The Jeep Grand Cherokee now comes in a plug-in hybrid version, not a fully electric model

Jeep does not currently make a fully electric Grand Cherokee. What exists is the Grand Cherokee 4xe, a plug-in hybrid that combines a gasoline engine with an electric motor and a rechargeable battery. The 4xe can run on electric power alone for short distances — typically 20 to 30 miles depending on driving conditions — before the gas engine takes over or assists.

If you are shopping for a Grand Cherokee and want the lowest emissions or the option to drive electric some of the time, the 4xe is the only electrified version Jeep currently offers. Jeep has announced plans for a fully electric SUV, but that is not the Grand Cherokee.

The 4xe has been available since 2021 and comes in multiple trim levels. It costs more upfront than the standard gasoline Grand Cherokee, but owners can lower their fuel costs by charging at home and using electric-only driving for daily commutes.

Key Takeaways

  • The Grand Cherokee 4xe is a plug-in hybrid with a rechargeable battery that powers the vehicle for 20 to 30 miles of electric-only driving.
  • You charge the 4xe at home using a standard outlet or a dedicated home charging station, which takes 2 to 10 hours depending on the charger type.
  • The 4xe costs $3,000 to $5,000 more than a comparable gasoline Grand Cherokee, but fuel savings over time can offset part of that difference.
  • Federal tax credits and state incentives for plug-in hybrids vary by location and change year to year, so check your state's current programs.
  • A fully electric Grand Cherokee does not exist yet; Jeep plans to release other electric models in the coming years.

How the Grand Cherokee 4xe powertrain works

The 4xe uses a 3.6-liter V6 gasoline engine paired with an electric motor and a 13-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery. When you start the vehicle and the battery is charged, the electric motor powers the wheels. Once the battery depletes or you demand more power than the electric motor can provide — such as accelerating on a highway — the gas engine starts automatically.

The system also captures energy when you brake, feeding it back into the battery. This regenerative braking extends the range you can drive on electric power alone and reduces wear on the brake pads over time.

The 4xe is not a true electric vehicle. It always has the gas engine available, so you never face the range anxiety of a fully electric car. However, if you drive mostly short distances and charge regularly, you may use very little gasoline in a week.

Charging at home and public stations

Most 4xe owners charge at home overnight using either a standard 120-volt household outlet or a dedicated 240-volt Level 2 charger. A standard outlet takes 10 to 12 hours to fully charge the battery, while a Level 2 charger takes 2 to 3 hours. Many owners install a Level 2 charger in their garage or driveway for convenience.

You can also use public charging stations, though these are less common for plug-in hybrids than for fully electric vehicles. Public Level 2 chargers typically charge the 4xe in 3 to 4 hours. DC fast chargers, which are rare for plug-in hybrids, can add significant range in 20 to 30 minutes, but the 4xe's smaller battery means the time savings are modest compared to charging at home.

If you do not have access to home charging, the 4xe still works as a regular SUV powered by gasoline. You straightforward lose the benefit of cheap electric-only driving and the lower emissions that come with it.

Cost comparison: 4xe versus standard gasoline Grand Cherokee

A Grand Cherokee 4xe typically costs $3,000 to $5,000 more than the same trim level in gasoline-only form. The exact difference depends on the model year and trim you choose. Before incentives, a 4xe in mid-range trims starts around $50,000 to $55,000.

Fuel savings depend on how much you drive on electric power. If you charge daily and drive 25 miles or less per day, you may use almost no gasoline for months. Charging at home costs roughly one-third to one-half the price of gasoline per mile. Over five to seven years, fuel savings can recover $2,000 to $4,000 of the upfront premium, though this varies with local electricity and gasoline prices.

Maintenance costs are similar to a gasoline Grand Cherokee because the 4xe still has a full gas engine. The battery is covered by an eight-year or 100,000-mile warranty, whichever comes first, so major battery repair is unlikely during the warranty period.

Federal and state incentives for plug-in hybrids

The federal government offers a tax credit for plug-in hybrid vehicles, but the amount and may be able to access rules change year to year. As of 2024, the credit for a plug-in hybrid SUV can be up to $3,750, though the actual amount depends on the vehicle's final assembly location, battery mineral content, and your household income. The credit applies when you file your taxes, not at the point of purchase.

Many states offer additional rebates or tax credits for plug-in hybrids. Some states provide $500 to $2,500 in extra incentives. A few states have no additional incentive. Check your state's environmental or energy office website to learn what is currently available where you live.

Incentive rules are complex and change frequently. Before buying, contact your state's energy office or visit the federal Alternative Fuels Data Center to confirm what credits you may receive. Some dealers can help explain the federal credit, though they cannot may provide the amount you will receive.

Comparing the 4xe to other plug-in hybrid SUVs

The Grand Cherokee 4xe competes with the Toyota 4Runner Hybrid (which is not a plug-in), the Lexus RX 450h+ (a plug-in hybrid), and the BMW X5 xDrive50e (a plug-in hybrid). The Lexus and BMW are more expensive and offer different luxury features. The 4xe is generally less expensive than both and offers more off-road capability than the Lexus.

The Lexus RX 450h+ has a slightly larger battery and longer electric range than the 4xe, but it is a crossover rather than a true SUV and costs $10,000 to $15,000 more. The BMW X5 xDrive50e offers more power and luxury features but is also significantly more expensive. If you want a plug-in hybrid SUV at a mid-range price, the 4xe is one of the few options.

If you want a fully electric SUV instead, consider the Tesla Model Y, the Kia EV9, or the Volkswagen ID.Buzz. These vehicles have no gas engine and offer longer electric range, but they cost more upfront and require more planning for longer trips.

When Jeep plans to release a fully electric Grand Cherokee

Jeep has announced that a fully electric Grand Cherokee will arrive, but no official release date has been confirmed. The company has stated that an electric SUV is in development, but it may not be called the Grand Cherokee. Jeep is also developing other electric models, including a smaller electric SUV.

If you need an electric vehicle now, the 4xe is the only electrified Grand Cherokee available. If you can wait and want a fully electric Jeep SUV, monitor Jeep's official announcements for updates on timing and specifications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive the 4xe on electric power only all the time?

Only for the first 20 to 30 miles after a full charge. After that, the gas engine starts automatically. If you drive more than 30 miles in a day without recharging, the vehicle switches to hybrid mode or gas-only operation.

How long does the battery last before it needs replacement?

The battery is warrantied for eight years or 100,000 miles. Most plug-in hybrid batteries last longer than the warranty period, but replacement costs $5,000 to $10,000 if needed after the warranty expires. Real-world data shows most 4xe batteries remain functional well beyond 100,000 miles.

Is the 4xe good for towing?

Yes. The 4xe can tow up to 6,200 pounds, similar to the gasoline Grand Cherokee. Towing uses the gas engine, so electric range does not explore when pulling a trailer. Fuel economy while towing is lower than when driving unloaded.

What happens if I do not charge the 4xe regularly?

The vehicle works normally as a gasoline SUV. You straightforward do not benefit from electric-only driving or the lower fuel costs that come with it. The gas engine is always available, so you never get stranded.

Does the 4xe lose cargo space because of the battery?

The battery is mounted under the vehicle and does not reduce interior cargo space. The 4xe has the same cargo capacity as the gasoline Grand Cherokee.