2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk Now PHEV Only

author: Vineeth Joel Patel   

Stellantis, is one of the slower automakers to electrify its lineup. The automaker hopes to have 50 percent of its sales in the U.S. come from battery-powered electric vehicles by the end of the decade, but doesn't have a single all-electric vehicle on sale yet. Jeep's known for its rugged off-roaders, like the Wrangler and Grand Cherokee. Both of those options are available with plug-in hybrid powertrains, along with burly V6 and V8 engines. Well, for 2023, Jeep's making a big change to one of its most rugged models. 

Trailhawk Becoming PHEV Only

For 2023, the Grand Cherokee Trailhawk, which is the most rugged and off-road trim available in the Grand Cherokee lineup, will only be available with the plug-in hybrid engine. This is a large change, as last year's Trailhawk was available with a V6, V8, and a plug-in hybrid engine. While this isn't nearly as good as Jeep coming out with an electric SUV, it does paint a picture that the brand is looking to boost its electrified offerings. Plus, the 4xe plug-in hybrid powertrain is a serious powerhouse. 

The previous 3.6-liter V6 engine was rated at 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The available 5.7-liter V8 engine produced 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque. The available 4xe plug-in hybrid powertrain features a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors for a total of 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. Clearly, the plug-in hybrid engine is a massive upgrade in the performance department. 

The other large benefit of the electrified 4xe powertrain is the improved fuel economy. With the V6 engine, the Grand Cherokee is rated at 22 mpg combined. Pair the midsize SUV with the V8, and fuel economy drops to 17 mpg combined. The Grand Cherokee 4xe can get up to 23 mpg combined when running on gasoline and 56 MPGe combined when running on electricity. The PHEV can also travel up to 26 miles on electricity. 

4xe Powertrain Is A Major Upgrade

For consumers looking to go off-roading, the Trailhawk 4xe will be a highly capable machine. Electrified powertrains do incredibly well off-road thanks to the instantaneous power from the electric motors. And then there's the ability to explore nature without the rumble of a V8 engine. 

Jeep hasn't announced pricing for the 2023 Grand Cherokee lineup yet, but the Trailhawk 4xe should remain close to the 2022 model that starts at $64,280 with destination. The plug-in hybrid engine is currently a pricey upgrade over the V6 and V8, requiring $4,455 more than the 5.7-liter V8 engine. 

Because of the capability of the 4xe plug-in hybrid powertrain, we wouldn't be surprised to see Jeep move to offer the majority of its Trailhawk trims with the 4xe powertrain in the future. 

Vineeth Joel Patel

Joel Patel has been covering all aspects of the automotive industry for four years as an editor and freelance writer for various websites. When it comes to cars, he enjoys covering the merger between technology and cars. In his spare time, Joel likes to watch baseball, work on his car, and try new foods