Introduction

The 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L arrives as a refined three-row SUV that blends genuine off-road capability with upscale everyday comfort. Since its redesign for the 2021 model year, the Grand Cherokee L has become a top contender for families who need room for seven and refuse to compromise on driving dynamics or luxury. For 2024, Jeep has made only minor updates, focusing on refining the existing formula rather than reinventing it. This guide walks through every critical aspect—trim levels, engine choices, tech features, safety, fuel economy, and real-world ownership costs—so you can decide whether the Grand Cherokee L is the right SUV for your driveway.

What’s New for 2024?

The 2024 model carries forward the same architecture and powertrains as the previous year. The most notable change is the addition of a new Luxury Package for the Overland trim, which adds quilted leather seats, upgraded interior trim, and a head-up display. The base Laredo trim also benefits from a standard 10.1-inch touchscreen (previously optional), and the available Trailer Tow Package IV now includes a full-size spare tire on most trims. Otherwise, the lineup remains identical, meaning you can still order the Grand Cherokee L with either the standard V6 or the optional 5.7-liter V8.

Trim Levels and Pricing

The 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L is offered in five distinct trims, each with a clear step up in features and luxury. Prices listed are manufacturer’s suggested retail prices (MSRP) excluding destination fee and dealer markup.

Base Model (Laredo)

Starting MSRP: ~$40,500
The Laredo is well-equipped out of the gate. Standard equipment includes 18-inch wheels, LED exterior lighting, power liftgate, tri-zone automatic climate control, cloth upholstery, and the Uconnect 5 system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 6-speaker sound system. It also comes with Jeep’s active safety suite, which we detail later.

Limited

Starting MSRP: ~$47,500
The Limited trim adds genuine leather seating (heated front and second-row seats), power-adjustable front seats, ambient interior lighting, remote start, parking sensors front and rear, and larger 18-inch wheels with a different finish. This is the sweet spot for many buyers who want leather without leaping to premium trims.

Overland

Starting MSRP: ~$58,000
Overland brings a more sophisticated look with unique exterior styling (including a gloss black grille and body-color cladding) and upgraded interior materials like real wood trim. It includes a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, a 360-degree camera system, and the optional air suspension (which can raise or lower the vehicle for off-road clearance or easier entry). The new Luxury Package adds quilted Nappa leather, a head-up display, and a premium steering wheel.

Summit

Starting MSRP: ~$64,500
The Summit is the luxury flagship. It comes standard with the air suspension, a 19-speaker McIntosh premium audio system, full-leather upholstery (with diamond-quilted patterns), massaging front seats, rear-seat entertainment screens, and a digital rearview mirror. Exterior details include 20-inch wheels and adaptive headlights.

Summit Reserve

Starting MSRP: ~$69,000
This top-level trim goes all-in on opulence with Palermo leather, open-pore wood trim, a suede headliner, and 21-inch wheels. It’s essentially the same as Summit but with the most exclusive interior materials. If you want the most luxurious Grand Cherokee L money can buy, this is it.

Source: Jeep.com official 2024 Grand Cherokee L pricing.

Performance and Engine Options

Every 2024 Grand Cherokee L comes standard with a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 producing 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. This engine pairs with an 8-speed automatic transmission and can be ordered with either rear-wheel drive (RWD) or one of two four-wheel-drive (4WD) systems: Quadra-Trac I or Quadra-Trac II. The V6 is smooth, quiet, and provides adequate power for daily driving and highway merging, but it can feel slightly strained when towing near its maximum capacity.

V8 Engine Option

For those who crave more grunt, Jeep offers a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 (available on Limited, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve). It generates 357 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque. The V8 dramatically improves towing capability (max 7,200 lbs vs. 6,200 lbs for the V6) and acceleration. However, it comes with a fuel economy penalty and requires premium fuel for peak performance, though it can run on regular.

Quadra-Drive II and Off-Road Performance

The most hardcore off-road setup is Quadra-Drive II, available on Overland and above (and optionally on Limited). It includes a two-speed transfer case, an electronic rear limited-slip differential, and Jeep’s Selec-Terrain system with five modes (Auto, Sport, Rock, Snow, Sand/Mud). When combined with the optional air suspension, the Grand Cherokee L can achieve up to 11.3 inches of ground clearance and ford up to 24 inches of water. Even the base 4WD systems provide more capability than most mid-size SUVs—this is a Jeep, after all.

Interior Comfort and Cargo Space

One of the Grand Cherokee L’s strongest selling points is its three-row interior. Front and second-row passengers enjoy generous legroom and headroom, even with the panoramic roof. The second row slides and reclines, making third-row access easier. The third row is best for children or smaller adults on shorter trips (legroom is tight at 30.3 inches, similar to the Ford Explorer but less than the Kia Telluride).

Cargo space is competitive: 17.2 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.9 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 84.6 cubic feet with all rear seats down. The power liftgate is standard, and the split-folding second and third rows allow for flexible hauling. Storage cubbies throughout the cabin are ample, and the center console can swallow a large handbag or tablet.

Technology and Infotainment

Jeep’s Uconnect 5 system is one of the best in the business. The standard 10.1-inch touchscreen responds quickly, graphics are crisp, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto work seamlessly. Overland and above get navigation, and Summit trims add a 10.25-inch passenger screen that allows front-seat passengers to stream video or view maps without distracting the driver.

