Jeep celebrates 80 years of off-road enlightenment in 2021; and it’s never been more relevant. Sales of off-road sport utility vehicles and its country club cousin, the five-door crossover, have exploded during the past decade. Jeep’s own humble history indicates it turbo-charged this once quirky sub segment.
During its four-score existence, the Jeep brand’s been sought after by several suiters. Currently, Stellantis counts Jeep as one of its brands. Stellantis absorbed the former Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) in late 2019 while bringing along additional European flair with such brands as Peugeot (although for now, Peugeots are not sold in the U.S.). No matter the corporate owner, the Jeep name resonates not only with U.S. customers, but with many corners of the world.
The current 2021 five-passenger Grand Cherokee platform is based upon a fourth-generation redo introduced ten years back, built from unibody underpinnings, representing a more car-like sensation rather than truck-like body-on-frame construction.
Don’t let the posh pedigree dissuade adventurous types, this five-passenger can tackle just about any weekend off-roading trek throughout the Midwest. Size wise, Grand Cherokee slips between the five-passenger Cherokee and the all-new, full-size luxury-tinted Jeep Wagoneer. Picture Grand Cherokee as a larger-sized mid-sizer.
Lots of trims, internal combustion engines and technologies to choose from, too. Grand Cherokee presents seven trims in 2021 (Laredo, Limited, Trailhawk, Overland, Summit, SRT and Trackhawk), the last one boasting an obscene 707 worth of horsepower). A Special 80th Anniversary sub trim based on Limited is also available sporting commemorative badging and leather seating with light Tungsten interior accents inside and Granite Crystal finished 18-inch wheels outside.
Engines a-plenty abound with Jeep, Dodge and Chrysler’s long-serving and well-regarded double overhead cam Pentastar V-6 serving as an entry point delivering 295 horses.
In addition, an extended Grand Cherokee L version (think of L representing ‘Long’) debuts in 2021 squeezing in third-row seating, one more than the run-of-the-mill Cherokee marking the first time any Cherokee accommodates more than five riders. It’s constructed from an impressive all-new platform serving as a preview of sorts all Grand Cherokees adapt in the 2022 model year.
The new L also adds seven inches of wheelbase (distance between front and rear axle) contributing to an additional 14 inches of length. As luck would have it, a 2021 Grand Cherokee Overland L stopped by for a week’s testing providing a closer look at the all-new next-generation architecture.
The 2021 L comes in four trims: Laredo, Limited, Overland and Summit all offering the choice of two-wheel rear drive or several four-wheel technologies. Both mate to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Two engine choices return from the 2020 model year unchanged. The 3.6-liter V-6 comes standard in all models while a 5.7-lter V-8 arrives optional in Summit and Overland. The V-8 engine recommends mid-grade 89-octane fuel but will accept 87-octane. The V-6 accommodates 87-grade. Our tester V-8 combined with 4 x 4 drive includes a maximum towing rate of 7,200 pounds, above average for a segment where V-8 opportunities remain rare. If carting large numbers of passengers and weekend visits to the marina fill the schedule, the V-8 makes sense. Otherwise, the sturdy V-6 with better fuel economy offers pleasant opportunities.
Choosing a 4 x 4, also necessitates selecting from three distinct systems: hassle-free, Quadra-Trac I with full-time, 50-50 torque split four-wheel drive, Quadra-Trac II with two-speed transfer case and variable front-rear torque split or Quadra-Drive II, delivering torque to tires with traction during slippage. The last two choices are designed for those going off-road often.
Enjoy better-than-average handling for this large mid-sizer thanks to the desired 50/50 weight distribution experienced with V-6 models coupled with two-wheel drive. Our 4 x 4 Overland with larger/heavier V-8 still enjoyed a 52-48 split.
The L’s extra length creates a welcoming third-row experience, even aging 60 something adults towering an inch or two above 6-feet will find an inviting space as all seating positions welcome excellent head comfort and hip room. Row three riders enjoy numerous plug ports assisting portable electronics.
With standard second-row Captain’s chairs (which mature riders may find a better fit than the $695 optional bench format), smaller, spryer travelers may opt just to maneuver between to reach the way back seats. Otherwise, each bucket mechanically slides forward creating a small walk aisle.
Pricing starts at $36,995 for a two-wheel-drive Laredo L. Our V-8-powered, 4 x 4 Overland checked in at $56,000. With a $1,695 destination charge, the bottom line ended at $68,365.
