Design and Aesthetics: A Bold Evolution

The Jeep Grand Cherokee has long defined the mid-size SUV segment with its blend of rugged capability and everyday practicality. With the introduction of the Grand Cherokee L, Jeep has delivered a model that not only honors its heritage but also pushes the design forward. The most obvious change is the vehicle’s proportions. The Grand Cherokee L rides on a stretched wheelbase—measuring 121.7 inches compared to the previous generation’s 114.8 inches—allowing for a third row of seats and a more commanding road presence.

The front fascia adopts a more aggressive, upright grille with a seven-slot design that is both larger and more sculpted than before. Slimmer, full-LED headlights flank the grille, replacing the older projector-style units. These lights not only improve nighttime visibility but also give the L a sharper, more modern appearance. The hood gains more pronounced creases, and the side profile features a longer, sleeker greenhouse that visually lengthens the vehicle. At the rear, redesigned LED taillights stretch across the tailgate, echoing the design language of larger Jeep siblings like the Wagoneer.

Compared to the older generation, which had a more upright, boxy stance, the Grand Cherokee L incorporates softer, more aerodynamic lines without losing the iconic Jeep silhouette. The result is a vehicle that feels premium and contemporary while still unmistakably a Grand Cherokee. Available wheel sizes have grown from 18- and 20-inch designs to include 21-inch options, further enhancing the SUV’s stance. Exterior color choices have also expanded, including new metallic and premium finishes that increase curb appeal.

Interior Comfort and Technology

Step inside the Grand Cherokee L and the shift in focus toward luxury and family-friendly versatility becomes immediately apparent. The older generation Grand Cherokee offered a two-row layout with 44.2 inches of second-row legroom. The L expands to three rows, with 39.4 inches of legroom in the third row—enough for average-sized adults on shorter trips. The second row slides and reclines, improving access and comfort. Cargo space behind the third row measures 17.2 cubic feet, expanding to 46.9 cubic feet with the third row folded and 84.6 cubic feet with both rear rows down, making it far more practical for hauling gear.

Premium Materials and Sound Dampening

Inside, the Grand Cherokee L elevates material quality. The old generation used hard plastics on lower door panels and cheaper trim pieces. The new model employs soft-touch surfaces, genuine aluminum or open-pore wood trim, and available Palermo leather. Acoustic laminated front side glass and an available active noise cancellation system reduce road noise dramatically, creating a quieter cabin than any previous Grand Cherokee. Jeep claims a 5-decibel reduction at highway speeds, which translates to a much more serene environment.

Uconnect 5 and Digital Displays

The technology leap is substantial. The older Grand Cherokee used the Uconnect 4 system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen on higher trims. The L introduces Uconnect 5, which runs on a faster processor and offers a standard 8.4-inch screen with an available 10.1-inch display. The system supports over-the-air updates, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. A 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster is available, along with a head-up display and a 950-watt, 19-speaker McIntosh audio system—a first for Jeep. Rear-seat entertainment includes dual 10.1-inch screens with HDMI inputs and streaming capability. These additions make the Grand Cherokee L competitive with luxury SUVs from BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

Performance and Capability

Under the hood, the Grand Cherokee L offers two powertrains. The standard engine is a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 producing 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The older generation’s V6 produced 295 horsepower but with a different torque band. The new V6 gains stop-start technology and revised camshaft timing to improve efficiency. The available 5.7-liter Hemi V8, which now churns out 357 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque, replaces the previous V8 that made 360 horsepower. Both engines are paired with the same eight-speed unit, but the L’s transmission has updated gear ratios for better low-end response.

Towing and Off-Road Credentials

Towing capacity has increased significantly. The old Grand Cherokee’s V8 could tow up to 7,200 pounds. The new Grand Cherokee L with the Hemi V8 raises that to 7,200 pounds as well—but now with a three-row configuration. The V6 model tows 6,200 pounds, up from 6,200 pounds previously. For serious off-road use, Jeep offers the Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, and Quadra-Drive II four-wheel-drive systems. The latter includes an electronic rear limited-slip differential and low-range gearing. The new model also introduces an adjustable air suspension that provides up to 10.9 inches of ground clearance—0.3 inches more than the previous Overland trim. Approach, breakover, and departure angles are improved slightly, making the L more capable on trails than the older three-row competitors like the Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander.

Ride and Handling

The longer wheelbase and revised independent front and rear suspension (the old generation used a solid rear axle in some trims) contribute to a smoother, more controlled ride. The L’s body-on-frame construction has been replaced by a unibody platform shared with the Alfa Romeo Stelvio and the Jeep Grand Cherokee sibling. This reduces weight and improves on-road dynamics. Steering feel is lighter but more precise, and the available adaptive dampers allow drivers to choose between comfort and sport modes. The cabin stays flatter through corners, and highway stability is noticeably better than before.

Safety Features and Driver Assistance

Safety technology was a weak point in the older Grand Cherokee. It offered only basic features like rear cross-path detection and a backup camera. The Grand Cherokee L completely reworks the safety suite. Standard equipment includes forward collision warning with active braking, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and lane departure warning. Available features add adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane centering (part of the Active Driving Assist system), and intersection collision avoidance—sensors that can detect oncoming traffic when turning left. Blind-spot monitoring now covers the full trailer length when towing. The vehicle’s structure has been reinforced with high-strength steel in the A-pillars and roof rails, and the Grand Cherokee L earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS in 2022, a significant improvement over the previous generation’s marginal scores in the small overlap front test.

Parking and Visibility

A new 360-degree camera system with a digital rearview mirror (which uses a camera feed instead of the mirror glass) makes parking and maneuvering much easier. The older Grand Cherokee only had a rearview camera with dynamic guidelines. The L also offers perpendicular and parallel park assist that can steer the vehicle into a spot while the driver controls the pedals. These features reduce stress in tight urban environments and make the large SUV feel more manageable.

Fuel Efficiency and Hybrid Options

Fuel economy has improved, though not dramatically. The V6 Grand Cherokee L is rated at 18 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined with rear-wheel drive. The V8 drops to 14/22/17 mpg. The previous generation V6 achieved 19/26/22 mpg in its most efficient front-wheel-drive configuration, but the L is heavier (around 4,600–5,200 pounds depending on trim) and larger, so the efficiency loss is understandable. For buyers seeking better economy, Jeep offers the Grand Cherokee 4xe plug-in hybrid, which combines a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with an electric motor to deliver 375 horsepower and an estimated 25 miles of all-electric range. The 4xe drivetrain is also available in the two-row Grand Cherokee but not yet in the L—though a future hybrid L variant is rumored. The 4xe reduces fuel costs drastically for those who can charge regularly, achieving an estimated 56 MPGe combined in hybrid mode.

Pricing and Trim Levels

The Grand Cherokee L starts at around $42,000 for a base Laredo trim, climbing to $55,000 for a Limited, $60,000 for an Overland, and nearly $70,000 for a fully loaded Summit Reserve. The older generation’s top trim (Summit) topped out around $65,000. The L’s pricing places it in direct competition with the Ford Explorer, Kia Telluride, and Hyundai Palisade, but with superior off-road capability and a more luxurious interior. Jeep has also introduced an off-road-oriented Trailhawk trim for the L, with 10.9 inches of ground clearance, skid plates, all-terrain tires, and advanced four-wheel-drive hardware. The Trailhawk starts around $60,000, filling a unique niche that no other three-row SUV offers.

Comparison to Older Generations: Key Takeaways

For current Grand Cherokee owners considering an upgrade, the differences are profound. The older model (WK2 generation, 2011–2021) is a capable two-row SUV with a dated interior and limited safety tech. The Grand Cherokee L brings three-row capacity, a vastly improved cabin, modern infotainment, and competitive safety ratings. The ride quality is noticeably superior thanks to the new platform and available air suspension. Towing and off-road ability are either equal or better, depending on configuration. The main trade-offs are slightly lower fuel economy and a higher starting price. For those who need the third row, the L is the obvious choice. Those who don’t may want to consider the standard two-row Grand Cherokee, which shares many of the same improvements and starts about $5,000 less.

Conclusion

The Jeep Grand Cherokee L represents a significant evolution of a beloved nameplate. It retains the rugged spirit and off-road roots that made the original famous while adding the practicality of three rows and the refinement expected from a modern premium SUV. The redesign touches every aspect—exterior styling, interior luxury, technology, safety, and capability. Compared to its older generation, the L is a more complete vehicle that can satisfy growing families, outdoor adventurers, and daily commuters alike. With strong competition in the three-row segment, the Grand Cherokee L stands out for its combination of Jeep DNA and family-friendly versatility. Whether upgrading from an older Grand Cherokee or considering an SUV for the first time, the L is a compelling, well-executed choice that Jeep enthusiasts and newcomers alike will appreciate.