Stallantis, formerly Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, is doubling down on its top-selling Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV for 2021 with the introduction of a longer wheelbase variant that can haul up to seven passengers.
The debut of the larger, three-row Grand Cherokee “L” comes as the Grand Cherokee ranked as No. 15 in the top 20 best-sellers of 2020. Despite a near 14% drop compared with 2019, the midsize SUV logged sales of almost 210,000 units and was Jeep’s top-selling model.
The 2021 Grand Cherokee L will fill a void in Jeep’s product portfolio that many assumed would be answered by a recent resurrection of the Grand Wagoneer, which debuted last fall as a concept. The brand has been noticeably absent from the three-row segment, a category that has ballooned in popularity over the last five years as parents eschewed minivans for SUVs.
It seems the Grand Wagoneer will be the full-size entry and the Grand Cherokee L will settle in alongside its five-passenger counterpart and other midsize rivals. The addition, according to Jeep global chief Christian Meunier, is a response to customer requests for “more space and functionality.”
Classic Packaging
The 2021 Grand Cherokee L looks a lot like one would expect: larger. It retains the Grand Cherokee’s signature rugged look and Jeep’s classic seven-slot grille, but with added design elements. For example, the slots are wider and the grille tips forward; a nod to the original Wagoneer. Its sharp-looking facade has slimmed-down headlights and a bigger, more squared-off grille than the outgoing model.
The profile of the Grand Cherokee L has a lowered beltline and more glass, emphasizing the spacious cabin. The roof racks are more seamless, and the familiar trapezoidal wheel arches remain. Higher trims offer 21-inch wheels. Thanks to a new architecture, the proportions are more aerodynamic, including a longer hood and cab (adding to that throwback Wagoneer look), and a lowered and tapered roof.
The first Grand Cherokee debuted in 1993 and coupled luxury and capability in an approachable package. It’s since evolved into a vehicle that casts a wide net for buyers seeking varying levels of both characteristics. The current fourth-generation five-seater is offered in 10 different trims, with three different engines and four different four-wheel-drive systems. The Grand Cherokee L streamlines the lineup, slims the engine and 4WD choices, but ups the ante in terms of standard features and amenities.
The 2021 Grand Cherokee L will be offered in four trims: Laredo, Limited, Overland and Summit. Each trim can be outfitted with packages that add more tech, luxury or off-roading features such as wireless smartphone charges, Palermo leather seats or skid plates.
The standard engine is a 3.6-liter V6 that delivers 290 horsepower and 257 pound-feet of torque. It can tow 6,200 pounds and has a range of 500 miles. A larger optional 5.7-liter V8 is rated at 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque. It’s rated to tow 7,200 pounds, which is nipping at the heels of the full-size 2021 Chevrolet Suburban’s 7,800-pound rating. Both engines are mated to an eight-speed transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard across the lineup with 4WD an optional upgrade.
Fuel Efficiency is a Consideration
Both engines also offer different forms of fuel-saving technology. The V6 is equipped with an engine stop-start technology that shuts the engine down at stops and fires it up when the driver lifts their foot off the brake. The system has been refined to minimize early re-starts from minor foot movements and to reduce noise and vibration.
The V8 uses cylinder deactivation (Jeep calls it “Fuel Saver Technology”) while cruising or when full power isn’t needed; automatically re-engaging the cylinders upon greater acceleration. Jeep hasn’t yet specified fuel economy ratings but says cylinder shutoff can increase fuel economy from 5 to 20%.
Both engines use a variable-valve timing–another fuel saver. For SUV’s configured with four-wheel drivetrains, a front axle disconnect automatically swaps to 2WD when conditions allow, reducing drag in the driveline.
Still an Adventurer
The three 4WD systems offer weekend warriors and would-be off roaders different levels of capability. The Laredo and Limited get Quadra-Trac I with a single-speed transfer case that reactively adjusts when tire slip is detected and sends 100% of torque to the wheel with most traction.
Quadra-Trac II with a traditional two-speed transfer case and low range gear reduction is standard on Overland trims. Quadra Drive is standard on Summit and can be added to Overland as part of a package. It has a two-speed transfer case and rear electronic slip differential for instant slippage detection and optimal torque distribution. Ultimately it delivers better control and stability.
The top two trims get the Quadra-Lift air suspension system, which adjusts shock tuning for a smoother ride on different terrains. It also dramatically alters the SUV’s 8.3-inch standard ride height. Three of its five settings—Normal, Off-Road 1, Off-Road 2—add up to 4.7 inches of ground clearance. Park mode lowers it 1.8 inches, and Aero mode drops it .8 inches to optimize performance.
