News / 4 October 2021 / Albert du Toit

New Jeep Grand Cherokee confirmed for South Africa – What to expect

Jeep has told TopAuto that the new Grand Cherokee is coming to South Africa “towards the end of 2022”.

The fifth-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee features the first electric “4xe” powertrain option for the model range, as well as an off-road-focused “Trailhawk” edition.

Whether these particular models will reach South Africa is still unclear, however.

“The all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee will be the most technologically advanced and 4×4-capable Jeep Grand Cherokee yet,” said Jeep at the international launch of the SUV in September.

What to expect

As the local specifications for the new Jeep Grand Cherokee are not confirmed, we looked towards the markets where it will go on sale first to see what we can expect the SUV to offer.

In the United States, the Grand Cherokee will be sold in Laredo, Altitude, Limited, Overland, Trailhawk, Summit, and Summit Reserve trims.

As standard, all models are fitted with a 3.6-litre, V6 engine generating 216kW and 353Nm – connected to an eight-speed “TorqueFlite” automatic transmission.

A larger 5.7-litre, V8 engine that produces 266kW and 529Nm is also on offer, and uses the same gearbox as the smaller motor.

The electrified 4xe drivetrain can then be had on the Limited, Trailhawk, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve specifications, and utilizes a 2.0-litre petrol motor alongside two electric motors and a 17kWh battery pack to produce 290kW and 637Nm.

The hybrid derivatives are expected to have an all-electric range of 40km, a combined fuel consumption figure of 4.2l/100km, and a total driving range of 708km.

Additionally, one of three all-wheel-drive configurations are installed between the various models, with “front-axle disconnect” being a new feature that automatically switches the Grand Cherokee into two-wheel drive to reduce drag and improve fuel economy in certain situations.

Inside, this Jeep is available with two infotainment configurations – one incorporating three 10.1-inch displays across the front fascia, with the other seeing two 10.25-inch screens installed.

In the former, the third screen is placed in front of the passenger seat to display navigation, camera viewing, and entertainment.

Additionally, the Grand Cherokee features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a digital rear-view mirror, a 10-inch heads-up-display, a wireless charger, a Wi-Fi hotspot that can connect up to eight devices, and a range of cloth and leather upholsteries.

Standard safety systems are plentiful, too, and include full-speed collision warning with active braking and pedestrian detection, rear cross-path detection, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, active lane management, lane departure and keep assist, advanced brake assist, blind-spot monitoring, a rear-view camera, and rear park sensors.