Jeep has finally re-entered the three-row mid-size SUV game with the all-new 2021 Grand Cherokee L. Although it released the 2022 Grand Wagoneer back in March 2021, Jeep has oddly decided to release the monocoque chassis Grand Cherokee L to go on sale this year first.
The “L” stands for Long/Long-wheel-base, and since the regular Grand Cherokee has not yet been updated, the L does steal all the attention. It looks more modern and features much more tech than its current short-wheel-base brother. Essentially, this is the start of the new 5th generation Grand Cherokee.
Exterior
The exterior of the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L has a complete redesign. It has a much more dashing presence than the previous-gen Grand Cherokee. Overall, it looks much more futuristic with its thin exterior lightings and more squared and edgy lines.
In terms of dimension, the L is the largest Grand Cherokee ever, measuring 204.9 inches long, 77.9 inches wide, and 71.5 inches tall. Although it features three-row seating, the off-road capability still can’t be underestimated. It has a ground clearance of 8.3 inches in normal position while lifting the air-suspension to off-road mode would raise it to 10.9 inches, which is at the Range Rover territory. The new design language is definitely a win, and we think it is the best-looking Grand Cherokee so far.
Interior
Step inside, you’ll also find the interior has been completely redesigned as if it tried to promote itself to the luxury SUV category. It presents a premium-looking dashboard with soft-touch materials and maximizes the usage of screens for both the new digital driver’s display and the infotainment screen. Moreover, the materials get better as you climb to the higher trims.
The Grand Cherokee L has third-row seats, meaning it seats 6 to 7 passengers, although the 7-seating configuration is a $695 optional extra. Nonetheless, it has a passenger volume of 152 cubic feet, so the passengers should not feel any lack of space.
In terms of cargo space, it measures 17 cubic feet with all the seats upright. Folding the back and middle row seats down would create a massive flat floor measuring 85 cubic feet. Hence, it is a very accommodative SUV.
However, you would find something like a Hyundai Palisade or Kia Telluride to be more satisfying in terms of interior space while providing the same level of poshness.
Trims
The newborn 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L is offered in 4 trims—Laredo, Limited, Overland, and Summit. All of them are configurable either in RWD or 4WD.
2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Laredo
Starting price: RWD – $37,340, 4WD – $39,340
The Laredo is the entry-level trim, equipped with a decently powerful standard engine and still loaded with features.
Powertrain
It has a 3.6-liter naturally-aspirated V6 engine with 290 hp and 257 lb-ft of torque. It is paired to an 8-speed automatic gearbox, channeling its power to either the rear wheels or all four wheels. Thus, it will go from 0-60 mph in just under 8 seconds and has a top speed of 130 mph.
Fuel efficiency is not its forte but reasonably decent for its size, performing at 19 MPG/city and 26 MPG/highway. For the 4WD model, the figures are lower by 1 MPG. Nonetheless, the Grand Cherokee L has quite a large fuel capacity of 23-gallon. As a result, it could provide a range of up to 500 miles.
Exterior Features
Despite being the base model, the Laredo still has some premium features. As standard, it gets single-tone 18-inch wheels, heated side mirrors, automatic headlamps, and acoustic laminated glass and windshield. Moreover, it also comes as standard with a monotone Bright White exterior paint, with other color options available at an extra $345.
Interior Features
Inside, it features cloth seats with black interior color, 8-way power-adjustable driver seat, heated front seats, and 3-zone automatic climate control as standard. Moreover, the entertainment system features an 8.4-inch Uconnect® 5 infotainment system, complete with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. For audio, you get a 6-speaker audio system.
Safety Features and Driver Assistant
Even from the entry-level model, the Grand Cherokee L is loaded with standard safety bits, such as 8 airbags, electronic stability control, traction control, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, and hill start assist. Besides, there is also a blind spot and cross path detection, and a security alarm system.
The SUV also comes as standard with adaptive cruise control, rear parking sensors, a backup camera, and maximum speed calibration to help you not exceed the speed limit.
