Why the five-seat 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee only gets a four-star ANCAP rating, but the seven-seat version gets five

Results released from ANCAP slap Jeep's new-generation Grand Cherokee with just a four-star ANCAP safety rating, but only in five-seat form.

Meanwhile, the seven-seat Grand Cherokee versions, and the five-seat 4xe plug-in hybrid were awarded a maximum five-star rating.

This is despite a nearly identical overall score for ANCAP's four criteria between the vehicles. Why two different ratings? ANCAP says the standard 3.6-litre V6 five-seaters are equipped with a different set of rear outboard seatbelts, which result in poor performance, which automatically deducts a full star from the overall rating.

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ANCAP said during the full-frontal offset crash test, the rear outboard dummy experienced high seatbelt load, recording a score of 0 out of 4 for chest protection.

In a statement, the safety body said: "Under ANCAP protocols, a nil score (red, or Poor) for a critical body region automatically limits a vehicle's overall star rating to four stars irrespective of the overall percentage score for Adult Occupant Protection."

The Grand Cherokee performed at least adequately in all other categories, recording an overall score of 81 per cent for adult occupant protection, and 93 per cent for child occupant protection.

Results released from ANCAP slap Jeep’s new-generation Grand Cherokee with just a four-star ANCAP safety rating, but only in five-seat form.

Seven-seat versions, as well as the five-seat plug-in hybrid version are said to be fitted with different seat belts which performed better (but still not perfectly), allowing a higher adult occupant protection score of 83 per cent, securing a five-star safety rating.

Elsewhere, the Grand Cherokee scored well, with standard active equipment including auto emergency braking (which works from 5-210 km/h) with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert. It does not have rear auto braking, or junction assist, with an overall safety assist score of 84 per cent.

The Grand Cherokee performed at least adequately in all other categories.

Jeep Australia has been approached for comment on the Grand Cherokee's split ANCAP score.

The 2023 Grand Cherokee range has recently been tweaked to include the long-awaited PHEV model, which has become the nameplate's most expensive variant starting from $129,950 before on-road costs. The standard 3.6-litre V6 range can be had from $77,950 for the base five-seat Night Eagle, to $119,450 for the seven-seat Summit Reserve.

Jeep Australia has been approached for comment on the Grand Cherokee’s split ANCAP score.