23 MPG combined isn’t going to win any awards, but for the 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, it’s a reasonable price to pay for plug-in hybrid capability and the legendary Jeep brand appeal. This isn’t a vehicle purchased for its outright fuel efficiency; it’s bought by those who want a blend of off-road ability, modern technology, and the *possibility* of electric-only driving for shorter commutes. These buyers are willing to accept a middling EPA figure in exchange for the Grand Cherokee’s inherent strengths and the environmental nod of a PHEV.

City and highway performance

The 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine, with an electric motor and battery pack, delivers a surprisingly similar fuel economy experience across city and highway driving. The EPA estimates 23 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. This tight spread simply reflects the integrated nature of the hybrid system. Electric assistance kicks in frequently in stop-and-go traffic, mitigating the usual fuel consumption penalty of city driving. Cruising on the highway, the gasoline engine handles most of the work, but the electric motor provides supplementary power for passing or climbing hills.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe at $1,900. This calculation is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Keep in mind that this figure is variable. Those who primarily use the electric range for shorter trips will see significantly lower fuel costs. Drivers who frequently engage in long highway journeys with limited electric-only driving may exceed this estimate. It serves as a useful benchmark, but your individual experience will likely differ based on your driving habits and charging discipline.

Real-world expectations

In the real world, the Grand Cherokee 4xe’s fuel economy is highly dependent on charging habits. Regular charging and use of the electric range can dramatically reduce gasoline consumption, potentially pushing your average MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) above the EPA’s baseline. However, neglecting to plug in the vehicle regularly will result in fuel economy closer to a traditional gas-powered SUV of similar size and weight. The 4xe’s onboard computer provides detailed energy usage information, allowing drivers to track their electric and gasoline consumption and adjust their driving habits accordingly. Many owners find that short-to-medium length commutes can be performed almost entirely on electricity, eliminating gasoline use during the work week.

How it compares

The Grand Cherokee 4xe competes in a crowded field of mid-size SUVs, including traditional gasoline-powered models and other hybrid options. A comparable gasoline-powered Grand Cherokee with the 3.6L V6 typically achieves around 22 MPG combined. The Toyota Venza, a hybrid-only crossover, delivers a far superior 40 MPG combined, but lacks the Jeep’s off-road capability and rugged image. The Ford Explorer Limited Hybrid achieves about 27 MPG combined, offering slightly better fuel economy than the Jeep. It targets a different buyer with a different set of priorities. For a deeper look, see all Jeep fuel economy data. Also you can review GRAND MPG across all years to understand how fuel economy estimates have evolved.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Take full advantage of the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe’s electric range. The vehicle allows you to manually select its driving mode: Hybrid, Electric, or eSave. To maximize fuel economy, use the electric mode for short trips and local errands. You can also make a custom driving profile that prioritizes electric-only operation up to higher speeds.

Pay attention to regen braking. The Grand Cherokee 4xe uses regenerative braking to capture energy when you decelerate or coast. Learn to anticipate stops and ease off the accelerator early to maximize the amount of energy that is recovered and stored back in the battery. Minimize hard braking for best results.

Keep your tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended level. This is especially important if you frequently carry heavy loads or tow a trailer.

Drive smoothly and avoid aggressive acceleration. Abrupt acceleration and hard braking waste fuel. Maintain a steady speed on the highway and accelerate gradually. Anticipate traffic conditions and avoid unnecessary lane changes.

Finally, explore options to pre-condition the cabin of your Grand Cherokee 4xe while it’s plugged in. Pre-heating or pre-cooling the cabin while the vehicle is still connected to a power source reduces the load on the engine and battery once you start driving, preserving more electric range and potentially improving fuel economy over the course of your trip.