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Slated to be unveiled at the New York International Auto Show prior to the scuppering of that event, a nearly naked — save for a bit of gaffer over the Jeep badge — testing mule of the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee has been spotted on the streets of Michigan.
While we have seen a two-row Grand Cherokee in the form of a 4xe plug-in hybrid, this is our best glimpse yet at a traditionally-powered variant of the popular SUV. It’s larger brother, the three-row and wholly uncreatively named Grand Cherokee L has been officially unveiled for some time now, by the way — in case you’ve been napping on the latest Jeep news.
The two-row GC does cut a different jib than its bulkier sibling, with a shorter overall length and an almost-but-not-quite the same front fascia. It is arguably sportier in appearance than the bigger three-row machine, with a nod to the so-called ‘floating roof’ craze being used to full effect on its D-pillar. There doesn’t seem to be any shocking surprises elsewhere on the exterior, with typical five-lug wheels wearing sensible rubber and the usually smattering of sensors for features, such as dynamic cruise control.
Speaking of non-surprises, don’t expect anything new under the hood of a gasoline-powered Grand Cherokee; the company seems to be funneling much of its R&D money into developing and refining the 4xe plug-in hybrid powertrain. The gassers are very likely to deploy a 3.6L V6 making around 300 horses or an optional 5.7L V8 making roughly 75 more ponies. Look for an eight-speed automatic and Jeep’s legendary assortment of 4×4 systems. Hey, at least they’re proven powertrains.
No official launch date for the 2022 Grand Cherokee has been given since the scotching of NYIAS, but talking heads have told us production will begin on September 27th at the company’s Detroit Assembly facility.
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