Jeep Reveals 2021 Grand Cherokee L With more Seats, more Looks, more Tech

The Jeep Grand Cherokee has been on the scene for quite some time now; the first-gen made its debut way back in 1993, and ever since, it’s been one of the best-selling crossovers in America. The demand is so huge that last year alone, Jeep managed to produce nearly 210,000 of this crossover. However, the current-gen model has been on sale since 2011 and is due for a much-deserved update. Enter the 2021 Grand Cherokee L.

As we type, Jeep has revealed the brand-new 2021 Grand Cherokee L, with the ‘L’ standing for an extended platform that translates into a three-row seating configuration. And for the time being, the new three-row Grand Cherokee will be sold alongside its two-row 2021 model. Although if we talk about its raw looks in the metal, it is safe to say, the formula of more has worked wonders!

Exterior: Bold & Brute

Styling for the new Grand Cherokee L results in a subtle, yet noticeable evolution over the model we’ve been used to see for almost a decade now. The front-end takes most of its inspiration from Jeep’s Wagoneer, and features a more prominent hood, with an aggressive downward slope, and the infamous grille, along with the slim LED headlights that flank on either side of the front-fascia.

The side-profile is sharp and is much like the front; it features 21-inch wheels for the first time, too. Like the Grand Wagoneer, it has a sharp roofline that smoothly flows into the sleek rear. The taillights are, like the headlights, slim LED lights, which extend from the center of the trunk lid and goes around the rear fenders.

Given its a three-row model, the wheelbase extends to 121.7 inches, making way for a total length of 204.9 inches. Comparing this with the two-row model, the Grand Cherokee has only 114.8 inches as its wheelbase, while it stretches to only 189.8 inches.

Interior: More Space, More Grace

The inside is where all the magic is waiting to happen. The ‘L’ model boasts a completely new center cluster, digital cluster designs, a multifunction steering, plush leather finish, and high-quality trim pieces like metal and wood. The latest added variant in the 2021 range, Summit Reserve, is now the top-of-the-line variant and offers all the bells and whistles there are.

Talking about the Overland and Summit variants, the front bucket seats are 16-way power-adjustable, with being heated and ventilated, as well as offering a massage function with five different customizable profiles. These two variants also offer heated and ventilated second-row seats, whereas the range-topping Summit Reserve variant has the said feature as standard on its list.

Owing to the long wheelbase, the Grand Cherokee L has now got more cargo room than any other model before it. In comparison with the two-row model, Cherokee L has 46.9 cubic feet behind the second-row, as opposed to the 36.3 cubic feet on the two-row model. Similarly, with the second-row folded, the cabin in the Cherokee L expands to allow a total of 84.6 cubic feet of cargo, while the ‘regular’ Grand Cherokee manages only 68.3 cubic feet of space.

The center console is the standout performer in this vehicle, as it has access to not only a ‘standard’ touchscreen measuring in at 8.4 inches with an option to upgrade it for a 10.1-inch screen running on the latest UConnect 5 Infotainment system offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but a 4G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot, too.

Joining hands with the mammoth center console is a 10.3-inch digital instrument cluster with more than two-dozen menu options, including the likes of adaptive cruise control, night vision, traffic sign detection, to name a few. Jeep also has installed class-leading 12 USB-A & USB-C ports all around the cabin. Buyers can also choose the option high-performance audio system with 19 speakers, and a dual-pane sunroof on the Overland and Summit models.

Performance: More Off-Road Capability

Everything remains the same under the hood, although one can select the optional 5.7L Hemi V8 producing 357hp and 390 lb-ft, which is only available for the Overland and Summit model. Both, the traditional 3.6L V6 and the Hemi-sourced V8 are mated to an 8-speed automatic ‘box, with the two-wheel-drive being standard, and four-wheel drive available as an option.

For off-roading enthusiasts, the Grand Cherokee L comes with three option 4×4 systems, namely the Quadratrac I, Quadratrac II, and Quadra-Drive II with a rear electronic limited-slip differential. In addition to that, the Quadra-Lift adaptive air suspension from last year’s model has been derived which has access to five different firmness settings depending on the situation.

Safety: Safer, More Advanced

Grand Cherokee L will hit the showroom floors with a long list of safety features as standard, including full-speed collision warning with an automatic emergency braking system, rear cross-path detection, adaptive cruise with stop and go, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, advanced braking assist.

The list of optional safety features available in the Overland and Summit models commences with Jeep’s new Active Driving Assistant which uses lane-centering and adaptive cruise control with distance assist for Level 2 Autonomous driving capability. Other features available on the list include night vision, HUD, an intersection collision alert – which gives an audible warning of oncoming traffic from either side – drowsy driver detection, traffic-sign recognition, and a 360-degree camera.

Pricing & Availability: Announcement Soon

The American automaker hasn’t said anything about Cherokee L’s pricing and the launch date, however, we expect it to hit the roads by mid-2021. As for the prices, it should be priced slightly higher as compared to the two-row Grand Cherokee which starts from $37,765.