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FIRST LOOK: 2021 Jeep® Grand Cherokee L Lineup:
Three-Rows, Four-By-Four Capability, Fifth-Generation Grand Cherokee...
It’s been almost 30 years since the Jeep® brand launched the Grand Cherokee nameplate. Since then, the Grand Cherokee has become the most-awarded SUV nameplate ever and has sold more than 7 million units around the globe. As one of the former Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) most important vehicles, the newly merged Stellantis is being careful about the launch of its fifth-generation of large SUVs.
Jeep has decided to launch the new three-row variant of the Grand Cherokee (WL) first, approximately five months ahead of the two-row model. While the Grand Cherokee L has been in production for the past several weeks, we have seen most of the new Jeeps sit on holding lots while just a few have reached dealers which haven’t been able to officially sell them yet.
The reason being is that Jeep doesn’t want to release a completely new vehicle with a number of issues at launch. Instead, they are carefully rolling out the new Grand Cherokee L to make sure that customer’s satisfactions are met, 100%
Recently, Jeep invited the media to Detroit, Michigan to the home of the new Jeep Grand Cherokee L to not only see the vehicle up close but to see its new manufacturing facilities at the Detroit Assembly Complex – Mack facility. After, they were sent to the Chelsea Proving Grounds to see just how rugged and capable the “Trail Rated” Jeep Grand Cherokee L Overland Off-Road, truly is.
First, you may wonder why is Jeep making a three-row Grand Cherokee when it has the new Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer (WS) models coming out? The answer is simple, the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer are much larger than the Grand Cherokee L. The Grand Cherokee L provides enough room for 6 or 7 passengers, without being too overwhelming in maneuvering around the local grocery store parking lot and too mammoth enough to parallel park.
But will it take sales from the Dodge Durango? It might. Those who are looking at the more luxurious Durango Citadel model, can skip it and hop into a Grand Cherokee L Summit with more features and luxury appoints. However, it will cost you about $8,000 more. The Durango might be older, but it still appeals to the performance-oriented and budget-friendly customer crowd.
Starting with the exterior, the Jeep design studio did a really great job with the overall styling of the Grand Cherokee L. While it is a three-row vehicle, Jeep designers were smart about the packaging of the vehicle. On the brand’s first three-row offering the 2006 to 2010 Jeep Commander, the design execution was just that it was a giant box. For Grand Cherokee L, the presentation is much more sculpted and more mature. The Grand Cherokee L has slopped windows and certain models have a black-painted roof which helps hide the boxier silhouette of the vehicle.
The front-end styling is boxier and features a much more upscale look than the outgoing model. Each model gets different grille textures and accents to help separate the price classes a little more, but the front offers a more aggressive “lower brow” stance. On Laredo and Limited models, there are amber accented LED daytime signature running lights and on the upscale Overland and Summit models, those running lights are white. Simple touches, that make the upper trim levels feel and look more luxurious without taking away from the cheaper more mass-driven options.
From the side of the vehicle, the Grand Cherokee L has a high beltline that wraps all the way around the vehicle. To help break that line up are the headlamps, taillamps, and door handles. Sculpted door indentions also help give the design a more rugged look, while on Overland and Summit models the black body accents on the Laredo and Limited are painted to match the body color giving the vehicle even more of a premium look.
From the rear of the vehicle, the narrow tail lamps wrapped around to the sides of the vehicle hides the fact that this new fifth-generation Grand Cherokee WL is actually 36mm wider than the outgoing WK2 models. A bold rear hatch mounted spoiler, hides the LED third brake light. On the upper-level models, the exhausts cleverly exit out the rear of the vehicle through the rear bumper.
Inside, the all-new Grand Cherokee L is lightyears ahead of the last generation vehicle. When you climb inside, you immediately met with a new instrument panel (I/P) which is more angular and opens up the cabin quite nicely. The I/P features slim HVAC vents, which makes the vehicle feel much wider than what it truly is. There are natural wood accents offered on the Summit (Open-Pore Absolute Oak) and on the ultra-premium Summit Reserve package (Open-Pore Waxed Walnut). No matter the trim level, the new Grand Cherokee L interior features much more premium materials and touches than the outgoing model and you can tell this time around the Jeep team paid a lot more attention to the interior.
One thing you will notice right off the bat is the new 10.25-inch frameless digital gauge cluster, which houses nearly two dozen different menus to choose from. It is paired with the new Uconnect 5 software, making it user-friendly and feature crisp and easy-to-read graphics. There is also the new 10.1-inch Uconnect 5-powered touchscreen infotainment system which is available on the upper trims. Lower-level models come with an 8.4-inch version framed in the housing as the 10.1-inch offering.
The premium McIntosh MX950 audio system is available on Overland and Summit models (standard on Summit Reserve package). It features a 17-channel amplifier with a maximum output of 950 watts and 19 speakers, including a 10-inch subwoofer, and is a must-have for audiophiles. Those models that feature the system, get metal accents on Piano Black surfaces, illuminated branding. and McIntosh’s signature blue-glowing power meter on the 10.1-inch touchscreen.
