For nearly a decade, Jeep stood on the sidelines and watched other automakers cash in with lucrative sales of 3-row crossovers and SUVs. That all changes for 2021 as Jeep introduces two 3-row crossovers, the Grand Cherokee L and Wagoneer - though technically Wagoneer is a new sub-brand under the Stellantis umbrella.
As the name implies, Grand Cherokee L is nearly 12 inches longer than its two-row cousin allowing for 6- or 7-passenger capacity. In a somewhat confusing game of semantics, the Grand Cherokee L was introduced as a 2021 model and the all-new Grand Cherokee, with which it shares a platform and engines, is a 2022 model. Competitors include the Chevrolet Traverse, Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, Mazda CX-9, Nissan Pathfinder, Subaru Ascent, Toyota Highlander and Volkswagen Atlas. However, since the Grand Cherokee plays well against luxury SUVs, buyers might also consider the Acura MDX, Land Rover Discovery, Lexus RX and Volvo XC90.
Sharing engines with its smaller brother, Grand Cherokee L is available with either a 3.6-liter V6 that makes 290 horsepower and 257 lb-ft of torque or a 5.7-liter V8 with 357 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Rear- and four-wheel-drive configurations are offered. Maximum towing with the V6 is 6,200 pounds. V8 models can tow up to 7,200 pounds when properly equipped.
With prices ranging from $43,000 to $66,000, trim levels include Laredo, Limited, Overland and Summit. Laredo comes standard with LED headlights, 18-inch wheels, roof rails, tri-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable driver's seat, sliding second-row captain's chairs, proximity keyless entry and push-button start, 10.25-inch driver information display, 8.4-inch touchscreen with wireless support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, six-speaker stereo system, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert and forward collision warning with brake intervention. Limited adds to Laredo LED foglights, remote start, ambient lighting, leather upholstery, power-adjustable front passenger seat, heated front and second-row seats, heated steering wheel, power liftgate.
Overland adds to Limited front tow hooks, 20-inch wheels, hands-free liftgate, dual-pane panoramic sunroof, power-adjustable steering wheel, ambient cabin lighting, ventilated front seats, premium leather upholstery, power-folding third row of seats, navigation system, nine-speaker stereo system and adaptive air suspension with selectable ride height settings and hill-descent control on models equipped with 4-wheel drive. The Summit adds to Overland gloss black roof, 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen, upgraded front seats with massage function, 4-zone automatic climate control, lane keeping system, driver attention warning, automated parking system, surround-view camera and on 4-wheel drive models an electronic limited-slip rear differential.
Grand Cherokee L's engines are pretty much a carry over, meaning turbo-types need not apply. You see, Jeep believes there's no replacement for displacement. It's something very true in the large vehicle space where typically smaller turbocharged engines have to work much harder to keep up, reducing any fuel efficiency gains. The base 3.6-liter V6 provides solid, albeit not overwhelming acceleration and passing response. The problem comes with a full load of passengers, trailer or cargo when the engine just doesn't have the torque to keep up. Still, when empty the V6 will push the Grand Cherokee L from 0 to 60 MPH in about 8.5 seconds, perhaps a bit below the class norm.
Never fear though, Jeep has got a solution for those willing to pay extra ... a wonderfully torquey and powerful 5.7-liter V8. This engine might consume more fuel, but its plenty powerful regardless of passenger or cargo load. Its 0 to 60 MPH time is just 6.5 seconds, but more importantly, it's got instant, and seemingly endless, passing punch. The V8 is also smoother than the sometimes-snarly V6.
Both engine mate well to the 8-speed automatic. It's a great transmission that provides smooth upshifts and prompt downshifts.
In addition to rear-wheel drive, the Grand Cherokee L offers three different 4-wheel-drive systems. Quadra-Trac I is a single-speed all-wheel drive system, similar to what you might find in most crossover vehicles. Quadra-Trac II is a true 4-wheel-drive system with a 2-speed transfer case. Quadra-Drive II adds a limited-slip differential to the rear axle for even more sure-footed off-road driving.
With three different systems on tap, buyers can choose a 4-wheel-drive system that meets their needs. Most will be more than fine with Quadra-Trac I, but it's nice to have two step-up systems for those so inclined.