Quadra-Lift can give the SUV a 30.1-degree approach angle and a 23.6 departure angle. Its breakover angle is 22.6 degrees. That’s shy of Land Rover’s Range Rover (11.9 inches), but still impressive. The Grand Cherokee L’s crawl ratio is 44:1, far less than the Wrangler’s 84.2:1, but it offers more comfort.
Four-wheel drive models in Limited trim and above also get Jeep’s Selec-Terrain pre-set drive modes (Auto, Sport, Rock, Snow and Mud/Sand) that govern different combinations of powertrain, torque split, steering and suspension settings depending on driving scenario. Hill Descent Control (on Overland and Summit) lets drivers go pedal-free down steep grades while only using the paddles shifters.
For serious off roaders, 4WD versions of the Overland trim offer an Off-Road Group package that adds skid plates for vulnerable components as well as the “Trail Rated” badge and a water fording depth of up to 24 inches.
Lots of Space, Well-Appointed Interior
Parents and haulers of stuff will be happy to know that the Grand Cherokee L sits at the top of its class in terms of behind-the-third-row cargo space. The SUV, which measures 205 inches in length (an increase of almost 2 feet over the five-seater), offers 17.2 cubic-feet behind the 50/50-splitting third row. Chevrolet’s Traverse and the Volkswagen Atlas are current front-runners with 23 and 20.6 cubic-feet of wayback stowage, respectively.
The Grand Cherokee L’s 30.3 inches of rear-seat legroom also is competitive with the Atlas’ 33.7 inches. By comparison the cramped back seat in the Lexus RX-L (the three-row version of the RX) only offers 23 inches.
The second-row door opening are larger and open 64 degrees for easier access to the rear cabin. Second-row captain’s chairs that can tip and slide (so car seats don’t have to be removed) are standard; an optional bench ups passenger capacity to eight. Second-row seats can recline 18 degrees and fold flat with an electronic release. The flat-folding third row, when down, opens up almost 50 cubic-feet of cargo space. With both rows folded, stowage expands to 84.6 cubic-feet.
The Grand Cherokee L’s cabin is equipped to handle raucous activity in style. All trims but the base Laredo have leather seating. The length of the dash is trimmed with wood, leather and metal. The console has two cup holders and more small-item storage, including two smart phone holders and an optional wireless charger.
The ride height and drive mode switches frame the metal rotary shifter. Sixteen-way adjustable front and passenger seats with massagers are standard on the Summit and available on Overland. Limited models and up get heated seating for the first two rows; ventilated front seats are available on Limited and standard on the top two trims (the Summit Reserve package offers ventilated first and second rows).
The rear cabin has armrests, more small-item storage and cup holders as well as 12 USB A and C ports. Customizable LED lighting is standard, and a five-color scheme that lights up the instrument panel and doors is standard on Overland and Summit. Summit also has a four-zone climate control system with selectable fan and temperature settings for first- and second-row passengers. Overland and Summit boast a 19-speaker, 950-watt McIntosh premium audio system.
More Tech
The cockpit has an 8.4-inch touchscreen (Summit models get a 10.1-inch display) with FCA’s Uconnect 5 that runs wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Alexa virtual assistant. Two smartphones can connect simultaneously, and five user profiles are available.
A 10.25-inch digital instrument sits behind the wheel. From there the driver can jump in and out of a plethora of menus and access the wide array of standard driver-assistance systems, including forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking (“Full-Speed Collision Warning with Active Braking”), pedestrian detection, rear-cross path detection, adaptive cruise control with stop and go capability, lane keeping assistance (“Active Lane Management”) and blind spot monitoring.
Other systems such as Active Driving Assist, which combines adaptive cruise control and lane centering, are standard on the Summit and can be added as part of a package on the Overland models. Looking ahead to the 2022 model year, Jeep says it will offer a hands-free version that also will predictively slow the SUV in tight curves and resume control at the driver’s request.
All trims but the base Laredo get the omnipresent camera system that all parents want (and need). Drivers can view rear passengers—including rear-facing car-seat riders—via an available monitoring system that offers a split view and a zoom function. Infrared lights help the display visible in low-light settings.
A fully digital rearview mirror is available to for an unobstructed view with the SUV is packed with people and things. The top two trims also get a head-up display with travelling speed, speed limit, navigation and driver assist systems.
The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L will be built at FCA’s new Detroit Assembly Complex – Mack Plant, the company’s first new factory in three decades. The plant is scheduled to launch production in the first quarter of 2021. FCA did not specify on-sale dates or pricing for the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L.
