2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

Big news for the new year: an all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee is headed our way. Even bigger news: it debuts with a first-ever 3-row version, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L.  

The 7-passenger Grand Cherokee’s also new unibody architecture features independent suspension front and rear, as well as a new Quadra-Lift air suspension. So ride should be compliant both on and off road.   

At launch, standard power will come from FCA’s familiar 290-horsepower 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, with a 357-horsepower 5.7-liter V8 optional; along with 3 different 4X4 systems to choose from.  This is still a “Trail Rated” Jeep after all. 

Greg Carloss: "Each of the Grand Cherokee L’s three 4x4 systems have an active transfer case to distribute torque on the fly, but it’s the top-end Quadra-Drive II that combines a two-speed transfer case with an electronic limited slip rear differential. So your idea of what “off-road” is should guide your decision of which system to choose. Is it a gravel driveway or is it a mountain trail?"

The new design also brings increased interior refinement with available features such as quilted Palermo leather, open-pore waxed walnut wood trim, a 10-inch touch screen, and 19-speaker McIntosh stereo.  

John Davis: "It’s amazing that the Grand Cherokee has continued to sell so well without a third row. Now with the L their fortunes should be even better. Plus, Jeep claims that the third row is much more than suitable for adults. Well, we’ll see. But what gives me hope is they also said they learned a lot from the Grand Cherokee based 3-row Commander which was anything but hospitable to adults way in back."

A nice step up in refinement certainly speaks to the exterior design as well; not in the amplified luxury sense necessarily, but in the continued evolution of this classic design, with all the traditional hallmarks in place.  

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L will arrive this Spring; with the traditional 5-passenger version, as well as a 4xe plug-in, to follow later in the year.  

And we’ll have more about the new Grand Cherokee soon on MotorWeek.