Audio systems vary: the base 6-speaker setup is acceptable for news and podcasts. The optional 9-speaker Alpine system is a nice upgrade for music lovers. The top-tier 19-speaker McIntosh system (standard on Summit and Summit Reserve) is truly exceptional, with a 950-watt amplifier and pristine clarity. Rear seat entertainment (available on Overland, standard on Summit) includes two 10.1-inch screens with HDMI inputs and streaming capabilities via Amazon Fire TV built in.

Safety and Driver Assistance

Every 2024 Grand Cherokee L comes with Jeep Active Safety Group, which includes forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning with lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high beams. Optional upgrades (packaged in the Advanced Safety Group) add adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, traffic sign recognition, and a drowsy driver detection system.

The Grand Cherokee L has not yet been fully tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) as of this writing, but the structurally similar two-row model earned a 5-star overall rating from NHTSA and Top Safety Pick+ from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) when equipped with certain headlights. We expect the L to perform similarly. Check IIHS ratings for the 2023 model here (the 2024 is expected to carry over the same structure).

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The EPA estimates for the 2024 Grand Cherokee L are as follows:

  • V6 with RWD: 19 city / 26 highway / 22 combined mpg
  • V6 with 4WD: 18 city / 25 highway / 21 combined
  • V8 with 4WD: 14 city / 22 highway / 17 combined

In real-world driving, many owners report matching these numbers with conservative driving on highways. Expect slightly lower combined figures if you regularly use the air suspension or carry heavy loads. The V8’s fuel economy is noticeably poor by modern standards—several rivals (like the Ford Explorer with its 3.3L hybrid or the Kia Telluride’s V6) achieve better numbers. If fuel costs are a concern, stick with the V6.

Ownership Costs and Reliability

Jeep’s overall reliability has been mid-pack compared to Japanese rivals. The Grand Cherokee L shares many components with the standard Grand Cherokee, which has a history of minor electronic gremlins and transmission quirks. However, the current generation seems more solid. Jeep offers a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Extended warranties are available but typically not necessary if you lease or trade every 3-4 years.

Insurance costs for the Grand Cherokee L are average for the segment, though V8 models may command a slight premium. Depreciation is a mixed bag: the Grand Cherokee has traditionally held value better than American competitors but worse than Toyota or Honda. The L’s three-row layout helps it appeal to a broader market, which should support resale values.

How It Compares to Rivals

The three-row mid-size SUV segment is fiercely competitive. The Grand Cherokee L goes up against the Ford Explorer, Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, Honda Pilot, and Toyota Highlander. Here’s a quick comparison:

  • Versus Ford Explorer: The Explorer offers rear-wheel-drive dynamics and an available hybrid, but the Grand Cherokee L has superior off-road capability and a more luxurious interior. Both have similar third-row space.
  • Versus Kia Telluride: The Telluride is more affordable, has a more spacious third row, and comes with a class-leading warranty. The Grand Cherokee L fights back with more powerful engine choices and real off-road hardware.
  • Versus Honda Pilot: The Pilot is more reliable and fuel-efficient, but it lacks a V8 option and its off-road credentials are minimal. The Grand Cherokee L feels more premium inside.
  • Versus Toyota Highlander: The Highlander is the reliability king with a hybrid option, but its third row is cramped for adults. The Grand Cherokee L offers more passenger space and vastly better off-road capability.

If you prioritize on-road comfort, fuel economy, and maximum reliability, a Japanese or Korean competitor might serve you better. But if you want a SUV that can genuinely leave the pavement and still feel like a luxury vehicle, the Grand Cherokee L is the clear winner.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Class-exclusive off-road capability (especially with Quadra-Drive II and air suspension)
  • Choice of strong V6 or torquey V8 engines
  • Upscale, quiet interior with premium materials on higher trims
  • Intuitive Uconnect 5 infotainment with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
  • Available high-end audio (McIntosh is superb)
  • Top safety ratings (IIHS Top Safety Pick+)

Cons

  • Third-row legroom is tight compared to Kia Telluride or Honda Pilot
  • V8 fuel economy is poor; V6 only average
  • Reliability still a question mark vs. Japanese rivals
  • Higher starting price than many competitors when equally equipped
  • Infotainment can be laggy on older Uconnect updates (though 2024 seems improved)

Final Verdict

The 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L occupies a unique niche: it’s one of the few three-row SUVs that can tackle a muddy trail or a snowy mountain pass without breaking a sweat, while also offering a luxurious and tech-rich cabin that rivals far more expensive vehicles. It’s not the most efficient or the most spacious in its class, but it delivers a combination of capability and refinement that few competitors can match. For families who live in areas with harsh winters or who enjoy weekend adventures, the Grand Cherokee L is an outstanding choice. If you stick to paved roads and value maximum passenger space, test-drive the Kia Telluride or Honda Pilot as well. Either way, the Grand Cherokee L earns a solid recommendation, especially in Limited or Overland trim with the V6 for the best balance of cost, features, and fuel economy.

Before you buy, check current incentives and inventory at Jeep’s official site, and read independent reviews from Car and Driver and Edmunds for real-world perspectives. Safe driving!