Frustrated by Features Over the Different Trims

[DavidNJ]

What I really would like is a combination of a Trailhawk and Summit Reserve. Probably as a 4xe.

The Trailhawk is the only model with Select-Speed and the Rubicon front anti-roll bar disconnect. It also has front and rear tow hooks and 18" wheels.

The Summit is the only model with traffic sign recognition (I have this now and love it), automated parallel and perpendicular parking, and less importantly hands-free driving assist which includes a drowsiness detector (which should be useful). The Summit Reserve has a unscale interior.

The fancier electronics are generally missing from the Trailhawk. The Summit Reserve has no skid plates and not only doesn't have any "off-road" package, it comes with rediculous 21" wheels. There are NO off-road tires in a 21" size and the tire it comes with has terrible reviews on Tire Rack. However, the regular Summit's standard tire has worse reviews.

The Overland should be the compromise. It loses the anti-roll bar disconnect, Select Speed, and rear tow hook from the Trail Hawk, but gains most of the Summit's features except for traffic sign recognition, automated parallel, and perpendicular parking, and hands-free driving assist which includes a drowsiness detector. I would like some of those features!

The Summit would be another option. The 20" wheel would fit an off-road tire, although with a pretty minimal of trails and potholes 5" or 6" sidewall height. No tow hooks or side plates.

The 2021 Overland had the parallel and perpendicular parking feature. I just thought the 2022 would have the Summit's electronics in an option package (most of the Summit features are in one of the option packages). So I was disappointed.

Just never thought no matter what trim is chosen, some features will be missing.

Frustrating!!!

P.S.
There are also colors available that aren't shown online and not in all the order software. The 4xe seems to be alone among J1772 plug-in hybrids in not supporting an adapter to a Tesla level 2 charger, the type you might find at the house of a friend who owned a Tesla.

P.P.S.
Feature sheet attached.

 

[hcl]

What I really would like is a combination of a Trailhawk and Summit Reserve. Probably as a 4xe.

The Trailhawk is the only model with Select-Speed and the Rubicon front anti-roll bar disconnect. It also has front and rear tow hooks and 18" wheels.

The Summit is the only model with traffic sign recognition (I have this now and love it), automated parallel and perpendicular parking, and less importantly hands-free driving assist which includes a drowsiness detector (which should be useful). The Summit Reserve has a unscale interior.

The fancier electronics are generally missing from the Trailhawk. The Summit Reserve has no skid plates and not only doesn't have any "off-road" package, it comes with rediculous 21" wheels. There are NO off-road tires in a 21" size and the tire it comes with has terrible reviews on Tire Rack. However, the regular Summit's standard tire has worse reviews.

The Overland should be the compromise. It loses the anti-roll bar disconnect, Select Speed, and rear tow hook from the Trail Hawk, but gains most of the Summit's features except for traffic sign recognition, automated parallel, and perpendicular parking, and hands-free driving assist which includes a drowsiness detector. I would like some of those features!

The Summit would be another option. The 20" wheel would fit an off-road tire, although with a pretty minimal of trails and potholes 5" or 6" sidewall height. No tow hooks or side plates.

The 2021 Overland had the parallel and perpendicular parking feature. I just thought the 2022 would have the Summit's electronics in an option package (most of the Summit features are in one of the option packages). So I was disappointed.

Just never thought no matter what trim is chosen, some features will be missing.

Frustrating!!!

P.S.
There are also colors available that aren't shown online and not in all the order software. The 4xe seems to be alone among J1772 plug-in hybrids in not supporting an adapter to a Tesla level 2 charger, the type you might find at the house of a friend who owned a Tesla.

P.P.S.
Feature sheet attached.

There is an unfortunate lumping together then narrow availability of option packages. I'm hoping this is limited to the early prodiuction period only. There are a number of options, and even colors that are listed as "late availability". Hopefully whenever that arrives, the option selections will also be more granular.

 

[Sarge]

FWIW, you can fit any WK2 wheels on it. (Trackhawk wheels will have a different offset though). I used the WK2 80th anniversary wheels for snow tires on my GCL. They fit perfectly, but you do have to use newer WL-specific TPMS sensors (on backorder, currently).


