While the automotive industry is focused on the Jeep® brand’s upcoming onslaught of upcoming products like the electrified Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 4xe (JL), full-size luxury-based Jeep Grand Wagoneer (WS), the globally successful 2022 Jeep Compass (MP), and the brand’s most-anticipated vehicle – the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee (WL), the iconic SUV brand is also focused on updating its Chinese-exclusive Jeep Commander and Grand Commander (K8) twins.
Based on a stretched Cherokee (KL) architecture, the Commander (five-passenger) and Grand Commander (seven-passenger) SUVs, offer a larger interior than the midsize Cherokee. The Commander lineup offers a more urban-focused take to the Jeep lineup while offering a 4×4 option the lineup is absent of a “Trail Rated” or “Desert Rated” model.
For 2022, the Commander and Grand Commander offerings will get its first revision since the Grand Commander launched in 2018. Starting with the exterior, the K8 twins will get an all-new headlight and grille design. Our sources have told us, the look will go more in hand with the vehicle that inspired the K8’s exterior design, the Jeep Yuntu Concept. The rear hatch and taillamp design are also getting an updated look.
Inside, the K8 models will feature an all-new instrument panel design that features a full digital 10-inch gauge cluster similar to several of the new and revised Jeep models that will debut over the next two years. The conventional shifter will be replaced with a new e-rotary shifter similar to the upcoming 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Of course, a new 10.1-inch Uconnect 5 infotainment touchscreen will be available. The new technology will push the Commander duo to the forefront of the midsize SUV segment for China.
Under the hood, the Commander and Grand Commander will continue to be powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four-cylinder engine with two power outputs. However, the focus will shift to an updated version of the current electrified powertrain. The Commander PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) will have more range than the current version and will help as the Chinese marketplace pushes electric vehicles more than ever. The Commander PHEV will still use the 2.0-liter turbocharged four as a generator to recharge the bigger battery packs when an outlet isn’t available.
Our sources are also stating that the revised Jeep Commander PHEV will adapt the 4xe nameplate, to join the other electrified models in the Jeep global lineup.
On the safety end, the K8 twins will adapt a lot of the same L2 autonomous technology and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) functionality like…
- Highway Assist System
- Traffic Jam Assist System
- Traffic Sign Recognition
- Lane Keep Assist
- Active Blind Spot Assist
- Driver Attention Alert
- Full-Speed Forward Collision Warning-Plus
It’s a good bet that we will see the revised 2022 Jeep Commander and Grand Commander at the 2021 Shanghai Auto Show in April. Stay tuned as we will continue to breakdown the updated Jeep K8 as more information becomes available.