Fifth-generation appearance carries forward narrow side and lift back windows combining with high side character lines. Jeep’s trademark seven slot grille, albeit a downsized version, adorns the front grille. Circular headlights still illuminating the compact Wrangler exchange for narrow slot-like designs on Grand Cherokee a trait that carries over into taillight art. Jeep’s trapezoidal wheel arches also return as just about every other rival chooses circular.
Overland’s power liftgate provides enough headroom when open and incorporates a hand-free design necessitating a foot swipe under car to activate as long as the key fob remains nearby. When lifted, third-row 50/50 seatbacks power down creating a larger cargo region. Even when prone, enough room exists to accommodate numerous weekend luggage bags and underfloor storage is available.
Our Overland included Jeep’s optional Quadra-Lift, utilizing four-corner air suspension technology, allowing the vehicle 4.17 inches of adjustable height/span levels. Five height settings are available with the NHR (normal height ride) set at 8.3-inches designed for on-road travel. Venture off-road and select from two heights: an off-road 1 choice lifting Grand Cherokee L 1.6 inches or off-road 2, adding an additional 2.4 inches. When on-road, air suspension contributes a very subtle, un-SUV-like ride experience. Selection choice takes place via a well-marked push tab right of the transmission dial. To the dial’s left, the drive-mode selector with five of its own settings.
While all 2021 badged Grand Cherokees offer a variety of internal combustion engines, the upcoming 2022 model year welcomes a PHEV (Plug-in Electric Hybrid) marketed as a “4xe plug-in hybrid,” technology already in the Jeep pipeline under hood the 2021 model year compact Wrangler. It’s a great way to experience electric-powered driving without going all-in with all-electric, providing 21 miles of pure electric driving (when fully charged via standard household current) and 350 miles of gas-electric hybrid fun with a full tank of petrol.
Inside, between tall front captain’s chairs resides a tactile, circular, electronic automatic transmission dial. A simple twist motion guides the PRND cycle visually assisted by the illuminated letters above. An electronic push-type start/stop button resides on the dash right of the steering column sometimes blocked from easy access by the steering wheel. The button also includes illuminated “run” and “off” designates indicating the current engine stage.
As with all generational upgrades, expect the latest gadgetry including a info-laden 10.25-inch digital instrument panel, many opportunities to plug in and connect with portable Smartphones and mid-size in-dash 8.4-inch flat screen (top Summit trims include a larger 10.1-inch version). An available, new-for-21, 19-speaker Mcintosh system (part of our tester) lifts listening pleasure to luxury-vehicle levels, working in tandem with a fifth-generation of Jeep’s Uconnect offering the fastest response time and clearest screen graphics of any Jeep thus far.
The latest Gen-5 Uconnect wisely brings back remote secondary audio controls rating the best in the business. Rather than locating push buttons on the four-spoke steering wheel’s face, toggle-like controls mount on the wheel’s back side, allowing finger tops to do the walking when selection station pre-sets or volume levels.
This design leaves the steering wheel front open for other commands including cruise control navigation (at 3 o’clock) and instrument panel selections (at 9 o’clock). Also of note, below the in-dash screen reside two twist knobs (volume, selection) for those can’t break away from the comfort of mechanical tuning. These knobs share space with an array of push-button HVAC controls. Row two enjoys their own personal climate controls along with dual cup holders.
At night, Overland trims feature narrow cool blue pen lighting accents on side doors and the dash setting a relaxing mood.
All 2021 model year Grand Cherokees qualify the ‘Jeep Wave,’ a non-transferable extended maintenance program playing off a popular hand gesture Jeep owners have politely exchanged with one another over the years when traversing on or off road. Included in this owner loyalty program is a 24-hour hot line for questions regarding Grand Cherokee along with trip interruption coverage if Grand Cherokee breaks down 100 miles or more from home (lodging, meals, etc.). Owners also enjoy three years of routine maintenance largely focused around oil and tire changes.
2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland
Price as tested: $68,385
Wheelbase: 121.7 inches
Length: 204.9 inches
Width: 84.6 inches
Height: 71.5
Engine: 5.7-liter, V-8
Horsepower: 357
Curb weight: 5,226 pounds
Powertrain warranty: Five-years
City/Highway economy: 14 mpg city/22 mpg highway
Assembly: Detroit, Michigan