I have a 2021 Overland V8 GCL with self driving assist. You have to have a hand lightly brushing against the wheel (or a leg, knee, etc) but it doesn't seem to have the drowsy driver or parking assist aids (maybe I haven't figured it out though). On the plus side, the 2021 does not monitor your eyes, instead looking for 'touch' on the wheel, with regards to the assisted driving. Not sure which I'd prefer necessarily, it's sort of 6's. Regardless, it drives like a drunk driver half the time for no apparent external reason (i.e. pavement quality and markings being the same), so I'd say those systems aren't really ready for prime time yet, and it turns out the self driving assist is a RENTAL software/feature (unbeknownst to me) after the first three years anyway, although no one disclosed that to me when shopping/purchasing! I had hoped they'd improve the programming and make it more competent over time, but apparently I'm going to have to pay to use it in a few years anyway (which I utterly f(*&ing LOATHE). (see photo below). I'm not even sure if I'll have a nav system after 3/6/22. It's ridiculous. and ZERO transparency on this "rental features" BS during the buying process. Talk about bait and switch!

So, If you want a Trailhawk, just get the Trailhawk and put whatever wheels you want on it, and skip all their rental feature packages, IMO, and get all the off road stuff because it also doesn't seem like you can add those features afterward due to the complexity of the computer systems.

The only 21" A/T tire I've found is the General Grabber AT3 (275/45/21) but it's only available in the UK. I emailed General about US availability and haven't gotten a response. Tire Rack told me they can't get it if General doesn't offer it here, and importing tires can be difficult (seems it has to be for farm use, off road use only, if you could even get them through customs, even though they sell the identical tire in other sizes).

All that said, I wouldn't even recommend buying and WL vehicle at this point given all the problems they're having with the UConnect system alone (my whole stereo/nav UConnect system is a total disaster, and I'm not at all alone).

 

[hcl]

FWIW, you can fit any WK2 wheels on it. (Trackhawk wheels will have a different offset though). I used the WK2 80th anniversary wheels for snow tires on my GCL. They fit perfectly, but you do have to use newer WL-specific TPMS sensors (on backorder, currently).
View attachment 1834

I have a 2021 Overland V8 GCL with self driving assist. You have to have a hand lightly brushing against the wheel (or a leg, knee, etc) but it doesn't seem to have the drowsy driver or parking assist aids (maybe I haven't figured it out though). On the plus side, the 2021 does not monitor your eyes, instead looking for 'touch' on the wheel, with regards to the assisted driving. Not sure which I'd prefer necessarily, it's sort of 6's. Regardless, it drives like a drunk driver half the time for no apparent external reason (i.e. pavement quality and markings being the same), so I'd say those systems aren't really ready for prime time yet, and it turns out the self driving assist is a RENTAL software/feature (unbeknownst to me) after the first three years anyway, although no one disclosed that to me when shopping/purchasing! I had hoped they'd improve the programming and make it more competent over time, but apparently I'm going to have to pay to use it in a few years anyway (which I utterly f(*&ing LOATHE). (see photo below). I'm not even sure if I'll have a nav system after 3/6/22. It's ridiculous. and ZERO transparency on this "rental features" BS during the buying process. Talk about bait and switch!
View attachment 1835
So, If you want a Trailhawk, just get the Trailhawk and put whatever wheels you want on it, and skip all their rental feature packages, IMO, and get all the off road stuff because it also doesn't seem like you can add those features afterward due to the complexity of the computer systems.

The only 21" A/T tire I've found is the General Grabber AT3 (275/45/21) but it's only available in the UK. I emailed General about US availability and haven't gotten a response. Tire Rack told me they can't get it if General doesn't offer it here, and importing tires can be difficult (seems it has to be for farm use, off road use only, if you could even get them through customs, even though they sell the identical tire in other sizes).

All that said, I wouldn't even recommend buying and WL vehicle at this point given all the problems they're having with the UConnect system alone (my whole stereo/nav UConnect system is a total disaster, and I'm not at all alone).

View attachment 1836

Thanks for this news flash. This is the first mention I've seen of FCA retaining ownership of the electronic services now offered in the WL models. It's one thing to offer OTA updates, but expiration, or remote kill of these services is not mentioned anywhere else that I've seen. Then the Uconnect and other electronic failures you list at your link, along with the additional commenters in that thread, really starts to cast these heretofore exciting new features in a different light. Now I'm glad I didn't rush into this purchase yet. I'll wait and see if and when they iron out these issues. I'll also not bother with any features that rely on finite length subscriptions.

