The current-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee was introduced over nine years ago and the model is showing its age despite a number of updates including the addition of a Hellcat-powered variant.
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles recently announced it is planning to introduce a redesigned Grand Cherokee by the end of 2022 and new details are starting to emerge about the vehicle.
Speaking with Motor Authority at FCA’s Capital Markets Day event last week, CEO Sergio Marchionne said the next Grand Cherokee will ride on a modified version of the Giorgio platform that underpins the Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio. As he explained, “It started originally off the Alfa architecture, which has now been modified and extended to reach both a two-row and a three-row Grand Cherokee.”
While the Stelvio isn’t exactly Rubicon ready, Marchionne said engineers have modified the platform to meet the needs of Jeep. He didn’t elaborate but it seems reasonable to assume the platform has been updated to ensure it can tackle more extreme conditions than the performance-oriented Stelvio.
Little else is known about the model at this point but FCA has already confirmed the next Grand Cherokee will be offered with semi-autonomous driving technology and a plug-in hybrid powertrain. The latter variant may share its powertrain with the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivan which has a 3.6-liter V6 engine, two electric motors and a 16 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. This setup enables the model to produce a combined output of 260 hp (194 kW / 263 PS) and travel up to 33 miles (53.1 km) on electricity alone.
Interestingly, Marchionne mentioned a “three-row Grand Cherokee.” This suggests the mysterious “E-Segment 3-Row” from Jeep’s five-year plan is simply a Grand Cherokee with an extra row of seats.