After an 11-year production run, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is being completely redesigned for the 2022 model year. Long regarded as one of the most muscular and attractive midsize SUVs on the market, the Grand Cherokee is one of the most iconic models in Jeep’s storied history.
Though it’s not the rock-crawler the Wrangler is, the Grand Cherokee still maintains an off-road presence while delivering vastly superior on-road driving dynamics. Its smooth ride, powerful drivetrains and luxurious cabin are unlike any other competitor in its class.
The new 2022 redesign will follow the same proven recipe for success, while adding significant changes that are sure to widen the gap between the Grand Cherokee and the rest of the field.
2021 Grand Cherokee L: Jeep’s New Three-Row SUV
For the first time ever, the Grand Cherokee will now be offered with third row seating in the all-new Grand Cherokee L—debuting first for the 2021 model year with the two-row Grand Cherokee coming later. The model will feature seating for up to seven passengers with the optional second-row bench seat—or six if you stick with the standard captain’s chairs. Its longer wheelbase will result in far more interior cargo space as well, making the Grand Cherokee L an ideal choice for large families who previously found the model too small for their needs.
Sophisticated Styling
The exterior styling of the new Grand Cherokee shares very little in common with its predecessor—save for Jeep’s iconic seven-slot vertical grille. Whereas the fourth generation model’s aerodynamic styling portrayed a sense of speed even standing still, the new model is edgier and more sophisticated.
The grille is positioned vertically upright with the restyled headlights and taillights sporting horizontal LED lighting cues. The outgoing version features a slanted front grille with the LED lighting outlining the perimeter of the headlamps and taillights. These subtle changes give the fifth generation Grand Cherokee a dramatically different presence upon first glance—one that’s strikingly similar to the Grand Wagoneer concept.
Luxurious and Tech-Savvy Interior
Its exterior changes notwithstanding, interior improvements are where the next generation Grand Cherokee takes its largest leap. Whereas the cabin of the Grand Cherokee has always been top-shelf, the interior of the new 2021 Grand Cherokee L positions the three-row SUV in a class of its own. Now a bona fide luxury SUV, the Grand Cherokee L is available with 16-way adjustable diamond-quilted leather front seats, ambient LED lighting, Quad-Zone Automatic Temperature Control and a host of new technology features.
An 8.4-inch UConnect touchscreen infotainment system will now be standard attire, but a larger 10.1-inch screen running FCA’s new UConnect 5 software will also be available with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. A stylish 10.3-inch full digital gauge cluster and 10.0-inch head-up display will also be offered on the new Grand Cherokee—two features notably absent on the previous model. New available safety features such as the Rear Seat Monitoring Camera, Active Driving Assist and a Night Vision Camera will also be offered.
Powertrain Options and Release Date
The previous generation’s powertrain lineup will be carried over on the 2021 Grand Cherokee L—with the 3.6L V6 and 5.7L Hemi V8 as your two primary options. While it likely won’t be available at launch, Jeep has also promised a future plug-in hybrid 4xe model at a later date.
The new 2021 Grand Cherokee L will debut first in spring 2021—with the two-row carryover model set to release later in the year as a 2022 model.
Want to learn what else is in the works for the Jeep brand? Learn more about the possibility of the Jeep Wagoneer returning in 2022.
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