Jeep’s prototype three-row Grand Cherokee model was caught in the wild yet again this week, this time wearing considerably less camouflage than it was the last time we got a great look at it.
With the loose-fitting vinyl taken off its flanks and rear haunches, this prototype takes on a familiar shape. The Grand Cherokee appears as though it will wear its extra length with grace. The added rear overhang is noticeable in the prototype’s profile, but it’s integrated into the look good enough that it doesn’t really stand out unless you’re searching for it.
This new three-row variant will slot over the existing five-seater and effectively switch the Dodge Durango, which isn't likely to survive no more this model cycle.
We’re not sure what to anticipate underneath the hood from the new Grand Cherokee, but recent debuts have given us some solid breadcrumbs for speculation. We've heard rumors (as well as seen a patent drawing) of the inline-six engine that is likely to switch the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 at the cheap, and we suspect that despite the added mass of a longer body, a six-cylinder will probably be the base engine.
While GM’s full-size SUVs can be found with multiple V8s, crosstown rival Ford has eliminated them from its body-on-frame models, opting instead for variants of its EcoBoost V6. The bigger Grand Wagoneer will probably offer V8 power, and that we wouldn’t be surprised to determine it as a choice on the Grand Cherokee too, even if it is just in SRT-engineered halo models.
Most tellingly, however, the Grand Wagoneer’s near-production concept was depicted like a hybrid – a plug-in, no less – but that’s all FCA has been prepared to let on to date. We expect that the beefy PHEV powertrain within the new Wrangler 4xe will make its distance to other FCA/Stellantis products in relatively short order. Its V8-challenging 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque could be more than enough engine for a hefty midsize three-row.
