Why Is the Jeep Grand Cherokee L Important?
With more than 200,000 sales in 2020, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is the Jeep family's top-selling vehicle. It's the second-leading model of all the cars, trucks, and SUVs Fiat Chrysler Automobiles sells in the United States. It competes in the hyper-competitive midsize SUV segment.
Despite its continued sales success, the platform that the fourth-generation Grand Cherokee rides on is ancient by auto industry standards. In fact, it dates back to the short-lived merger between Chrysler and Daimler, when it shared its underpinnings with the Mercedes-Benz M-Class. Mercedes abandoned the design years ago, but the Grand Cherokee has soldiered on using the same architecture.
By adding a third-row option to the Grand Cherokee's lineup, Jeep creates a model that can compete with some of the most popular vehicles in the segment, including the Toyota Highlander, Ford Explorer, Hyundai Palisade, and Kia Telluride.
Jeep's announcement of another three-row SUV caught some observers off-guard, as the company recently unveiled a concept version of the three-row Jeep Grand Wagoneer. However, the Grand Wagoneer and its more affordable Wagoneer sibling, will be significantly larger than the Grand Cherokee. They will be built on the Ram 1500 pickup chassis, while the Grand Cherokee will remain on a more car-like unibody platform.
Exterior Design: Yesterday's Look Tomorrow
Jeep reached back into its past to create the future look of the 2021 Grand Cherokee L. Gone is the short-nosed, swept-back fourth-generation look. The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L sports a more upright look, with a longer hood, forward-canted Jeep seven-slot grille, and modern LED lighting motif.
The grille design harkens back to the look of the original Jeep Grand Wagoneer.
In profile, you see the new Grand Cherokee L's long cabin, with a roofline that slowly descends as it approaches the liftgate. A gloss-black roof option is available. As before, the Grand Cherokee's wheels are fitted behind trapezoidal wheel wells. Up to 21-inch wheels are fitted to the SUV. The Overland model with the available off-road package features prominent tow hooks upfront. With the wheels pushed far to the corners, the approach and departure angles required for severe off-road conditions are maximized.
LED lighting comes standard on all models, with slim headlights capped by thin running lights. At the rear of the Grand Cherokee, you'll find similarly slim taillights, fascia-mounted exhaust outlets, and a rearview camera with a washer integrated into the tailgate spoiler.
Grand Cherokee Engines: Just Two to Start
Jeep will initially offer a choice of just two engines for the 2021 Grand Cherokee L. The base engine will be a 290-horsepower 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, similar to the one found in the current Grand Cherokee. It's equipped with auto stop-start technology for improved fuel economy.
The more powerful engine option is a 5.7-liter, 357-horsepower V8 that produces 390 pound-feet of torque. It features fuel-saver technology that cuts fuel flow to one of the engine's cylinder blocks with maximum power isn't needed.
Both engines are fitted to an eight-speed automatic transmission that features steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Rear-wheel drive and three distinct four-wheel-drive systems are available. When power to all-four wheels is not required, the automatic front axle disconnect puts the vehicle in two-wheel-drive mode to save fuel. It seamlessly reconnects when traction is required.
When it comes to additional engine options, so far Jeep has only confirmed a 4xe electrified powertrain option coming to the new Grand Cherokee L in late 2021. The existing Grand Cherokee is offered with a choice of four engines, including two high-performance SRT V8s.
Interior Design: Seating For Seven
The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L now seats up to six or seven, depending on whether you choose a rear bench seat or captain's chairs. Up front, you'll find a driver-oriented cockpit, with a 10.1-inch UConnect infotainment touch screen and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster.
Upper trim models of the Grand Cherokee traditionally approach luxury-SUV levels of opulence. The 2021 model takes it a step further, with available 16-way power-adjustable driver and passenger massaging front seats lined with Palermo leather. Depending on the model, you can get open-pore waxed walnut, Absolute Oak, or piano black trim. Cloth seats come standard on the base Laredo trim, with leather upholstery included on all others. Heated and ventilated seats are available, as is a heated steering wheel.
The front console features illuminate cup holders, a storage bin, and on some models, a two-device wireless charging pad. Forward of the cup holders, you'll find a rotary gear selector, as well as controls for the SUV's ride height and Selec-Terrain traction management system. A rear center console is included on top-trim Grand Cherokee L models.
