Have you noticed that automakers say things like “class-leading” or “world-class” all the time, but never put names on specific other representatives of that alleged class? Well, Jeep CMO Jeff Ellsworth just trampled all over Toyota at a launch event.
Speaking with Cars Guide Australia, the marketing executive admitted that Toyota had its own perks in off-road driving, but Jeep would still prevail over it any day when it comes to rock climbing.
He made the statement at the international launch of the new Grand Cherokee 4xe, making things even more cryptic. The matter is, plug-in hybrid vehicles aren’t commonly associated with great off-road capabilities, let alone such extreme activities as rock climbing.
On the North American market, the Grand Cherokee 4xe starts just under $60,000 and ships with a 17-kWh traction battery for 40 km (25 miles) of all-electric range. A 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo under the hood assists the electric motor for 381 PS (376 hp / 280 kW) total.