2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Review

　　

2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Review

byRyan ZumMallenContributor

　　Ryan ZumMallen has worked in the automotive industry since 2012. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Ryan has also contributed to Road & Track, Autoweek, Trucks.com and more. In 2019, Ryan published his first book, Slow Car Fast, on the millennial generation and its unique take on modern car culture.

　　Jeep last redesigned its Grand Cherokee for the 2011 model year, and this midsize SUV has started to show its age in the last few years. Specifically, it lacked many of the modern features offered by rivals such as the Honda Passport, Subaru Outback and Toyota Venza — all redesigned in the last few years. But now Jeep has finally dialed up a full redesign, and it starts with the 2021 Grand Cherokee L.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Laredo 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$172/mo  for Grand Cherokee L Laredo

　　Grand Cherokee L Laredo

　　Laredo 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $36,995 MSRPLaredo 4dr SUV 4WD (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $38,995 MSRPAltitude 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $40,195 MSRPAltitude 4dr SUV 4WD (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $42,195 MSRPLimited 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $43,995 MSRPLimited 4dr SUV 4WD (3.6L 6cyl 8A) (Most Popular) - $45,995 MSRPOverland 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $52,995 MSRPOverland 4dr SUV 4WD (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $54,995 MSRPSummit 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $56,995 MSRPSummit 4dr SUV 4WD (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $58,995 MSRPSummit Reserve 4dr SUV 4WD (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $61,995 MSRP

　　vs

　　$229/mo

　　Avg. Large SUV

　　The L signifies that this model has three rows of seating, which is a new quality for the Grand Cherokee. A two-row Grand Cherokee will also come out, but not until 2022. Though the 3.6-liter V6 and 5.7-liter V8 engines are essentially carried over from the previous generation, just about everything else is new. Key enhancements include higher-quality cabin materials and the latest version of parent company Stellantis' infotainment system called Uconnect 5.

　　Available in six- and seven-seat configurations, the Grand Cherokee L features a second row that can slide 7 inches to make room for passengers in the back. The third row in some midsize SUVs can be cramped, but Jeep has done a nice job of making the Grand Cherokee L's third-row headroom and legroom roomy enough for 6-footers.

　　Overall, we like how the Grand Cherokee L brings Jeep's rugged ethos to a class of crossover SUVs usually focused on functional family transportation. But it also has some usability issues that might give you pause. Check out our Expert Rating below to get our test team's take on how the Grand Cherokee L stacks up.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Average

　　7.5

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.5/10

　　How does the Grand Cherokee L drive? We tested the Grand Cherokee L with its base 3.6-liter V6 engine (Jeep offers its muscular 5.7-liter V8 engine in top trims). The V6 is a likable enough engine on its own, but it often feels overworked in a vehicle this big. At zzdcar' test track, our test vehicle accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 8.6 seconds, which is slow for the class. We also have reservations about the light, loose steering feel and lack of feedback from the brake pedal. Upsides include smooth shifts through all eight gears of the automatic transmission that contribute to a comfortable and relaxed driving experience.

　　Of course, this is a Jeep. And though there's only so much capability you can have with a three-row SUV that's 17 feet long, the Grand Cherokee makes the most of what it has. The four-wheel-drive system helps make the most out of slippery situations. This isn't quite a Range Rover, but it'll get you farther into the woods than most other seven-passenger SUVs.

　　

Comfort

8.0/10

　　How comfortable is the Grand Cherokee L? Comfort is a strong suit of the Grand Cherokee L. Its long wheelbase and optional air suspension create a cushy ride that absorbs bumps in the road before they make it to passengers inside. It does this without feeling floaty or losing its composure. The leather seats in our Summit test vehicle also proved impressive, with an available massage function in the front row and pleasing comfort in the second and third rows.

　　This big SUV can't keep noise out of the cabin the way it does with bumps in the road, however. We noticed more wind noise at highway speeds than we expect from this class, and the V6 engine was loud and sounded unpleasant when pushed.

　　

Interior

7.0/10

　　How’s the interior? There is loads of space inside the Grand Cherokee L. The front row seats should fit drivers of all sizes, and there's comfortable space for passengers up to 6 feet tall in both the second and third rows. Unfortunately it's a bit of a hike to get inside due to the vehicle's tall ride height, though a helpful tilt-and-slide second row allows for easy access to the third-row seating.

　　Two big red flags occur up front. First, the controls are swathed in glossy piano black plastic. It easily shows grease smudges and feels more like economy car equipment to the touch. Second, dials are small and hard to grab, while buttons are positioned at strange angles or blocked completely by other controls, which makes operation a frustrating experience. We also noted poor forward visibility because of the Jeep's protruding hood, large pillars, and mass of cameras and radar equipment that take up available windshield space.

　　

Technology

7.5/10

　　How’s the tech? The Grand Cherokee L is available with Uconnect 5, the latest infotainment system from parent company Stellantis. It has crisp graphics, and the available integrated navigation system provides helpful turn-by-turn route instructions. Unfortunately, the screen is angled upwards and easily reflects glare from direct sunlight. Our test vehicle had the optional 19-speaker McIntosh surround-sound system, but we were left underwhelmed, especially considering the system's cost.