Access to the third row is afforded by tip-and-slide second-row seats that don't require child seat removal before they're moved. They allow 7 inches of fore-and-aft travel, so second- and third-row passengers can get comfortable. Summit and Overland models include a dual-pane sunroof with a power sunshade.
A two-row, five-passenger Grand Cherokee is expected to be introduced later in 2021 as a 2022 model.
Cabin Technology: UConnect 5 Leads the Way
All Jeep Grand Cherokee L models are outfitted with either an 8.4 or 10.1-inch UConnect 5 touch-screen infotainment system. It supports both wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto, as well as Amazon Alexa Auto. Twelve USB-A and USB-C ports are spread throughout the SUV's cabin.
A six-speaker audio system comes standard, with a nine-speaker Alpine system or 19-speaker, 950-watt McIntosh high-performance audio setup available. The Jeep's Bluetooth connectivity can support two devices at a time, making it easy to use one as a phone and another to stream audio, for example.
Located on the Grand Cherokee L's ceiling, between the second and third rows, an available passenger monitoring camera can send an image of a child in a rear-facing seat to the UConnect screen. An optional digital rearview mirror uses a camera on the tailgate to give you an image behind the SUV that's not blocked by the heads of passengers or cargo.
An available 10-inch full-color head-up display can project several types of information into the driver's line of sight. An ambient lighting system with an array of five colors is available.
Driver Assistance and Safety Technology
The all-new 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L will come standard with a long list of advanced safety and driver assistance features. It will be available with several others that enable higher levels of semi-automated driving.
Included on all Grand Cherokee L models will be rear cross traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, rear automatic braking, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection.
Higher trim models gain features, including a surround-view camera system, a full-color head-up display, a night vision camera, traffic sign recognition, and a driver drowsiness monitor. Intersection Collision Assist detects vehicles approaching intersections from the side and can automatically apply the Grand Cherokee's brakes if a collision appears imminent.
Two higher-level driver assistance systems will be available. Active Driving Assist is a hands-on-wheel system that links the vehicle's lane-centering and adaptive cruise control to assist in steering, braking, and acceleration. Hands-free Active Driving Assist, which will be available in late 2021, offers hands-free driving on certain roadways. It will monitor the driver to ensure they are staying engaged in driving.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy estimates for the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L have not been released. However, the powertrains the new model uses are nearly identical to the current model, so you shouldn't expect too much difference between the model years.
Both of the engines include fuel-saving technology. The V6 includes auto stop-start, while the V8 uses cylinder deactivation to improve fuel economy. Four-wheel-drive models mechanically disconnect the front wheels when they are not needed for traction.
The current Grand Cherokee is rated as high as 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway when equipped with rear-wheel drive and a V6 engine. A current 5.7-liter V8 with four-wheel drive is rated at a dismal 14 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway. Jeep recommends you use midgrade fuel with the V8, adding insult to the mileage's injury.
A Grand Cherokee 4xe hybrid model is expected late in 2021 as a 2022 model.
Handling and Off-Road Performance
The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L will ride on a modified Alfa Romeo Stelvio platform, with independent suspension at all four corners. Air suspension and electronic adaptive suspension damping are available.
Buyers in America's flatlands will appreciate that you can save some money by getting the Grand Cherokee with rear-wheel drive. For the rest, Jeep will offer three distinct four-wheel-drive systems.
They include Quadra-Trac I with a single-speed transfer case that automatically sends power to the wheels that aren't slipping. Quadra-Trac II adds a two-speed transfer case that enables it to tackle tougher off-road conditions. The most advanced system is Quadra-Drive II, which includes a two-speed transfer case and an electronic limited-slip differential for the rear axle.
Most models of the new SUV will be available with Quadra-Lift air suspension. In addition to a low height for easy entry and exit, it has settings that improve aerodynamics on the highway and increase ground clearance for off-road driving. The new Grand Cherokee has 10.9 inches of ground clearance at its highest setting and can ford water 24 inches deep.
