The fifth generation of the original luxury SUV, the Jeep Grand Cherokee was revealed last year – but only now are the plug-in hybrid models hitting Europe. 

Available in four equipment grades (Limited, Trailhawk, Overland and Summit Reserve), with the range-topping Summit Reserve we’ve got here costing a not insignificant £85,615. 

Underneath, believe it or not, the Grand Cherokee has the same Giorgio platform as the Maserati Grecale, which originates from the Alfa Romeo Stelvio. However, in Grand Cherokee form the Jeep gets proper off-roading kit and air suspension. 

Inside, the Grand Cherokee feels as plush as you’d expect an £80,000+ luxury SUV should – with lots of Volvo-like light wood and light-coloured leather to go with it. Although, look closer and it isn’t as special as it looks. The dash itself is dominated by the 10.1in Uconnect touchscreen that controls the navigation amongst other things. Although, there are welcome physical buttons above the screen for vehicle functions and below it for heating and ventilation. With more buttons on the centre console for driving and off-road modes. It feels spacious inside too, although there’s no seven-seat option. There is even another dash-mounted touchscreen for passengers, although it’s a bit limited in use as you can only select audio or watch off-road camera feeds when you do it. 

Outside, this Grand Cherokee’s styling is best described as reserved, when compared to rivals such as the Range Rover Sport. At the front, it gets a larger, wider version of the iconic seven-slot grille. This is matched with a full suite of the latest LED lighting. At the side, the most noticeable styling highlight is the lowered, tapered roof, that is also finished in gloss black. Although Jeep was keen to tell us about the lowered beltline and larger glass area.  

Under the bonnet, the Jeep’s plug-in hybrid drive consists of a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol turbo engine combined with two high-voltage electric motors, all brought together with the Torqueflite eight-speed automatic transmission. Jeep claims the 400-volt battery
pack is good for up to 31 miles of EV range, with four EV drive modes and a total range of 434 miles. 

Hit the road, and the Grand Cherokee highlights its lack of sophistication with the drivetrain. In our opinion, on the move you hear too much of the characterless petrol engine working hard. However, it’s a good performer and the transitions between petrol and electric power are smooth enough. Elsewhere, compared to a Land Rover Defender, steering, body control and ride could do with more precision.  

Go off-road (and we did), and the Grand Cherokee is far more impressive with its five height settings and up to 275mm ground clearance. You can make the most of all these settings even in full EV mode – and it is no less capable. 

The Jeep Grand Cherokee lacks the precision and finish of European SUV rivals and is frighteningly expensive – especially in the range-topping Summit Reserve spec here. However, it’s spacious, quick, and off-road is very capable. It is an off-beat rival to a Range Rover Sport and as such is difficult to recommend.

Jeep Grand Cherokee 2.0 4xe Summit Reserve 

P11D: £85,530

Residual value: £33,123

Depreciation: £52,407

Fuel: £9,703

Service, maintenance and repair: £3,292

Cost per mile: 109p

Fuel consumption: 38.7mpg

CO2 (BIK %): 61g/km (12%)

BIK 20/40% a month: £171/£342

Luggage capacity: 580 litres

Engine size/power: 1,995cc/272hp with 145hp electric motor