2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Preview
One of the original family SUVs since the early 1990s, the Grand Cherokee has been an enduring favorite vehicle of households across America. For 2021, Jeep has introduced the Grand Cherokee L, which offers full 7-passenger seating capability, something which was unavailable in the current model. On top of the elongation, the Grand Cherokee L has received a full redesign both on the inside and outside, while retaining its vaunted off-roading abilities.
Those who plan to go off the beaten path will appreciate the three different 4-wheel-drive systems to pick from: Quadra-Trac I with a single-speed active transfer case, Quadra-Trac II with a two-speed active transfer case and low-range gear reduction, and Quadra-Drive II, which adds an electronic rear-slip differential to a two-speed active transfer case. In addition, there’s an option of Jeep Quadra-Lift air suspension with electronic adaptive damping, which provides more off-road ground clearance and water fording capability compared to competing SUVs in the segment.
In the powertrain department, a 290-horsepower V-6 comes standard with a 357-horsepower V-8 optional for those who plan to tow large trailers or appreciate the extra pick-up.Customers can also choose between front and four-wheel-drive. Meanwhile, on the outside, all-LED lighting is standard and helps the Grand Cherokee L look like a throwback to the Wagoneer of old, along with plenty of glass throughout.
The interior is the place that most shoppers will like, with Jeep designers sparing no thought of making being inside the Grand Cherokee L a pleasant experience. Notable touches include the 10.1-inch display for the Uconnect 5 infotainment system and a 10.25-inch frameless digital gauge cluster. Those who pick the top-end Summit model get oak wood trim, while opting for the Summit Reserve Package changes the wood to walnut. In addition, 16-way power seats are available with Overland models and standard on the Summit, while ventilated front-row seats are available on Limited and standard on Overland and Summit models. Second-row ventilated seats come on vehicles with the Summit Reserve Package.
Rear seat passengers can also appreciate features tailored to their needs. Captain’s chairs come standard along with a dedicated second-row console with storage and cupholders. There are also 12 USB Type A and Type C ports as well as ambient lighting. Summit models get four-zone automatic climate control, while Overland and Summit models get a CommandView dual-pane sunroof with a power sunshade. Audiophiles can expect the option of a 950-watt McIntosh sound system with 19 speakers and a 17-channel amplifier.
Other notable options include Hands-free Active Driving Assist, which provides Level 2 automated hands-free driving at all speeds as well as lane centering on certain roads, a Night Vision Camera, and a full-color head-up display. There is also a Digital Rearview Camera System to make maneuvering easier, Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist, and a rear-seat monitoring camera that allows the driver to zoom in on each passenger in the rear using the infotainment screen.
Come the second quarter of 2021, we’ll be looking forward to the Grand Cherokee L as families now have yet another seven-passenger family SUV to choose from. It will help that the Grand Cherokee L will benefit from its styling and the Jeep Wave program, which includes 3 years of maintenance at Jeep dealerships, trip interruption and loaner coverage, and VIP access to select Jeep-exclusive events. The school pickup lines will now have even more variety and we await this new Jeep with great anticipation.
