2021-2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 2.0L Hybrid Engine (GME T4): Problems, Longevity, and Specs

The new Jeep Grand Cherokee is available with three engine options. But in this article, we'll pay attention to the hybrid version. The 2-liter gasoline engine equipped with an additional electric motor doesn't seem like a bad offer from Jeep, so it instantly became popular once it entered the market. But still, so many questions are asked by potential buyers that we decided to write a separate article about it.

Today, we'll tell you about the 2.0L Hybrid powertrain available in the new 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee. We'll cover its key specs and also figure out common problems. We'll try to understand how many miles it can go (although this may be pretty tough) and outline some important considerations that you should remember.

Key features and my opinion about the engine

• Production years:2016-now
• Average lifespan of GME T4:140,000-160,000 miles
• Fuel supply type:direct injection
• Power range:375 hp
• Fuel efficiency:excellent
• Engine block material:aluminum
• Engine reliability score:medium
• The most common problems:turbocharger problems, issues with electronics, hybrid battery problems, overall maintenance costs.

What should you know about the Jeep Grand Cherokee 2.0L Hybrid engine?

If you have already read some of our articles, you know that we at Cararac.com hate all those super eco-friendly technologies that eventually harm nature even more than old good gasoline engines. But it seems gas powerplants are going to be discontinued totally within a few years' time, so we have to learn the new technologies to stay on track.

If you want to buy the new 2023 Grand Cherokee, you basically have three types of engines on offer. The first one is the standard 3.6L V6 - a great and well-known engine, but too simple for the model. Also, you have the 5.7L V8 option with tiny gas mileage and some common issues that have already been reported. The third option is the 2.0L Hybrid powerplant.

Here are some key facts about the hybrid engine in the new Grand Cherokee:

• this model has a special name - the Grand Cherokee 4xe, and actually, this is a separate model with slight changes in design;
• the main unit is the 2-liter turbocharged gasoline engine GME L4-T;
• the additional electric powertrain consists of two motors - 33 kW and 100 kW units, they are integrated into the transmission assembly;
• the battery is a 17kWh Li-Ion battery - not a huge option but with some durable technologies;
• this is the plug-in hybrid which means you can charge it from a socket and use the all-electric drive option;
• the total power of the powertrain is 375 horsepower and the toque is 470 lb-ft and this is actually more than in the 5.7L V8 engine;
• you will be able to drive about 26 miles in the all-electric mode which is not a lot, but average for any PHEV.

The best thing you get is power. But a lot of owners will also be glad about the gas mileage. The hybrid version of the Jeep Grand Cherokee will offer about 56 MPG in combined conditions (city plus highway) which is great given it gives you quite a lot of power and torque and provides you with wonderful driving emotions.

But things are not as bright when you stop your emotional first touch on the car and start being reasonable. You may know that all plug-in hybrid vehicles have quite a lot of issues and the Grand Cherokee is not going to be an exception. The model was launched in 2022 only, so we still don't have a lot of reported issues. But we still know some facts that will make you think twice before buying a vehicle.

What about longevity?

When it comes to durability, the hybrid powertrain in the new Grand Cherokee doesn't seem the best one on offer. Both the V6 and the V8 engines will certainly last longer. But if you count the money you can save on fuel when driving the PHEV version, you will obviously be motivated to choose the 4xe model.

So, the 2-liter turbo engine also called Hurricane is not perfect for this vehicle. It's going to go about 100,000 miles. But given you will use your all-electric mode sometimes and help it by engaging the electric powerplant, you will probably be able to extend that life expectancy to 150,000 miles.

The electric motors are both really good. Those are permanent magnet motors that can last 400-500 thousand miles, so they will still be working when your Grand Cherokee will fall apart because of its age or huge mileage.

The battery is not going to be that good in terms of durability. On average, you'll drive your PHEV Grand Cherokee for about 90,000 miles before you will need to replace the battery. The battery should cost up to $5,000, we couldn't get the price of an OEM battery because no one has yet ordered such a part.

The only transmission in the 2023 Grand Cherokee is the 850RE 8-speed automatic Torqueflite transmission. It's going to live quite long - we believe about 150,000 miles or even longer.

So, even if your Grand Cherokee 4xe is maintained really well, it will be able to survive for about 150,000 miles with one expensive battery replacement. After that, you will need to replace the gas engine which is pretty doubtful in terms of common sense.

What are the common problems with the 2.0 PHEV Grand Cherokee?

We should understand that the hybrid powerplant based on the small-displacement gasoline engine just can't be as good and reliable as the V8 or the V6 pure gas engine. It means you will encounter many problems. But most of them will still be minor and not really expensive to deal with.

We don't have enough information about reports on this engine, but we'll try to compile the list of possible common issues from what we know.

1. Turbo problems

The GME engine doesn't seem to be really good. Its turbo lag is pretty noticeable and the engine is overall weak. If you are going to tow your boat or a trailer with the Grand Cherokee, better avoid this engine.

Also, the turbocharger is not durable. The engine has been made since 2016, so we know something about it. And rare turbos survive for more than 80,000 miles in it without expensive repair.

2. Problematic electronics

The hybrid version of the Grand Cherokee is going to get on your nerves with numerous error messages and lights flashing now and then. The system is not perfect. Sometimes, those messages are random and should just be reset. But sometimes, they report minor issues that have to be dealt with immediately.

We bet the Jeep dealership will be one of your most common places if you buy this hybrid Grand Cherokee. But this is what it takes to become eco-friendlier.

It inherited electronics problems from previous Jeep models. Here I wrote earlier about the issues with SVC 4WD warning light in the Cherokee - have a look!

3. Battery issues

When your PHEV Grand Cherokee hits the 80,000-mile mark, you will notice that the all-electric range is getting worse and the battery needs to be charged more and more often. It means you should get prepared for the battery replacement which is really expensive. Unfortunately, this will more or less kill all the financial gains the vehicle gave you for all those miles and years.

4. Price and maintenance cost

The Grand Cherokee 4xe GME T4 will cost you at least $62,000 and you aren't likely to buy the cheapest version, right? The Summit Reserve trim without any addons will cost almost $80,000 which is really a lot. What else you should take into account is the maintenance cost. Unfortunately, both the hybrid system and the 2-liter Hurricane engine need expensive maintenance.

What else you can buy instead of the Grand Cherokee 4xe?

So, if you are OK with all those problems, you may happily take your money and go to the Keep dealership. But we suggest you should take another look at competitors. For example, you can find way more economical vehicles or cars with better performance in the same price range.

Here are some obvious examples:

• Volvo XC60 Recharge. The Recharge plug-in hybrid model starts at $58,000 which is really cheaper than the Jeep. And it offers a little better gas mileage in hybrid mode and a really cool design.
• Audi Q5 Plug-in Hybrid. The Audi costs even less - $56,600 for the cheapest version. Yes, it's smaller, but it also provides you with wonderful technologies.
• Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid. For only $41,300 currently, you get one of the top-rated PHEV SUVs on the market which is a little smaller in size than the Grand Cherokee but offers really cool and practical equipment.

Final words

Although we told you a lot about the problems and disadvantages of the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, we still think it's a decent vehicle for those who want exactly the PHEV SUV. It's big, really comfortable, it has a lot of premium features. And yes, it's really fun to drive. So, if you don't need to tow a boat, this is a good model to think about. But don't forget it's not the only PHEV SUV in the class today!