2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Road Test and Review

2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Rock Crawl ・ Photo by Nicole Wakelin

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L is an all-new SUV that finally adds a three-row option to the Jeep lineup. It offers seating for up to seven people in a luxurious and spacious interior. It features the all-new Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a standard 8.4-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa

There’s an extensive list of standard safety features on the Grand Cherokee L including full-speed forward collision warning with active braking and pedestrian/cyclist detection. Available Active Driving Assist adds Level 2 hands-on driving capability. Finally, since this is a Jeep, there are three available four-wheel drive systems to help you conquer rugged terrain. There’s also an available air suspension system, Selec-Terrain traction management system, and front-axle disconnect. Let’s take a closer look at the all-new 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L to see if this is the full-size SUV that’s right for you.

Choose From Six Luxurious Trims

There are six Grand Cherokee L trims with a choice of either rear-wheel or four-wheel drive. The base Laredo starts at $36,995 with 18-inch wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, cloth seats, and optional Quadra-Trac I. The Altitude adds black roof rails and exterior accents and leather seats for $40,195. The Limited is priced from $43,995 with Selec-Terrain, power liftgate, power passenger seat, and heated second row.

The Overland adds the option for a more powerful V8 engine along with standard hill descent control, optional Quadra-Trac II, air suspension, hands-free liftgate, 20-inch wheels, wood interior trims, Nappa leather seats, and a 9-speaker Alpine audios system for $52,995. The Summit comes in at $56,995 with optional Quadra-Drive II, four-zone automatic climate control, Nappa leather seats with quilted bolsters and massage, Active Driving Assist system, and 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen. The Summit Reserve adds Palermo leather, open-pore woods, and 19-speaker McIntosh audio for $61,995.

Photo by Nicole Wakelin

Two Available Powertrains

Base trims are only available with a 3.6-liter V6 with 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. It’s a responsive powertrain that easily gets this large SUV up to highway speeds with enough power leftover for passing slower vehicles.

Also available is a 5.7-liter V8 with 357 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque paired to the same transmission. This engine is an option on the Overland and Summit with four-wheel drive and standard on the Summit Reserve, which is four-wheel drive only. It offers the extra horsepower to make highway acceleration effortless and off-roading over more challenging terrain easier. That extra power and torque is also ideal for towing. Those who crave a more responsive driving experience from their SUV will find the V8 to be a more satisfying option.

Photo by Nicole Wakelin

Off-Road Capable, and Smooth on Pavement

The Jeep Grand Cherokee L has genuine off-road capability. There are three available four-wheel-drive systems that let you take this full-size SUV way past the point where the road ends. That requires a certain amount of ruggedness that can make a vehicle less than ideal on paved roads. The Grand Cherokee L, however, sits high in the Jeep lineup. It aims to mix that capability with a touch of refinement and succeeds.

The ride is smooth and quiet on pavement with only the harshest of road imperfections making themselves known to passengers. It’s quiet and comfortable with the sounds of wind and rain easily kept outside. The driver also gets to enjoy the ride with steering that is responsive. This is a big SUV, but it never feels heavy or hard to manage. It’s composed and well-mannered, even during quick lane changes on the highway.

Photo by Nicole Wakelin

Accessible and Spacious Third-Row Seating

Knowing this is an off-road capable SUV might have you thinking the Grand Cherokee L won’t be luxurious. That would be a mistake. This vehicle looks and feels every bit the luxury ride and coddles the family in comfort. It’s ideal for long road trips or off-road adventures.

Trims are eye-catching with available open-pore woods and premium leathers. There are ample places to tuck away a family’s belongings and, of course, there’s that third row with seating for two. It’s roomier than many competitors with a higher roof, thanks to the Grand Cherokee L’s more boxy rear design. There’s plenty of space for two adults to get comfortable — even the six-foot crowd. Accessing the third row is effortless thanks to a second row that moves forward enough for adults to easily step right in and take a seat.

