Six new Jeep Grand Cherokee variants confirmed so far

More local details of the new fifth-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee have emerged on the Road Vehicle Certification System (RVCS) website, revealing a five-variant long-wheelbase (‘L’) line-up and, initially at least, only one standard-wheelbase version of the all-new large SUV.

Powered exclusively by the familiar (but slightly detuned) 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 petrol engine, the new 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee range will comprise Night Eagle, Limited, Overland, Summit and Summit Reserve trim levels, all of which will be available primarily as seven-seaters.

The base trim will also be offered Down Under as the sole standard-wheelbase five-seater, at least until the 4xe plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant – which has been spotted testing on local roads – arrive later in 2022.

Adding a third row of seating has instantly enhanced the Jeep Grand Cherokee’s credentials as a genuine Toyota Prado and Isuzu MU-X rival, but the big Yank tank has a trick up its sleeve pinched from the more urban-based large SUVs; the Summit and Summit Reserve will each be able to be optioned with six seats rather than seven.

This option replaces the second-row bench with two free-standing captain’s seats, separated by an elevated centre console.

There’s been no official word yet from Jeep on the standard equipment or local pricing, however, the ADR specifications reveal the Night Eagle, Overland and Summit will roll on 20-inch alloy wheels, compared to the Limited’s 18s and Summit Reserve’s 21s.

Other key specs include 202mm of ground clearance for the seven-seat Night Eagle and Limited, while the three higher grades step things up to lofty 262mm thanks to Quadra-Lift air suspension.

The five-seater Night Eagle splits the difference with a more typical (for the segment) 224mm.

Braked towing capacities meanwhile vary from 2268kg-2813kg (750kg non-braked) depending on the variant, while all versions sport 354x28mm front brake rotors and 350x22mm rears.

As we’ve reported, the new Grand Cherokee will launch locally without a V8 engine.