 

[CSmith]

View attachment 1835

Would you be kind enough to list the services of each? Curious what each "service" includes and what I can expect to have go away on me. I have also read through and I cannot seem to find any information on these services going away a few years later.
Assistance + Navigation
Vehicle Performance
Safety & Security
Hands Free Driving assist

Thank you

 

[Sarge]

I wish I could even figure it out. I made another post asking basically the same thing. I have no idea what I'll be left with if I don't spend $200/mo on all the various 'rental' features I thought I owned outright.

If they don't start fixing all the problems with my lemon post haste, I may not own it that long. This is not what I was planning on when I bought my 8/125k warranty, all the paint protection film, racks, roof box, snow tires/wheels, etc etc etc. I pay cash and keep my cars for a long time, and this is shaping up to look like a disposable rental car.

 

[Indigovic]

Would you be kind enough to list the services of each? Curious what each "service" includes and what I can expect to have go away on me. I have also read through and I cannot seem to find any information on these services going away a few years later.
Assistance + Navigation
Vehicle Performance
Safety & Security
Hands Free Driving assist

Thank you

This post has details on the first three groupings.

 

[Indigovic]

FWIW, you can fit any WK2 wheels on it. (Trackhawk wheels will have a different offset though). I used the WK2 80th anniversary wheels for snow tires on my GCL. They fit perfectly, but you do have to use newer WL-specific TPMS sensors (on backorder, currently).


I have a 2021 Overland V8 GCL with self driving assist. You have to have a hand lightly brushing against the wheel (or a leg, knee, etc) but it doesn't seem to have the drowsy driver or parking assist aids (maybe I haven't figured it out though). On the plus side, the 2021 does not monitor your eyes, instead looking for 'touch' on the wheel, with regards to the assisted driving. Not sure which I'd prefer necessarily, it's sort of 6's. Regardless, it drives like a drunk driver half the time for no apparent external reason (i.e. pavement quality and markings being the same), so I'd say those systems aren't really ready for prime time yet, and it turns out the self driving assist is a RENTAL software/feature (unbeknownst to me) after the first three years anyway, although no one disclosed that to me when shopping/purchasing! I had hoped they'd improve the programming and make it more competent over time, but apparently I'm going to have to pay to use it in a few years anyway (which I utterly f(*&ing LOATHE). (see photo below). I'm not even sure if I'll have a nav system after 3/6/22. It's ridiculous. and ZERO transparency on this "rental features" BS during the buying process. Talk about bait and switch!
View attachment 1835

I’m a bit puzzled that you have Hands-Free Active Driving Assist on your GCL; I didn’t think that was available until summer 2022 (as opposed to the non-hands-free, which is supposed to be the only version available now).

Also, the way you describe it working sounds like the non-hands-free version. Hands-free does not require any pressure on the wheel, and it does use cameras to ensure you’re attentive. (Another big difference is that the hands-free version will make lane changes for you, which you initiate by signaling.)

I’m wondering if your issues stem from having the wrong software for your hardware. Does your order info/window sticker/any other paperwork actually show that you’re supposed to have the Hands-Free version?

 

[Sarge]

I’m a bit puzzled that you have Hands-Free Active Driving Assist on your GCL; I didn’t think that was available until summer 2022 (as opposed to the non-hands-free, which is supposed to be the only version available now).

Also, the way you describe it working sounds like the non-hands-free version. Hands-free does not require any pressure on the wheel, and it does use cameras to ensure you’re attentive. (Another big difference is that the hands-free version will make lane changes for you, which you initiate by signaling.)

I’m wondering if your issues stem from having the wrong software for your hardware. Does your order info/window sticker/any other paperwork actually show that you’re supposed to have the Hands-Free version?

I do not have to actively steer my car. It actively steers the car, unless there's snow on the road, or if the road gets too curvy (curves beyond a certain degree, like a tight mountain canyon). But it has to also be able to see at least one line on the road consistently. It doesn't do as well on wet roads or in rain, and snow doesn't work at all, especially if the roads are snow-covered (ie no lines). It's part of the ProTech III package.

You have to touch the steering wheel, ie the back of your hand resting on your knee, but it does the steering. It's a whole level up from the older 'lane keeping assist' type.

For 2022, they are apparently ADDING some kind of driver monitoring system that watches your eyes looking forward, so you no longer even have to touch the wheel. In mine, it doesn't monitor my eyes, so you have to be touching the wheel, but only barely. Even your knee touching the wheel, through a pair of jeans, is enough.

