The Grand Jeep Cherokee L is more than just an SUV; it's a statement. It’s for families who need space, capability, and a touch of luxury.
This isn't just a longer version of the regular Cherokee. Jeep took the familiar name and stretched it, adding a third row of seats and a host of upgrades to make it a serious contender in the crowded three-row SUV market.
For many years, Jeep has been synonymous with off-road prowess and rugged adventure. While the Grand Cherokee has always offered a more refined experience than its Wrangler sibling, the L model pushes this further.
It aims to compete directly with established giants like the Chevrolet Traverse, Ford Explorer, and Toyota Highlander, but with Jeep’s unique blend of on-road comfort and legendary off-road capability.
But what makes the Grand Cherokee L stand out? Is it just about having more seats, or does it offer something genuinely different?
We’ll explore its design, performance, interior features, technology, and safety. We’ll also look at its different trims to help you understand what each offers.
If you’re looking for a family vehicle that can handle daily commutes and weekend getaways with equal confidence, the Grand Cherokee L deserves a close look.
Exterior Design And Styling
The Grand Jeep Cherokee L presents a bold and sophisticated exterior that blends Jeep’s signature ruggedness with a more upscale, modern aesthetic. When you first see it, the extended wheelbase is immediately apparent, giving the vehicle a commanding presence on the road. Jeep designers have managed to integrate the extra length seamlessly, avoiding an awkward, stretched look.
The front fascia retains the iconic seven-slot grille, a hallmark of the Jeep brand, but it’s presented with a sleeker, more refined finish on the L models. The headlights are slim and modern, often featuring LED lighting for improved visibility and a premium look.
The overall shape is more sculpted than previous generations, with clean lines and a confident stance.
Moving along the side, the increased length is most noticeable, providing ample space for the third row without compromising the vehicle’s proportions. The roofline is elegantly designed to maximize headroom for rear passengers while maintaining a stylish silhouette.
Depending on the trim level, you’ll find different wheel designs, ranging from practical 18-inch options to larger, more striking 20-inch or even 21-inch wheels that enhance its premium appeal.
The rear of the Grand Cherokee L is equally well-crafted. The taillights are often slim and wrap around the sides, contributing to the vehicle’s wide and stable appearance.
A power liftgate is standard on most trims, making it easy to access the cargo area.
The design language here is clean and functional, with integrated exhaust tips on some models adding a sporty touch.
Jeep offers the Grand Cherokee L in a variety of attractive colors, from classic solid hues to sophisticated metallic and pearl finishes. These color options, combined with the vehicle’s refined styling, allow it to fit in comfortably whether you’re pulling up to a luxury hotel or heading out for a camping trip.
It strikes a balance between being a capable adventurer and a stylish family hauler, a difficult feat that Jeep has managed quite well with this model.
Powertrain Options And Performance
Under the hood, the Grand Jeep Cherokee L offers two robust engine choices, catering to different performance needs and preferences. Both are designed to provide ample power for daily driving and the demands of carrying a full load of passengers and cargo, while also offering Jeep’s renowned capability.
The standard engine is a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6. This engine is a well-regarded unit known for its smooth operation and respectable power output. It delivers around 290 horsepower and 257 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, this V6 provides confident acceleration for merging onto highways and passing slower vehicles. It’s also tuned for efficiency, making it a practical choice for everyday use. For families who primarily stick to paved roads, this engine is more than capable.
For those who crave more power or plan to do some serious towing, the optional 5.7-liter HEMI V8 is available. This engine significantly boosts performance, producing approximately 357 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque. The V8 offers a more potent driving experience, with quicker acceleration and a more satisfying engine note. It’s particularly beneficial if you plan to tow a trailer, boat, or camper, as it provides greater pulling power. The maximum towing capacity for the Grand Cherokee L, when properly equipped, can reach up to 7,200 pounds, which is competitive within its class.
When it comes to handling, the Grand Cherokee L excels. While it’s a larger vehicle, Jeep has tuned the suspension to offer a comfortable ride without sacrificing control. The independent front and rear suspension contributes to a smooth experience over bumps and imperfections in the road. In my experience, even on rougher surfaces, the cabin remains remarkably quiet and composed.
