JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE L: For the drivers who want a third row in their SUV.
PROS: Sophisticated driving experience; thrilling engines; a stylish and tech-forward interior; and a high towing capacity.
CONS: Pricey; low fuel efficiency; and some visibility issues.
VERDICT: If you've got lots of family members and love off-roading, the Grand Cherokee L is your SUV.
Does it have any competitors or rivals?
Chevrolet Traverse, Kia Telluride, Honda Pilot, and Volkswagen Atlas.
What’s interesting about the GRAND CHEROKEE L?
- The Grand Cherokee L is the extended, three-row sibling of the classic Grand Cherokee model.
- This model seats six or seven, unlike the regular Grand Cherokee that seats five.
- When properly equipped, the L can tow between 6,200-7,200 pounds, depending on whether you choose the V6 or V8 engine.
- Many of the features included in the L are typically reserved for high-end brands.
How about the prices and trims?
This year, six trims are available, with the Laredo starting at $43,520. Altitude and Limited add cost $47,225 and $48,440, respectively. Next, Overland costs nearly $10,000 more than the limited, which is significant for most shoppers. Summit's price tag starts at just over $62,000 and Summit Reserve costs almost $69,000.
Overall, the Grand Cherokee L offers plenty of features to get shoppers excited: lots of technology, a good-looking and comfortable interior, and prowess for off-roading or commuting in the city. Unfortunately, the price will likely alienate buyers when they can get a more fuel-efficient and stylish three-row SUV for less money.
Which one do we recommend?
Considering how expensive this SUV costs and that Jeep is not a luxury brand, we recommend choosing the Limited. It's better than the base trims and is ready for muddy adventures.
What about its availability?
Visit your local Jeep dealer to test drive the L and figure out which combination of features best suit your needs and budget.
What about its performance and handling?
- The standard engine is a 290-horsepower V6 engine, while Trailhawk and Summit come with a 357-horsepower V8 engine.
- An eight-speed automatic comes standard. V6 engines come with either rear-wheel or four-wheel drive, while the V8 engine only gets paired with four-wheel drive.
- The V6 can tow up to 6,200 pounds and the V8 can tow up to 7,200 pounds.
- Both engines offer a smooth and sophisticated ride that can handle turns and bumps in the road like a champ.
If you're unsure whether to pick the V6 or V8 engine, it's worth noting that the Grand Cherokee L is a large and heavy vehicle. Drivers that intend on exploring the wilderness or towing a lot will benefit from the V8 engine. However, the biggest drawback of the V8 is how much it's a gas guzzler. The V8 only gets 14/22 mpg in the city/highway. In contrast, the V6 gets 19/26 mpg in the city/highway with RWD, and those numbers drop slightly with FWD.
How’s the interior?
Cabin Space
The regular Grand Cherokee offers plenty of spaciousness for the front and rear passengers, and that's true also for the L. Tall adults can sit comfortably in the second row, but the third row is a stretch. The default setting for this model is to seat six: two captain's chairs in the second and a three-seater bench in the third. However, you can also opt for a bench for the second row. Either way, all the seats are comfortable, and many features come standard to give the interior a refined look. Folks that follow Jeep shouldn't be surprised: the regular Grand Cherokee also received a makeover this year, and the interior is something to behold. The cargo space is impressive compared to rival SUVs, and we recommend adding the optional power liftgate or hands-free power liftgate whenever possible.
Infotainment and connectivity
We're big fans of the Grand Cherokee's infotainment: it's easy to use, ergonomically designed, and looks good to boot. Infotainment gets displayed on an 8.4- or 10-inch screen and relies on Uconnect, an intuitive infotainment program. Drivers get a 10.3-inch digital gauge cluster that is crisp and comfortable on the eyes any time of day or night. Standard features include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, 12 USB ports, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Optional features worth considering include wireless charging for smartphones, a nine- or 19-speaker audio system, a rear-seat entertainment system for the backseat, and a 10-inch screen for the passenger.
LIKES: This year's L comes with a solid combination of infotainment features we think drivers and their loved ones will enjoy using.
DISLIKES: The passenger screen is a little extra for our taste.
How about the technology and features?
LIKES: Features such as a tri-zone climate control program, keyless entry, and push-button start come standard. A panoramic sunroof, quad-zone climate control program, and remote start are optional.
DISLIKES: The hands-free power tailgate should come optional – who still wants a manual tailgate in 2022?
Quick Quirks: The cargo area measures just over 17 cubic feet with all three rows in place. That area grows to nearly 47 cubic feet with the third row folded over and 84.6 cubic feet with the second row folded. |
Some additional features include:
- Child car seats are easy to install in the second row, especially if you keep the captain's chairs.
- The second row slides forward, making it easy to climb into the third row. (The L is a two-door SUV.)
- Some visibility issues exist both when reversing and looking forward, so use the cameras and extra safety programs that come with the L.
- The interior comes with plenty of storage compartments and cubbies, so it's easy to bring all the necessities.
How’s the exterior?
At first glance, the Grand Cherokee L doesn't look that much different than a regular Grand Cherokee. Both have four doors, a sturdy body frame, and a confident front grille that is uniquely Jeep-esque. Yet, if you look closely, you will notice that this model is longer than the regular Grand Cherokee. Despite the change in body shape, the overall energy is that this SUV is ready to see what lies just beyond the city limits.
What warranty and safety does it offer?
Many safety features come standard and the Grand Cherokee L includes an average warranty package.
- As of this writing, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has not provided a rating for the Grand Cherokee L.
- Many safety features come standard, such as blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision mitigation, and parking sensors.
- Limited warranty for 36,000 miles or three years.
- Electric powertrain warranty for 60,000 miles or five years.
- Complimentary scheduled maintenance for 60,000 miles or five years.
Are there any incentives and rebates for the Grand Cherokee L?
To learn about incentives and rebates, visit Jeep.com or your local Jeep dealership.
