Meet The All-New Three-Row 2021 Jeep® Grand Cherokee L:

Meet The All-New Three-Row 2021 Jeep® Grand Cherokee L:​

The Fifth-Generation Grand Cherokee Is Here!​

Meet The All-New Three-Row 2021 Jeep® Grand Cherokee L:

It was 29 years ago today, that the Jeep® brand shook up the SUV segment with the introduction of the 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee (ZJ). Originally intended to be a replacement for the legendary Jeep Grand Wagoneer (SJ), the all-new ZJ was introduced to the media at the North American International...

moparinsiders.com

 

[Ryan]

WS shares the DT Ram platform and will be assembled at Warren Truck. I wouldn't be super concerned as long as both it and Ram sell. As long as it recoups the investment, you can argue that it's the Jeep halo. Even if it doesn't recoup the investment, it has other benefits just being out there. Bigger question is will GCL rob from the GC, or do more conquests from outside Stellantis?

I’m betting they will combine the WL74 and WL75 (and WK2, for that matter) sales figures so we will never know how many people are going with the L.

 

[AlexB]

I’m betting they will combine the WL74 and WL75 (and WK2, for that matter) sales figures so we will never know how many people are going with the L.

And combine, the Grand Cherokee will outsell every passenger car in sold in the United States.

 

[jobblyman]

Probably. The upcoming wagoneer long wheel base version may have the width and length sufficient for 4x8 interior. But these vehicles are not intended for construction runabouts or to simulate an enclosed trailer. Get a cheap trailer (or rent one) and keep that crap out of the interior. If you are doing anything like that regularly, get a fullsize truck or one of the millions of used grand caravans out there.

I'd like a FCA SUV to have the interior dimension of a Pacifica. The Durango and this new Jeep look too narrow. I wish the Pacifica would come with the Hemi. That has a spacious interior.

 

[TripleT]

I'd like a FCA SUV to have the interior dimension of a Pacifica. The Durango and this new Jeep look too narrow. I wish the Pacifica would come with the Hemi. That has a spacious interior.

Well it be quite a trick to squeeze the Hemi in sideways. The V6 and the 2T make pretty close to hemi power when it was introduced.

Biggest problem with the Pacifica is it not a CUV

Wagoneer might be just what you want or the upcoming Durango.

 

[Ryan]

I think the Limited will no longer have black plastic cladding.

This standard equipment for the Limited:
WHEEL FLARES - MOLD-IN-COLOR (MMJ)
MOLD-IN-COLOR LOWER FRONT FASCIA (MLX)
MOLD-IN-COLOR LOWER REAR FASCIA (MLK)

 

[Bili]

This found its way on the new Grand Cherokee according to press release:

https://thebrakereport.com/continentals-brake-by-wire-benefits/

Supplier could be different.

 

[TripleT]

If none of you have played in a Alfa with DNA dial... I certainly changes the way the pedal feels in different drive modes.

 

[Archknight]

I'm very curious since they announced this platform as a "unique unibody", will that prompt them to move the Cherokee (KL) to a shortened wheelbase version. The standard Grand Cherokee will still get a larger wheelbase of 115" inches and overall length of 195" or longer. This leaves plenty of room for a 109"-112" wheelbase model to slide underneath in the 184"-190" range of the brand where the KL sits. Also, with all the premium touches in this new GCL, why wouldn't they also give the more affordable model a shot at real sales?

 

[Jared B]

I'm very curious since they announced this platform as a "unique unibody", will that prompt them to move the Cherokee (KL) to a shortened wheelbase version. The standard Grand Cherokee will still get a larger wheelbase of 115" inches and overall length of 195" or longer. This leaves plenty of room for a 109"-112" wheelbase model to slide underneath in the 184"-190" range of the brand where the KL sits. Also, with all the premium touches in this new GCL, why wouldn't they also give the more affordable model a shot at real sales?

There's a very real chance. About a year ago I heard that the next-generation Cherokee would move to a RWD biased platform. With the modularity of this new architecture, there is a chance that it could be shrunk down to base a Cherokee off of.

 

[Archknight]

There's a very real chance. About a year ago I heard that the next-generation Cherokee would move to a RWD biased platform. With the modularity of this new architecture, there is a chance that it could be shrunk down to base a Cherokee off of.

Thank you sir for giving me hope!! After seeing this new GCL, FCA (Stellantis) has me excited again about their upcoming models. Hopefully, they will leave Jeep and Ram to continue their surge. I've given up on my poor Dodge and Chrysler..

 

[Bili]

I'm very curious since they announced this platform as a "unique unibody", will that prompt them to move the Cherokee (KL) to a shortened wheelbase version. The standard Grand Cherokee will still get a larger wheelbase of 115" inches and overall length of 195" or longer. This leaves plenty of room for a 109"-112" wheelbase model to slide underneath in the 184"-190" range of the brand where the KL sits. Also, with all the premium touches in this new GCL, why wouldn't they also give the more affordable model a shot at real sales?

