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Jeep is continuing to win awards for its innovation when it comes to off-roading. Most Jeep enthusiasts will be thrilled with the latest honors with two Jeeps winning “Adventure Vehicle of the Year’ awards from GearJunkie. The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe is being singled out as Best 4x4. The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee drives off with the award as Best SUV.
2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe
The Jeep Wrangler 4xe, which produces 375-horsepower and 470-lb.-ft. of torque, impressed GearJunkie editors with its off-road capability, impressive power and quiet, high-torque powertrain. The innovative Wrangler 4xe wins as Best 4x4.
“This plug-in hybrid is very much a Trail Rated Jeep, and a near-silent and torquey electric drive is a ton of fun off road,” said GearJunkie motors editor Bryon Dorr.
The revolutionary Jeep Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid has been winning awards since it was introduced. The hybrid electric vehicle was even named to Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems list. The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe manages to incorporate the plug-in hybrid powertrain and still deliver all of the off-road capability that the traditional Jeep Wrangler is known for. The powertrain has been so successful that Jeep is already planning to use it for a Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe.
The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Hybrid System
The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe combines a 2.0-liter I-4 engine with two electric motors. The Wrangler 4xe gets an estimated 21 miles of pure electric range. What is especially interesting is the Jeep 4xe’s ability to either run on pure gasoline or as a hybrid. Drivers also have the option to eSave, or save the electric portion to use while off-roading. Jeep has found that many of the Wrangler 4xe owners drive out to the trail on gasoline and then off-road using the electricity. Owners tell Jeep that they love the instantaneous torque that the electric mode delivers. EPA has rated the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe at 49 miles per gallon-equivalent (MPGe).
All-New 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Wins ‘Best SUV’
Capability is the foundation for the GearJunkie Adventure Vehicle awards. The all-new Grand Cherokee, which includes a three-row Grand Cherokee L, was chosen based on its capability and comfort.
“We got behind the wheel of every trim level, drove both the V-6 and V-8, and experienced both the two- and three-row versions of the all-new Grand Cherokee,” said Dorr. “We also got a chance to tow with it, drive hard on curvy mountain roads, and even do a little rock crawling. Needless to say, this new full-size SUV from Jeep is ready for adventure.”
“These awards epitomize why our customers love the electrified Wrangler 4xe and all-new fifth-generation Grand Cherokee so much,” said Jim Morrison, Vice President and Head of Jeep Brand North America. “They’re both best-in-class 4x4 SUVs that deliver legendary Jeep capability and that unique adventurous spirit that only comes from a Jeep SUV.”
Other Jeep Grand Cherokee Awards
The all-new 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L has already won other awards in its first year of eligibility. The new three-row Grand Cherokee has earned a spot on Wards 10 Best User Experience List. As I reported earlier this year, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was also named to the Wards 10 Best Interiors List. When making up its list, Wards rates vehicles according to “user friendliness, infotainment features, sound systems, vehicle connectivity, driver assistance technology, information/displays, system compatibility, voice control, materials and overall value.”
The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L is equipped with the Uconnect 5 infotainment system that is five times faster than previous versions. The home screen is easily customizable and it allows the driver to quickly access the most frequently used features. The Grand Cherokee L also received high marks for its available rear-seat monitoring camera system.
Jeep Photos
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