Interest in the full-size, three-row 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L has set the industry ablaze since the model was unveiled in January. It will mark Jeep’s first foray into the full-size SUV segment, where the all-new Grand Cherokee L will offer three-row seating for the first time in the model’s history.
The Grand Cherokee has long reflected the pinnacle of luxury and refinement from the Jeep brand. The fifth-generation redesign pushes the envelope even further, elevating the Grand Cherokee to a world-class competitor in its class. From all indications, Jeep is going to have to build another trophy case to house the new hardware for the most awarded SUV in history.
New Level of Luxury
Though the vehicle is new from the ground up, inside and out, the interior overhaul is perhaps the most striking change made to the next generation Grand Cherokee. In top Summit Reserve trim, the Grand Cherokee’s interior oozes luxury from every nook and cranny. Rich caramel-colored, hand-wrapped and quilted Palermo leather seats look Bentley-esque, while the open-pore Waxed Walnut wood accents are simply stunning. The seats feature 16-way adjustability with optional massaging capabilities and heated and cooled front- and second-row surfaces. While three-row competitors like Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade may provide the same overall seating capacity, the level of interior luxury and style isn’t in the same stratosphere.
Next Generation Technology
Inside, a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system is also prevalent—assuredly the largest screen ever found in the Grand Cherokee. This system utilizes Uconnect 5 operating software with on-board navigation and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. One of the key features missing on the last generation model—a head-up display—will also be available on the 2021 Grand Cherokee L for the first time. With a 10-inch display, this technology can project navigation directions, speed, and incoming phone calls onto the windshield to limit distractions and keep your eyes on the road ahead. The outgoing model’s hybrid analog and digital gauge cluster is also being replaced with a standard 10.3-inch full-digital cluster in the new Grand Cherokee—a feature not available on the Kia Telluride.
Uncompromised Performance and Off-Road Capabilities
Perhaps the 2021 Grand Cherokee L’s most significant advantage over its competitors is Jeep’s renowned off-road capabilities. Despite the Grand Cherokee’s newfound distinction as a legitimate full-size luxury SUV, Jeep didn’t take a step back in terms of the brand’s legendary capability and performance. The available 5.7L Hemi V8 will no doubt return for the next generation Grand Cherokee—now rated at 357-horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque. Neither the Telluride or the Palisade offer a powertrain as powerful and tow-friendly as the Hemi—or a V8 engine at all for that matter.
The 2021 Grand Cherokee L will be offered with three different 4x4 systems (Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, Quadra-Drive II) with the latter being the most capable off-road due to its two-speed transfer case and electronic limited-slip differential. Optional on the Overland and standard on the Summit trims, Quadra-Drive II equipped models also include a Quadra-Lift air suspension with five adjustable height settings that range from 6.5 to 10.9 inches of ground clearance for unwavering confidence off-road.