Jeep offers its renowned 4×4 systems on the Grand Cherokee L, which are crucial for its go-anywhere reputation. The available systems include Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II with a two-speed transfer case for more serious off-roading, and Quadra-Drive II which adds an electronic limited-slip differential for maximum traction. These systems, combined with the Selec-Terrain Traction Management System, allow drivers to select different modes (Auto, Snow, Mud, Sand, and Rock) to optimize performance for various conditions. This makes the Grand Cherokee L not just a comfortable family SUV, but a truly capable off-road machine when the need arises.
Interior Comfort And Space
The interior of the Grand Jeep Cherokee L is where its “L” designation truly shines. Jeep has focused on creating a spacious, comfortable, and luxurious environment for up to seven occupants, making it an excellent choice for larger families or those who frequently travel with passengers.
The first and second rows offer generous legroom and headroom. The seats are supportive and comfortable, designed for long journeys. Higher trim levels can feature premium materials like Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and massaging front seats, elevating the cabin experience to near-luxury levels. The second-row seats can often slide and recline, allowing passengers to customize their comfort.
The star of the show, however, is the third row. Unlike the cramped third rows found in some competitors, the Grand Cherokee L’s third row is surprisingly accommodating. While it might be best suited for children or shorter adults on longer trips, it’s significantly more usable than in many other SUVs. This usability is a key selling point for families who need that extra seating capacity regularly.
Beyond passenger space, the cargo capacity is also impressive. With all three rows in use, there’s still a usable amount of space behind the third row for groceries or smaller bags. Folding down the third row opens up a substantial cargo area, perfect for luggage on a family vacation. If you fold down both the second and third rows, the Grand Cherokee L offers a vast amount of space, rivaling many dedicated cargo vans.
Jeep has also paid close attention to the interior materials and design. The dashboard is well-organized, with high-quality plastics, soft-touch surfaces, and tasteful accents. The overall aesthetic is modern and sophisticated, with a driver-focused layout. Ambient LED lighting on some trims adds a premium touch, especially at night.
Practicality is also key. You’ll find numerous cup holders, storage compartments, and USB ports throughout the cabin, ensuring everyone can stay comfortable and connected.
The cabin is also well-insulated, keeping road noise to a minimum and creating a peaceful environment for passengers, which is crucial for long road trips.
Technology And Infotainment
The Grand Jeep Cherokee L is equipped with a modern and intuitive technology suite designed to keep drivers and passengers informed, entertained, and connected. The centerpiece of the infotainment system is the Uconnect system, known for its user-friendly interface and responsiveness.
Depending on the trim level, the Grand Cherokee L features a touchscreen display that can range from 8.4 inches to a large 10.1 inches. This screen controls most of the vehicle’s functions, including navigation, audio, climate control, and connectivity features. The graphics are sharp, and the menus are logically laid out, making it easy to find what you need.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across the lineup, allowing seamless integration of your smartphone. This means you can access your favorite apps, music, navigation, and make calls using the familiar interface on the car’s touchscreen. Wireless versions of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available on higher trims, adding an extra layer of convenience.
Beyond the main touchscreen, Jeep offers a digital instrument cluster that can be customized to display various information, such as speed, fuel economy, navigation prompts, and safety system status. This enhances the modern feel of the cabin and provides crucial information at a glance.
For audiophiles, an upgraded audio system is available, including a premium 9-speaker Alpine system or an even more advanced 19-speaker McIntosh system on the top-tier Summit Reserve trim. These systems deliver rich, immersive sound quality, transforming the cabin into a concert hall on wheels.
Other notable technology features include:
- Wireless charging pad: Conveniently charge your compatible smartphone without cables.
- Multiple USB ports: Including USB-A and USB-C ports throughout the cabin for charging devices.
- Built-in navigation: For when you don’t want to rely on your phone.
- Voice command: Allows you to control various functions using voice prompts.
- Rear-seat entertainment system: Available on some trims, featuring dual screens to keep passengers entertained on long journeys.
The technology in the Grand Cherokee L is not just about entertainment; it’s also about enhancing the driving experience and safety. The integration of these systems is generally seamless, providing a sophisticated and convenient user experience.
