The New Long Jeep: Jeep Grand Cherokee L

To this point, the most luxurious Jeep ever, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, gives buyers a glance of what’s in store for the new Jeep lineup as it transitions from an able-bodied off-roader to a full-on Luxo-cruiser. Sure, the Jeep Wrangler, Gladiator and others will still be there, but there will be many upscale models too. Follow along as Napleton News lays it out for you.

What’s new on the new Jeep Grand Cherokee L?

A new vehicle, the Jeep Grand Cherokee L includes the following:

• Three-row seating
• Can accommodate 6 or 7 passengers
• V6 or V8 power with rear or AWD
• The luxurious side of Jeep
• Includes Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• EPA mileage is similar to the standard Jeep Grand Cherokee

The new and luxurious Jeep Grand Cherokee L is a 6- or 7-passenger sport utility vehicle that is new for 2021. It stands alone, away from the standard Jeep Grand Cherokee. Officially 15.1 inches longer than the current Cherokee, it has a wheelbase stretched seven inches longer, allowing for a full-size third-row seat. Finally, please do not confuse it with the soon-to-arrive Jeep Grand Wagoneer, which is substantially larger than anything else in the brand. That vehicle rides on a chassis that is based on the RAM 1500 ladder frame.

What engine is in the Jeep Grand Cherokee L?

Two choices of engines power the new Grand Cherokee L. The award-winning 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 is first up with 290 horsepower and 257 lb-ft of torque. It mates to an 8-speed automatic transmission and tows up to 6,200 pounds. The second is the legendary 5.7-liter HEMI V8 making 357 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque. Featuring a fuel-saving cylinder deactivation scheme, it can shut down four of its cylinders on the highway. It does all of this while still maintaining up to 7,200 pounds of towing capacity.

It is available with either rear-drive or three types of 4-wheel drive. Quadra Trac I is standard on the Laredo and Limited models. It provides a full-time single-speed 4WD system. Standard on the Overland, Quadra Trac II is an active 4WD system with a dual-speed transfer case and hill-descent control. An upgraded Quadra Trac II system, standard on the Summit, includes high and low ranges and an electronic limited-slip differential for added off-road capabilities.

You lookin’ at me?

Featuring a new modern look for a large SUV, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L  has been sculpted into a new upscale vision of what the modern SUV should be. The lean profile features a new forward-leaning grille that lends a sense of luxury to the overall package.

The look continues toward the rear, getting more conservative with the squared-off looks of the cabin. The result is a vehicle with a legitimate third row, which doesn’t lean in to cut off any available headroom. Every other panel on this Grand Cherokee L is well thought out and brings design with a sense of purpose.

Jeep Grand Cherokee L Interior design and technology

The interior of our tester felt as though it belonged inside a luxury vehicle rather than an SUV that was going to market, on a roadtrip or even (gasp!) off-road. Start with the elegant dashboard with real woodgrain trim. Wrapped in leather with contrast stitching, the interior is set off by precision parts, including a knurled gear selector dial.

In the center console: the new Uconnect 5 with 10.1-inch touchscreen display. It holds up to five user profiles, a custom home screen and Bluetooth connectivity for two phones. The Grand Cherokee L we drove featured the available and absolutely necessary McIntosh Premium Audio System. Now offered for the first time in a full-size SUV, it delivers 950 watts of audio power. Those dBs are delivered to 19 custom-designed speakers and a subwoofer for a sublime audio experience.

Behind the wheel of the new Jeep Grand Cherokee L

This new Grand Cherokee L is a big vehicle, checking in at more than two and a half tons (over 5,000 lbs). With power from the 3.6-liter Pentastar, you’d think this Jeep would be a slug. But the truth is, it cruises like a boss, thanks to its 293 horsepower. Sound intrusion into the cabin is closer to a luxury sedan than a typical off-road capable SUV.

Five selectable drive modes enable a driver to switch between Sport, Auto, Rock, Sand/Mud and Snow, but we kept it in Auto for most of our time behind the wheel. As much as we like to put it into sport mode, there’s a little birdie in our ear constantly reminding us we should be trying to save fuel rather than go fast. The Quadra-Lift air suspension enables us to go up or down as needed and will even let you go through streams up to 24-inches deep. The standard ride height is 8.5 inches. It grows to 10.9 inches with the air suspension at its highest setting.

Seating was comfortable throughout, especially in the first and second rows. Although the third row is good for two adults, they may want to stay back for only a short while.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L is on sale now.