Alfa Romeo Stelvio has 111" long wheelbase. I don't expect that the Giorgio based Cherokee would have much longer wheelbase although Cherokee could be longer and boxier for better space utilization. But for that class size overall weight shouldn't be taller than Stelvio. Just look at Range Rover Velar size. RWD Cherokee would be direct competitor.

We should wait for the new plan. I think that @AlexB said that plan unveil is scheduled for September.

 

[pumadog]

I hope they give a general update for all brand directions before that, without specific model plans. For Alfa Romeo, some manager* at the Maserati MC20 event indicated that Alfa would see a similar event in the not too distant future.

*who was it? Manley, Busse? Can't remember right now.

 

[Archknight]

Alfa Romeo Stelvio has 111" long wheelbase. I don't expect that the Giorgio based Cherokee would have much longer wheelbase although Cherokee could be longer and boxier for better space utilization. But for that class size overall weight shouldn't be taller than Stelvio. Just look at Range Rover Velar size. RWD Cherokee would be direct competitor.

We should wait for the new plan. I think that @AlexB said that plan unveil is scheduled for September.

The new Cherokee is also scheduled for FMC this year though, so I'm curious if the work has ready started? Seems Jeep is the one brand that things are seemingly staying on schedule sans the Wagoneer/GW.

 

[Bili]

The new Cherokee is also scheduled for FMC this year though, so I'm curious if the work has ready started?

Sorry. What is FMC?

Cherokee has one issue. CUSW as the platform is orphaned. There is no similar product in North America or Europe. Actually Pacifica could be ultra big CUSW. If that's true no wonder that Chinese Jeep Commander has received the same PHEV as on Pacifica. Unfortunately that's FWD only PHEV so that can't work in US.

 

[Bili]

I hope they give a general update for all brand directions before that, without specific model plans. For Alfa Romeo, some manager* at the Maserati MC20 event indicated that Alfa would see a similar event in the not too distant future.

*who was it? Manley, Busse? Can't remember right now.

Some media outlets said so but I can't take some of them as serious. Many of them do not have good track record. And seeing what Manley did with Alfa's development and where they've positioned Alfa Romeo at Stellantis... Basically they said pole Alfa Romeo, DS, Lancia. Does this mean FWD only Alfas sans E-segment?

 

[Archknight]

Sorry. What is FMC?

Cherokee has one issue. CUSW as the platform is orphaned. There is no similar product in North America or Europe. Actually Pacifica could be ultra big CUSW. If that's true no wonder that Chinese Jeep Commander has received the same PHEV as on Pacifica. Unfortunately that's FWD only PHEV so that can't work in US.

FMC = Final Model Change

I figured that they were getting rid of the CUSW platform since it was deemed too heavy with the Dart and 200. The only options would be a stretched/widened SUSW platform or some version of the Grigorio. From a development standpoint, I would think it would be more advantageous to use a platform that was developed for Jeep already, just scaled down. There's also the 2.0T eTorque that could be utilized a bit better in a longitudinally mounted engine bay. It seems they had to compromise the current use of it because of packaging.

 

[Bili]

FMC = Final Model Change

Never heard of it. MCA (Mid Cycle Action) is the name of facelifts(mid generation refresh) for FCA cars. Some cars can receive 2 MCAs during the lifestyle. Actually that just happened Maserati line-up. Cherokee has received one MCA.

I figured that they were getting rid of the CUSW platform since it was deemed too heavy with the Dart and 200. The only options would be a stretched/widened SUSW platform or some version of the Grigorio. From a development standpoint, I would think it would be more advantageous to use a platform that was developed for Jeep already, just scaled down. There's also the 2.0T eTorque that could be utilized a bit better in a longitudinally mounted engine bay. It seems they had to compromise the current use of it because of packaging.

Too heavy? They can solve it but it seems that platforms, transverse engine platforms, with V6 capabilities are all but dead. If you want 6 cylinder go RWD.

I agree with you on platform choice. The most logical choice is between Small Wide and Giorgio. But IMO it's Giorgio because rumor says that Renegade and Compass will grow a bit with the next generation.

We should see where PSA platforms fit. They don't have mechanical AWD option. IMO mechanical AWD is and will be the important feature for North American market in this decade. Adapting PSA platform for it would push the next generation FWD Jeeps even further back. Not to mention that PSA EMP2 platform is not as efficient packaging as Small Wide. They would need longer wheelbase to match leg room of Small Wide.

 

[Bili]

My take. Grand Cherokee could get even bigger 12.1" infotainment screen very soon.

 

[Stahlilama]

Very interesting. Do I still need to get a Pacifica/Voyager if I need to haul plywood or drywall sheetrock?

Well if it’s a one-time thing, get the suv you want and then rent the truck from Home Depot for 20 bucks. If you’re doing it on the regular, a minivan isn’t what you should be buying, get a pickup.

 

[Bili]

Limited 4WD 3.6: old 2.211 kg; new 2.168kg (- 43kg / 95 lbs);

Summit 5.7: old 2.367 kg; new 2.428 kg (+ 61kg / 134 lbs)