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2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe revealed: New plug-in hybrid off-roader ready to take on Toyota Kluger Hybrid, Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe

The Jeep Cherokee 4xe plug-in hybrid has been unveiled.

Jeep has revealed the latest addition to the new Grand Cherokee line-up, the electrified 4xe.

We knew it was coming, with Jeep president Christian Meuiner confirming it in January, but it broke cover overnight as part of Jeep parent company Stellantis' EV Day for investors. It’s also the first look we’ve had at the standard wheelbase, five-seat Grand Cherokee, with previous images of the long-wheelbase seven-seater.

Meuiner didn’t give away any technical details in his video presentation, but it’s likely the Grand Cherokee 4xe will utilise the same plug-in hybrid powertrain as the already-revealed Wrangler 4xe. That model uses a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine paired with two electric motors that combine to produce 280kW/637Nm. That compares favourably to the already confirmed petrol engines, with the 5.7-litre V8 making 266kW/529Nm, suggesting the plug-in Grand Cherokee should have plenty of performance.

The Grand Cherokee 4xe effectively replaces the turbo diesel variants of the previous generation as the American brand continues its transition to electrification, as part of the wide switch from the Stellantis organisation. Meuiner confirmed Jeep will have fully-electric options for all of its models by 2025, including the new Wagoneer sub-brand. It’s part of its aim to have 70 per cent of total sales be electrified by the same year.

Meuiner explained why 4xe is so important to the brand, telling investors: “4xe is the most significant change ever [for Jeep]. It is the opportunity to futureproof the Jeep brand for long-term profitable growth.”

Jeep Australia hasn’t confirmed if the Grand Cherokee 4xe when, or even if, it will make local showrooms, but the brand sounds confident that Australians will be ready to make the switch to electrified Jeeps in the near future.

“We believe the demand and acceptance of electric vehicles will accelerate in Australia and New Zealand and we are currently looking at which products work best for each country,” a spokeswoman told CarsGuide. “We look forward to sharing our electrification plans in due course.”