2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited
Starting price: RWD – $44,340, 4WD – $46,340
The Limited is a step up from the Laredo with the same powertrain option but with a few upgraded features.
Exterior Features
With features carried from the entry-level trim, there are a few minor touch-ups. It now has a remote-start system, automatic high beam headlights, and LED front foglights. Besides, the side mirrors are power-adjustable with memory function, and the trunk features a power liftgate. Also, although the 18-wheels from the Laredo are standard, there is an option to upgrade to more dapper dual-tone 20-inch wheels for an extra $1,495.
Interior Features
Inside, the Grand Cherokee L Limited receives Capri leather seats. The driver seat also has a memory function, and the second-row seats have a heating function. Furthermore, it has leather wrapped and heated steering wheel, interior ambient lighting, and a universal garage door opener.
Furthermore, there is a 115-volt power outlet, 3rd row USB charging ports, SiriusXM® subscription, and an improved sound system as standard. And lastly, a larger 10.1-inch Uconnect® 5 infotainment system with navigation is upgradable for an extra $995.
2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Overland
Starting price: RWD – $53,340, 4WD – $55,340
The Overland provides a more premium feel and is available with a more powerful engine for the 4WD model.
Powertrain
As standard, the Grand Cherokee L Overland features the same 3.6-liter V6 engine as the previous trims. However, opting for the 4WD model would let you upgrade to the tougher 5.7-liter naturally-aspirated V8, producing 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. It features the same 8-speed automatic gearbox, but it can accelerate from 0-60 mph in just under 7 seconds.
Economy-wise, it resides on the thirsty side with 14 MPG/city and 22 MPG/highway. Sadly, the fuel capacity remains at 23-gallon, making its expected range down to just 390 miles. Frankly, we’d stick with the V6.
Nonetheless, the 4WD models do have the advantage of added adaptive damping and quadra-lift air suspension.
Exterior Features
There are a few significant exterior changes, starting with the available two-tone paint and larger 20-inch wheels. There is the addition of power-folding side mirrors, a hands-free power liftgate, dual-pane panoramic sunroof, and extended exterior lighting as well. Moreover, the Overland also comes with rain-sensing windshield wipers with a de-icer function.
Interior Features
Additional interior features include Nappa leather seats, ventilated front seats, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Also, there is the addition of a navigation system and HD radio to the 8.4-inch infotainment screen and a 9-speaker Alpine® premium system with a subwoofer.
Safety Features and Driver Assistant
Safety-wise, there is the addition of front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking and a trailer-hitch zoom camera system.
2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Summit
Starting price: RWD – $57,340, 4WD – $59,585
The Summit is the top-of-the-range model with the most standard features among the lineup. Like the Overland, the V6 engine is standard, and the 4WD model gets an optional full-blown V8.
Exterior Features
There is not much to report on the exterior, apart from the more elegant 20-inch wheel design, black painted roof, laminated rear glass, and chrome exterior accents.
Interior Features
Inside, there is the addition of 12-way power-adjustable front seats with memory and massage function, wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel, 4-zone automatic climate control, and a larger 10.1-inch infotainment screen as standard.
Safety Features and Driver Assistant
Some added safety bits include highway and traffic jam assist, drowsy driver detection and traffic sign recognition, and map-in-cluster display. There is also a surround-view camera system with an integrated off-road camera as standard.
Highlighted Packages
Jeep offers some extra packages on the 2021 Grand Cherokee L. However, these packages are only available in specific trims.
Luxury Tech Group I
Price: $1,295
Available exclusively on Laredo trim, the Luxury Tech Group I adds some premium features to this entry-level model. Outside, there is a remote-start system, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and a power liftgate.
Meanwhile, inside, you get heated front seats and steering wheel, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a wireless charging pad. There is also a 115-volt power outlet, a 3rd row USB charging port, and a SiriusXM® subscription as standard.
Luxury Tech Group II
Price: $2,295
Available exclusively on Limited trim, the Luxury Tech Group II includes all features from Group I with the addition of auto-dimming side mirrors, front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking, surround-view camera, and passive entry system. There is also an integrated off-road camera and a rear backup camera washer.
