The 2022 Zip Grand Cherokee Summit Reserve aims at luxurious installations

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee model lineup plays a dual role and is a radar luxury.

Of course, the base Grand Cherokee models adopt mainstream models such as the Ford Explorer, Toyota 4 Runner and Honda Passport. But today’s top-shelf Grand Cherokee models, such as the Summit and Summit Reserve, are priced and fitted, like the BMW X5 and the Mercedes-Benz GLE-class luxury SUV.

The two-row version of the fifth-generation Grand Cherokee has more driving interior with more luxurious interiors and the proportions known for the model. But some features seem unnecessary, the V-8 is thirsty and its time is almost over, and there are some livability concerns.

Here’s what I learned from spending a week at the luxurious and expensive 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Reserve.

Hit: Strong and muscular

The fifth-generation Grand Cherokee has been introduced on the new WL platform as a long three-row model, internally known as the WL75. The three-row Grand Cherokee rides gently and its proportions are more likely to be acknowledged by Jeep designers than by a Honda pilot. The suspension of the two-row WL74 model has a more rigid ride than the previous generation WK2 model. The ratio and size for the muscular position is similar to that of the WK2 compared to the three-row model. Strong suspension tuning gives the short WL74 better handling and better body control and makes driving more fun than its long siblings.

Miss: That screen to justify

My Summit Reserve tester came equipped with a newly available 10.3-inch touchscreen mounted on the front dashboard. It was bundled out as part of the $ 4,000 Summit Reserve Alternative Group. For the rest of my life, I don’t understand why anyone would want this screen more than spending hundreds of dollars on an iPad. An iPad will be mobile, easy to upgrade over time and replaceable. This screen will be stuck on the dashboard forever, and is that really what a traveler wants to see on a road trip? The screen is also a standalone option in less Grand Cherokee.

Hit and Miss: The V-8 is leaving soon

My tester comes equipped with the optional 5.7-liter V-8 for $ 3,295. With 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque and a time of 0-60 mph in 6.9 seconds, it’s no faster than the V-6, which hits 60 mph in 7.5 seconds. On the plus side, the V-8 sounds fantastic, uses smoother power than the V-6, and increases the Grand Cherokee’s toe rating from 6,200 pounds to 7,200 pounds.

However, it is also thirsty. The V-8’s EPA Fuel Economy rating of 14 mpg CT, 22 highways, and 17 combined would upset many family members, and suggest more expensive 89-octane fuel to boot the Jeep. During my cold week in Minnesota with Grand Cherokee, I averaged 13.0 mpg during about 200 miles of mixed driving. As the owner of a previous version of this engine in a 2018 Grand Cherokee, I can say that it is reasonably effective on the highway at warm temperatures, but it is really thirsty when the weather is cold.

As soon as the V-8 leaves the Grand Cherokee, all of this will become unclear, according to Jim Morrison, head of the Jeep brand. It remains to be seen whether the new Turbocharged Inline-6 ​​will replace it.

Hits: Luxury without badges

The interior of the latest Grand Cherokee in the Summit Reserve form is luxurious. From open perforated wood to a round gear selector to a cool touch of real metal to soft Palermo leather, this is premium stuff. It includes loading, heating, cooling, and front seat massage; Night vision; Heated and cool rear seats; A head-up display; Two 10.0-inch rear seat entertainment screens loaded with Amazon FireTV; And a 19-speaker 950-watt Macintosh audio system. These are not typical Ford Explorer items. Instead, they are more likely to equip a BMW X5. The Jeep even fits it with the ventilated rear seats, which an X5 can’t have.

Miss: Danger of family life

Despite the high-performance content, the Jeep has some bad choices that will make the cabin look dilapidated over time. The entire front center console is made of glossy piano black plastic. It must have looked pretty on the first day, but when I got to the driveway the odometer clicked more than 4,000 miles and the center console looked like it had spent 50,000 miles scratching and shaking by kids. This is not what I expected in a 74,880 (including a hefty 7 1,795 destination fee) SUV. If you buy one, beware of keys or hard objects that could harm the center console and cupholders.

Putting aside usability and thirst, the Grand Cherokee has become quite a stealth luxury mobile that will amaze and delight with its comfort and power.

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2022 Zip Grand Cherokee Summit Reserve

Cost: $ 39,185, with $ 1,795 destination
Price as tested: $ 74,880
Powertrain: 357-hp 5.7-liter V-8, 8-speed automatic transmission, full-time four-wheel drive
EPA Fuel Economy: 14/22/17 mpg
Hits: Luxury-level interior and feature set, strong and sleek V-8, firm and controlled ride, muscular position
Misses: V-8 thirsty, piano black plastic scratch, passenger infotainment screen looks extra