Safety Features And Driver Assistance
Safety is a paramount concern for any family vehicle, and the Grand Jeep Cherokee L addresses this with a comprehensive suite of standard and available safety features. Jeep has equipped this SUV with advanced technologies designed to protect occupants and assist the driver in various situations.
Standard safety features across most trims include:
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go: Maintains a set speed and distance from the vehicle ahead, automatically braking and accelerating as needed, even to a complete stop.
- Active Lane Management: Includes Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane.
- Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross-Path Detection: Alerts the driver to vehicles in their blind spots and approaching traffic when reversing.
- Full-Speed Forward Collision Warning with Active Braking: Detects potential frontal collisions and can automatically apply the brakes if the driver doesn’t react.
- ParkView Rear Back-Up Camera: Provides a clear view of the area behind the vehicle when in reverse.
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Traction Control: Helps maintain control in slippery conditions.
- Multiple Airbags: Including front, side, curtain, and knee airbags for comprehensive occupant protection.
Available advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) further enhance safety and convenience:
- Surround View Camera System: Offers a 360-degree bird’s-eye view of the vehicle’s surroundings, aiding in parking and maneuvering in tight spaces.
- Night Vision Camera: Uses infrared technology to detect pedestrians and animals in the dark, displaying them on the digital cluster. This is a standout feature that few competitors offer.
- Drowsy Driver Detection: Monitors driver behavior to detect signs of fatigue and provides alerts.
- Traffic Sign Recognition: Reads and displays speed limit signs and other traffic information on the instrument cluster.
- Intersection Collision Assist: Warns the driver of potential cross-traffic collisions at intersections.
- Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist: Can automatically steer the vehicle into parking spaces.
The structural integrity of the Grand Cherokee L is also a key safety aspect. It is built with a strong unibody construction that incorporates high-strength steel to help absorb and dissipate crash energy.
The combination of active safety systems that help prevent accidents and passive safety features that protect occupants in the event of a collision makes the Grand Cherokee L a reassuring choice for families. It’s important to remember that these systems are aids and do not replace attentive driving.
Trim Levels Explained
The Grand Jeep Cherokee L is offered in several distinct trim levels, each building upon the previous one with more features, premium materials, and advanced technology. This allows buyers to choose a model that best fits their needs and budget.
Here’s a breakdown of the common trim levels:
Laredo
The Laredo is the entry-level trim, offering a solid foundation of features for the price. It typically includes:
- 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine
- 8-speed automatic transmission
- Rear-wheel drive (RWD) standard, 4×4 optional
- Uconnect 8.4-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- LED exterior lighting
- Cloth upholstery
- Keyless entry and push-button start
- Standard safety features like Forward Collision Warning and Blind Spot Monitoring
The Laredo is a great option for those who want the space and capability of the Grand Cherokee L without all the luxury bells and whistles, focusing on core functionality.
Altitude
The Altitude trim builds on the Laredo, adding some cosmetic enhancements and popular features. It usually includes:
- All features from the Laredo
- Unique gloss-black exterior accents
- Larger 20-inch gloss-black aluminum wheels
- Power liftgate
- Remote start
- Heated front seats
- Optional premium audio system
The Altitude offers a sportier look and a few more convenience features, making it a popular choice for those seeking a bit more style.
Limited
Stepping up to the Limited trim introduces more premium amenities and comfort features. This is where the Grand Cherokee L starts to feel significantly more luxurious. It typically includes:
- All features from the Altitude
- Leather-trimmed seats
- Power-adjustable front seats with memory function
- Heated second-row seats
- Power-adjustable steering column
- Larger 10.1-inch Uconnect touchscreen
- Navigation system
- Digital instrument cluster
- Wireless charging pad
The Limited trim strikes a good balance between luxury, technology, and capability, making it a sweet spot for many buyers.
Overland
The Overland trim represents a significant step up in luxury and capability. It’s designed for those who want a more premium experience, both on and off the road. Features typically include:
- All features from the Limited
- Premium Nappa leather-trimmed interior
- Ventilated front seats
- Quadra-Trac II 4×4 system with Selec-Terrain
- Quadra
