaningful all-electric range for daily commuting while retaining full off-road capability.
- At maximum ride height, the air suspension still may not clear every obstacle in demanding off-road scenarios.
- The 375 hp PHEV powertrain makes this one of the most powerful Grand Cherokees ever offered.
- A follow-up extended test was planned to fully evaluate the PHEV ownership experience.
I was lucky enough to get to drive this on a Jeep-designed course at the 2023 Midwest Automotive Media Association’s Spring Rally in Wisconsin, a long way from my typical off-road proving grounds in East Texas. That did not stop me from testing all the things that Jeep claims to be their barometers for earning the Trail Rated badge on the front fender.
Water fording, ground clearance, articulation, traction, and maneuverability are the hallmarks of the Jeep Trail Rated badge, and this Trailhawk model is the most cable of the Grand Cherokee lineup. Only available in the shorter 2-row version of the all-new Grand Cherokee, we sampled the 4xe version that ditches the HEMI V8 of the last generation for an even more powerful 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder and electric motor combination good for 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, all while getting good fuel economy returns. Jeep claims over 20 miles of all-electric range before the gas engine needs to kick in.
I only had about half an hour with the vehicle, spanning over lunchtime, to get my quick tour and first drive impressions out of the way on a speed date of this capable SUV. It was enough to let me know I want more time in one, and I definitely want to take one to my favorite off-road spot in East Texas: Barnwell Mountain to see what it is really like.
I did notice that even in its highest ride height, made possible by the Quadra-Lift adjustable air suspension, the breakover angle still had me sliding over one of the obstacles designed for this course. I am curious what the 10.9 inches of ground clearance would be like on a non-manufactured course.
Overall I was pleased with the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk 4xe, but I do still have some lingering questions I hope to get answered with a future test back home in Texas.
2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk 4xe Specs:
- Hybrid – Max Horsepower, Instant Torque, and Improved MPG
- Electric – Fully Electric
- ESave – Fully Gasoline-powered
- Rock
- Sand/Mud
- Snow
- Auto
- Sport
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2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk 4xe
PROS
- Plug-in hybrid powertrain delivers 375 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque with 25 miles of EV-only range
- Impressed the writer enough to call it a genuinely capable off-road vehicle
- Quadra-Lift air suspension provides adjustable ride height for varying terrain
- Premium interior quality appropriate for its price tier
CONS
- Breakover angle still caused the vehicle to bottom out on one obstacle even at maximum ride height
- First-drive format left lingering questions about long-term PHEV ownership experience