2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4XE Trailhawk

Quietly one of the most capable SUVs not named Wrangler

- By Sean P. Holman 

We've had some good experiences with Jeep's luxurious all-new Grand Cherokee freshening, but most of our time to this point has been in the three-row L model. While we love the fifth-generation Grand Cherokee's highway ride, its incredible tech, and the luxury found on the inside, the L just has a different feel. It lacks the sportiness of the previous two-row, and its additional size keeps it from being a truly credible trail machine (although you might be surprised just how deep down a trail it could get you).

That all changes with the two-row Grand Cherokee and its tidier proportions, shorter wheelbase, and more compact dimensions. Thankfully, we've found everything we've loved about the Grand over the years intact in the new WL two-row model. Add to that the Trailhawk package and the improvement is even more substantial. Take it a step further with the 4xe version and you have a forward-leaning, class-leading SUV.

With incredible consumer acceptance of the Wrangler 4xe, especially by off-road enthusiasts, Jeep now turns its sights on the Grand Cherokee. With the 4xe (pronounced "four-by-e") variant, the Grand Cherokee adds the Wrangler's 2.0L turbo four-cylinder PHEV and eight-speed automatic drivetrain to the standard 3.6L Pentastar V-6 and optional 5.7L Hemi V-8 offerings.

When dealing with future powertrains, we come to the table open-minded and cautiously optimistic. We realize that the whole zero-emissions message is essentially marketing spin, but whether you buy into it or not, electric vehicles are here to stay. So, for us, an electrified vehicle should be judged on its capability and its ability to make the base vehicle better and add capabilities-versus any misguided attempt to save the world.