2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

Pros: Spacious cabin; class-leading off-road capabilities when properly equipped; interiors on up-level models rival those of luxury-brand SUVs; broad range of models and available features

Cons: Steep prices for top models; fuel economy with V8 engine

CG Says: Jeep for 2021 introduces a long-wheelbase, three-row-seat variant of its popular Grand Cherokee midsize SUV. The new L version is about 15 inches longer overall than the two-row Grand Cherokee (see separate report), and it’s built around an all-new design that is slated to be shared with the rest of the Grand Cherokee lineup for 2022. Rear-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive are available. The engine choices are essentially the same on all Grand Cherokees: a 293-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 or a 357-horsepower 5.7-liter V8. Both engines pair with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The 2021 Grand Cherokee L is offered in Laredo, Altitude, Limited, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve trim levels. Three different 4-wheel-drive systems are offered; each has different levels of traction and driver control. These can be combined with a variety of available heavy-use equipment to tailor the Grand Cherokee L for serious off-road driving.

The Grand Cherokee L interior has second-row captain’s chairs, for a maximum seating capacity of 6 people. A second-row bench seat is available, increasing capacity to 7. Standard on the Grand Cherokee L are Jeep’s Uconnect 5 infotainment system and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity. Standard safety features include full-speed collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian/cyclist detection, rear cross path detection, active lane management, lane departure warning with lane-keep assist, brake assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear parking sensors. Although Grand Cherokees in general can be pricey, their comfort, off-road ability, towing capacity, and premium-luxury vibe offset that somewhat. The new L version’s extra seating capacity makes it a viable competitor to three-row midsize class rivals, and even large SUVs. A broad range of models and available comfort and technology features sweeten the deal.