This morning, the Jeep brand took the wraps off of the long-rumored three-row Grand Cherokee, but this is not simply the current SUV with an extra row of seats. The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L is all-new and it is far more than just a few more seats. Rebuilt from the ground-up, the Grand Cherokee L features new underpinnings, a new look and an interior that is packed with premium technology – along with a lineup of proven engines, transmissions and four-wheel-drive systems.
“When you set out to reimagine an SUV as beloved as the Jeep Grand Cherokee, building on its nearly 30-year legacy as an overachiever is paramount to every decision that is made,” said Christian Meunier, Global President of Jeep Brand – FCA. “With that legacy guiding the Jeep team, the new 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee is crafted to exceed expectations and do what no other SUV can do: deliver legendary Jeep 4×4 off-road capability blended with superior on-road manners. It is built on an all-new architecture and wrapped in a stunning new design that honors its iconic Jeep design heritage, while also extending to accommodate a third row to meet the growing needs of our Jeep customers who have asked for more space and functionality. The Grand Cherokee L truly stands out in its segment and continues to raise the bar in capability, performance and luxury, while also breaking
new ground in versatility and functionality.”
Today, we bring you a look at the key details and features of the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L. There is a tremendous amount of information on this vehicle and in the coming week, we will look more closely at the specifics, but for now, here is everything that you need to know about the three-row Jeep Grand Cherokee.
A Bigger, Bolder Grand Cherokee
When Jeep announced that they were working on a three-row Grand Cherokee, we figured that it would be based on the underpinnings of the current Dodge Durango, which comes standard with three rows of seats. The 2021 Grand Cherokee L is actually a bit bigger than the Durango in both wheelbase and overall length. The current, two-row Grand Cherokee has a wheelbase of 114.8 inches and an overall length which varies between 189.3 to 191.3 inches, depending on the trim level. The Durango is 5 inches longer through the wheelbase at 119.8 inches while measuring between 200.1 to 200.8 inches in overall length.
The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L has a wheelbase of 121.7 inches and an overall length of 204.9 inches, so it is a bit larger than the Durango in the key length dimensions. That leads to more interior space, but this Jeep is still markedly smaller than three-row SUVs like the Chevrolet Suburban.
Of course, the new Grand Cherokee features lots of LED lighting and the familiar seven-slot grille design. We could go on and on about exterior styling, but instead, we will refer you to the many images shown here. The Jeep in Red is an Overland model while the dark grey Grand Cherokee L is outfitted in the range-topping Summit Reserve trim. The Grand Cherokee L will also be offered in Laredo and Limited trim, but we don’t have images of those models yet.
Premium Interior Luxury
The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L is the first of its kind to include a third row of seats, so this new SUV can seat either 6 or 7 people. Buyers who opt for the second-row captain’s chairs can seat 6 while those who go with the three-person bench seat in the second row can seat 7. That is really the biggest news for this new Jeep, but there are many other new features of the interior.
The restyled dashboard features the UConnect 5 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch infotainment screen mounted in the middle and a 10.25-inch frameless digital gauge cluster sitting behind the steering wheel. The new Grand Cherokee L also features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, windshield Head-up Display (HUD), digital rearview mirror, frameless digital cluster, rear seat monitoring camera and an exclusive and a premium 950-watt, 19-speaker McIntosh audio sound system.
Those new screens are joined by a new center stack with a dedicated panel for the HVAC system, but you can also adjust the heating and air conditioning system via the touchscreen. Below the HVAC panel is a panel that carries the shift knob, the drive mode selector, ride height selector and Selec-Trac controls. Everything in the center stack is trimmed in gloss black with silver knobs.
The dashboard features varying levels of premium finishes, depending on the trim level, with the top-of-the-line Summit models sporting real wood trim. The Summit package has open-pore Absolute Oak trim while the Summit Reserve uses open-pore Waxed Walnut to create a true luxury feel.
The Grand Cherokee L has more seats in the rear, but it also has new seats throughout the cabin. Up front, the Summit and Overland models are available with 16-way adjustable front seats with memory and lumbar support. Massaging seat-backs are available on Overland and standard on Summit models and the first two rows of seats are heated in Limited, Overland and Summit models. Ventilated front-row seats are standard on Limited, Overland and Summit models while ventilated second-row seats are standard on the Summit Reserve.
The Summit Reserve package that we have mentioned a few times here is the premium luxury trim level. It includes hand-wrapped, quilted Palermo leather, ventilated front and second-row seats, memory and massage front seats, a choice of a new Tupelo interior color, genuine open-pore Waxed Walnut wood and premium, wrapped, suede-like fabric on the A-pillars and headliner.
Trusted Drivetrain Components
The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L is available with two engine options at launch, both of which are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The base engine is the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, delivering 290 horsepower and 257 lb-ft of torque. The optional engine is the 5.7-liter Hemi, offering 357 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque.
The Grand Cherokee L in Laredo and Limited trim comes with the Quadra-Trac I full-time, single-speed four-wheel-drive system. Overland buyers get the Quadra-Trac II active four-wheel-drive system, including a two-speed transfer case and Hill-descent Control. The Quadra-Drive II four-wheel-drive system is optional in the Overland and standard in Summit models, including a limited-slip rear differential. The all-new 2021 Grand Cherokee L can also be outfitted with Quadra-Lift air suspension while the Selec-Terrain traction management system is standard.
The 2021 Grand Cherokee L is available with 7 different wheel options, ranging from 18-inch painted wheels to 21-inch machined aluminum wheels. The Laredo comes with 18-inch painted aluminum wheels, as does the Limited, but Limited buyers can also opt-up to a 20-inch polished aluminum wheel. The Overland package comes standard with 20-inch machined aluminum wheels with Black Noise-painted pockets, but the Overland Off-Road Package adds 18-inch polished aluminum wheels and there are also optional 20-inch wheels with Technical Gray painted pockets. The Grand Cherokee L Summit comes with standard 20-inch wheels while the Summit Reserve comes with 21-inch machined aluminum with Mid-Gloss Granite Crystal pockets.
Again, while we have discussed the key features of the 2021 Jeep Grand Cheorkee L, there is loads more in-depth details that we will look at more closely over the course of the next few days. For now, the all-new 2021 Grand Cherokee L is here and it is impressive inside and out.
Patrick Rall is a professional writer and photographer with a passion for all things automotive. Having grown up in his father’s performance shop, he spent extensive time at the oval track and drag strip – both driving and wrenching on various types of vehicles. In addition to working as a writer, Patrick previously worked as an automotive technician before moving on to a business office position with a chain of dealerships, and this broad spectrum of experience in the industry allows him to offer a unique look on the automotive world. Follow Patrick on Twitter, Facebook and on Youtube.
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