　　Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration comes standard, though our test vehicle dropped a call while using CarPlay and the system disconnected two other times without warning. That doesn't often happen in other vehicles with the same technology. We do like the Grand Cherokee L's advanced driver aids. The adaptive cruise control brakes and accelerates smoothly, for instance, and the lane keeping system works great to keep this big SUV where it should be.

　　

Storage

8.0/10

　　How’s the storage? The Grand Cherokee L trails some three-row rivals such as the Kia Telluride and Volkswagen Atlas in maximum cargo capacity. Its 17.2 cubic feet of space behind the third row is usable enough for everyday tasks, but the load floor is rather high. Storage for small items is ample, with plenty of cupholders and spacious center console bins in the first and second rows. But we were a bit puzzled why our test vehicle did not have child seat anchors in the third-row cushions.

　　The Grand Cherokee L offers strong towing capability. It easily outpaces rivals with a 6,200-pound maximum capacity with the V6 and 7,200 pounds with the V8.

　　

Fuel Economy

6.5/10

　　How’s the fuel economy? The Grand Cherokee L with 4WD and V6 engine gets an EPA-estimated 21 mpg combined, which is average for a midsize three-row SUV. Our test vehicle returned 20.5 mpg on our standardized evaluation route, indicating the EPA estimate should be achievable in real-world driving. Opt for the V8 and you take a hit, however. It's 4WD only and has an EPA-estimated 17 mpg combined.

　　

Value

6.5/10

　　Is the Grand Cherokee L a good value? Jeep aimed to position the Grand Cherokee L as an every person's SUV with features reserved for luxury vehicles. But instead, it's priced too much like a luxury vehicle. The Grand Cherokee L has a higher starting price than its closest rivals, and it only includes or offers its finest features at more than what you'd pay for a comparable Kia Telluride or Honda Pilot. In those higher trims, the Grand Cherokee L is essentially a luxury SUV — a distinction that it isn't quite cut out for.

　　We found several issues with the build quality of our test vehicle, whether it was cheap-feeling plastic or an entire center tunnel panel that couldn't withstand a light stress test. The cabin is also awash with glossy piano black surfaces that smudge and glare in sunlight.

　　

Wildcard

8.0/10

　　Anything wearing a Jeep badge comes with style and charisma. However, in the Grand Cherokee L, it's style and charisma tailored to a very specific kind of owner. This SUV excels in towing and off-road ability, particularly when equipped with the large (and costly) V8 engine. Lower trim levels, however, don't exhibit the same kind of bravado and lack the user-friendliness that we expect from vehicles in this class. It's big, it's brash, it's a Jeep. But that doesn't make it a great family vehicle.

　　

Which Grand Cherokee L does zzdcar recommend?

The Grand Cherokee L can quickly become expensive, so our choice is the Limited 4x4 model for its inclusion of standard amenities at a reasonable price. It adds leather seats and a host of interior and exterior lighting upgrades, plus a helpful power liftgate. In its four-wheel-drive configuration, the standard traction management settings will come in handy on adventurous family weekends.

　　

2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L models

The Jeep Grand Cherokee L is a midsize SUV with three rows of seats for six or seven passengers. Trim levels include the Laredo, Limited, Overland and Summit. All come standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine good for 290 horsepower and 257 lb-ft of torque. A 5.7-liter V8 engine with 357 hp and 390 lb-ft is optional on the Overland and Summit trims. Both engines are paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Four-wheel drive is optional on all trims.

　　Laredo

　　Highlights of the base model include:

　　LED headlights 18-inch wheels Roof rails Tri-zone automatic climate control Power-adjustable driver's seat Sliding second-row captain's chairs Proximity keyless entry and push-button startStandard technology features and driver aids include:

　　10.25-inch driver information display 8.4-inch touchscreen Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration (with wireless connectivity) Six-speaker stereo system Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the vehicle and the car in front) Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse) Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)Limited

　　Upgraded standard features in this trim include:

　　LED foglights Remote start Ambient lighting Leather upholstery Power-adjustable front passenger seat Heated front and second-row seats Heated steering wheel Power liftgate Terrain management system with five settings (4WD models)Overland

　　Both more plush and more rugged, the Overland adds:

　　Adaptive air suspension with selectable ride height settings (4WD models) Hill descent control (4WD models) Front tow hooks 20-inch wheels Hands-free liftgate Dual-pane panoramic sunroof Power-adjustable steering wheel Ambient cabin lighting Ventilated front seats Premium leather upholstery Power-folding third row of seats Navigation system Nine-speaker stereo systemSummit

　　The top-level Grand Cherokee L comes with:

　　Gloss black roof 10.1-inch touchscreen Upgraded front seats with massage function Four-zone automatic climate control Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane) Driver attention warning (issues an alert if sensors determine you are becoming fatigued) Automated parking system (steers into a parking spot with little or no driver intervention) Surround-view camera (gives you a top-down view of the Grand Cherokee L and its surroundings for tight parking situations) Electronic limited-slip rear differential (4WD models only)Many features found on the higher trim levels can be added to the supporting trims as options.

　　zzdcar Latest Jeep Grand Cherokee L News

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2021 Grand Cherokee L Highlights

Trim: LaredoAltitudeLimitedOverlandSummitSummit ReserveLaredo

　　

Base MSRP	$36,995
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	21 MPG
Cost to Drive	$172/month
Seating	6 seats
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles