Jeep Grand Cherokee L 2021 Review

Jeep last redesigned its Grand Cherokee for the 2011 model year, and this midsize SUV has started to show its age in the last few years. Specifically, it lacked many of the modern features offered by rivals such as the Honda Passport, Subaru Outback and Toyota Venza — all redesigned in the last few years. But now Jeep has finally dialed up a full redesign, and it starts with the 2021 Grand Cherokee L.

The L signifies that this model has three rows of seating, which is a new quality for the Grand Cherokee. A two-row Grand Cherokee will also come out, but not until 2022. Though the 3.6-liter V6 and 5.7-liter V8 engines are essentially carried over from the previous generation, just about everything else is new. Key enhancements include higher-quality cabin materials and the latest version of parent company Stellantis' infotainment system called Uconnect 5.

Available in six- and seven-seat configurations, the Grand Cherokee L features a second row that can slide 7 inches to make room for passengers in the back. The third row in some midsize SUVs can be cramped, but Jeep has done a nice job of making the Grand Cherokee L's third-row headroom and legroom roomy enough for 6-footers.

Overall, we like how the Grand Cherokee L brings Jeep's rugged ethos to a class of crossover SUVs usually focused on functional family transportation. But it also has some usability issues that might give you pause. Check out our Expert Rating below to get our test team's take on how the Grand Cherokee L stacks up.

Which Grand Cherokee L does MatoCar recommend?

The Jeep Grand Cherokee L is a midsize SUV with three rows of seats for six or seven passengers. Trim levels include the Laredo, Limited, Overland and Summit. All come standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine good for 290 horsepower and 257 lb-ft of torque. A 5.7-liter V8 engine with 357 hp and 390 lb-ft is optional on the Overland and Summit trims. Both engines are paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Four-wheel drive is optional on all trims.

Laredo Highlights of the base model include:

• LED headlights
• 18-inch wheels
• Roof rails
• Tri-zone automatic climate control
• Power-adjustable driver's seat
• Sliding second-row captain's chairs
• Proximity keyless entry and push-button start

Standard technology features and driver aids include:

• 10.25-inch driver information display
• 8.4-inch touchscreen
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration (with wireless connectivity)
• Six-speaker stereo system
• Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the vehicle and the car in front)
• Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse)
• Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)

Limited Upgraded standard features in this trim include:

• LED foglights
• Remote start
• Ambient lighting
• Leather upholstery
• Power-adjustable front passenger seat
• Heated front and second-row seats
• Heated steering wheel
• Power liftgate
• Terrain management system with five settings (4WD models)

Overland Both more plush and more rugged, the Overland adds:

• Adaptive air suspension with selectable ride height settings (4WD models)
• Hill descent control (4WD models)
• Front tow hooks
• 20-inch wheels
• Hands-free liftgate
• Dual-pane panoramic sunroof
• Power-adjustable steering wheel
• Ambient cabin lighting
• Ventilated front seats
• Premium leather upholstery
• Power-folding third row of seats
• Navigation system
• Nine-speaker stereo system

Summit The top-level Grand Cherokee L comes with:

• Gloss black roof
• 10.1-inch touchscreen
• Upgraded front seats with massage function
• Four-zone automatic climate control
• Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
• Driver attention warning (issues an alert if sensors determine you are becoming fatigued)
• Automated parking system (steers into a parking spot with little or no driver intervention)
• Surround-view camera (gives you a top-down view of the Grand Cherokee L and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
• Electronic limited-slip rear differential (4WD models only)

Many features found on the higher trim levels can be added to the supporting trims as options.