Review of 2022 model Jeep Grand Cherokee L Summit Reserve

Representing the pinnacle of luxury and abilities for Jeep, the Grand Cherokee Summit Reserve seven-seater balances opulence with off-road prowess

Going off-road is within the Jeep Grand Cherokee’s remit.

Remember the “I bought a Jeep” campaign?

It was a cracking catchphrase and one of the most successful automotive marketing initiatives in years.

That was followed by some major challenges for Jeep. Product issues and a concerted campaign against the brand inspired by dissatisfied customers tarnished Jeep and its Australian team.

But the marque has worked hard to repair its reputation in recent years and even offer lifetime roadside assistance for those who maintain servicing with dealerships.

Jeep is moving forward, and the new Grand Cherokee is a showcase of its premium product. Offering seven seats for the first time under this nameplate, a hybrid variant is also en route.

The big news when launched this year was the lack of a diesel engine, with the Grand Cherokee powered exclusively by the tried and tested 3.6-litre petrol engine.

Our family put the plushest model to the test, the Summit Reserve.

Jeep’s 2022 model Grand Cherokee L Summit Reserve.

WHAT WERE YOUR FIRST IMPRESSIONS?

KEL: Broad and butch, the Grand Cherokee looks imposing … and massive.

GRANT: The tape measure shows 5.2m in length, which is longer than a Toyota LandCruiser. Appearing dapper and refined, the Grand Cherokee is aimed at combining luxury without compromising off-road ability.

KEL: It felt close to prestige realms with large comfy chairs covered in soft leather, sunroof, as well as the modern timber-style finishes across the dash and doors.

GRANT: Being the range-topping model it doesn’t fall short of kit. The drive-away price is circa $125k so it should meet lofty expectations.

KEL: After spending some time in the Grand Cherokee I could see the value, although at first look I would have baulked. Some people still have a cheap brand perception.

GRANT: One of our friends traded his Toyota Prado in for a Grand Cherokee. He was nervous, but took advantage of the strong Toyota resale figure and got a great deal on the Jeep. Two years on and he’s singing Jeep praises for the SUV and the post-purchase service from his dealership.

KEL: I suppose that price isn’t bad value, especially up against the base-model LandCruiser we drove not long ago.

GRANT: True, we were in the GX which was about $100,000 on the road and extremely basic. To get a ’Cruiser with similar features you’d be looking at about $150k.

Cabin features of the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited Summit Reserve.

WHAT DID YOU LIKE?

KEL: The stereo was awesome. The sound quality was truly impressive and I loved the front seats with massage functionality, along with the heating and cooling abilities.

GRANT: That McIntosh audio system has 19 speakers. It’s among the Summit Reserve’s exclusive features, with other highlights including air suspension, four-zone aircon, power folding third row seats and an interior camera which enables those in the front to keep a close eye on the troublesome passengers in the back.

KEL: There was masses of space. The long external dimensions translate inside and even I was able to fit in the third row.

GRANT: Boot space was also gigantic. With more than 400 litres available with all seven seats in use, that shames some medium-sized SUVs. Drop the seats and it expands to 1328L, while with both rear rows flat there is 2395L and ample room for a longboard.

KEL: Tech-savvy kids wouldn’t have any dramas staying charged. It felt like there were USB points everywhere.

GRANT: There were 12, four in each row. Storage through the cabin was also excellent with easy access to cup and bottle holders.

Kel and Grant Edwards.

WHAT DID YOU LOATHE?

KEL: While I loved the stereo, I found the infotainment system had a delay when selecting options.

GRANT: There was a slight wait when shifting between functions. We also had issues with phone connection midway through the test after it initially worked seamlessly.

KEL: Throughout the evaluation I could never manage to lower the fan noise. Switching from windscreen to various directional modes made no difference even at the lowest setting.

GRANT: I found the same problem. Road noise is muted so that may have accentuated the fan.

KEL: The lane-keeping functionality was far too aggressive. There were alarms, turning off the sound system … it was like the sky was falling.

GRANT: I had to turn down the sensitivity. Another thing to keep in mind is that you have to dig $5500 deeper into your bank balance for a pack that includes a head-up display, wireless phone charging, night vision and a screen for the passenger.

Capability of the Jeep Grand Cherokee L is one of its greatest assets.

HOW WAS THE DRIVE?

KEL: When you put your foot down there was a great exhaust note from the V6. Had you not told me, I could have been convinced it was a V8.

GRANT: The V6 soundtrack is lovely and it gets the Jeep moving nicely. The absence of a diesel engine is contentious as they were embraced for towing by a lot of people. Grey nomads used to love them for hooking up the caravan and heading off in comfort

KEL: The one we drove was a lovely thing on the highway. It floated over the bumps.

GRANT: Ride quality comes courtesy of the air suspension. Yet while the Grand Cherokee feels like a plush premium vehicle it can also handle the toughest of terrain, the suspension rises and lowers 61mm depending on one of the five different terrain settings selected.

KEL: I guess that’s the differentiation, I’d never consider going off-road in something like a Mercedes-Benz GLS or a BMW X5.

GRANT: Those towing will also note the capacity drops to 2270kg in this model due to the air suspension. Down from 2813kg in the Night Eagle and Limited models – all a hefty step down from the diesel that was 3500kg.

KEL: How are the running costs?

GRANT: Jeep is waiving capped-price servicing for the first three years on vehicles bought until December 31. Usually five years will cost nearly $2000. Fuel consumption on our test was slightly above the official figure from Jeep at 11.6L/100km.

Plush finishes are a feature of the Jeep Grand Cherokee L. Picture: Thomas Wielecki

WOULD YOU BUY ONE?

KEL: Without a need for seven seats or the off-road functionality, it’s not on my radar. The infotainment was too frustrating along with the fan rumble proved too great a hurdle for my liking.

GRANT: Jeep’s Grand Cherokee Summit Reserve is tapping into an interesting niche – roughing it within the lap of luxury. Impressively capable off-road yet with brilliant on-road manners, those who want bang for four-wheel drive buck won’t be short-changed.