SPOTTED: Two-Row 2022 Jeep® Grand Cherokee Limited (WL74):

With the cancelation of the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS), the Jeep® brand is left without a public site to debut their all-new two-row 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee (WL74). As the fifth generation of the most-awarded SUV nameplate ever, there is a lot riding on the launch of the newest interpretation of the Grand Cherokee. Especially, considering how its three-row Grand Cherokee L (WL75) variant has been well received by customers and the media. 

During the company’s EV Day 2021 presentation last month, we got our first brief look at the new WL74 in its premium electrified Summit Reserve 4xe offerings. A few seconds of B-Roll footage and a couple of still images shot from a distance, wasn’t enough to tell us much more than what we already knew about the all-new two-row Grand Cherokee.

This past week, one of our readers caught one of the new WL74 models uncamouflaged in a Stellantis holding lot. This time it was the luxury-oriented Overland model with a two-tone roof, showing us the same color pattern and most of the same details as the press images. However, our good friend spy photographer Brian Williams (SpiedBlide) has caught the new 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited out testing in Metro Detroit.

The new WL74 Limited model is actually quite different than its three-row WL75 companion. 

Starting with the front fascia, the new WL74 features a more angular look to the lower part of the fascia, compared to the WL75’s more squared-off look. The rear of the WL74 Limited looks drastically different with a floating D-pillar design. Highlighting the exterior, a chrome daylight opening (DLO) trim runs over the greenhouse’s windows and wraps down the D-pillar to the rear glass. The new styling treatment gives the two-row model a much more sporty design than the “L”.

We expect much of the running gear from the “L”, which includes engines, transmission, and four-wheel-drive (4×4) systems. 

The award-winning all-aluminum 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine, rated at 293 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque should be the standard. Fuel-saving engine stop-start (ESS) technology is standard on the Pentastar V-6. For those who want more power, the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8, rated at 357 horsepower and 390 lb.-ft. of torque should be optional. Both engines are mated to 8-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmissions. 

As for the upcoming Grand Cherokee 4xe’s powertrain, Jeep has not dropped any details yet. However, our sources are telling us that the Grand Cherokee 4xe models will be powered by a very similar powertrain to the Wrangler Unlimited 4xe. For those who worry about range anxiety, the Wrangler 4xe’s powertrain consists of two electric motors, a high-voltage battery pack, a high-tech 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine, and robust TorqueFlite 8-speed automatic hybrid transmission, which allows the Wrangler to maximize efficiency. The Wrangler Unlimited 4xe models can achieve 49 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) combined. The gas-electric powertrain is good for 375 horsepower and 470 ft.-lb. of torque.

When it comes to capability, the next-generation Grand Cherokee should continue its best-in-class attributes. Its renowned 4×4 systems (Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, and Quadra-Drive II), Quadra-Lift air suspension, and Selec-Terrain traction management system should instill Grand Cherokee with the Jeep brand’s legendary 4×4 capability. We have already seen the new off-road-oriented Trailhawk and Overland Off-Road models testing on public roads.

Production of the all-new two-row Jeep Grand Cherokee WL74 will begin on Monday, September 27th. For those waiting for the electrified 4xe model, you will have to wait an additional month, as it will begin production at the end of October. Both vehicles will be built at the Detroit Assembly Complex – Mack facility.

Let us know what you think about the discontinuation of the new WL74 Limited in the comments below. Don’t forget to check out our dedicated WLJeepForum.com forum, to discuss everything surrounding the fifth-generation Grand Cherokee (WL) models.

2022 Jeep® Grand Cherokee Limited (WL74) Image Gallery:

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