More seat time and stats indicate that Jeep's new three-row Grand Cherokee SUV is a terrific buy.
We were apprehensive when we heard Jeep was planning to add a third row to the Grand Cherokee. The first four iterations of the Grand Cherokee established it as a reliable five-passenger SUV, demonstrating to the competitors how to mix on- and off-road capability with style.
Jeep's previous foray into a three-row Grand Cherokee variation, the Jeep Commander, was one of the few flops in an otherwise sturdy Jeep range. And the timing seemed peculiar, considering the reintroduction of the three-row Jeep Wagoneer series of full-size, high-end SUVs.
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| First Look at the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L: Color Us Impressed |
For all of these reasons, the release of the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was met with scepticism. It would be our first glimpse at the fifth-generation Grand Cherokee on a new platform—the two-row variant will be available in 2022. According to the corporate line, the three-row came first since it is what customers want. The cynic in us questioned if the spotlight was necessary since it was a Commander-in-waiting.
We were pleasantly delighted by the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L. Excellent. If you don't need to go that large, you might think twice about upgrading to the Wagoneer (or the even more luxury Grand Wagoneer).
The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited, Overland, and Summit Reserve are being tested.
We tested three Grand Cherokee L trim levels: a $53,815 Limited with a 3.6-liter V-6, which is the entry-level vehicle; a loaded $65,930 Summit Reserve with the V-6, which is the top-of-the-line model; and a $67,655 Overland with a 5.7-liter Hemi V-8. They were all outfitted with an eight-speed automatic transmission and 4WD.
The redesigned WL platform underpins the fifth-generation Grand Cherokee. Chris Walton, our road test editor, was impressed by how well the chassis behaved in our testing, particularly the variants powered by the V-6. "With a throttle, you can really guide it," he remarked. "If it starts to understeer, lift the throttle until the nose tucks, then return to the throttle to encourage it to spin. That's unusual for such a large SUV."
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| The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited, Overland, and Summit Reserve are being tested |
The less-equipped and lighter Limited (4,823 pounds) was the fastest of the V-6-powered Grand Cherokee L's we tested, roaring from 0 to 60 mph in 7.3 seconds, compared to the 5,171-pound Summit, which took a full 8.0 seconds. Similarly, the Limited completed the quarter mile in 15.5 seconds, but the loaded Summit required 16.1 seconds. Erick Ayapana, associate road test editor, deemed the Limited's power to be "more than enough" and praised its quick changes.
Surprisingly, in braking testing, the heavier Summit came to a halt in 4 less feet than the Limited, stopping from 60 to 0 mph in 123 feet. The Summit's reduced stopping distance was attributable to its larger and better 275/45R21 Continental CrossContact LX Sport tyres, according to the test team. Ayapana praised all of the cars for their excellent pedal feel, but the Limited was held down by a lack of bite from its 265/60R18 Michelin Primacy XC tyres.
V-6 or V-8?
The Overland, with its 5.7-liter Hemi V-8, was the quickest of the three, clocking a 0-60 time of 6.1 seconds and a quarter-mile pace of 14.6 seconds. Its 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque were more than enough to propel the 5,402-pound Overland. Hauling it down, on the other hand, was a different storey, with the longest stopping distance of the three at 139 feet.
Skidpad results were pretty ordinary and on the figure eight, where the V-6 versions proved more agile and faster: 27.6 seconds at 0.61 g (avg) for the Summit Reserve with air suspension and wider and better tyres; the Limited with steel springs came close behind at 27.9 seconds at 0.59 g. At 0.59 g, the beefier Overland required 28.2 seconds.
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| V-6 or V-8? |
In comparison, the three-row 2022 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum with 4WD, which is over 300 pounds lighter than the Jeep Limited, reached 60 mph in 7.1 seconds and had the shortest braking distance of 114 feet.
The Pentastar V-6 has been around for a long and still does a good job. Most purchasers, we believe, would be perfectly content with the smaller engine for their family hauler. However, if towing and the visceral snarl of a V-8 are required, the Overland is the superior option. Both engines pair nicely with the eight-speed automatic transmission for fast, crisp, and smooth shifts that take use of the powerband to guarantee enough of power is always available. In addition, the V-6 is more efficient, achieving 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the interstate, compared to the thirstier V-8's 14/22 city/highway.
The Pathfinder 4WD with the V-6 gets 20 mpg in the city and the same 25 mpg on the interstate.
Air Suspension vs. Steel Springs
The air suspension on the highest trims of the Jeep Grand Cherokee L is the preferred arrangement, but the Limited's regular steel springs provide a nice ride as well, due in large part to this trim's adjustable dampers. Regardless of suspension configuration, we found the Grand Cherokee L to have decent body control for such a huge vehicle.
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| Air Suspension vs. Steel Springs |
In terms of steering, while it does not seem especially natural, it is accurate and responsive. The lane maintain assist might be smoother because it sometimes struggles to stay centred, but it runs for a pretty lengthy period of time without hands on the wheel; it appears to be one tiny step away from being a real hands-free highway advanced driver aid system. The adaptive cruise control was spot on, maintaining the programmed speed even while driving down a lengthy slope.
Take a Look Inside This Adorable Cabin
The true joy comes in the Jeep Grand Cherokee L models' cabins, which are superbly outfitted with exquisite woods among the high-end materials, wonderfully built controls, a big infotainment screen that cascades down the dash, and heated, ventilated, and massaging seats. There is a level of attention to detail that results in a premium experience.
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| Take a Look Inside This Adorable Cabin |
The farther you go down the trim ladder, the more the material options change, and you lose functions like the massaging function. However, it retains a premium vibe. The luxury continues in the second and third rows, where passengers have access to USB and power outlets, HVAC controls, vents, heated seats, and plenty of legroom. And everyone may appreciate the amazing McIntosh audio system that is offered.
The Pathfinder ups the Jeep here with a simple button to push. Folding the second-row seat forward makes a big opening to access the third row, but the mechanics may be too hefty for little children to handle alone. There is plenty of cargo space and underfloor storage below the third row.
Big and lovely boy
"Overall, I'm simply blown away by how collected and balanced this enormous Jeep is," Walton added. With the addition of a third row, the Grand Cherokee L competes for leadership in a competitive category while still offering a good value, with a base model beginning around $39,000.
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| Big and lovely boy |
It gives a luxurious experience at the highest end of its model range, offers a pleasant ride with huge windows to enjoy the road journey, and adds the off-road prowess anticipated of the Jeep name. As a result, it may be the greatest three-row SUV on the market.
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