Many of the vehicle's systems can be easily managed through the Selec-Terrain vehicle dynamics controller. It offers modes for various road and weather conditions and includes an auto mode for everyday driving. The SUV's available hill descent control works in both forward and reverse.
Cargo Space and Towing
A properly equipped 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L V6 can tow up to 6,200 pounds. When fitted with the V8 and four-wheel drive, it can pull 7,200 pounds. Those are good numbers for the class, though they lag the 2021 Dodge Durango's max towing capacity of 8,700 pounds.
With all three rows of seating in place, there's 17.2 cubic feet of cargo space available. Fold the third-row forward, and there's 46.9 cubic feet of cargo room. With both the second- and third-row folded flat, you'll have 84.6 cubic feet of space for your stuff. That's significantly less with the seats up than the 2021 Kia Telluride, but around the same when you start folding the seats. The new Grand Cherokee easily eclipses the cargo space in the 2021 GMC Acadia.
The base Laredo model comes with a manually opening rear liftgate. Upper trims get a power liftgate, with a hands-free function included on Overland and Summit models. Power third-row folding seats and an electronic second-row remote seat release are available.
Trim Levels and Pricing
The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L will initially be available in four trim levels, starting with the base Laredo model and moving up with Limited, Overland, and Summit models. Topping the range will be the Summit with the Reserve Package.
The Off-Road package, available on the Overland trim, adds additional underbody skid plating, tow hooks, an electronically controlled limited-slip rear differential, and 18-inch aluminum wheels.
Pricing for the new Grand Cherokee L has not yet been announced. The current two-row 2021 Grand Cherokee starts at $32,350. Given the additional size, capability, and equipment included on the new model, a substantial price premium is likely.
The new SUV will come with the Jeep Wave owner loyalty program. It includes three-years of no-cost maintenance, trip interruption, and loaner car coverage, plus access to Jeep events.
Production and Availability
Jeep expects to deliver its newest SUV to dealers starting in the second quarter of 2021. It will be followed later in the year by two-row and 4xe electrified versions. However, all new product launches may be delayed due to the continuing coronavirus pandemic.
The company will produce the 2021 Grand Cherokee L at its new $1.6 billion Detroit Assembly Complex Mack Plant. It's the first automotive assembly facility built in the city in decades, according to Jeep.
The Competition
The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L will dive head-long into one of the hottest, and hotly contested, segments of the automotive landscape. Where the old two-row model competes with models such as the 2021 Ford Edge, 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe, and 2021 Nissan Murano, the new Jeep will face even tougher rivals.
Among the Grand Cherokee L's top competitors will be the 2021 Kia Telluride, 2021 Hyundai Palisade, 2021 Honda Pilot, and 2021 Toyota Highlander. Domestic-brand rivals will include the 2021 Ford Explorer, 2021 GMC Acadia, 2021 Chevrolet Traverse, and 2021 Buick Enclave. Grand Cherokee L buyers may well also consider the existing two-row 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee and its corporate sibling, the 2021 Dodge Durango.
Top-trim Grand Cherokee L's will likely face competition from luxury rivals, including the 2021 Lincoln Aviator, 2021 Cadillac XT6, 2021 Acura MDX, and perhaps the 2021 Range Rover Sport, with its similarly excellent off-road prowess.
2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L front grille detail
2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L driver's side LED headlamp
2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L heated and ventilated front row seat detail
2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L steering wheel detail
2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L driver control center with metal rotary shifter
2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L aluminum wheel with black noise pockets
2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L rear high-set LED taillamps
2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L power-folding mirror detail
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The Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV Gets a Makeover
Ten years is an eternity for a vehicle design. That's how long the current Jeep Grand Cherokee has been on the road. While Jeep's done an excellent job of updating the midsize SUV along the way, with new tech and impressive performance upgrades, it's time for a new model.
There's a new Jeep Grand Cherokee on the way in 2021. The fifth-generation 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L will launch with a three-row design seating up to seven, followed by a two-row model later in the year. Jeep promises that the new midsize SUV will have more off-road capability, technology, and semi-automated driving features than ever.
The new three-row SUV will be known as the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L. It will be sold alongside the existing two-row 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee until a new two-row model launches for 2022.
On the following slides, we'll take an in-depth look at the latest version of Jeep's best-selling vehicle.