 

[Indigovic]

Yes… what you’re describing is “Base” Active Driving Assist, which just keeps the car centered in the lane, and requires contact with the steering wheel; it uses capacitance detection in the steering wheel to ensure you’re engaged.

Hands-Free Active Driving Assist, which is—I believe—not yet available, additionally makes lane changes for you, and does not require any contact with the steering wheel; it uses cameras to ensure you’re attentive.

But the screen shots you posted of your Jeep Connect account indicate that you have Hands-Free Active Driving Assist enabled, which I’m pretty sure isn’t actually compatible with your vehicle. Given that you’ve said your Active Driving Assist drives “like a drunk driver,” which is not how it’s supposed to be, I suspect that you’ve somehow been given the wrong software for your hardware, and that’s why it’s not working as well as it should.

Even if having Hands-Free ADA active on your account isn’t causing problems, you should at least be aware that Base ADA does not actually require a subscription, so there’s no point in you renewing it!

 

[Indigovic]

BTW, the 2021 Grand Cherokee Manual refers only to the non-Hands-Free ADA; it starts on page 149:

https://msmownerassets.z13.web.core.windows.net/assets/publications/en-us/Jeep/2021/Grand_Cherokee_L/P130856_21_WL_OM_EN_USC_DIGITAL.pdf

For comparison, the 2022 manual explains both “Base“ and Hands-Free ADA versions; that starts on page 155:

https://msmownerassets.z13.web.core.windows.net/assets/publications/en-us/Jeep/2022/Grand_Cherokee_L/P130997_22_WL_OM_EN_USC_DIGITAL.pdf

 

[Sarge]

Basically, the 2021 "Base ADA" system does the same as the 2022 system, with two exceptions: The 2022 system will change lanes with the turn signal indicator (per the manual):

"Hands-Free ADA will also change lanes when a turn signal is activated if the lane in the direction indicated is valid and clear, noted by a dashed line in the direction of the available lane change. The system uses sensors, including Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) sensors, to determine if a lane change is possible. If the assisted lane change is in progress, a green indication will appear."

That is the only vehicle capability that is 'new'.

Otherwise, the only difference is that the 2021 version does not have a camera observing the driver's eyes to ensure the driver is looking forward, and it instead requires some form of minimal 'touch' on the steering wheel (back of the hand resting on a knee, brushing against the wheel, or even a knee lightly against the wheel, even with jeans on).

Otherwise, both systems keep the vehicle centered in the lane of travel and monitor the adaptive cruise control to regulate forward vehicle speed and steer around corners (up to a certain degree/steering angle).

Many people, however, are currently confusing the older 'lane monitoring' capability that many vehicles have had for 5+ years (across many brands) with the 'active driving assist' Jeep began offering with the 2021 models. Regardless, the bulk of the GCL's capabilities are the same between the 21 and 22 Jeep models, aside from using the turn signal to allow it to change lanes. The only other difference is how it 'measures' driver attention/oversight (eyes vs minimal wheel touch).

 

[Indigovic]

There’s another key difference, which is that Hands-Free operation is only supported on approved roads, which is the reason there’s a Jeep Connect subscription for Hands-Free and not for Base—it has to check with the network to see if the road you’re on is approved for hands-free.

Which leads me back to the point I keep trying to make to you—your Jeep Connect account says you have Hands-Free when you do not and cannot, and I think that may be a problem for you. You really ought to contact Jeep Connect support and get that straightened out.

 

[Sarge]

There’s another key difference, which is that Hands-Free operation is only supported on approved roads, which is the reason there’s a Jeep Connect subscription for Hands-Free and not for Base—it has to check with the network to see if the road you’re on is approved for hands-free.

Which leads me back to the point I keep trying to make to you—your Jeep Connect account says you have Hands-Free when you do not and cannot, and I think that may be a problem for you. You really ought to contact Jeep Connect support and get that straightened out.

I agree. I have a case opened with corporate already for the dozens of problems my car has (my Uconnect system is totally FUBAr).

We shall see… it might end up in a buyback if they can’t make it work though. I can’t take much more of this mess.

 

[Brknbones]

Add me to the list of wanting a fully optioned out trailhawk! It is the best looking in my opinion, and usualy am the type that likes to add all the features, ADA, McIntosh stereo and alot of other small options. Look at the ford F150 raptor, or the dodge rebel. There is a market for upscale off road vehicles that the TrailHawk should be filling.