The center console has been totally reworked. A lot of people will be disappointed with the switch to a metal rotary shifter, however, it opens up the new console to feature by the ride height and Selec-Terrain switches (depending on the model). There are glossy Piano Black accents, which do look upscale but loves to show off fingerprints, and a set of new streamlined cup holders which allow more storage space for the front bin. The front bin can hold two wireless devices and features an optional wireless charger that can charge two devices simultaneously. No more trying to jam your phone into somewhere in your center console.
Instead of carrying over the seats from the last generation model, as some new vehicles do, the Grand Cherokee L gets an all-new seating structure. This means on the Overland and Summit models, there is a length-adjustable cushion for the front row occupants. Overland and Summit models also get power 16-way adjustable position with memory and lumbar on the first row and seatback massage features with five customizable profiles and three levels of intensity (optional on Overland and standard on Summit). Ventilated front-row seats are available on Limited and standard on Overland and Summit models. Ventilated seats in the second row come standard on the Summit Reserve Package.
The second row comes with standard “tip and slide” bucket seats (optional bench), 7-inches of fore and aft travel, and an available power-folding third row. Second-row bucket seats can be easily moved to create an expansive passage to the third row. There is a new second-row center console that mimics the front row console, with tons of storage and a pair of cup holders. For those who are position in the third-row, soft armrests color-keyed to the leather seats, additional storage, and cup holders. The second and third-row vents, now wider and slimmer, are placed in the pillars, as opposed to overhead, to better target passenger comfort zones without compromising headroom or visibility.
For those who have kids addicted to electronics, there is a class-leading number of 12 USB Type A and Type C ports for wireless devices in all trim levels.
There is also ambient lighting with five colors to choose from, that features an inviting glow along the I/P, front, and rear doors, on Overland and Summit models.
When it comes to sunroof options, the Laredo and Altitude models are available with a single-pane sunroof. On Limited models, there is the option of the CommandView dual-pane sunroof with a power sunshade (standard on Overland and Summit). The CommandView dual-pane sunroof opens the cabin up, again giving the illusion that the interior is much larger than what it truly is. It is a must-have, for those who want a bit of the Jeep open-air feeling while adventuring off-road.
Speaking of off-road, while there is no Trailhawk offering on the Grand Cherokee L, the “Trail Rated” Overland Off-Road is the most off-road-oriented in the lineup. The Off-Road Group for the Overland model adds high-strength steel skid plates, an electronic limited-slip differential (eLSD) rear axle, 18-inch aluminum wheels, and rugged, all-season performance tires. The package gives the Overland Off-Road class-leading ground clearance, articulation and water fording capabilities of up to 24-inches. The available 360-degree Surround-View camera allows you to use the front camera as a forward-facing trail camera while tackling obstacles off-road, a feature we love.
Grand Cherokee L receives a multitude of improvements to optimize ride, handling, and quiet sound, over the WK2 model. A new unibody design along with three available 4×4 systems (Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, and Quadra-Drive II), an available Quadra-Lift air suspension, and standard Selec-Terrain traction management system improve on the nameplate’s legendary 4×4 capability.
The Jeep engineering team reduced weight by mounting the axle directly to the engine, along with a solid-mounted aluminum front cradle, aluminum engine mounts and steering gear, a magnesium cross-car beam, aluminum shock towers, and an all-new electronic master brake booster system. To help meet weight, impact and to improve durability, the Grand Cherokee L body structure employs the latest grades of Generation 3 steel. The next-generation steel gave engineering and design teams the ability to cold stamp complex parts from higher strength materials, which was not possible in the past, creating a more robust and innovative body structure.
Grand Cherokee L employs a newly located front virtual ball joint to improve lateral control and a multi-link rear suspension that enables improvement in ride comfort and routine handling. An enhanced engine box with a shock-to-shock tower brace improves local lateral stiffness by 125%. A new variable-rate air spring suspension continuously adjusts stiffness to loading conditions to further compliment the vehicle’s legendary off-road capability. Premium manners are enhanced with approximately 6,500 welds in the body alone.
Under the hood, Grand Cherokee L launches with two familiar engine choices. The standard 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 producing 293 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque is capable of towing up to 6,200 lbs. For those who want more power, there is the optional 5.7-liter HEMI V8 with 357 horsepower and 390 lb.-ft. of torque with a tow rating of 7,200 lbs. For those who are wanting more towing capability, you may want to look at the Durango which was 8,700 lbs. of towing ability with its Durango R/T Tow N’ Go, Durango SRT392, and Durango SRT Hellcat.
Both engines are paired with 8-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmissions. An 850RE version for the Pentastar and an 8HP75 for the HEMI.
While Jeep is keeping quiet about the upcoming two-row Grand Cherokee, we already know that it will feature an electrified 4xe variant. We expect that the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain will be available in the three-row model as well. According to our sources, it will be very similar to the one used in the 2021 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 4xe which puts out 375 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque. It also runs about 23 miles completely on electric power.
The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L is a welcome addition to the Jeep lineup. While the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer may foreshadow the Grand Cherokee L for the time being, the full-size prices for the full-size Wagoneer models will have more people flocking to put a Grand Cherokee L in their driveway. We can’t wait to see the rest of the upcoming Grand Cherokee lineup later this fall.
To keep up with everything surrounding the all-new fifth-generation Grand Cherokee, be sure to join our WLJeepForum.com.
2021 Jeep® Grand Cherokee L Image Gallery:
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