Rear-drive V6 models net 21/26 MPG EPA ratings. At the other end of the spectrum, 4-wheel-drive V8s get ratings of 14/22 MPG. The V6 runs fine on regular-grade gasoline while the V8 calls for mid-grade gasoline. In routine suburban commuting expect to see about 18 MPG with the V6 and perhaps 16 MPG with the V8. While those numbers greatly trail competitors, remember, Grand Cherokee L is a true off-road SUV with impressive trailer-towing capacity.
Dynamically, the Grand Cherokee L effectively splits the difference between the comfortable ride of a crossover and the off-road ruggedness of a SUV. In most cases, occupants are treated to a smooth and even-keeled experience, though when the road gets really rough, Grand Cherokee's trucky nature leaks out in the form an extra oscillation or two from the rear suspension or a small jolt over an expansion joint at the front. Stepping up in trim generally brings larger wheels and tires that impact ride quality and overall handling. As a result, be sure to test drive the exact vehicle you are considering. There is also an optional air suspension that further enhances ride quality.
Grand Cherokee L offers enough composure for most drivers, though. The steering is direct and has good highway on-center feel. Still, it can feel a little slow at parking speeds. Brakes have ample stopping power and an easy-to-modulate pedal. For the most part, body lean is kept in check. In quick transitions, the rear end falls a bit behind the front and creates a secondary motion that requires a steering correction.
Jeep has done a great job of addressing the interior noise problems of the outgoing model. The new Grand Cherokee L is indeed extremely quiet when cruising. However, both engines can intrude in hard acceleration and the V8 has a throaty exhaust note.
New from stem to stern, perhaps the most noticeable change in Grand Cherokee is its refreshed interior. Materials get a huge upgrade and the design is much more modern and features digital screen and impressive technology. There's a lot of piano-black plastic on the center console, but the dashboard, door panels and headliner boast rich woods, leathers and fabrics that seem a class above the SUV norm.
With the increase in wheelbase, Grand Cherokee offers loads of space inside. The comfortable and supportive front seats fit drivers of all sizes and there's ample space for passengers up to 6 feet tall in both the second and third rows. The second-row seat even slides fore-and-aft 7 inches to allow for more tailored seating arrangements. Speaking of that, Grand Cherokee L is offered in 6- and 7-passenger configurations with the second row offering either a bench or captain's chairs.
Compared to some other crossovers that sit lower to the ground, Grand Cherokee L is a bit more difficult to access. There's a mild climb into the front seats and getting to the third row is a bit of a squeeze, even tough the second-row seats tip and slide. Outward visibility is just average as Grand Cherokee L has thick pillars, a high beltline and lots of safety equipment at the top of the windshield. Though that's somewhat mitigated by excellent surround-view cameras.
Basic controls are well placed and straight forward, but the shear number of buttons and knobs can be a bit off-putting. Still, everything is clearly marked and logical in operation. Kudos to Jeep for an excellent digital instrument cluster that offers a solid mix of information without becoming too busy. Same can be said for the crisp head-up display and large center infotainment screen.
Grand Cherokee L offers Uconnect 5, the latest infotainment system from parent company Stellantis. It has crisp graphics, and the available integrated navigation system provides helpful turn-by-turn route instructions. There's also wireless support for Android Auto and Apple Car Play. As the name suggests, you don't have to plug in any more, but that means the connection isn't perfect either. Sometimes with wireless connections there's a hiccup or two when talking on the phone or streaming music.
Grand Cherokee L trails some three-row rivals such as the Kia Telluride and Volkswagen Atlas in maximum cargo capacity. Its 17.2 cubic feet of space behind the third row is usable enough for everyday tasks, but the load floor is rather high. Max. capacity of 84.6 cubic feet also trails crossover competitors. Inside, there is ample storage space for small items, with plenty of cupholders and spacious center console bins in the first and second rows. Jeep also offers a concealed wireless charging dock.
Bottom Line -- Overall, the Grand Cherokee L effectively brings Jeep's rough-and-ready DNA to new a class of crossover. Choice of engines and 4-wheel-drive systems is also unique. Besides finally offering a third seating row, Grand Cherokee L now matches luxury competitors in quality and feature availability. Though Grand Cherokee L can become expensive, the $47,000 Limited adds leather seats and a host of interior and exterior upgrades, plus a power liftgate. It's the Grand Cherokee buyers have been waiting decades for, and Jeep didn't disappoint.
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