Meanwhile, the inside gets the addition of Capri leather perforated seats, ventilated front seats, power-adjustable steering column with memory function, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and manual window shades for the second row. Furthermore, there is an added safety feature, an intersection cross-traffic alert system with automatic emergency braking.
Luxury Tech Group IV
Price: $1,995
Available exclusively on the Overland trim, the Luxury Tech Group IV includes all features from Group II with the addition of 12-way power-adjustable front seats with memory and massage function, 4-zone automatic climate control, and a heavy-duty engine cooling system.
Luxury Tech Group V
Price: $245
Available exclusively on the Summit RWD model, the Luxury Tech Group V only adds a wireless charging pad and manual window shades for the second row to this top-level model. Meanwhile, the Summit 4WD model would have this package installed as standard.
Off-Road Group
Price: $1,095
Available exclusively on the Overland 4WD model, the Off-Road Group enhances the off-roading ability of this trim. It features an electronic limited-slip differential on the rear axle and a skid-plate shield for the front suspension, fuel tank, and transfer case. Sadly, this package downgrades the wheels to the entry level’s 18-inch, but it does come with all-terrain tires.
Advanced ProTech Group III
Price: $1,995
Available exclusively on Overland trim, the Advanced ProTech Group III adds a few techy and safety features to the vehicle. For camera-related features, there is a surround-view camera system, integrated off-road camera, interior rear-facing camera, night vision system, and a rear backup camera washer. Meanwhile, the added safety tech includes an intersection cross-traffic alert system with automatic emergency braking and a highway and traffic jam assist. Finally, there is a head-up display and map-in-cluster display.
It is worth noting that you can only opt for this package together with the Luxury Tech Group IV.
Advanced ProTech Group IV
Price: $1,995
Available exclusively on Summit trim, the Advanced ProTech Group IV adds a head-up display, interior rear-facing camera, and night vision system to this already well-equipped top-of-the-range model.
Trailer-Tow Package
Price: $995
Available on all trims, the Trailer-Tow Package features the necessary equipment for trailering activities, such as Class IV receiver-hitch, 7-and 4-pin wiring harness, and 180-amp alternator. There is also an automatic headlamp leveling system, heavy-duty engine cooling system, rear load-leveling suspension, and a trailer-hitch zoom camera. Moreover, an 18-inch trailer spare wheel and a full-size spare tire for the vehicle are also included.
Towing Capacity
The regular size Grand Cherokee is already famous for its giant towing capacity, and that is no exception with the L. Those with the 3.6-liter V6 engine could tow up to 6,200 lbs., while the 5.7-liter V8 owners can tow up to a mammoth 7,200 lbs.
However, if you need even more towing power, you could find it in something like a Dodge Durango or Ford Expedition.
Warranty
The warranty Jeep will include on top of your 2021 Grand Cherokee L purchase includes:
- Limited warranty of up to 3 years/36,000 miles
- Drivetrain warranty of up to 5 years/60,000 miles
- Rust warranty of up to 5 years with unlimited mileage
- Roadside assistance program of up to 5 years/60,000 miles
- Complimentary scheduled maintenance of up to 3 years with unlimited mileage
Verdict
The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L is a new chapter opener for the 5th generation Grand Cherokee, and we felt like Jeep has gone on a good start. With a starting price of just under $40,000, the L provides practicality, luxury, and off-road capability. Hence, it is a great value for money.
Our consumer advice goes to picking the Limited trim as we don’t think you’ll miss out a lot on the luxuries of the higher trims, and perhaps you may save some cash for upgrading the entertainment system. Besides, the optional V8 engine is not desirable enough as it delivers similar performance to the V6 but much worse fuel efficiency.
With that said, it is worth noting that the Grand Cherokee L also has some worthy-to-check opponents, such as the more spacious Kia Telluride, the more fun-to-drive Mazda CX-9, and the more economical Toyota Highlander.
Gallery: 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
