• Plug-in only available
• Strong acceleration for such a large SUV
• Hybrid system off the pace of rivals

Hybrid engine

There is only one engine variant available to buyers of the Grand Cherokee in the UK and Europe, badged as the 4xe. It’s a plug-in hybrid, consisting of a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, an electric motor and 17.3kWh battery pack. In total the system develops 380hp, accelerating from 0-62mph in 6.3 seconds and onto a top speed of 130mph for all models except the Trailhawk. Due to the off-road tyres on the Trailhawk model, the top speed drops to 118mph.

Naturally, the focus of a plug-in hybrid is its efficiency. Here, Jeep claims up to 97.4mpg if used properly, with emissions as low as 29g/km. On top of that, Jeep says the Grand Cherokee is capable of around 26-30 miles of electric-only range. That range is acceptable, if not good – many of the Jeep’s rivals are capable of far longer ranges, including ones like the BMW X5 50e and Mercedes GLE 350de.

What’s it like to drive?

• A cruiser, first and foremost
• Left behind by Land Rover and BMW dynamically
• Decent off-roading ability

The most noticeable detail about the Grand Cherokee on the road is that it feels particularly large – even when it’s compared to SUVs like the Range Rover Sport and BMW X5. Navigating it down narrow roads or tight streets can be a little disconcerting at times, and will induce sharp intakes of breath squeezing it down some of the UK’s tight country roads.

Elsewhere, it’s a relatively average car to drive. The steering, for example, isn’t anything special; it has a consistent feel to it as you turn more, but there’s not much feedback from it. That makes it less of an appealing car to drive than a BMW X5 or Porsche Cayenne, for example, and is more settled to long cruises.

Which is where the Grand Cherokee comes into its element. At speed on the motorway, soft suspension combined with that lax steering and active noise cancelling is an impressive combination. It’s a relaxed car to drive long distances in, and one of the Grand Cherokee’s key strengths. And, even at slower speeds, the ride quality remains good – even if larger-wheeled versions introduce the odd sharper jolt here and there.

When you’re at those slower speeds in town, the 134bhp electric motor provides enough power for some smooth progress. But on faster roads you’ll more often than not tempt the four-cylinder petrol engine into life. It’s quick enough, but you’re still at the mercy of gears being changed, even in electric mode, which can feel a little laggy from a standstill to kick into gear. It’s a shame that, when the engine does wake up, it’s quite a coarse and rough-sounding engine – and particularly noticeable at lower speeds.

Even in top-spec Summit Reserve spec, it can really handle off-road driving. Our UK test included a tough off-road course that was spent alongside facelifted Jeep Wrangler models. While the Wrangler models practically walked it, the steep rocky inclines, river fording, gravel tracks and muddy ruts were also completely shrugged off by the much more lavish Grand Cherokees.