CAUGHT: Two-Row Jeep® Grand Cherokee Looks Different Than Its Three-Row Sibling:

As the all-new 2021 Jeep® Grand Cherokee L (WL75) gets ready to enter production at the new Detroit Assembly Complex – Mack plant, our eagle-eyed photographers have caught the two-row version of the Grand Cherokee (WL74) out testing on public roads. The two-row model is the second part of the new Grand Cherokee (WL) portfolio to be coming to market during 2021. The two-row model will be joined by a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) version, under the 4xe nameplate.

Not only is the 2022 WL74 shorter than the WL75, but it also features several different design features as well. The 2022 WL74 appears to have a more angular look when compared to its more squared-off three-row sibling. While it appears that the front doors are the same on both models it looks like the rear doors are longer on the Grand Cherokee L, also the rear quarter panels, rear quarter window, roof, rear spoiler, and front fascia will be different on both models.

Looking at the front end styling, it appears that the WL74 is going for a sportier look than the three-row WL75. The WL74 Limited tester shown here features a larger lower grille which is more angular than the blockier more upright WL75’s appearance. Gone is the black panel running across the top of the lower grille. The WL74 also ditches the large chrome trim from the WL75, in favor of what appears to be a smaller piece of trim located directly under the lower grille. The LED fog lamps are also mounted at more of an angle with a small piece of trim below, something that is missing on the WL75.

With the WL75 being a three-row variant, the need for a taller roof to accommodate the rear occupants makes the WL75 overall styling more square. WL74 will feature rear styling reminiscent of the 2005 to 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee (WK). An aggressive rear pillar slope gives the WL74 a more athletic appearance from the side. Rear window shapes are also different. The WL75 is more squared while the WL74 adapts the rear pillar slope to its rear window.

With an all-new architecture, all-new interior, three Jeep 4×4 systems, the most advanced, most high-tech safety, and most security features in its class, the WL74 will be the most advanced Grand Cherokee ever. The fifth-generation Grand Cherokee (WL) will feature the brand’s renowned 4×4 systems (Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, and Quadra-Drive II), class-exclusive Jeep Quadra-Lift air suspension now with electronic adaptive damping, and Selec-Terrain traction management system that will capture the brand’s brand’s legendary 4×4 capability. All three systems are equipped with an active transfer case to improve traction by moving torque to work with the wheel with the most grip. All 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee models will feature a front-axle disconnect on all 4×4 trims.

Under the hood of the 2022 Grand Cherokee lineup, the all-aluminum 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine, rated at 290 horsepower and 257 lb.-ft. of torque will be standard across the lineup. For those who are wanted more power, they can opt for the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 rated at 357 horsepower and 390 lb.-ft. of torque on select models. Both engines will be paired with the robust ZF-sourced 8HP75 TorqueFlite 8-speed automatic transmission which enhances fuel economy and delivers smooth and crisp shifts. The HEMI is capable of towing up to 7,200 lbs on select Grand Cherokee models.
 
The new two-row WL74 is expected to start production at the Detroit Assembly Complex – Jefferson (formally the Jefferson North Assembly Plant) alongside the recently revised Dodge Durango this August. The two-row models should be hitting dealer lots sometime in September.