Photo by Nicole Wakelin

Room for Cargo and Towing Capability

The Grand Cherokee L is a great choice for large families who need plenty of seating but is equally suited to cargo. There’s 17.2 cubic feet behind the third row, so even with a full load of people, there’s room to carry whatever you need for the day. Fold the third row and cargo capacity expands to 46.9 cubic feet. Fold the second row and there’s 84.6 cubic feet.

That’s a cavernous interior that easily reconfigures depending on your cargo and passenger needs of the moment. The large tailgate opening accommodates bulky cargo so whatever you want to load is more likely to fit. There’s also a lower load floor so lifting heavy items up is less of a challenge. The Grand Cherokee L can also tow up to 7,200 pounds. Whether it’s supplies for a weekend project, the family’s luggage, or a trailer, the Grand Cherokee L is ready.

Photo by Nicole Wakelin

Off-Roading Isn't a Challenge

There are lots of choices when it comes to three-row SUVs, but few offer the same capability as the Grand Cherokee L. This is a Jeep. Wearing that badge means off-roading ability that goes far beyond simply driving down a packed dirt road on the way to the cabin. It can handle a dirt road without a hitch, but it can also handle mud, fording up to 24 inches of water, and rocks.

Three available off-road systems, adjustable air suspension, and up to 10.9 inches of ground clearance let you tackle all manner of terrain. We were impressed after putting this SUV to the test on an aggressive off-road course. A sudden downpour had us driving over rain-slicked rocks and slippery mud slopes. The Grand Cherokee made short work of it all. It might look like a luxury SUV, but underneath it all, this SUV is all Jeep.

Photo by Nicole Wakelin

Customizable Infotainment

Infotainment in the Jeep Grand Cherokee L features new Uconnect 5 with a standard 8.1-inch Infotainment in the Jeep Grand Cherokee L features new Uconnect 5 with a standard 8.1-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto with a 6-speaker audio system. Also available is a 10.1-inch touchscreen with a 9-speaker Alpine or 19-speaker McIntosh audio system. The sound quality of the McIntosh system is fantastic and adds to the Grand Cherokee L’s premium feel.

The system is easy to use, but what makes it exceptional is the level of customization. Much like you can customize your smartphone to suit your preferences, the same can be done with Uconnect. Start by choosing which buttons you want at the top of your screen for easy access. Then choose the layouts for the various screens that are accessed with a quick swipe to the left or right. The customization of the Uconnect 5 system makes it intuitive and engaging rather than frustrating.

Photo by Nicole Wakelin

Abundant Standard Safety

Standard safety in the Jeep Grand Cherokee L is extensive. It includes active lane management, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, blind spot monitoring, full-speed collision waring with active braking and pedestrian/cyclist detection, lane departure warning with lane keep assist, rear cross path detection, and rear park sensors. There’s also an available night vision camera with pedestrian and animal detection, front park sensors, and 360-degree camera.

Available on Overland and standard on Summit is Active Driving Assist, which is Level 2 automated driving. It uses radar and cameras to steer the vehicle and maintain speed, slowing down and speeding up as necessary. This is a hands-on-wheel feature that makes long trips less taxing, but still requires an attentive driver. It’s a well-designed system that doesn’t take long to adapt to and trust as a driver. Hands-free active driving assist will be available for the 2022 model year.

Photo by Nicole Wakelin

Final Thoughts

The Grand Cherokee L finally gives Jeep enthusiasts their three-row SUV. It has all the creature comforts of a luxury car, room for the whole family and their stuff, and the off-road capability that’s a hallmark of the Jeep brand. This is the family car for those who plan to go adventuring where lesser SUVs don’t stand a chance. It’s incredibly capable climbing rocky slopes, fording through water, and navigating uneven, rutted dirt trails.

A lot of people won’t push this Jeep to its limits. That’s okay. There’s a certain security in knowing you’re in a capable vehicle that can handle most anything, whether that’s a muddy slope or the worst of winter’s weather. You’ll get wherever it is that you want to go and you’ll get there in comfortable, luxurious style when you’re driving the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L.

Photo by Nicole Wakelin